According to reports, Kanye West can’t post, comment or message on Instagram for 24 hours due to a suspension. The Trevor Noah post, where he appears to use a racial slur, is said to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back.
A rep from Meta (Instagram’s parent company) confirmed the suspension to TMZ, adding that the rapper’s recent posts violate the platform’s policies on hate speech, bullying and harassment.
When Doja Cat & SZA dropped “Kiss Me More,” they inadvertently created a subcategory in the ongoing disco revival — a rap/disco blend that is always about sex and always performed by a pair of female artists. First, we had “Closer,” now we have “Sweetest Pie.”
The song doesn’t jump at you right away like its predecessors, but Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa made a solid effort, and the department stores are definitely going to play the shit out of this song. Whatever the song lacks is made up for with its sexy (and action-packed) video. Click play.
He’s the man that they call Timbaland, and he turns 50 years old today.
Born Timothy Mosley, the Virginia native is one of the most prolific and successful producers in the history of popular music. His career began in the early ’90s, where he produced songs for local acts while recording music of his own. In those early days, his collaborators included fellow future legends Missy Elliott and Pharrell Williams, who is actually related to him. His big break will come in 1993, when he landed a production credit on Jodeci’s Diary of a Mad Band.
As the ’90s progress, Timbaland’s profile continued to rise. He would become an “it” producer after working on Aaliyah’s sophomore set, One in a Million, where he is credited as a songwriter and producer on eight songs, including the title track and “If Your Girl Only Knew.” Over the next two decades, he will go on to produce hits for everyone from Ginuwine to Jay-Z to Justin Timberlake.
In the midst of all of that success as a producer, Timbaland has released a few songs of his. His very first single as a lead artist was “Here We Come” (featuring Missy Elliott & Magoo), released in November of ’98. Based on the Spider-Man theme song, the track is a criminally underrated jam and a fine example of Timbaland’s ingenuity. The song would only manage to reach No. 92 on the Billboard Hot 100, but as we’ve established numerous times before, good songs fall through the cracks every now and then — especially in the ’90s.
If you’re hearing this song for the first time, thank me later.
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.)