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Tag: rap and hip-hop music

  • Zahmire Lopez, an 8-year-old with dance moves and rap skills, killed by gun violence in his Jersey home | CNN

    Zahmire Lopez, an 8-year-old with dance moves and rap skills, killed by gun violence in his Jersey home | CNN

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    Editor’s Note: This story is part of a series profiling American youth killed this year by guns, a leading cause of death of children in the US. Read more about the project here.



    CNN
     — 

    Yeah my name Lil Zah, G.

    Bout to hop on this beat.

    At the top,

    You can’t take my spot.

    I’m all the way up,

    You cannot.

    Delivered in an excited pre-pubescent voice, this untitled rap song is a lasting memory of the joy and bravado 8-year-old Zahmire Lopez always brought to the world.

    “I was like, ‘Wow!’ I was shocked when I heard it,” his mother, Leontine Niangara, told CNN. “It’s like a real song. I think it’s at least two minutes long. So I’m like, OK!”

    There won’t be another one like it. Zahmire, or “Zah,” was shot and killed at his home in Newark, New Jersey, in May.

    Zahmire is one of more than 1,300 children and teens in the US killed by gunfire so far in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Firearms became the No. 1 killer of children and teens in America in 2020, surpassing motor vehicle accidents, which had long been the leading cause of death among America’s youth.

    “It’s very hard,” Niangara said. “It’s not an hour goes by that I don’t just think about him. It’s hard. Some say when time goes by it gets easier but it doesn’t get easier.”

    The shooting took place in Niangara’s Newark home on the night of May 3, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. Police received a 911 call that people had been shot inside a Johnson Avenue residence and responded at just after 8:30 p.m., the office said.

    Inside, police officers found Zahmire had been shot, and he was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:14 p.m., the office said.

    Read other profiles of children who have died from gunfire

    Wyleek Shaw, 27, was also killed in the shooting, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Tajion Simmons, 24, of Fords, New Jersey, was treated for non-fatal injuries, the office said.

    Outside the home, police officers say they encountered a man, later identified as 29-year-old Everett Rand, leaving and discarding an item in a dumpster, the NJ Attorney General’s Office said. Police gave chase and during the pursuit, two officers shot at Rand, fatally wounding him, according to the office.

    A handgun that did not belong to law enforcement was recovered from the scene, and a semi-automatic handgun with a large capacity magazine was later found in the dumpster, the office said.

    The office on September 18 released footage from four police body-worn cameras showing the foot chase and shooting. After the shooting, one officer kicked a handgun away from Rand, and another officer told his colleagues, “I got shot at, but I shot him,” according to the footage.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    Niangara said Rand, the suspected shooter, was her boyfriend, who had spent considerable time with her son at school dropoff and getting their hair done. Shaw was Rand’s best friend, she added.

    Niangara said the shooting happened “very fast” and that Rand was on drugs.

    “We were all laughing and then it just turned into hearing gunshots,” she said.

    “Everybody’s body or everybody’s mind can’t handle drugs, or you don’t know how your body is gonna react to drugs, and it just happened to react badly,” she added.

    Gun violence is an epidemic in the US. Here are 4 things you can do today

    A mother and her ‘shadow’

    The death was particularly difficult for her given that Zahmire was born prematurely and weighed just 1 pound, 8 ounces at birth.

    “He fought to even get in this world, so then for his life to end short, it’s just devastating,” she said.

    In his life, Zahmire and Niangara were adjoined at the hip; she described him as her “shadow.”

    He was outspoken, the life of the party, a comedian and a dancer bursting with laughter and energy. He celebrated his 8th birthday in January with a trip to American Dream Water Park in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with his best friends and cousins.

    Zahmire loved flag football and was excited to begin playing tackle football.

    He loved to play basketball and football, and he was particularly excited to put on pads and a helmet and play tackle football this year. Perhaps too excited.

    “Sometimes they had to remind him, ‘Zahmire you’re on flag. You don’t have to get too excited. It’s just flag football,’” Niangara said.

    After his death, his football team presented his mother with the equipment and helmet that would have soon been his. “They knew how much Zahmire wanted to play tackle football,” his mother said.

    More about Zahmire Lopez

  • Death: May 3, 2023.
  • Age at death: 8 years old.
  • Cause: Gun violence.

Zahmire loved to be around music, football and family, and he got his biggest smile from his dog, Ghost, a blue nose pitbull. He took some warming up though.

“Zahmire used to be scared of dogs, so I got a dog so he could get over his fear of being scared of dogs,” his mother said. “And it worked.”

For Niangara, a nurse at University Hospital in Newark, his death has left her lonely and has made her own home a reminder of his loss.

“At first I didn’t want to move because his last memory was here, and I feel like I didn’t want to leave him,” she said. “But I feel like for my state of mind, I need to (move) because every time I close my eyes, I just relive that night.”

She’s left with the memories, bolstered by photos, videos and, of course, that rap song. At another point in Zahmire’s rap, he offered up a bar that now reads as tragically prophetic.

Yeah my name Lil Zah, G

One day I’mma be on TV.

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  • Jay-Z-themed library cards spark increase in Brooklyn Public Library memberships | CNN

    Jay-Z-themed library cards spark increase in Brooklyn Public Library memberships | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    If anyone can make a trip to the library feel like a party, it’s Jay-Z, apparently.

    To celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the Brooklyn Public Library and Roc Nation have released 13 limited-edition library cards with artwork from Jay-Z albums. The initiative, which ends later this month, has already resulted in 14,000 new library accounts, a spokesperson for the Brooklyn Public Library told CNN.

    The library cards are tied to a Brooklyn’s Central Library exhibit that explores Jay-Z’s career through rare photos, original recordings, videos and other artifacts.

    “The community’s enthusiastic response to this exhibition is a testament to Jay-Z’s immense impact,” Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, told CNN.

    The Jay-Z-themed library cards are available for free for New York State residents. New Yorkers can collect all 13 versions – but only one will be activated to a New York Public library account to check out resources, according to a library spokesperson.

    Though some people are trying to sell the limited-edition cards online, a library employee told CNN they represent only a small fraction of the thousands who have signed up for a new card.

    Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter grew up in the Marcy Homes, a public housing complex, in the Brooklyn neighborhood Bedford Stuyvesant, more commonly known as “Bed Stuy” or “the Stuy.” His rise to music fame came in the early ’90s as a performer and later a record label owner and entrepreneur. He became the first billionaire hip-hop artist, selling more than 140 million records and winning 24 Grammy Awards – the most any rapper has received.

    New York City’s other library systems have also released distinct cards for the hip-hop anniversary, as has the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). In collaboration with Universal Music Enterprises, 80,000 MetroCards featuring LL Cool J, Pop Smoke, Rakim and Cam’ron have been made available at various stations on a first come, first serve basis.

    This photo depicts the Blueprint 2 album on a library card.

    “From standing on top of the Empire State Building to grabbing a slice at the corner pizza shop, NYC creates iconic moments that are recognized around the world,” Rakim said in a news release for the collaboration. “It’s an honor to be celebrating the 50th Anniversary on the streets… and now below them… of the city where hip-hop was born.”

    A South Bronx house party in 1973 is credited as the birthplace of hip-hop, when DJ Kool Herc found a way to isolate the percussion and repeat the “break” on the vinyl he was spinning, according to the New York Public Library.

