Month: August 2024

Usher‘s latest tour lives up to its title, with hits from across his decades-long discography. The rescheduled Past Present Future Tour kickoff show in Washington, DC last night gave us our first glimpse of the setlist, which you can see below, courtesy of setlist.fm. From his underrated self-titled debut, to his new album, Coming Home, Usher’s entire career is represented.

Unsurprisingly, more songs come from Confessions — Usher’s best-performing album to date — than any other, with appearances from “Bad Girl,” “Burn,” “Caught Up,” “My Boo,” “Superstar,” and of course, the title song throughout the set. “Yeah!” actually makes two appearances, with a 30-second teaser early in the set before closing with a blowout, encore performance. Raymond v. Raymond is the second-most represented of his projects, with “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love,” “OMG,” and “There Goes My Baby” all showing up; “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)” even opens the show.

Check out the setlist below.

01. “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home”
02. “Can U Get Wit It”
03. “My Way”
04. “You Make Me Wanna…”
05. “U Remind Me”
06. “U Don’t Have To Call”
07. “Caught Up”
08. “Yeah!”
09. “Love In This Club”
10. “Tell Me”
11. “New Flame”
12. “Margiela”
13. “Party”
14. “Lovers And Friends”
15. “Nice And Slow”
16. “U Got It Bad”
17. “Climax”
18. “Burn”
19. “Confessions Part II”
20. “OMG”
21. “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love”
22. “Without You”
23. “Superstar”
24. “There Goes My Gaby”
25. “My Boo”
26. “I Don’t Mind”
27. “Throwback”
28. “Bad Girl”
29. “Good Kisser”
30. “Ruin Me”
31. “Seduction”
32. “Good Good”
33. “Yeah!”

From 2007 to 2009, Nicki Minaj had a run of mixtapes that included Playtime Is Over, Sucka Free, and Beam Me Up Scotty. The releases were important for Minaj’s career, as they served as the lead-up to her classic debut album, 2010’s Pink Friday. It looks like Minaj wants to honor that era with a new tour.

A few days ago, Minaj announced a new leg of the Pink Friday 2 World Tour. On Monday (August 19), Minaj polled her fans on X (formerly Twitter), asking what songs she didn’t perform on the first tour leg they’d like to see her bust out during future shows.

Well, one fan asked for Beam Me Up Scotty cut “Envy,” Minaj responded, “We’ll save that for the mixtape tour guys. Another idea I had a while back.”

At this point, it seems like the mixtape-focused tour is little more than idea at the moment, especially with the new Pink Friday 2 World Tour dates being at the forefront of Minaj’s mind. But, she at least feels strongly enough about the concept to publicly talk about it on social media, so time will tell.

There’s certainly still interest in the mixtapes: Beam Me Up Scotty was reissued in 2021 and it debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Like all the great “he said, she said” disputes, this one began with a TMZ interview.

Earlier this week, the tabloid news organization shared an interview with Haliey Welch, a.k.a. Hawk Tuah Girl, asking her if any famous people have slid into her DMs since she went viral for her salacious suggestion on how to make a man go crazy in bed. She said rapper Yung Gravy messaged her “to take me on a date and I was like, nah, I don’t know about that.”

However, Yung Gravy denied this was the case — and he had the receipts to prove it. “Can’t be nice anymore, LOL,” he wrote on X, along with a screenshot of his interaction with Welch that makes it seem like she reached out to him first. Plot twist! But then Welch replied to Yung Gravy’s screenshot with one of her own (“Haha u messaged first”), showing that it was, indeed, the “Betty (Get Money)” rapper who made the first move, even if the move wasn’t asking her out on a date but instead inviting her to one of his upcoming concerts.

Welch acknowledged the miscommunication in a follow-up tweet. “Maybe I misread it…let’s call a truce Mr Gravy,” she wrote.

As for Mr. Gravy, he told TMZ that he messaged Welch because “I wanted to show her some love.” He continued, “I saw people hating on her and, you know, being mad negative. All she’s doing is talking about sex and doing it the right way. That’s what I do and no one’s mad about that.”

He also said that women deserve their own “hawk tuah.” His suggestion? “For all the boys out there, if I’m going down on a woman, we’ll call it the ‘splash stallion.’”

That could use some work, or better yet, it never comes up again and we all move on.

Snoop Dogg was one of the most talked about non-competing Team USA members. His advocacy reportedly earned him a hefty seven figure check. Before cashing checking for commentary work, the “Gin And Juice” rapper’s music brought home the bacon.

Today (August 20), at the 2024 Democratic National Convention his home state honored his early career. During California’s roll call, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, its delegates subtly paid tribute to several hip-hop legends from the Golden State. As Newsom delivered his speech (viewable here) to advocate for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, songs from California legends Dr. Dre, the late Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, and of course, Snoop Dogg played in the background.

