From Sweden to the World: “Starmony Voices” Sets the Tone in Collaborative Music-Making using AI

Photo by Fredrik Mårdh

The Swedish music tech innovator Starmony just launched “Starmony Voices” – a concept that redefines the future of music-making by allowing anyone in their community, and beyond, to share their voice and collaborate with the help of AI technology. Photo by Fredrik Mårdh Stockholm, Sweden, March 04, 2024: Starmony, a leading Swedish music tech company, … Read more

Doechii Drops Some Knowledge In ‘The Barbershop,’ A New Short Film With PgLang And Cash App

Financial literacy has become a hot topic in the past few years; thanks to pandemics and recessions, it’s become more important than ever for average folks to learn to manage their money. Hip-hop, which has traditionally been all about flexing, has begun to play a bigger part in helping to educate the public, with Jay-Z and Megan Thee Stallion hosting classes and several artists releasing music related to the subject.

Kendrick Lamar’s PgLang has joined in, teaming up with Cash App to release a short film giving financial advice direct from TDE artist Doechii. The short, “The Barbershop,” sees comedian ExavierTV seeking advice from his barber and getting it instead from Doechii, who’s also in the shop getting her hair braided. Cash App’s ongoing “That’s Money” project aims to help teach hip-hop fans about money management skills. The short is directed by Calmatic, and continues threads from a prior film from “That’s Money” and PgLang’s Project3 initiative, “The Balcony,” which saw Kendrick himself offering up similar snippets.

“I’m at a place now where I’m starting to make a budget and set financial goals for my future,” Doechii said in the press release. “I think it’s so important to be honest with each other when we talk about money, which is why I’m excited to be part of this campaign and share what’s been working for me.”

You can watch “The Barbershop” above.

Yeat Reveals Stacked Features For Upcoming Album “LYFESTYLE”

Yeat’s buzz is bigger than ever. The rapper has been steadily building his following up, and refining his sound. LYFESTYLE, his upcoming album, is poised to be his commercial breakthrough, though. All the information we’ve heard surrounding the album has only served to increase the excitement for what’s to come. Yeat recently sat down for an interview with The Fader, and he not only spoke on the sound of the album, but released the list of artists who will feature. It’s about time.

Yeat already released the tracklist for LYFESTYLE, which sits at 21 songs, but the features were initially hidden. It was assumed that we would all have to wait until the album dropped to find out who was on the album, and who wound up on the cutting room floor. Thankfully, Yeat took mercy on us and revealed who will appear. The list did not disappoint. Yeat will have guest features from rap superstars like Kodak Black and Lil Durk. There will also be hooks from Don Toliver and acts like Summrs and Lazer Dim 700. Yeat is known for his rage style, which often blurs genre lines, but he told The Fader that he’s going full hip hop this time around.

Read More: Lil Durk Delays Release Date Of Anticipated Album “Deep Thoughts”

Yeat Will Focus On Rap Collabs For His New Album

LYFESTYLE [is] basically just my normal rap sh*t,” Yeat explained. “It’s not futuristic, it’s not like a whole different world. It’s the most polished I’ve ever came with the rap sh*t.” The features Yeat chose serve to support this narrative. Lil Durk, Kodak and Don Toliver are some of the most conventional rappers that he has worked with to date. Yeat has worked with stars like Drake before, but even then, the 6 God adapted to his rage style. It’ll be fascinating to hear how people like Durk and Kodak sounds on Yeat beats.

Those who prefer Yeat’s more experimental sound needn’t worry. The rapper told the outlet that his next album is already in the works. It will departure from LYFESTYLE in that it will sound like a refined version of 2093. “I don’t know when it’s going to come out, but it’s kind of like 2093,” he noted. “But a lot more refined. We’ve been spending a lot of time creating that sound in tandem with the LYFESTYLE sound for a couple months.” We can’t wait to hear it all.

Read More: Kodak Black’s Car Catches On Fire During First Kick Stream

[via]

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Kawhi Leonard Still Rehabbing Knee Will Miss Season Opener

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LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard will miss the start of the 2024-25 NBA season due to ongoing inflammation in his right knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Leonard, who has battled knee issues throughout his career, is expected to be sidelined indefinitely as he undergoes rehabilitation.

This latest setback comes after Leonard played only two games in last season’s playoffs due to the same knee, which has undergone two surgeries. His absence was a critical blow to the Clippers, who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks in six games.