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  • Man indicted for the murder of rapper Takeoff | CNN

    Man indicted for the murder of rapper Takeoff | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    A grand jury in Harris County, Texas, on Thursday indicted a man for the murder of Takeoff, a member of the rap group Migos.

    Patrick Clark, 33, was arrested in connection with the death in December.

    Takeoff, 28, was shot to death outside a private party at 810 Billiards and Bowling in Houston on November 1. “There was an argument outside the bowling alley which led to the shooting,” Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said at the time. Another man, Cameron Joshua, was arrested and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon in relation to the shooting.

    Police described Takeoff as an “innocent bystander” to the argument that preceded the shooting.

    In the arraignment document, the state claims Clark “unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly commit the felony offense of Deadly Conduct by knowingly discharging a firearm at and in the direction of” Takeoff.

    Clark’s defense attorney, Letitia Quiñones-Hollins, told CNN that the indictment was expected.

    “We would ask people to remember that getting an indictment requires meeting a very, very minimal standard of proof,” she said in a statement. “When we get inside a courtroom and in front of a jury, where we will be able to put on our evidence and cross-examine the state’s witnesses – where the standard of proof is guilt beyond reasonable doubt – we expect the jury will come back with a verdict of not guilty.”

    Clark remains under house arrest on $1 million bond.

    Takeoff was the youngest member of the trio Migos, alongside his uncle Quavo and rapper Offset. Artists including Justin Bieber and Drake remembered Takeoff as a talented rapper and loving friend and family member at his memorial last year.

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  • Ex-Fugees rapper Pras Michel found guilty in scheme to help China influence US government | CNN Politics

    Ex-Fugees rapper Pras Michel found guilty in scheme to help China influence US government | CNN Politics

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    CNN
     — 

    The rapper Pras Michel was found guilty in federal court in Washington on Wednesday of 10 criminal counts related to an international conspiracy reaching the highest levels of the US government.

    The Grammy-winning artist and former member of the Fugees faced multiple counts over the failed conspiracy to help Malaysian businessman Jho Low and the Chinese government gain access to US officials, including former presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

    Michel was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the US, witness tampering and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. He faces up to 20 years in prison. No sentencing date was set.

    Michel sat stoically as each count came down on Wednesday and did not comment to reporters outside the courthouse.

    His attorney, David Kenner, expressed disappointment about the verdicts, but said he was confident that his mistrial motions will work out in their favor.

    “We are extremely disappointed in that result but are very, very confident in the ultimate outcome of this case,” Kenner told reporters, adding: “If we do move to a sentencing hearing I remain very confident we will certainly appeal this case. This is not over.”

    Michel testified last week that Low paid Michel $20 million in 2012 in order to get a picture of himself with Obama and prosecutors alleged Michel funneled over $800,000 of that money to Obama’s campaign through a number of straw donors.

    In his defense, Michel testified he never used the money at Low’s direction but instead saw it as his money which he could spend however he wanted.

    “I could have bought 12 elephants with it,” he told the jury.

    When Trump came to power in 2017 and investigations started to ramp up into Low and his alleged role in billions of dollars being embezzled from 1MBD, the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund, Low went to Michel again, prosecutors alleged.

    According to the prosecutors, Low directed over $100 million to Michel to help push the government, including Trump, to drop its investigation into Low. Prosecutors also say Michel advocated for the extradition of a Chinese dissident, Guo Wengui, on behalf of the Chinese government.

    Michel, however, testified he only tried to help Low find an attorney in the US and only told authorities about Guo because he thought he was a criminal. The former Fugees member also said the $100 million was for a media business he was starting and the investment wasn’t from Low.

    Low, who was charged along with Michel, is believed to be in China. Guo has since been arrested and charged by the Justice Department with defrauding investors in an unrelated case.

    This story has been updated with additional details.

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  • The shooting deaths of 3 missing rappers were ‘gang violence related,’ Michigan police say | CNN

    The shooting deaths of 3 missing rappers were ‘gang violence related,’ Michigan police say | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    The deaths of three Michigan rappers whose bodies were found in an abandoned apartment building in early February were related to gang violence, state police said, asking members of the public who might have information about the case to come forward.

    In a series of tweets Friday, Michigan State Police confirmed they were continuing to investigate the triple homicide of Armani Kelly, 28; Dante Wicker, 31; and Montoya Givens, 31, who were reported missing after their January 21 performance at a Detroit club was canceled.

    Their bodies were found almost two weeks later in the apartment complex in Highland Park, about 6 miles northwest of Detroit, and state police later said they each died of multiple gunshot wounds.

    “This was a gang violence related incident,” Michigan State Police said on Twitter on Friday, addressing what it said were “rumors” circulating about the investigation. “This homicide was not random and had nothing to due (sic) with music or a performance.”

    While no one is in custody, police said, “There are other people that know the details and we need them to come forward.”

    “Together we can bring closure to these families,” state police said.

    Police were first alerted to the men’s disappearances by Kelly’s mother, who reported him missing on January 23, Michael McGinnis, commander of major crimes at the Detroit Police Department, previously said.

    As the story of Kelly’s disappearance gained media attention, “other family members of the other missings come to realize that that’s a friend of their loved ones and they haven’t seen them either, so then they both get reported missing,” McGinnis said.

    The bodies were discovered February 2, in the complex police described as “rat infested.” Several days later, state police confirmed “this was not a random incident” and said investigators believed they had determined a motive.

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  • Inspired by a trip to Indonesia, Snoop Dogg launches new coffee line | CNN Business

    Inspired by a trip to Indonesia, Snoop Dogg launches new coffee line | CNN Business

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    Hong Kong
    CNN
     — 

    Rapper and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg is expanding his business empire yet again, this time branching out into a line of premium coffee products with beans sourced locally from Indonesia.

    He has partnered with Indonesian coffee entrepreneur Michael Riady to launch INDOxyz: “a premium lifestyle coffee brand created for and inspired by the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators,” according to a press release sent to CNN.

    “My relationship with coffee goes way back,” Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, said in the statement. “The many long nights in the studio making hit after hit, coffee provided the fuel which kept us going. Today marks the launch of a new company I created along with my partner Michael, who introduced me to the best tasting Indonesian coffee,” he said. “All it took was one sip and Snoop was hooked.”

    Snoop added: “Indo is going to change the industry, I can promise you that,” referring to his coffee brand, which is also a common abbreviation for Indonesia. The country is a top global producer of coffee.

    Coffee cultivation began in the late 1600s during the Dutch colonial period. Indonesia produces both Arabica and Robusta beans as well as Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, a historic yet controversial brew which consists of partially digested coffee berries from civet cats.

    Snoop’s coffee beans will be sourced from Gayo, a region in Aceh on the island of Sumatra.

    “The Gayo region is renown for producing a high quality Arabica, grown in the lovely mountain basin surrounding Lake Tawar and the town of Takengon,” the statement said.

    In addition to releasing more than a dozen studio albums and receiving multiple Grammy nominations as a rapper, Snoop Dogg has been expanding his business empire. The rapper has expanded into pet accessories and a gluten-free cereal called Snoop Loopz.

    In 2020, he launched his own wine label. As a vocal cannabis advocate, he has his own line of cannabis products.

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  • De La Soul rapper David Jolicoeur, known as Trugoy the Dove, dead at 54 | CNN

    De La Soul rapper David Jolicoeur, known as Trugoy the Dove, dead at 54 | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    David Jude Jolicoeur, better known under stage name Trugoy the Dove as one third of iconic rap trio De La Soul, has died.

