NAO, Jacquees, & Future Headline Our “R&B Season” Playlist

The R&B resurgence has been a beautiful one to see as a plethora of artists have been receiving a ton of shine over the past couple of years. Every single week, it feels as though a prominent R&B artist is dropping a new song or a full-length project. For instance, Yung Bleu blessed us with his debut last week, and now, we have received yet another helping hand of R&B jams that will certainly serve you well as we reach the end of the summer. Thankfully, our R&B Season playlist is here to give you a guide on what you should check out each and every week.

At the top of our playlist this week is NAO who just dropped off the title track to her upcoming album And Then Life Was Beautiful. This is yet another fantastic track from the artist who has proven to be one of the most unique voices in the entire R&B space. From there, we get a wonderful effort from Jacquees and Future called “Not Jus Anybody.” These two slide on the track and their chemistry makes this a must-listen effort.

To round out this week’s additions to the playlist, we have Tink and Jeremih on the song “Rebel.” This track comes straight off of Tink’s new “Heat Of The Moment” album, which is an absolute must-listen. 

If you’re an R&B fan, there is something for everyone this week, and if you want to check out the new efforts, you can do so, below.

The MTV Moon Person Trophy Gets An Updated Look

Winners at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards will receive an updated version of the iconic Moon Person trophy.

As part of MTV’s 40th-anniversary celebration, the network has recruited artist Kehinde Wiley to revamp the statuette that will be handed out at the 2021 VMAs.

Wiley’s new version features the traditional astronaut silhouette while lacing it with green vines and colorful flowers. MTV tells Rolling Stone that the design choice “represents inclusivity and diversity marked by the historical, environmental and nature relevance of the botanicals.”

“Each intertwined vine or leaf has a different historical relevance, such as the seeds from African slaves, that are woven into the American tapestry,” adds the network. “The sculpture complements Wiley’s forthcoming series of portraits, in which he plans to create paintings featuring his subjects lying on their sides as vines encircle their bodies.”

A large-scale version of the design was unveiled on Sunday at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Gerardo Mora/Getty Images

Wiley rose to significant prominence for his presidential portrait of Barack Obama in 2018, a work that currently hangs in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Other subjects of Wiley’s have included the likes of the Notorious B.I.G., Ice T, Big Daddy Kane, and more.

This year’s VMAs are scheduled to take place on September 12 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

While nominees have not been officially announced, Megan Thee Stallion notably led the first-round ballot nominations, earning five of the 53 entries for video of the year and five of the 60 entries for song of the year.

ArrDee Shows Off His Humor With New Banger “Jiggy (Whiz)”

When it comes to flows and lyrics, there is no doubt that UK artists are in a complete league of their own. British artists are typically a lot cheekier with their lyrics as they don’t have a problem with being humorous within their songs. While most American artists take themselves incredibly seriously, the UK lot seems to be keener with theatrics. This is especially true for UK rapper ArrDee who recently dropped a brand new song called “Jiggy (Whiz)” which is an obvious party anthem.

With this track, ArrDee delivers some high-energy flows all while the production matches the party vibe that the artist is reaching for. The music video that goes along with the track is just as rambunctious as the song itself, which is something you love to see. Overall, ArrDee shines on the song, and fans who have yet to hear him should definitely give this effort a listen.

Quotable Lyrics:

Spun the track off the DJ
She running back, she likes the relay (Aye)
She kinda tapped but sweetie, she’s [?]
But I like that so girl, it’s ok (It’s ok)

Key Glock & Gucci Mane Make It Look Easy On “I Do This”

Young Dolph dropped off PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi with the Paper Route EMPIRE this past week. The project is a chance for Dolph to showcase his roster of talent. Key Glock, Snupe Bandz, Big Moochie Grape, and others take a prominent role in making PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi sound dope. A shining example of this is Key Glock’s single “I Do This” featuring Gucci Mane. 

The beat for “I Do This” is mainly comprised of a haunting piano and a siren-like synth that spins around the drums. The monotony of the instrumental almost gives the beat a marching vibe, like we’re stomping off to war. Gucci Mane hops in for the second verse, performing a memorable 16 before leaving Key Glock to command every other portion of the single. 

Quotable Lyrics
Stop the track, Glock, R.I.P to George Floyd (Stop)
I’m Gucci Mane LaFlare, my watch cost way more than Floyd’s (Well, damn)
These niggas broke as hell and it’s obvious to see (I see)
Gucci-ology, these niggas be studying me (Wow)
Get up off my dick like a bitch, like a bitch (Bitch)
Fuck a gang, I don’t need a clique, I’m the shit (Pfft)

Offset Jim & Kenny Beats Team Up For Tantalizing Banger “Face Card”

Oakland artist Offset Jim has been making big moves as of late thanks to a steady stream of new singles and projects that showcase his cold as ice flow and braggadocios lyrics. The artist has been catching the eye of various high-profile artists and producers, including Kenny Beats who has had a dominant last few years in the industry. Recently, the two teamed up for a brand new track called “Face Card,” which has both artists showing off their vast talents.