Although none of the living acts were present to perform their classic tracks, that didn’t stop viewers at home from performing karaoke to the instrumentals. Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode” featuring Snoop Dogg, Tupac’s “California Love” featuring Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” and “Not Like Us,” all made the state’s unofficial 2024 DNC playlist.

California wasn’t the only state to lean on hits from beloved natives. As a proud product of Atlanta, Lil Jon threw his support behind the Georgia delegates with a performance of his song “Turn Down For What” with DJ Snake.

If there was ever a time to be demure, a political event would be atop the list. However, when it comes to having a good time, Lil Jon has no occasional restrictions. Tonight (August 20), the Democratic Party and its supporters learned this all too well.

During tonight’s 2024 Democratic National Convention, “Get Low” rapper surprised attendees as Georgia’s official roll caller (viewable here).

Essential, the roll call is for state representatives to verbalize their support for a candidate. Instead of the traditionally vanilla call-outs, Lil Jon helped transform Georgia’s time into one short-lived but now forever iconic performance of his song with DJ Snake, “Turn Down For What.”

As an extra razzle-dazzle, Lil Jon made a fun adjustment to the track’s lyrics to shout out Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential running mate, Tim Walz. Users online are tickled by Lil Jon’s appearance and took to X (formerly Twitter) to show it.

“Lil John is the only hype man that legit hit everywhere,” wrote one user.

“This has to be the most lit roll call in political history. ,” penned another.

“Lil Jon be getting the crowd hype wherever he’s at,” added another.

“He turned up for WALZ ,” joked another.

Similar to Megan Thee Stallion’s performance during Harris’ rally in Georgia, not every one was onboard for Lil Jon’s impromptu set. But others chimed in to put out the burning backlash.

“I know people are going to criticize this but come on, the convention is 4 hours long. You need to break up the monotony, formal processes, and speeches with some light fun and entertainment. Makes people more alert and attentive for the night,” chimed a user.

Lil Jon’s performance is interesting considering the fact that he slammed a Republican Congressman for citing his lyrics. However, given his past feud with former President Donald Trump, his backing of the Dems makes sense in more ways than one.

With each visual release, from “Starburster” to “Favourite,” Fontaines D.C. invites fans into another corner of their creative minds.

Today (August 20), to continue the band’s Romance album rollout, they shared one video to top all others, for single “In The Modern World.” Instead of sharing archival footage or putting their acting chops on full display, Fontaines D.C. taps House Of The Dragons star Ewan Mitchell for leading man duties.

Mitchell embodies the track’s deep emotion conflict heard when the band sings: “I feel alive / In the city / You despise / Wait for the day / When you come / Riding on by / Seems so hard just to be / If it matters / You complete me.”

As Fontaines D.C.’s lyrics circle their fight with emotional demons. Throughout the video, Mitchell literally fights his off in a series of suspense car jujitsu matches. After narrowly defeating foes played by Asher Mirsadeghi, Paul McGinty, Jay Ashley Herridge, and Peter Grimwood, Mitchell just barely makes it home to fight another day. Isn’t that the sad story of life?

The video may have Fontaines D.C.’s name attached to it. But they were sure to give credit where credit was due, as they credited Luna Carmoon with writing and directed it.

Watch Fontaines D.C.’s official video for single, “In The Modern World” above.

Romance is out 8/23 via XL Recordings. Find more information here.

Although it may be an exaggeration, it surely feels like everyone and their momma is currently on the road. Whether it’s their own full out tour or a series of festival appearance, you can catch your favorite recording artists live somewhere soon. But, very few acts share just how difficult time on the road is for artists, both mentally and financially.

Well, Little Simz did back in April 2022. Today (August 20), rising indie star Rachel Chinouriri echoed the same. Over on X (formerly Twitter), the “Never Need Me” musician revealed that she was forced to withdraw from Remi Wolf’s The Big Ideas Tour due to financial strain.

“I’m deeply saddened to announce that I have to withdraw from the Remi Wolf tour and several festivals,” she wrote. “This year I’ve invested all my savings and earnings into my shows, styling, and band to be able to tour. While my debut album has opened many amazing opportunities, the financial strain on touring has become too much.”

Chinouriri went on to outline how difficult touring is for newer acts. “Despite my best efforts to secure funding for this incredible opportunity it hasn’t been possible,” she wrote. “This is the tough reality of the music industry, whether you’re signed or independent. I’ve explored every possible option to make this work because I adore Remi and her fan base… However, I can not justify the financial risk it would entail.”

Continue below to view Remi Wolf’s The Big Ideas Tour schedule with its update opening support. Find more information here.