    The news was confirmed to CNN via Tony Ferguson, the music group’s publicist. Jolicoeur was 54 years old. Ferguson said Jolicoeur’s passing was “a huge loss” in a phone call to CNN.

    Jolicoeur, a Brooklyn, NY native is widely considered to be one of the most influential hip-hop artists of the 1980s and 1990s to produce music in the genre that reflected a gentler tone.

    Jolicoeur and De La Soul members Vincent Manson, known as Pasemaster Mase, and Kelvin Mercer, known as Posdnuos, formed the rap trio in 1988 after attending high school together in Amityville, New York.

    De La Soul released their debut album “3 Feet High and Rising” in 1989 that included the hit “Me, Myself and I,” which spent 17 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album’s interlude skits, conceptual sound and samplings of James Brown’s music influenced artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, Public Enemy and N.W.A. to emulate the group’s unique style.

    “I think the element of that time of what was taking place in music, hip-hop, and our culture, I think it welcomed that and opened up minds and spirits to see and try new different things,” Jolicoeur told Billboard last month.

    Over the course of their performing career, De La Soul was nominated for six Grammy Awards, winning one for best pop collaboration with vocals for “Feel Good Inc.” in 2006.

    “The Magic Number,” another song off their debut album “3 Feet High and Rising,” was featured as the end-credit song in “Spider-man: No Way Home” in 2021.

    The placement of the hippie-inspired song in “No Way Home” drew in renewed interest in De La Soul, but the song wasn’t available on streaming services due to decades of legal complications related to sample clearances with group’s former label Tommy Boy Records.

    Since Reservoir Media acquired De La Soul’s catalog in 2021, the way was cleared for the legendary trio to finally stream their music on popular streaming sites. The group’s first six albums will be available to stream in March 2023, according to Billboard.

    The most recent album that Jolicoeur and De La Soul released was “And the Anonymous Nobody…” in 2016.

    De La Soul was scheduled to perform three shows in the United Kingdom starting April 8, 2023.

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  • Bodies found in apartment building believed to be those of 3 Michigan rappers missing almost two weeks, city official says | CNN

    Bodies found in apartment building believed to be those of 3 Michigan rappers missing almost two weeks, city official says | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Three bodies found Thursday in the Detroit area are believed to be those of three rappers missing for almost two weeks, a municipal spokesperson said.

    The bodies were found in a “rat infested,” abandoned apartment complex in Highland Park, roughly 6 miles northwest of Detroit, said Michigan State Police, which is leading the investigation.

    The Michigan State Police Second District tweeted Friday afternoon that the homicide task force identified the three bodies but are not releasing names until the families have been notified.

    The state police tweeted a day earlier that the agency has yet to confirm a manner of death.

    “Please remember all victims have families and we don’t have the luxury of guessing on their identity and then retracting if we didn’t get it right. Once information is confirmed we will update,” the state police tweeted on Thursday.

    Lt. Mike Shaw said via Twitter Friday morning that “due to weather conditions and the conditions of the victims” their identities were “unable to be determined just by sight alone.”

    The missing men – Armani Kelly, 28; Dante Wicker, 31; and Montoya Givens, 31 – were associates whose January 21 performance at a Detroit club was canceled, police have said. Activity on their cell phones stopped early on January 22, according to authorities.

    Police were first alerted to their disappearance by Kelly’s mother, who reported him missing the next day, said Michael McGinnis, commander of major crimes at the Detroit Police Department.

    “That mother became very proactive in the investigation and started searching for her vehicle through OnStar,” McGinnis said this week.

    She found the car in Warren, Michigan, just a few miles from Highland Park, McGinnis said, and authorities recovered the car on January 23.

    As the story of Kelly’s disappearance gained media attention, “other family members of the other missings come to realize that that’s a friend of their loved ones and they haven’t seen them either, so then they both get reported missing,” McGinnis said.

    A homicide task force was at the Highland Park complex Thursday evening, state police said.

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  • See who won at the American Music Awards | CNN

    See who won at the American Music Awards | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    The 50th American Music Awards are taking place on Sunday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

    The show, produced by dick clark productions and ABC, is being hosted by Wayne Brady.

    The star-studded event celebrates the year’s best music and performances, as voted on by fans.

    Puerto Rican performer Bad Bunny topped the list of nominees this year with the most nods, earning eight, including his first-ever for artist of the year.

    Beyoncé, Drake and Taylor Swift followed, each earning six nominations. Adele, Harry Styles and The Weeknd came in with five a piece.

    First-time nominees include Jack Hawlow, Latto and BLACKPINK.

    Performers set to take the stage include Pink, who opened the show, as well as Dove Cameron, Lil Baby, Bebe Rexha, Carrie Underwood, Imagine Dragons and others.

    Lionel Richie, a 17-time AMA winner, will be honored with the Icon Award for his career contributions to the music industry. Charlie Puth, Stevie Wonder and other artists will take the stage in tribute performances for Richie.

    The show announced some of the winners prior to the broadcast.

    Elton John, first nominated for an AMA in 1974, is now regarded as the longest-recognized artist in the awards show’s history. He took home his first AMA win since 1988, for best collaboration with Dua Lipa.

    Taylor Swift led the pack with three AMA wins ahead of broadcast, including best female country artist.

    Below is a list of nominees for this year’s American Music Awards. The list will be updated with winners in bold throughout the broadcast, along with the winners from non-televised categories.

    Adele

    Bad Bunny

    Beyoncé

    Drake

    Harry Styles

    Taylor Swift *WINNER

    The Weeknd

    Dove Cameron *WINNER

    GAYLE

    Latto

    Måneskin

    Steve Lacy

    Carolina Gaitán, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz, Diane Guerrero, Stephanie Beatriz & Encanto Cast, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”

    Elton John & Dua Lipa, “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix” *WINNER

    Future ft. Drake & Tems, “Wait For U”

    Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow. “Industry Baby”

    The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”

    Bad Bunny

    Drake

    Ed Sheeran

    Harry Styles *WINNER

    The Weeknd

    Adele

    Beyoncé

    Doja Cat

    Lizzo

    Taylor Swift *WINNER

    BTS *WINNER

    Coldplay

    Imagine Dragons

    Måneskin

    OneRepublic

    Adele, “30”

    Bad Bunny, “Un Verano Sin Ti”

    Beyoncé, “Renaissance”

    Harry Styles, “Harry’s House”

    Taylor Swift, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” *WINNER

    The Weeknd, “Dawn FM”

    Adele, “Easy on Me”

    Carolina Gaitán, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz, Diane Guerrero, Stephanie Beatriz & Encanto Cast, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”

    Harry Styles, “As It Was” *WINNER

    Lizzo, “About Damn Time”

    The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”

    Adele, “Easy on Me”

    Bad Bunny ft. Chencho Corleone, “Me Porto Bonito”

    Harry Styles, “As It Was”

    Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow, “Industry Baby”

    Taylor Swift, “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” *WINNER

    Chris Stapleton

    Cody Johnson

    Luke Combs

    Morgan Wallen *WINNER

    Walker Hayes

    Carrie Underwood

    Lainey Wilson

    Maren Morris

    Miranda Lambert

    Taylor Swift *WINNER

    Dan & Shay *WINNER

    Lady A

    Old Dominion

    Parmalee

    Zac Brown Band

    Drake

    Future

    Kendrick Lamar *WINNER

    Lil Baby

    Lil Durk

    Cardi B

    GloRilla

    Latto

    Megan Thee Stallion

    Nicki Minaj *WINNER

    Future ft. Drake & Tems, “Wait For U” *WINNER

    Jack Harlow, “First Class”