During the 2023-24 regular season, Leonard played 68 games—his most since joining the Clippers—before missing the final eight due to his knee problems. Despite signing a three-year, $52 million extension in January, his persistent injuries have significantly limited his postseason appearances for four consecutive years.

Leonard’s health concerns also kept him from representing Team USA in the Paris Olympics. Initially, Leonard had been practicing with the U.S. team in Las Vegas but was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White in mid-July. USA Basketball decided it was best for Leonard to focus on his NBA recovery, although the Clippers later stated they had no issue with him playing in Paris. The U.S. team went on to win the gold medal.

The Clippers are set to open their regular season on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns, but they will do so without their star forward, who remains in recovery.

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YSL Young Thug RICO Trial Judge Denies Former ATL Detective From Testifying

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The YSL RICO trial of Young Thug and many associates continues. Here’s the latest. A former Atlanta police detective, Ty Dennis, has been permanently barred from testifying in the high-profile racketeering and gang trial involving Young Thug.

The aggressive but understandable ruling went down after a controversial comment in court. Dennis, who had been a key witness in the case, made an improper statement while on the stand, leading to calls for a mistrial.

Let’s dive in further …

The incident occurred while Dennis was discussing a photo of co-defendant Deamonte Kendrick, which showed Kendrick standing on the hood of a luxury Maybach belonging to alleged rival gang member YFN Lucci. Prosecutors had intended to focus solely on the photograph, taken in the parking lot of Lenox Square, but Dennis, in front of the jury, mentioned Kendrick being released from jail.

Get this, the offhand remark sparked an immediate objection from Kendrick’s attorney, Doug Weinstein, who demanded a mistrial. That mistrial move has been a recurring theme throughout the longest trial in Georgia’s history and at this rate, it might just happen sooner or later but we’re just speculating.

As you can imagine, the comment outraged Weinstein, who argued, “Your honor, this one you cannot fix. This absolutely cannot be unheard by the jury. It was heard clear as day in his deep, sonorous voice. They have heard it. They have absorbed it. It cannot be fixed.”

What’s more, in response, Judge Paige Reese Whitaker excused Dennis from the stand and ultimately barred him from returning to testify. While acknowledging that the state likely did not intend to elicit the comment about Kendrick’s criminal record, Whitaker was firm, stating, “As the sanction for this having occurred, that’s the end of the testimony from this witness. He is done.” She further criticized Dennis, a retired investigator, for not exercising better judgment in his testimony.

Of course, Weinstein pushed for a mistrial, Whitaker denied the motion, noting that one of Kendrick’s charges in the indictment already referenced a previous felony conviction. However, she instructed the jury to disregard all of Dennis’ testimony from that day.

Let’s unpack a bit more. Dennis, along with his former partner Lakea Gaither, had been a significant figure in the investigation. Both retired from the Atlanta Police Department in 2020 and were named Investigators of the Year in 2015. Despite their important role, this development further complicates the already slow-moving trial, which has set a record as Georgia’s longest-running jury selection process, having started in January 2023.

To recap the basics, prosecutors allege that Young Thug is the leader of Young Slime Life (YSL), an Atlanta-based gang involved in a series of violent crimes, including robberies, shootings, and at least three murders. The defense, however, maintains that YSL is merely the name of Williams’ record label, and their clients are innocent of the gang-related charges.

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Cardi B Wants ‘Peace’ With Offset Amid Divorce

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Can’t we all just get along? Yes, we said it and it was too easy to not say it so sorry, not really. Here we go, Cardi B has emphasized her desire for “peace” with her estranged husband, Offset, as their relationship continues to unfold amid their ongoing divorce.

The “Bodak Yellow” rapper filed for divorce from Offset for a second time in July, following their marriage in 2017. Despite recent public disputes, including Offset accusing Cardi of infidelity while she was pregnant, Cardi has expressed her wish for a civil co-parenting relationship with the father of their three children.

The revelation hit socials while speaking on X Spaces, Cardi shared her feelings about the situation, stating, “I feel like two weeks ago, there was a lot of beef. I feel like things are calming down right now. I don’t want to have beef with anybody that I love.”

Cardi continued, “All the divorce things that happen, I want peace and I want friendship. I just want, like, a healthy co-parenting relationship, and co-parenting means no f**king, no flirting… I want peace.”

