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Some of the biggest names in rap kicked the month off with some heat but the stars of R&B have emerged to carry the vibes on as the spring comes closer. Of course, our R&B Season playlist is here to highlight all the R&B tracks that you should have on rotate right now. Here’s your breakdown:

While it might be a while until we receive a new project from Jorja Smith, she slid through this week with her sultry new record, “Addicted” earlier this week. Even after setting a high bar for herself with Lost & Found, Jorja Smith’s latest single is a promising look into what she has up her sleeve.

On Friday, Giveon commemorated the release of his two EPs by joining them together for, When It’s All Said And Done… Take Time. Even though it largely consisted of previously released singles, he did release his latest single, “All To Me.” 

Additionally, we got some new heat from Brent Faiyaz who just dropped off his latest single, “Show U Off” on Friday. 

Other additions to this week’s playlist include Foushée, Juice WRLD, and Jacquees.

COVID-19 has completely changed the way we do things. At this point, almost everyone spends their days locked up in their homes while some of the best athletes in the world are tested every single day as a way to make sure they are safe to play. It’s completely altered the way we look at the world and until at least 60 percent of the population is vaccinated, things are probably going to stay this way for a very long time.

NBA players have noted just how hard it’s been to be tested every single day, and recently Michael Porter Jr of the Denver Nuggets divulged on some of those realities. Porter fully understands why the testing needs to be done but admits that sometimes, guys are mentally and physically exhausted from having to do the extra work.

“Of course it is,” Porter said when asked if COVID-19 testing is a pain. “No one wants to get back to their house at 2 a.m. It takes a while to go to sleep and then have to wake up at 8 o’clock to go test, so that’s hard for guys. But, you know, this is our job. No excuses.”

Porter Jr’s comments are incredibly honest although we’re sure fans will have a hard time truly empathizing. Regardless, it’s important to highlight that these players are going through a lot this season and that their sacrifice has allowed the NBA to continue.

Harry How/Getty Images

As a new artist in the rap game, receiving praise and recognition from current heavy-hitters on the scene is a huge accomplishment. Co-signs from rappers that currently own the landscape essentially feels like a confirmation that your work and music are valid, and is not something to be taken lightly. Recent CMG signee EST Gee received praise from Lil Baby via Twitter account, proclaiming the rising Louisville star to be the proper heir to an Atlanta trap icon. 

The My Turn artist took some time in the wee hours of Sunday morning to give a shout-out to his “Real As It Gets” collaborator EST Gee. “Est Gee The New Young Jeezy,” wrote the Grammy Awards performer.

The rap newcomer, who hails from Louisville, released two projects last year, Ion Feel Nun and I Still Don’t Feel Nun, which earned him recognition from fellow rappers and CMG label head Yo Gotti. 

“I know a star and hustler when I see one and EST Gee is up next,” Gotti said at the time in regards to Gee at the time of his signing. “He got what it takes.” He’s since gone on to collaborate with fellow Louisville artist Jack Harlow on “Route 66,” as well as on his Collective Music Group labelmate 42 Dugg’s “Members Only” track.

What do you think of Baby’s declaration? Let us know in the comments. 

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Tonight will mark the 63rd annual Grammy Awards. The vibe is different this year since we are still in a pandemic but, as the saying goes, the show must go on. There’s still a ton of anticipation regarding the show tonight, especially among the rap categories. Last year, they made some major changes, especially in regards to the rap categories. The best “Rap/Sung Collaboration” is now the best Rap/Sung performance to acknowledge the rappers who blur the lines between singing and rapping. Apparently, they didn’t get the memo when they nominated best Rap Album but that’s another story.

With the award show taking place today, we’re keeping you up to date on everyone who took home and a Grammy. Check out the list of winners below. 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Chilombo, Jhené Aiko
Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition), Black Pumas
Everyday Life, Coldplay
Djesse Vol. 3, Jacob Collier
Women in Music Pt. III, Haim
Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa
Hollywood’s Bleeding, Post Malone
Folklore, Taylor Swift

RECORD OF THE YEAR
“Black Parade,” Beyoncé
“Colors,” Black Pumas
“Rockstar,” DaBaby featuring Roddy Rich
“Say So,” Doja Cat
“Everything I Wanted,” Billie Eilish
“Don’t Start Now,” Dua Lipa
“Circles,” Post Malone
“Savage,” Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé

Song of the Year
“Black Parade,” Denisia Andrews, Beyoncé, Stephen Bray, Shawn Carter, Brittany Coney, Derek James Dixie, Akil King, Kim “Kaydence” Krysiuk & Rickie “Caso” Tice, songwriters (Beyoncé)
“The Box,” Samuel Gloade & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (Roddy Ricch)
“Cardigan,” Aaron Dessner & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
“Circles,” Louis Bell, Adam Feeney, Kaan Gunesberk, Austin Post & Billy Walsh, songwriters (Post Malone)
“Don’t Start Now,” Caroline Ailin, Ian Kirkpatrick, Dua Lipa & Emily Warren, songwriters (Dua Lipa)
“Everything I Wanted,” Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
“I Can’t Breathe,” Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas, songwriters (H.E.R.)
“If the World Was Ending,” Julia Michaels & JP Saxe, songwriters (JP Saxe featuring Julia Michaels)

Best Pop Vocal Album
Changes, Justin Bieber
Chromatica, Lady Gaga
Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa
Fine Line, Harry Styles
Folklore, Taylor Swift

Best Pop Solo Performance
“Yummy,” Justin Bieber
“Say So,” Doja Cat
“Everything I Wanted,” Billie Eilish
“Don’t Start Now,” Dua Lipa
“Watermelon Sugar,” Harry Styles
“Cardigan,” Taylor Swift

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Un Dia (One Day),” J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny and Tainy
“Intentions,” Justin Bieber featuring Quavo
“Dynamite,” BTS
“Rain on Me,” Lady Gaga featuring Ariana Grande
“Exile,” Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Blue Umbrella, Burt Bacharach & Daniel Tashian
True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter, Harry Connick Jr.
American Standard, James Taylor
Unfollow the Rules, Rufus Wainwright
Judy, Renée Zellweger

Best Rap Performance
“Deep Reverence,” Big Sean featuring Nipsey Hussle
“Bop,” DaBaby
“What’s Poppin,” Jack Harlow
“The Bigger Picture,” Lil Baby
“Savage,” Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé
“Dior,” Pop Smoke

Best Melodic Rap Performance
“Rockstar,” DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch
“Laugh Now, Cry Later,” Drake featuring Lil Durk
“Lockdown,” Anderson .Paak
“The Box,” Roddy Ricch
“Highest in the Room,” Travis Scott

Best Rap Song
“The Bigger Picture,” Dominique Jones, Noah Pettigrew & Rai’shaun Williams, songwriters (Lil Baby)
“The Box,” Samuel Gloade & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (Roddy Ricch)
“Laugh Now, Cry Later,” Durk Banks, Rogét Chahayed, Aubrey Graham, Daveon Jackson, Ron LaTour & Ryan Martinez, songwriters (Drake featuring Lil Durk)
“Rockstar,” Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, Ross Joseph Portaro IV & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch)
“Savage,” Beyoncé, Shawn Carter, Brittany Hazzard, Derrick Milano, Terius Nash, Megan Pete, Bobby Session Jr., Jordan Kyle Lanier Thorpe & Anthony White, songwriters (Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé)

Best Rap Album
Black Habits, D Smoke
Alfredo, Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
A Written Testimony, Jay Electronica
King’s Disease, Nas
The Allegory, Royce Da 5’9”

BEST DANCE RECORDING

“On My Mind” — Diplo & SIDEPIECE
“My High” — Disclosure Featuring Aminé & Slowthai
“The Difference” — Flume Featuring Toro y Moi
“Both Of Us” — Jayda G
“10%” — Kaytranada Featuring Kali Uchis

BEST DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM

Kick I, Arca
Planet’s Mad, Baauer
Energy, Disclosure
Bubba, Kaytranada
Good Faith, Madeon

BEST CONTEMPORARY INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM

Axiom, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
Chronology of a Dream: Live at the Village Vanguard, Jon Batiste
Take the Stairs, Black Violin
Americana, Grégoire Maret, Romain Collin & Bill Frisell
Live at the Royal Albert Hall, Snarky Puppy

BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE

“Shameika” — Fiona Apple
“Not” — Big Thief
“Kyoto” — Phoebe Bridgers
“The Steps” — HAIM
“Stay High” — Brittany Howard
“Daylight” — Grace Potter

BEST METAL PERFORMANCE

“Bum-Rush” — Body Count
“Underneath” — Code Orange
“The In-Between” — In This Moment
“Bloodmoney” — Poppy
“Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe) – Live” — Power Trip

BEST ROCK SONG

“Kyoto” — Phoebe Bridgers
“Lost in Yesterday” — Tame Impala
“Not” — Big Thief
“Shameika” — Fiona Apple
“Stay High” — Brittany Howard

BEST ROCK ALBUM

A Hero’s Death, Fontaines D.C.
Kiwanuka, Michael Kiwanuka
Daylight, Grace Potter
Sound & Fury, Sturgill Simpson
The New Abnormal, The Strokes