    Kodak Black, “Super Gremlin”

    Latto, “Big Energy”

    Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow, “Industry Baby”

    Brent Faiyaz

    Chris Brown *WINNER

    GIVĒON

    Lucky Daye

    The Weeknd

    Beyoncé *WINNER

    Doja Cat

    Muni Long

    Summer Walker

    SZA

    Machine Gun Kelly *WINNER

    Imagine Dragons

    Måneskin

    Red Hot Chili Peppers

    The Lumineers

    Foo Fighters, “Love Dies Young”

    Imagine Dragons x JID, “Enemy”h

    Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”

    Måneskin, “Beggin’” *WINNER

    Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Black Summer”

    Bad Bunny *WINNER

    Farruko

    J Balvin

    Jhayco

    Rauw Alejandro

    Anitta *WINNER

    Becky G

    Kali Uchis

    Karol G

    Rosalía

    Burna Boy

    CKay

    Fireboy DML

    TEMS

    Wizkid *WINNER

    BLACKPINK

    BTS *WINNER

    Seventeen

    Tomorrow X Together

    Twice

    Favorite dance/electronic artist: Marshmello

    Favorite gospel artist: Tamela Mann

    Favorite inspirational artist: for KING & COUNTRY

    Favorite Latin duo or group: Yahritza Y Su Esencia

    Favorite touring artist: Coldplay

    Favorite country album: Taylor Swift “Red (Taylor’s Version)”

    Favorite hip-hop album: Kendrick Lamar “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers”

    Favorite Latin album: Bad Bunny “Un Verano Sin Ti”

    Favorite R&B album: Beyoncé “Renaissance”

    Favorite rock album: Ghost “Impera”

    Favorite soundtrack: “ELVIS”

    Favorite country song: Morgan Wallen “Wasted On You”

    Favorite Latin song: Sebastián Yatra “Dos Oruguitas”

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  • Drake and Justin Bieber among VIPs celebrating the life of rapper Takeoff | CNN

    Drake and Justin Bieber among VIPs celebrating the life of rapper Takeoff | CNN

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    Atlanta
    CNN
     — 

    State Farm Arena was transformed into a church Friday as family and fans gathered to celebrate the earthly departure of Takeoff from Migos.

    The three-hour sendoff was a superstar affair, featuring performances from Justin Bieber, Chloe Bailey and Yolanda Adams, as well as a poem by Drake, and words of remembrance from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and the founders of Migos’ label, Quality Control Music.

    Cousin Offset, who along with Takeoff’s uncle, Quavo, formed the platinum hit factory known as Migos, struggled to compose himself remembering his bandmate, who he grew up with and considered a brother. His head down, dreadlocks obscuring his face, he repeatedly apologized.

    “I love you, dog. I love you,” he said.

    Offset hasn’t been able to sleep or eat following the November 1 killing, he told the several thousand people in attendance, most of them dressed in black. Every time he dozes off, he said, he wakes up hoping news of his 28-year-old cousin’s fatal shooting in Houston was a terrible dream.

    “I wish we could laugh again,” he said. “I wish I could smoke one with you.”

    He closed saying how Migos changed the future of music – “You did that, Take” – and called for more brotherhood and fellowship in the world before asking the crowd to pray with him.

    The ceremony opened with about an hour of gospel music. White roses covered the stage and Takeoff’s casket sat at the foot of stairs made to resemble mother of pearl. Acrobats in angel outfits danced in the back corners, suspended from white ribbons as a choir sang. An infinity symbol with Takeoff’s signature rocket emblem at its center ringed the arena, a nod not only to his latest productions but also to how he’ll be remembered – forever.

    Bieber took the stage in a dark toboggan, as box candles on the stadium screens bathed the arena floor in a soft glow. Perched on a stool with only a piano backing him, the two-time Grammy winner performed “Ghost.”

    “And if you can’t be next to me/Your memory is ecstasy/I miss you more than life,” he crooned.

    Drake, who in 2013 catapulted the rising stars into an altogether other universe when he remixed and added a verse to their hit, “Versace,” leaned on British entertainer Joyce Grenfell and writer Maya Angelou in his eulogy.

    He quoted from Grenfell: “If I should go before the rest of you/Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone/Nor when I’m gone speak in a Sunday voice/But be the usual selves that I have known.”

    He then paraphrased Angelou’s “When Great Trees Fall,” a poem on how it’s understandable to be sad when great trees are felled, or when great souls pass, but it’s wise to remember, “They existed. They existed/We can be. Be and be better/For they existed.”

    The hip-hop superstar who just released an album with Atlanta’s 21 Savage then recited his own poem, “We Should Do That More,” remembering how he got to know Migos on their 54-city tour in 2018. He teared up recalling the Swiss wristwatch, an Audemars Piguet, that Takeoff gave him as a gift

    “I miss performing with my brothers,” he said. “We should do that more.”

    Takeoff will always be remembered as the quiet Migo. But several speakers cautioned the crowd not to mistake his silence for a lack of things to say. He is regarded by many as the best rhymesmith of the trio, and Jesse Curney III, pastor of the Lilburn church Takeoff’s family attends, shared a story that Quavo once told him about Takeoff’s sobriquet.

    Where Quavo and Offset needed multiple takes to get their verses onto tracks, retaking and retaking until they got it right, Takeoff – the youngest of the three – would walk up to the mic and lay down his lyrics in one perfect take. “He was an introvert,” the pastor said, “but he trusted God” to not hold back.

    From left, Takeoff, Quavo and Offset of Migos perform in Los Angeles last year.

    Between Bailey’s stirring rendition of Beyonce’s “Heaven” and Adams’ performance of the gospel song, “The Battle is Not Yours,” Takeoff’s family members took the podium to offer fond memories of the humble, wise, peaceful young man who always wanted to be a rapper but never fretted over credit or the spotlight. Even as a baby, he had a unique voice, his mother, Titania Davenport-Treet, said.

    “I could tell his cry from any other child,” she said, adding that God must have given him that voice because he always knew what he wanted to be.

    He was quiet but always paid attention, family members said, and he never bothered anyone. He was the funniest guy in the room, and no matter how famous he got, he never stopped putting family first and making sure their needs were met, they said.

    “He hugged so tight, you could feel the love transferring through him,” his mother said.

    State Farm was a fitting venue for Takeoff’s farewell. The rapper was often courtside – usually with Quavo and Offset – for Atlanta Hawks games, iced out and dripping. For years, his music has bellowed through the PA system during timeouts and replay reviews.

    Though doors did not open until noon, fans began lining up outside the arena at around 8:30 a.m., despite a cool, steady drizzle. Around 10, a woman held her arm out of a passing silver Mazda and barked, “Rest in peace, Takeoff.” The fans in line waved back.

    Kalandrick Woods, 24, and girlfriend Kailey Allen, 20, of Covington were second in line. Woods took the day off as a sandblast machine operator, and they drove about 45 minutes to get downtown.

    Woods became melancholy when asked his favorite song – “Last Memory” off Takeoff’s 2018 debut solo effort – and said it’s still hard to talk about his favorite Migo. He cried when he heard the news, he said.

    “I’m still depressed about it,” he said.