The Bronx diva further elaborated on her hopes for their co-parenting dynamic, drawing inspiration from her own parents’ ability to raise her and her sister after their separation. “I want to be like my mom and my dad, they don’t f**k with each other, they just there for me and my sister,” Cardi explained.

What’s more, in addition to discussing her relationship with Offset, Cardi opened up about adjusting to being single again. At 31, she revealed she has been “having fun” but is careful not to let it interfere with her career. “I’m single and I’ve been having fun, but I feel like me being single and me having fun, I have to stop it because I don’t want it to get in the way of my work,” she said. “I’m paranoid to give people my time, I’m just playing around right now. I just want peace.”

Through it all, Cardi’s focus remains on finding peace and maintaining a stable environment for her children, Kulture, six, Wave, three, and their newborn daughter, as she navigates this new chapter of her life. This is a good sign because quite frankly, all the toxicity in the world is just too much.

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Kendrick Lamar Breaks Instagram Silence To Praise TDE Star Doechii

Doechii is having a moment. The TDE rapper dropped one of the most acclaimed albums of the year, Alligator Bites Never Heal, in August. She’s since become the most buzzed-about artist on the label, which is saying a lot for a roster packed with generational talent. Doechii has been making music for a minute, but Alligator Bites has truly been her coming out party. And Kendrick Lamar, of all people, has taken notice. The mysterious member of the Big Three broke his social media silence to heap praise on Doechii via Instagram.

The K. Dot embargo was lifted on October 17. The Compton rapper posted a screenshot of Doechii’s album along with an alligator emoji. It was the caption that came with the emoji, however, that turned heads. Lamar dubbed Doechii “the hardest out” period. For a rapper who has dominated the game in 2024, that’s quite the praise. It’s also further proof that Lamar is a TDE supporter through and through, despite no longer being on the label.

Read More: ScHoolboy Q Gives Doechii Her Flowers For Her New Mixtape

Doechii Dubbed Lamar ‘The Greatest’ In Return

Doechii returned the praise to Kendrick Lamar on her own Instagram profile. She reposted Dot’s caption and added: “Thank you Dot, you the greatest.” The exchange may seem like a moderate deal on its face, but it’s a big deal based on Doechii’s previous comments. The TDE signee went on The Joe Budden Pod and admitted that Lamar is at the top of her dream collaborator list. Budden asked if she expected a Dot guest verse for her album, given the TDE connection, but she clarified that she did not expect anything. She also claimed that wants to refine her artistry further before working with a rapper of Lamar’s level.

“That’s the goal,” Doechii explained. “Eventually I’m gonna ask Top [Dawg] if he could ask Kendrick, or ask Kendrick myself and see what comes from that. But I’ma be real. I don’t think I have the record right now for that opportunity. I think I would have to come a certain way and I don’t think I’m ready for that.” Lamar’s co-sign is certainly a step in the right direction when it comes to locking up a feature from the rapper in the future. We can only hope we don’t have to wait to long to hear Dot and Doechii team up.

Read More: Doechii Surprises Fans By Unveiling Her New Male Alter Ego Richardo

[via]

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Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Confirmed Killed In Gaza By Israeli Defense Forces

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Israeli forces in Gaza have killed Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader responsible for orchestrating the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed. Sinwar, a key figure within the Iran-backed militant group, was the target of an intensive manhunt following the attacks. Netanyahu’s announcement marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Vice President Kamala Harris responded to the news, stating, “Sinwar’s death gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza,” underscoring the potential impact of the event on future diplomatic efforts.

Sinwar, who was born in a Gaza refugee camp and spent many years imprisoned in Israel, had risen to become one of the most influential leaders within Hamas. Following the Oct. 7 attacks, which left a profound scar on the region, Sinwar was labeled a “dead man walking” by Israeli military officials.

After the discovery of Sinwar’s body, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant referenced a biblical verse on X, writing, “‘You will pursue your enemies and they will fall before you by the sword.’ — Leviticus 26. Our enemies cannot hide. We will pursue and eliminate them.”

While Sinwar’s death has stirred significant reactions, families of Israeli hostages have urged the government to leverage this moment for negotiating their loved ones’ release. On the Palestinian side, there is cautious optimism that his death might pave the way for the end of the war.