With this track, Kenny Beats delivers some menacing production that is full of guitars, crisp drums, and unique samples that complement Offset Jim’s voice. There is a lot of flexing being done on this track, and you can tell that Offset Jim feels as confident as ever. Overall, it’s a solid track that you can check out, below.

Quotable Lyrics:

International trapper, sendin’ boxes through the stateline
Crush a n***a dreams if he think he finna take mine (Come on)
Shit like this don’t come up overnight, see, shit like this, it take time
Remember I was broke, procrastinatin’, used to waste time (Shh)

Nearly Half Of Prince’s Estate Now Owned By Primary Wave Publishing

Music publishing powerhouse Primary Wave has quietly acquired a large stake in Prince’s estate. 

Last month, the publishing and management firm bought out 100 percent interest from Omarr Baker, Prince’s youngest brother. The purchase arrived after Primary Wave previously made similar deals with Prince’s sister Tyka Nelson and Prince’s late half-brother Alfred Jackson.

With these deals, Primary Wave now owns a stake in royalties from Prince’s masters in addition to his earnings as a songwriter, his name and likeness, along with his Paisley Park property. With a controlling interest of 42%, Primary Wave becomes the largest single-interest holder in the late icon’s estate.

The remaining interest is split between the three oldest siblings of Prince’s six siblings: Sharon, Norrine, and John.

“All we have to do is pay the IRS and pay the Minnesota taxes,” said Sharon Nelson. “I don’t see any problem.”

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

The addition of Prince’s catalog now joins a hefty repertory of legacy catalogs under the Primary Wave umbrella. Notably, the firm also controls shares in estates of other late legends such as Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, and Bob Marley.

“Prince is in the highest echelon of artists. It’s very hard to imagine an artist more interesting to Primary Wave than Prince,” said Primary Wave CEO Larry Mestel.

Prince’s estate still remains in probate as none of the heirs have received any distribution of assets. Administered through Comerica Bank & Trust, the probate is expected to come to an end as early as the end of the year. 

 

Donald Trump Puts Custom Helicopter With Leather & Gold Interior Up For Sale

If you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it. That was an old saying that still rings true when it comes to luxury items. That mind state also appears to be the direction Donald Trump is taking for selling another one of his helicopters. As reported by TMZ, Trump has listed his 1990 Sikorsky S76-B for sale. The Sikorsky S76-B can go for around $1 million, however, this one is pretty custom. 

Besides the fact it is owned by a former president, the helicopter has a custom leather interior. The plush leather is cream-colored and accented by gold seatbelts and handles. A television screen sits deep within a custom wood grain cabinet that has a mini storage unit for liquor underneath. The luxury helicopter looks spacious and safe, ensuring a small family could use it for travel. 

The asking price is not listed, and it appears Trump is just taking offers and deciding on the best one. This is not the first Sikorsky S76-B that Trump has sold. The former president has owned 3 of them, along with a range of other private planes and aircraft. This Sikorsky S76-B is being sold through an aerial retailer via Aero Asset. 

 

[via]

Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Surprising Take On Being Face Of The NBA

Giannis Antetokounmpo shocked the world this season as he was able to defy the odds and with the NBA Championship with the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis’ 50-point performance in Game 6 was truly phenomenal and it was good enough to get him the Finals MVP trophy, for all of his hard work throughout the series against the Phoenix Suns. Now, Giannis is back home in Greece, and he is celebrating his time off with his family and friends.

The Greek Freak is a massive superstar in his native country and there is no doubt that fans are excited to see him back home. Greece has never had a player of Giannis’ caliber before, and it’s likely he won’t have to pay for a single meal during his stay in the country.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Recently, Giannis was asked by journalist Harris Stavrou about whether or Giannis thinks he is the face of the NBA right now. Surprisingly, Giannis shut the question down quickly as he said that he doesn’t care about such a designation. In fact, he would much rather have other NBA stars get that title.

“I don’t care about being the face of the NBA. KD or Harden can be. I want to be with my kids and my family, I want to win and enjoy the game. I want to be Giannis the hard worker,” Antetokounmpo said matter of factly.

Giannis is one of those players that prefer to remain lowkey, and you have to respect it given everything he has accomplished. His legacy is bulletproof at this point, and no one will be able to take his championship away from him.

Marjorie Harvey Flaunts Virgil Abloh Designed Airplane LV Bag That’s Worth A Tesla

Marjorie Harvey, the wife of Steve Harvey, just flossed one of the most unique bags on the planet. The Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2021 airplane bag designed by Virgil Abloh comes at a price tag of $39,000, matching that of a Model 3 Standard Range Tesla. The bag doesn’t really look practical at all, and is bulky and somewhat ugly. The lane shape is covered in LV branding, with weird little black straps coming off the top to form a handle.

In a video, Harvey seems shocked to have gotten the bag. She questions if it’s some type of gift sent by the company, and you can hear her kind of laughing about it. “What is this that just arrived at my house?” she questions. “Did you all send this as a gift? What am I supposed to do with this?” she laughs.  

The funny thing is, you can buy a real single-engine plane for that price. When the bag was first revealed, the internet was confused as to the purpose of the bag. However, it’s being called a “statement piece,” made more for shock value than actual use. What do you think about the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2021 airplane bag designed by Virgil Abloh?