    Woods likes that Takeoff was known to keep to himself, but by no means did that mean he was the lesser third of the group. With every new song, he appeared more developed as a lyricist, able to switch from rapid fire rap to deliberate four- or five-word bursts that painted vivid scenes. He put on mind-blowing displays of lyricism on 2014’s “Cross the Country” and more recently on his and Quavo’s “Integration,” staying on beat like a metronome as he flipped styles on the tracks.

    “Deadshot (brrt)/AK make that head rock (brrt)” is the beginning of Fifi Solomon’s favorite Takeoff verse, though she had to think on it for a few seconds. From Migos’ 2017 hit, “Slippery,” Takeoff goes last – following Quavo, Offset and fellow ATLien Gucci Mane – and brings his band’s Quentin Tarantinoesque cartel personae into graphic focus.

    “He said a lot in just a few words,” Solomon said. “He was the quietest, but I think he was the deepest lyrically.”

    Solomon, 25, and her friend, Nani Kidane, 28, traveled from Migos’ onetime home base of Gwinnett County for the funeral. The band’s impact reached well beyond Atlanta, they said. They were trendsetters in fashion and influenced the way rappers inject ad-libs into their music.

    They also set an example with their work ethic, Kidane said. Takeoff will be dearly missed, she said.

    “I’m a big fan,” Solomon said. “He was my favorite lyrically out of the group, and he’s from where I’m from so it hit harder.”

    Added Kidane, “It hit close to home being from Gwinnett.”

    Maliyah Tindall, 22, of Riverdale, and Sequoia Thomas, 20, of Atlanta, also cited Takeoff’s “Slippery” verse as one of their favorites. The pair drove from Clayton State University in Morrow, about 30 minutes away, to pay their respects.

    “He’s huge for the culture,” Thomas said before the funeral. “They paved the way for a lot of rappers who are going to be here today.”

    “He was quiet but had a big impact,” Tindall said, spurring Thomas to add, “Like a tame lion.”

    Migos were a fixture of Tindall’s and Thomas’ adolescence, they said, and he didn’t always get the recognition he deserved, but he showed up on every track.

    “He’d even take over people’s songs outside Migos,” Thomas said of his features with other artists, including Lil Wayne, Roddy Rich and Travis Scott.

    Takeoff seemed aware of his notoriety as the subdued Migo, but the Lawrenceville-born rap star also seemed ready to shake the reputation, eerily telling the podcast, “Drink Champs,” last month, “It’s time to pop it, you know what I mean? It’s time to give me my flowers, you know what I mean? I don’t want them later on when I ain’t here. I want them right now, so …”

    After more than a dozen Migos mixtapes and four studio albums – two of them platinum – Takeoff and Quavo recently announced they’d be performing as Unc & Phew. Last month, the pair released, “Only Built for Infinity Links,” with Offset noticeably missing. Though the band had not officially broken up, there were rumors of some sort of beef among the trio.

    It was abundantly clear from Friday’s remembrance that Offset would give a lot to speak with his cousin one more time. Migos fans are hopeful that Takeoff’s tragic killing might help Quavo and Offset reconsider whatever drove them to move in different directions.

    “I hope they can set aside their differences,” Solomon told CNN. “You know, come together for Takeoff.”

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  • Family fears for life of rapper they say was violently arrested after encouraging Iranians to protest | CNN

    Family fears for life of rapper they say was violently arrested after encouraging Iranians to protest | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    “Someone’s crime was that her hair was flowing in the wind. Someone’s crime was that he or she was brave and were outspoken.”

    These lyrics could cost Iranian rap artist Toomaj Salehi his life. In any other country he could have easily rapped about the day-to-day problems facing his countrymen without consequence.

    But because he lives in Iran, Salehi’s fate is quite different.

    The 32-year-old underground dissident rapper was violently arrested last Saturday along with two of his friends, his uncle said, and now faces accusations of crimes that are punishable by death, according to Iranian state media.

    As many as 14,000 people in Iran have been arrested including journalists, activists, lawyers and educators during protests that have rocked the country since September, according to a top United Nations official.

    The unrest was sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman who died on September 16 after being detained by “morality police” and taken to a “re-education center,” allegedly for not wearing her hijab properly.

    “I woke up at two o’clock in the morning with a phone call from Toomaj’s friend saying ‘our whereabouts have been leaked,’” Salehi’s uncle Eghbal Eghbali told CNN in an interview. “Since then we have been worried about what has happened to Toomaj.”

    Eghbali says he found out through Salehi’s friends later that morning that about 50 people raided his nephew’s residence in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, in southwestern Iran.

    The rapper is accused of “propagandistic activity against the government, cooperation with hostile governments and forming illegal groups with the intention of creating insecurity in the country,” state-run IRNA said, quoting the Esfahan province judiciary.

    Salehi’s uncle said his nephew is currently detained in a prison in the city of Isfahan, and that he has information he was tortured. Salehi is a resident of Shahin Shahr, about 20km north of Isfahan.

    “We still do not know anything about Toomaj’s health condition. The family has tried very hard to even just hear his voice, but no one has given us any information about Toomaj,” he said. “We don’t even know if Toomaj and his friends are alive or not.”

    Salehi’s friends who were arrested with him over the weekend, boxing champion Mohammad Reza Nikraftar and kickboxer Najaf Abu Ali, also haven’t been heard from since, Eghbali said.

    “The accused played a key role in creating, inviting and encouraging riots in Isfahan province and in the city of Shahin Shahr,” a spokesperson for Isfahan Province Judiciary, Seyyed Mohammad Mousavian said according to IRNA.

    After his arrest, a short video clip of what appears to be Salehi blindfolded emerged on state-backed news agency, the Young Journalists Club (YJC). Salehi appears to be under duress voicing remorse for remarks he made on social media.

    Salehi’s uncle was adamant that the man in the video was not his nephew, adding that the government had political objectives in releasing the short clip. Eghbali also rejects the government’s claim that his nephew was running away at the time of his arrest.

    “Absolutely not,” Eghbali said. “Because where Toomaj was living or where we are in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, basically we have no way to the border. This is a very crackbrained claim. Anyone who knows the geography of Iran will not believe such claim.”

    Since the beginning of the nationwide protests which started in mid-September, Salehi, who IRNA said was also detained in September 2021, has been calling for Iranians to protest against the government.

    “None of us have different color blood,” Salehi posted on Instagram. “Don’t forget our amazing union and do not allow them to create division between us, in this bloody and sad heaven.”

    Salehi, who himself is of Bakhtiari ethnic background, has long rapped about Iran’s multi-ethnic makeup, encouraging unity among Iranians of different ethnic backgrounds.

    “Stand with us, we stood by you for years,” Salehi raps in his song “Meydoone jang” which translates as “The Battlefield.”

    “It’s not enough to be rebellious, we have revolutionary roots. Arab, Assyrian, Armenian, Turkmen, Mazandari, Sistani, Baluch, Talysh, Tatar, Azeri, Kurd, Gilaki, Lor, Farsi and Qashqai, we are the unity of rivers: we are the sea.”

    Iranian rap artist Toomaj Salehi was arrested last Saturday alongside two of his friends.

    Days before his arrest, Salehi posted videos of himself alongside protesters on the street on Instagram. Since then, his fans, Iranians in the diaspora, as well as musicians and activists, have called for his release.

    “A lot of rappers have come out and supported him,” Iranian rapper, songwriter and activist Erfan Paydar told CNN. “Toomaj’s bravery of protesting in the streets encouraged others to get out there and speak up and made people think ‘if he’s willing to go out there and he’s not scared, then maybe we shouldn’t be.’”