Mahdi Ghuloom, a regional security expert at Le Beck International, noted that Sinwar’s death could be a major political victory for Israel’s government, especially as the nation recently marked the anniversary of the deadly attacks. Before Sinwar’s death was officially confirmed, Ghuloom commented that his elimination might open a “window of opportunity for cease-fire talks to resume,” since Sinwar had reportedly been a key obstacle to those discussions.

“We are already seeing statements by Israeli hostage families calling on PM Netanyahu to grasp such an opportunity and secure a hostage release deal,” Ghuloom added. However, he stressed that it remains uncertain whether the Israeli government will take advantage of this moment and how Hamas may evolve under new leadership. Sinwar’s death, he concluded, could signify a shift in Hamas’ strategy in its conflict with Israel.

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Drake And Jennifer Lopez Rumored To Be Rekindling Connection

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Not like who? Rumors are swirling about a potential rekindling between two major names in entertainment: Drake and Jennifer Lopez. Following Lopez’s recent split from husband Ben Affleck, The Jasmine Brand reports that the Canadian rapper and the superstar have been getting closer once again.

In you’re doing this kind of math, Lopez, 55, filed for divorce from Affleck, 52, in August, and almost immediately after the news went public, Drake, 37, wasted no time in reaching out. That part.

Get this, according to an insider who spoke with In Touch, the “Hotline Bling” artist offered Lopez supportive words with a clear romantic undertone.

“As soon as she filed the papers, Drake reached out,” the source revealed. “He was very sweet and told her what a fool Ben is for letting her get away, and then he quickly let her know he’s ready and willing to step in and satisfy her.”

As you can imagine, Lopez reportedly isn’t looking for anything serious at the moment, Drake seems to be playing a particular role in her life. The source continued, “He definitely meets her needs for a hook-up. He’s very intelligent and romantic, and she can count on him being discreet because he’s always kept her secrets in the past.”

If you recall, Drake and Lopez share a history dating back to 2016, when they were first romantically linked. At the time, they posted cozy photos together on Instagram and attended a prom-themed party where they were reportedly seen kissing. While Lopez confirmed in 2017 that they had been spending time together, she never fully elaborated on the true nature of their relationship.

What this all comes down to is it appears that the chemistry between the two may have reignited. “They have their own history and a lot of chemistry, so it really did a lot to make her smile,” the insider explained. “Getting that kind of attention when she was feeling so low was exactly what she needed. Now they’re texting every day, and things are getting hot.”

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One Direction Members Post Heartfelt Tributes To “Brother” Liam Payne

One Direction was the boy band for an entire generation. As with every era-defining group, though, a contentious breakup came in the aftermath of their success. Fans were forced to choose which 1D star was right and which was wrong. Zayn Malik and Liam Payne were two of the most polarizing members during post-1D years. Payne’s tragic death on October 17, however, has put things into perspective for Zayn Malik. Zayn, as well as Louis Tomlinson, took to social media to pay tribute to their former band member and “brother.”

Zayn Malik posted a photo of him and Payne during their One Direction days. The two teens appear to be leaning against each other while sleeping in a car. Zayn then delves into the complications and the tragic dynamics of his relationship with Payne. “Even though you were younger than me,” he wrote. “You were always more sensible than me. You were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f**ks about telling people when they were wrong.” Zayn Malik then noted that he appreciated the ways in which Payne challenged him, even if he didn’t show it in the moment. “Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it,” he added.

Read More: Liam Payne’s Death Leads To Tributes From Juicy J, Ty Dolla Sign And More

Liam Payne Was Praised By His Former Band Mates

Zayn closed out his tribute to Liam Payne by referring to the late singer as his brother. Through all of the adversity, the two men remain bonded. “[I] can’t explain to you,” he concluded. “What I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly. Tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.” Zayn wasn’t the only One Direction star who felt the need to speak up after Liam Payne’s untimely death. Louis Tomlinson also took to Instagram to praise Payne and the impact the singer left on life.

Liam Payne and Tomlinson also had personal issues, according to an interview the former gave in 2021. He claimed that he and Tomlinson actually hated each other while they were in One Direction, and it was only after the band broke up that they became close. Tellingly, Louis Tomlinson also referred to Payne as his brother. “I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you,” he wrote on IG. “Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.”

Read More: Liam Payne Allegedly Jumped From Balcony According To Police Statement

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