DEI professional Thevey Felix returns to talk about Sherri Shepherd replacing Wendy Williams, the latest in the Tory Lanez shooting case, and so much more.
(Note: This episode was record on February 26, 2022.)
Just days after she was sued by Artikal Sound System, Dua Lipa is facing another copyright infringement lawsuit related to her smash hit, “Levitating.”
On Friday, songwriters L. Russell
Brown and Sandy Linzer filed a lawsuit that accused the Kosovan Brit of lifting a melody from two songs they co-wrote in the late ‘70s, “Wiggle & Giggle All Night” (performed by Cory Daye)and “Don Diablo” (performed by Miguel Bosé). Unlike the first lawsuit, which flags the beat and cadence of the book, this one flags the melody in the verses. The law suit also names Dua’s record label, Warner Music Group, and her co-writers, including DaBaby, who wrote a verse on the song’s remix.
In the complaint filed with the court, the lawyers for the songwriters said:
“Defendants have levitated away plaintiffs’ intellectual property. Plaintiffs bring suit so that defendants cannot wiggle out of their willful infringement.”
They must be trying out for spots in the SNL writers room.
Today is Lil Flip’s 41st birthday, so it’s only right that we take a look back at his greatest contribution to popular music.
In May of 2004, the rapper released “Sunshine” (featuring Lea) as the second single from his third LP, U Gotta Feel Me. The song is a mellow, melodic blend of hip-hop and R&B that sounds quite similar to Mase’s “What You Want” (featuring Total). While it was a typical sound for that era, it was atypical for Flip, who is very much from Houston and made the kinds of songs you would expect from a Houston rapper.
“Sunshine” was Lil Flip’s biggest hit by far, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 — it was kept from the throne by Terror Squad’s “Lean Back.” What a time.
Three years after “Juicy,” Tyga and Doja Cat have joined forces once again on “Freaky Deaky,” a sexy, infectious song that comes just in time to warm us up as we change seasons.
His public image might not be very popular, but Tyga has always been solid on the mic, and on “Freaky Deaky,” we are reminded of that. Doja, on the other hand, continues to show that she is in a class of her own, lending her smooth vocals and rap skills to the track. Together, they created magic.
“Freaky Deaky” includes an apparent sample of Guy’s “Piece of My Love” (unless it was never cleared, in which case, watch this space for a future lawsuit). Its music video is sexy and colorful and goofy in a way that lets you know it was all Doja’s idea. Check it out below.
In November 1992, Michael Jackson released “Heal the World” as a fifth single from his eighth studio album, Dangerous. Written by the singer, the song appeals to our better angels and is decidedly anti-war in its lyrics. With everything happening in the world right now, there isn’t a more appropriate TBT selection.
Though it only managed to reach No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Heal the World” was a top five hit in many European countries. Michael called it the song he’s most proud of and even named one of his charity organizations after it.
Between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the global pandemic entering its third year, the world is in urgent need of healing. If you’re feeling helpless, you can contribute to reputable organizations (e.g., UNICEF) working people affected by the war.
It’s official: Sherri Shepherd is getting her own show this fall.
After weeks of reports and speculation, the former View co-host made it official Tuesday morning while guest-hosting The Wendy Williams Show. She claims she’s not replacing Wendy Williams, but we all know the truth.
The show debuts this September and will simply be called Sherri. In the hours since its announcement, Wendy Williams’ publicist, Howard Brahman, has released a statement saying his client “understands” why the decision was made, but Wendy has publicly refuted his statement.
Strategic communications expert Malikat Rufai stopped by to discuss Rihanna’s pregnancy, Nick Cannon’s baby on the way, the tragic passing of Cheslie Kryst, and so much more.
(Note: This episode was recorded on February 3, 2022.)
Just four days after making her first statement since taking a hiatus, there are reports that Wendy Williams will be losing her talk show. According to Love B. Scott, the producers of The Wendy Williams Show told the crew this week that the show is being canceled and will broadcast its last episode this June.
The disclosure about the show’s fate is said to have been followed by job offers for a new show — The Sherri Shepherd Show. For about two weeks now, there have been rumors circulating about the former ‘View’ co-host being in talks to host her own show in the time slot that once belonged to Wendy Williams.
According to B. Scott, the deal has been finalized and Sherri Shepherd’s new show will launch this fall.
A defamation lawsuit filed against Mariah Carey by her brother, Morgan Carey, is being allowed to proceed by a New York judge. The lawsuit was filed in March 2021, just months after the release of the singer’s memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey.
The suit originally named the memoir’s publishers as defendants, but the judge has let them off the hook. The judge also dismissed many of passages that had been labeled defamatory, including one where Mariah claimed police had to be called when Morgan and her father got into it.
The judge is allowing the suit to proceed particularly over passages in the book that suggest Morgan sold cocaine and may have been in prison.
Oh Lord, have mercy.
In March of ’95, Jamaican singer Diana King gave us one of the greatest songs ever. Co-written by Andy Marvel, Kingsley Gardner and the singer herself, “Shy Guy” will remind you of a time when it was completely normal — and expected, even — for people to BLOW on a banger. With its blend of dancehall and R&B, Diana goes from Patra on the verses to Whitney on the refrain, and the result is perfection.
“Shy Guy” was the lead single from Diana’s debut album, Tougher Than Love, and the Bad Boys soundtrack. Much to my surprise, the song peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 — it was No. 1 in my household for months.
There were two music videos shot for “Shy Guy.” One with no reference to Bad Boys, and another made for the soundtrack, featuring the movie’s stars, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, and directed by the movie’s director, Michael Bay (who happens to turn 57 years old today). Check out the latter version below.