    Paydar said that Salehi recently shared a message with his trusted friends which was to be released in the event he was arrested. “You will go forward according to my operation. You are my most trusted person,” the message reads.

    “The priority is with the students and workers, you will cover all calls for protests, you will not support any party or group, do not write much about the prisoners unless their condition worsens and they have no voice. Concentrate on attack not defense.”

    Security forces have arrested several musicians and artists including two other rappers who were involved in protests – Emad Ghavidel from Rasht and Kurdish rapper Saman Yasin from Kermanshah.

    Ghavidel was released on bond and described in an Instagram post how he was tortured and had his teeth smashed. Yasin was subjected to severe mental and physical torture during his time in custody, according to Hengaw, and sentenced to death in a sham trial.

    “Toomaj’s mother was a political prisoner,” Salehi’s uncle who lives in Germany told CNN. “She has passed away a long time ago…if my sister was still alive, she would become Toomaj’s voice. The same as I am Toomaj’s voice. The same as many who are on the streets [in Iran] are the voice of Toomaj.”

    Since the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, protesters across Iran have coalesced around a range of grievances with the regime. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have been stepping up efforts to end the uprising. Around 1,000 people have been charged in the Tehran province for their alleged involvement in the protests, state news agency IRNA reported last week.

    The trials of those accused will be heard in public over the coming days, IRNA said, citing Ali Al-Qasi Mehr, chief justice of Tehran province.

    Iranian media said last weekend that the trials for several demonstrators had started the previous week.

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  • A new Netflix show keeps the memory of Blockbuster alive | CNN

    A new Netflix show keeps the memory of Blockbuster alive | CNN

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    A version of this story appeared in Pop Life Chronicles, CNN’s weekly entertainment newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.



    CNN
     — 

    Change is good, yes?

    I’ve been thinking about mixing it up when it comes to this newsletter, but I’d like to hear from you. What would you like to read about? Are there some sections you like more than others? Do you feel like I’m missing something that will liven up your brunch conversations?

    Drop me a line and let me know.

    In the meantime, let’s get to this week’s round-up.

    ‘Blockbuster’

    True confession: I have my old Blockbuster membership card somewhere around here.

    I was a regular at my neighborhood store in Baltimore which is why I was thrilled when I learned of this new comedy series based on the #throwback movie rental chain.

    In the eponymous show, Randall Park plays Timmy Yoon, “an analog dreamer living in a 5G world” who manages the last Blockbuster location out there. He’s out to prove his store provides “something big corporations can’t: human connection.”

    What a great message. The series is streaming on Netflix now. Yes, you read that right – you can now stream a show about movie rentals.

    ‘Hip Hop Homicides’

    Pop Smoke performs at a listening party on February 6, 2020 in New York City.

    Sadly, with the recent death of rapper Takeoff, this new WEtv show feels more timely than ever.

    Produced by 50 Cent and Mona Scott-Young, and hosted by Van Lathan, the series will be “taking a ‘big picture’ look at the epidemic of violence in hip hop.” Given that at least one rapper has lost his life every year to gun violence since 2018, the topic is ripe for examination.

    The first episode, which looks at the 2020 murder of rapper Pop Smoke, is available on WEtv.

    ‘Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me’

    Selena Gomez attends the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards on February 27 in Santa Monica, California.

    Celebrity confessionals are popular for good reason.

    They serve as a reminder that, no matter how young, rich, famous or good looking you may be, life can still be a challenge.

    That appears to be the message within Selena Gomez’s new documentary “My Mind & Me,” in which she gets vulnerable about her world and her mental health. In my opinion, this sort of first-person advocacy is one of the best uses of a celeb’s platform – because it can help others to realize that they are not alone.

    “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me” is streaming on Apple TV+.

    ‘Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me’

    James Brown performs during the Super Bowl XXXI half-time show on January 26, 1997 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

    A strange phone call reveals a question from beyond the grave – was The Godfather of Soul murdered?

    Almost 40 years ago, a songwriter found herself in musician James Brown’s inner circle, though the relationship would nearly destroy her career. Decades later, she finds herself trying to solve the mystery of Brown’s death. When she makes a call to CNN reporter Thomas Lake, the two stumble into a world of secrets, intimidation, and suspected foul play.

    “The James Brown Mystery” podcast is currently streaming on CNN Audio.

    (From left) Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton, Melanie Brown, Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham of the Spice Girls perform during the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 12, 2012.

    Spice up your life!

    To celebrate the 25th anniversary of their second album’s release, the iconic British girl group have curated a new version of the record, “Spiceworld25,” bringing together the hits, their favorite B-sides, some live concert recordings and a “Spice Girls Party Mix” mash-up.

    It’s kind of wild that Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton, Melanie Brown, Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham have been around that long, but it’s also an opportunity to reminisce about how caught up in their girl power so many of us were – and still are it seems.

    The album is out now.

    Julia Roberts attends a screening of

    By far my favorite story of this week was the tale of how Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid the hospital bill for Julia Roberts’ birth. It was the perfect combination of “Wait, what?” and “How cool is that?”

    The story itself has been here and there on social media since Roberts shared it with journalist Gayle King in September as part of the History Channel’s “HISTORYTalks” series, but gained traction in particular during fans’ celebration of Roberts’ 55th birthday on October 28.

    No matter how the story broke through, I’m glad it did.

    Jennifer Coolidge gives an acceptance speech during the 74th Primetime Emmys at Microsoft Theater on September 12 in Los Angeles, California.

    “Welcome to the Jenaissance” read the headline of a recent Vogue magazine story on Jennifer Coolidge, and I think that perfectly captures it.

    “The White Lotus” star is having a moment – and we love to see it.

    Not only did Coolidge win an Emmy in September for her work on the hit HBO show, but she also has a role in the buzzy Netflix series “The Watcher.”

    Coolidge is getting a kick out of it as well. She told CNN’s Don Lemon this week that, “It’s way more enjoyable if you never expected the moment to happen.”

    “It’s the surprise of it all that makes it so fun,” she added during an interview which aired Wednesday on “CNN This Morning.” “I truly believe if I expected all this to happen it never would have.”

    In Hollywood, being 61 and still killing it on screen continues – sadly – to be a rare triumph. But Coolidge is an institution, having appeared in so many movies that have helped define pop culture, from “American Pie” to “Legally Blonde” to “Best in Show,” to name just a few.

    Long live her reign as the actress most likely to steal all the scenes.

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  • Takeoff’s killing: Details from the coroner’s report and Offset’s subtle tribute | CNN

    Takeoff’s killing: Details from the coroner’s report and Offset’s subtle tribute | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    New details regarding the death of Takeoff have been revealed as the artist continues to be mourned.

    Takeoff, who came to fame as one-third of the platinum-selling rap group Migos, was shot and killed early Tuesday at a private party in Houston, Texas.

    He was 28.

    The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office listed the manner of death as homicide with “penetrating gunshot wounds of head and torso into the arm” stated as the cause of his death.

    A 23-year-old man and 24-year-old woman were also injured. Sgt. Michael Arrington of the homicide division told reporters Tuesday that they both were doing ok.

    The shooting death of Takeoff, who was known as the quiet, low key member of his group, which included his uncle Quavo, is the latest high profile death of a hip hop artist.