Remi Wolf 2024 Tour Dates: The Big Ideas Tour

09/10 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl *
09/13 – Troutdale, OR @ Edgefield *
09/14 – Vancouver, BC @ The Orpheum *
09/18 – St. Paul, MN @ Palace Theatre *
09/19 – Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom *
09/20 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre *
09/22 – Columbus, OH @ Kemba Life (fka Express Live) *
09/24 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway *
09/26 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE *
09/27 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore Philadelphia *
09/28 – Columbia, MD @ All Things Go Festival &
10/01 – Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
10/02 – Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
10/04 – Asheville, NC @ Rabbit Rabbit
10/05 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
10/07 – Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
10/08 – Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
10/11 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s
10/13 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits &
10/15 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre
10/16 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre
10/18 – Stanford, CA @ Frost Amphitheater (previously scheduled for September 11)

* with Lava La Rue, & festival appearance, ^ with Slimdan

According to reports, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are heading to their own separate blocks from now on.
After weeks of speculation, today (August 20) TMZ has exclusively shared that the “Can’t Get Enough” singer formally filed for divorce from Ben Affleck.

In the outlet’s report, it claimed that Lopez submitted the necessary paperwork with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. While the filing didn’t come as a surprise, considering the pair put their martial estate up for sale. However, there are two details surrounding the alleged legal action that made supporters raise an eyebrow.

According to TMZ, Lopez submitted the documents on her own, without an attorney (which is legally referred to as pro per). Another shocker in the matter is what a source alleged. The insider claimed that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck did not sign a prenuptial agreement.

Despite trying to shut down rumors that there was trouble in their rekindled romance, in the forms, Lopez alleged noted their date of separation was April 26, 2024.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck tied the knot back in July 2022 after supposedly reuniting in April 2021. Since reconnecting, the duo have featured each other as a muse in their works. For Affleck, that was a string of Dunkin commercials including a Super Bowl 2024 slot. As for Lopez, it’s her latest album and supporting film, This Is Me…Now.

(WARNING: Spoilers for the most recent Bel-Air episodes will be found below.)

Will Smith’s first official summer in Bel-Air continues in the next episodes of Bel-Air season three. So far it’s been an eventful one as he and Lisa made things official, Will and Carlton took a job art the country club and formed their “Blackccess” group thanks to a new entrepreneurship, and he quit basketball for the summer to focus on other endeavors. Carlton is also back home and he has new love interest in Amira whom he met during rehab. Hilary is engaged to LaMarcus, Jazzy saved his record store, Ashley is pursuing her music career, and Mr. and Mrs. Banks are both thriving in their respective work fields.

That’s what the first three episodes of Bel-Air season three delivered, and here’s what you can expect for the next three episodes:

When Do Bel-Air Episodes 4-6 Come Out?

The next three episodes in Bel-Air season three, titled “Out All Night,” “Getting Personal,” and “Baggage,” will arrive on August 22. The episodes will be available on Thursday, 8/22 on Peacock starting at 3am EST/12am PST. Synopses for the “Out All Night,” “Getting Personal,” and “Baggage,” episodes can be found below:

“Out All Night”

After LaMarcus’ accident, everyone rallies around Hilary to support her; Will and Carlton feel the pressure of running “Blackccess” and it starts to affect their relationship; Lisa and Amira try to ease the tension with a group date.

“Getting Personal”

Will and Carlton look for a solution to their “Blackccess” problems at a pickleball tournament; Viv and Phil celebrate their anniversary, but something seems off between them.

“Baggage”

Will brings his parents, Vy and Lou, together to heal the past and move forward; Carlton sees a new side of Amira; Phil makes a big decision with his career.

‘Bel-Air’ season three premieres on Peacock on August 15 at 3am EST/12am PST. Seasons 1-2 are now available to stream on Peacock.

Jamal Crawford has been one of the rising stars in the NBA broadcasting space in recent years, as he’s been fantastic as part of TNT’s coverage, both in studio and as part of game broadcasts. Crawford’s love for basketball is always apparent, and the same effortless cool that defined his slick offensive game carries over to TV work.

Last year, we saw Crawford join Reggie Miller and Kevin Harlan for some playoff game work in the booth, where he got to show he can slot in with one of the league’s top broadcast tandems. With TNT entering their final season of NBA coverage, Crawford figured to be one of the hottest broadcasting free agents next year. However, Crawford’s contract with TNT apparently ran up at the end of the 2023-24 season, and he explained to a fan on Twitter that he’s a “TV free agent” right now going into the 2024-25 season.

Crawford said he has a feeling he’ll be calling games again this season, and he should be a coveted addition for any network covering the league. The question is, will ESPN bring him in or will Amazon or NBC look to lock him up for when they get NBA rights in 2025 — which could lead him to figuring out a one-year deal with TNT. When we did our commentary team draft for NBC and Amazon, Crawford was one of the first names off the board and I have little doubt he’ll find a new broadcast home by the time games tip-off in October.