    His former group mate and longtime friend Offset has not spoken publicly about Takeoff’s death, but on Wednesday he changed the avatar on his verified Instagram account to a photo of Takeoff with a white heart.

    A number of celebrities have paid tribute to the slain artist, including, Drake, Gucci Mane, Machine Gun Kelly and Beyoncé, who changed the landing page of her site to a photo of him.

    Takeoff seemed aware of the potential danger that rappers sometimes face,

    During a conversation on the “Drink Champs” podcast that recently streamed, he and Quavo talked to hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN about their new album, “Only Built for Infinity Links.”

    Talk turned security and the murders of fellow artists Pop Smoke and PnB Rock. Takeoff said, “You’ve got to be careful with social media now.”

    “You gotta watch what you post because even though you’re just trying to show off and show your fans stuff, it’s people that follow you and watch you that [have] bad intentions and don’t want the best for you. They’re looking at your page and see you every day,” he said. “That’s why I don’t even really post like that, or if I do, I post after I left the spot. I post tomorrow or the next day and you think I’m at a location. But nah, I’m at the crib.”

    Authorities are asking for the witnesses to come forward and provide information in hopes of arresting the person or people responsible.

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  • It’ll cast a spell on you: Disney+ sequel ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ is magical | CNN

    It’ll cast a spell on you: Disney+ sequel ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ is magical | CNN

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    A version of this story appeared in Pop Life Chronicles, CNN’s weekly entertainment newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.



    CNN
     — 

    Why am I already seeing Thanksgiving decorations out and about?

    Halloween-themed decor I can understand, but Thanksgiving is still months away and just a stone’s throw from Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah – it all feels way too soon.

    What I am ready for is cooler temperatures, though, so I have an excuse to stay in, curl up on the couch and watch some of this week’s new streaming content.

    ‘Hocus Pocus 2’

    Speaking of Halloween: Almost 30 years after Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker blessed us – or should it be cursed us? – with what’s widely considered the official film for the spooky season, the trio is back as our favorite witches in a sequel to the Disney classic “Hocus Pocus.”

    The new movie resurrects both the Sanderson sisters and some of the original movie’s premise – a trio of high school students has to try and stop them seeking revenge (again) on the town of Salem after mistakenly unleashing some dark magic and bringing them back to life. Wouldn’t you be tempted to light the Black Flame Candle to hear Midler belt out a show tune, though?

    “Hocus Pocus 2” is now streaming on Disney+.

    ‘Blonde’

    Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe in

    Ana de Armas definitely nails looking like Marilyn Monroe.

    The former Bond girl has been winning rave reviews for her leading role in new movie “Blonde,” and how she channels the Hollywood bombshell, whose life – and death at the age of 36 in 1962 – was controversial in just about every sense.

    “Blonde” dramatizes the life of the tragic actor, with an unconventional (and also controversial) narrative that seeks to peel back layers and go beyond her superstardom to better uncover the real Norma Jeane Mortenson.

    It’s streaming now on Netflix.

    ‘Yvonne Orji: A Whole Me’

    Yvonne Orji in the HBO comedy special

    If you saw “Momma I Made It!” – Yvonne Orji’s first HBO special – then you are probably giggling to yourself about the title of her second.

    In “A Whole Me,” the “Insecure” star is back with a second comedy showcase that mixes stand-up and scripted skits, talking everything – including the Covid-19 pandemic, dating and relationships – as well as peppering in some hilarious stories about her parents, who also played a central role in her first special.

    Orji’s new special debuts tonight at 10pm on HBO and will subsequently stream on HBO Max (both of which are owned by CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery).

    Björk performs at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on February 1 in Los Angeles.

    Undoubtedly one of Iceland’s greatest musical exports, Björk is back with new music.

    “Fossora” is her 10th album, and she explained its theme to Pitchfork as an embodiment of her “fungus period.”

    “It’s something that lives underground, but not tree roots,” she explained of the mushroomy metaphors that guided the new album. “A tree root album would be quite severe and stoic, but mushrooms are psychedelic and they pop up everywhere.”

    “Fossora” is out now.

    Rita Wilson attends the 2022 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala on June 16 in New York City.

    I have been obsessed with Rita Wilson since she rapped Naughty by Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray” in the early days of the pandemic.

    And let us not forget, as such a performance would suggest, that she is also an accomplished singer. Her latest album, “Rita Wilson Now & Forever: Duets,” includes collaborations with major artists, including Keith Urban, Josh Groban, Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello and Leslie Odom Jr.

    “These songs feel like my Great American Songbook, because of the songwriting and the impact that they had on me,” Wilson said in a statement. “I was looking at these songs and how they could be conversations between two people. I liked that the lyrics could be coming from two points of view, even if they were mostly written for one person to sing.”

    The album is also out now.

    (From left)Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa appear on set during a taping of

    Kelly Ripa is spilling the tea.

    In her new book, “Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories,” she talks about how tough things were at times with her former “Live with Regis and Kelly” cohost Regis Philbin.

    Those who loved the daytime show, which ran from 2001 to 2011 on ABC, may be surprised by the rough start the pair had in the beginning.

    According to Ripa, who shared details of her challenges with People, when she showed up at the beginning of her cohosting gig with her hair and makeup team, Philbin had a barbed quip for their producer, Michael Gelman: “Uh-oh, Gelman, it’s got an entourage.”

    “I felt horrible,” Ripa recalled. “He was probably trying to be funny, but at the same time it felt like a pile-on. I understand that probably he didn’t want a cohost, but the network wanted me to be the cohost and I didn’t think I should pass up that opportunity. I don’t think it was fair to him. But it was also not fair to me.”

    For me, that story helped put into context Ripa’s tension with her “Live with Kelly and Michael” cohost Michael Strahan, who famously left the show in 2016 amid Ripa’s complaints that she was the last to know of his decision.

    Anything hard-earned is likely to be jealously guarded, after all.

    Megan Thee Stallion performs during iHeartRadio Hot 99.5's Jingle Ball 2021 at Capital One Arena on December 14, 2021, in Washington, DC.

    A common theme I respect in celebrities is their using their platforms for the greater good.

    Which is why I was thrilled to learn (via my CNN colleague Marianne Garvey) that rapper Megan Thee Stallion has launched “Bad B*tches Have Bad Days Too,” a website offers mental health resources, among others.

    Megan Thee Stallion garnered fascination from many with her determination to graduate college while being a multiplatinum-selling artist, and her latest project further confirms how very much she values education.

    By educating her fans about self-help and self-care, the rapper is an even bigger star in my eyes.

    What did you like about today’s newsletter? What did we miss? Pop in to poplife@cnn.com and say hello!

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  • Three people, including father and son, charged in the death of PnB Rock | CNN

    Three people, including father and son, charged in the death of PnB Rock | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday filed murder charges against a father and son in connection to the fatal shooting of musical artist PnB Rock.

    Freddie Trone, who is being sought by police, along with his minor son were each charged with murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and second-degree robbery, according to a release from the DA’s office. A woman was charged with accessory after the fact.

    The minor appeared in juvenile court Thursday and is set to return for a preliminary hearing on October 19. The woman is expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon.

    Trone is considered armed and dangerous, police said, and anyone who sees him should immediately call 911, according to a LAPD news release.

    On Tuesday, LAPD arrested a 32-year-old woman and young man under 18 years old who police “believed to be involved” in the rapper’s death, according to the release.

    LAPD did not have information on the young man or woman’s relationship to Trone.

    The fatal shooting of PnB Rock took place September 12 while the rapper and his girlfriend were eating at Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles on West Manchester Avenue, according to LAPD Chief Michel Moore. The chief identified the rapper by his real name, Rakim Allen.

    “[Allen] was brutally attacked by an individual who, apparently, we believe… came to the location after a social media posting of the artist and the woman accompanying him,” Moore said.

    Moore said a picture of the pair’s meal had been posted on Instagram, with the location tagged. He said a Black man attacked the rapper at the restaurant, demanding his property. PnB Rock “had an extensive amount of jewelry and other valuables,” Moore said.

    Between 2016 and 2019, PnB Rock had eight songs on the Billboard Hot 100, four of which were in 2019.

    The rapper’s latest song, “Luv Me Again,” was released on September 2.

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  • Coolio, ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ rapper, dead at 59 | CNN

    Coolio, ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ rapper, dead at 59 | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Coolio, the ’90s rapper who lit up the music charts with hits like “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage,” has died, his friend and manager Jarez Posey, told CNN. He was 59.

    Posey said Coolio died Wednesday afternoon.

    Details on the circumstances were not immediately available.

    When contacted by CNN, Capt. Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that firefighters and paramedics responded to a call on the 2900 block of South Chesapeake Ave. at 4 p.m. local time for reports of a medical emergency. When they arrived, they found an unresponsive male and performed “resuscitation efforts for approximately 45 minutes.”

    The patient “was determined dead just before 5:00 p.m.,” Scott said.

    “We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon,” a statement provided to CNN from Coolio’s talent manager Sheila Finegan said.

    “He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly. Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

    Actor Lou Diamond Phillips also offered his condolences as he recounted some memories with the artist.

    “I am absolutely stunned. Coolio was a friend and one of the warmest, funniest people I’ve ever met. We spent an amazing time together making Red Water in Capetown and we loved going head to head in the kitchen. He was one of a kind. Epic,Legendary and I’ll miss him,” Phillips said in a tweet.

    Former NBA player Matt Bonner also recalled time spent with Coolio, saying in a Twitter post the rapper was a “huge hoops fan… we hosted him at a game a few years back… biggest crowd of all-time at a Spurs Overtime concert.”

    Coolio grew up in Compton, California, according to a bio on his official website.

    Speaking to the Los Angeles Times in 1994, he recalled falling into the drug scene but getting himself out by pursuing a career as a firefighter.

    “I wasn’t looking for a career, I was looking for a way to clean up – a way to escape the drug thing,” he told the publication. “It was going to kill me and I knew I had to stop. In firefighting training was discipline I needed. We ran every day. I wasn’t drinking or smoking or doing the stuff I usually did.”

    His rap career began in the ’80s, and he gained fame in the underground scene.

    “Fantastic Voyage” was the first song that really put him on the map.

    Arguably his biggest song, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” from the soundtrack to the film “Dangerous Minds,” grew his star power to gigantic proportions. He won a Grammy in 1996 for the song.

    In the age of streaming, it has continued to live on. In July 2022, the song reached a milestone one billion views on YouTube.

    “It’s one of those kinds of songs that transcends generations,” he said in a recent interview. “I didn’t use any trendy words…I think it made it timeless.”

    Over his career, Coolio sold more than 17 million records, according to his website.

    Coolio also has a special place in the hearts of some Millennials for his work on the theme song for the popular Nickelodeon TV series “Kenan and Kel” and his contribution to the album “Dexter’s Laboratory: The Hip-Hop Experiment,” which featured songs by various hip-hop artists that were inspired by the Cartoon Network animated series.

    In recent years, Coolio enjoyed the perks of being a nostalgic figure, making television appearances on shows like “Celebrity Cook Off” and “Celebrity Chopped.”

    He also had a show on Oxygen, “Coolio’s Rules,” that aired 2008.

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  • Rapper Meek Mill vows to ‘spread the word’ against antisemitism after Auschwitz visit | CNN Politics

    Rapper Meek Mill vows to ‘spread the word’ against antisemitism after Auschwitz visit | CNN Politics

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    CNN
     — 

    Some 10,000 people from all over the world gathered last week in Poland for the annual March of the Living, a 2-mile walk from Auschwitz to Birkenau, where Nazis murdered over a million civilians – mostly Jews – during World War II.

    One of the most famous marchers was Meek Mill, a 35-year-old African American rapper from Philadelphia without any prior connection to the atrocities that happened there.

    But at a time of rising antisemitism in the US, his presence spoke volumes, and that was the point.

    “I always stand on anything that condemns racism, but now that I had an education, I’ll definitely spread the word to people in my culture about what I’ve seen and what I felt at that concentration camp today,” Mill told CNN during the march.

    Mill is a friend of New England Patriots owner and philanthropist Robert Kraft, whose Foundation to Combat Antisemitism is in the midst of a $25 million national campaign, #StandUpToJewishHate. The effort, identified by a blue square emoji, includes paid television ads that share stories of antisemitic incidents in the US, which are on an alarming rise.

    Data from the Anti-Defamation League traces a spike in recent incidents against Jews to repeated, hateful comments by rapper Kanye West, now known as Ye, who is unapologetic about his pro-Hitler, anti-Jewish language.

    “We are two different artists. We represent two different things,” Mill said.

    Mill said he “wasn’t educated to even know right from wrong” when Ye was making his remarks.

    “But I know a lot of the things he was saying was wrong because it sounded like hate,” Mill said. “Now that I’m educated to a small degree, because I’m at the beginning point, just, you know, spreading the word for humanity. Pushing the cause.”

    Kraft got to know Mill during the rap artist’s 12-year legal fight stemming from an arrest on gun and drug charges when he was 19 years old.

    The two were introduced by a mutual friend, according to a Kraft spokesperson, and Meek would occasionally reach out to the Patriots owner for some friendly advice. When Meek was incarcerated, Kraft visited him in prison, and the two stayed in touch and have remained friends.

    Mill’s case helped spur activism among many high-profile figures, including Kraft, on the issue of criminal justice.

    “It’s important for me to learn humanity’s history,” Mill said. “But I think it’s also important for me to support Robert, all my Jewish friends, everyone that always supported me. Robert supported me at a very high level. When I was going through what I was going through, he learned my lifestyle. He learned my cultures, where I come from, my background.”

    Mill said he went to Auschwitz to “see this for myself and learn about it for myself,” describing what he saw there as “terror, pain, something you can’t really explain.”

    “He’s a man who’s very caring, and it’s very important to him to build bridges between people of the Jewish faith and people of color in America,” Kraft said of Mill.

    “He’s a sensitive man who has gone through some difficult situations where he wasn’t treated fairly. And I think for him to understand the culture of our people, what we’ve gone through and how many of the experiences are similar – where people, for no good reason, just stand up and hate,” added Kraft.

    Mill not only toured Auschwitz and took part in the March of the Living, but he also participated in events around the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in Poland. The popular artist has nearly 25 million Instagram followers and said he now intends to use his megaphone to make sure his fans understand that all hate – whether racism against Blacks or antisemitism – is rooted in the same ignorance and cannot be tolerated.

    “Through my music, I always use my platforms. I come from the ghettos of America – from the streets. That’s what I started talking about because that was my lifestyle,” Mill said.

    “But through education and learning more and seeing more, I think I would be able to deliver some things that will touch on moments like this and be able to express and tell a story about what I witnessed and what I’ve seen.”

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