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM

Fetch the Bolt Cutters, Fiona Apple
Hyperspace, Beck
Punisher, Phoebe Bridgers
Jaime, Brittany Howard
The Slow Rush, Tame Impala

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE

“Lightning & Thunder” — Jhené Aiko Featuring John Legend
“Black Parade” — Beyoncé
“All I Need” — Jacob Collier Featuring Mahalia & Ty Dolla $ign
“Goat Head” — Brittany Howard
“See Me” — Emily King

BEST TRADITIONAL R&B PERFORMANCE

“Sit on Down” — The Baylor Project Featuring Jean Baylor & Marcus Baylor
“Wonder What She Thinks of Me” — Chloe X Halle
“Let Me Go” — Mykal Kilgore
“Anything for You” — Ledisi
“Distance” — Yebba

BEST R&B SONG

“Better Than I Imagine” — Robert Glasper Featuring H.E.R. & Meshell Ndegeocello
“Black Parade” — Beyoncé
“Collide” — Tiana Major9 & EARTHGANG
“Do It” — Chloe X Halle
“Slow Down” — Skip Marley & H.E.R.

BEST PROGRESSIVE R&B ALBUM

Chilombo, Jhené Aiko
Ungodly Hour, Chloe X Halle
Free Nationals, Free Nationals
F**k Yo Feelings, Robert Glasper
It Is What It Is, Thundercat

BEST R&B ALBUM

Happy 2 Be Here, Ant Clemons
Take Time, Giveon
To Feel Love/d, Luke James
Bigger Love, John Legend
All Rise, Gregory Porter

BEST LATIN POP OR URBAN ALBUM

YHLQMDLG, Bad Bunny
Por Primera Vez, Camilo
Mesa Para Dos, Kany García
Pausa, Ricky Martin
3:33, Debi Nova

BEST REGGAE ALBUM

Upside Down, 2020 Buju Banton
Higher Place, Skip Marley
It All Comes Back to Love, Maxi Priest
Got to Be Tough, Toots & The Maytals
One World, The Wailers

BEST GLOBAL MUSIC ALBUM

Fu Chronicles, Antibalas
Twice as Tall, Burna Boy
Agora, Bebel Gilberto
Love Letters, Anoushka Shankar
Amadjar, Tinariwen

BEST CHILDREN’S MUSIC ALBUM

All the Ladies, Joanie Leeds
Be A Pain: An Album for Young (and Old) Leaders, Alastair Moock And Friends
I’m an Optimist, Dog On Fleas
Songs for Singin’, The Okee Dokee Brothers
Wild Life, Justin Roberts

BEST SPOKEN WORD ALBUM (INCLUDES POETRY, AUDIO BOOKS & STORYTELLING)

Acid for the Children: A Memoir, Flea
Alex Trebek – The Answer Is…, Ken Jennings
Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth, Rachel Maddow
Catch and Kill, Ronan Farrow
Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White), Meryl Streep (and Full Cast)

BEST COMEDY ALBUM

Black Mitzvah, Tiffany Haddish
I Love Everything, Patton Oswalt
The Pale Tourist, Jim Gaffigan
Paper Tiger, Bill Burr
23 Hours to Kill, Jerry Seinfeld

BEST MUSICAL THEATER ALBUM

Amélie, Original London Cast
American Utopia on Broadway, Original Cast
Jagged Little Pill, Original Broadway Cast
Little Shop of Horrors, The New Off-Broadway Cast
The Prince of Egypt, Original Cast
Soft Power, Original Cast

BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Bill & Ted Face the Music
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Frozen 2
Jojo Rabbit

BEST SCORE SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA

Ad Astra, Max Richter
Becoming, Kamasi Washington
Joker, Hildur Guðnadóttir
1917, Thomas Newman
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, John Williams

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR VISUAL MEDIA

“Beautiful Ghosts” (from Cats) — Taylor Swift
“Carried Me With You” (from Onward) — Brandi Carlile
“Into the Unknown” (from Frozen 2) — Idina Menzel & AURORA
“No Time to Die” (from No Time to Die) — Billie Eilish
“Stand Up” (from Harriet) — Cynthia Erivo

BEST INSTRUMENTAL COMPOSITION

“Baby Jack” — Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
“Be Water II” — Christian Sands
“Plumfield” — Alexandre Desplat
“Sputnik” — Maria Schneider
“Strata” — Remy Le Boeuf’s Assembly Of Shadows Featuring Anna Webber & Eric Miller

BEST RECORDING PACKAGE

Everyday Life, Coldplay
Funeral, Lil Wayne
Healer, Grouplove
On Circles, Caspian
Vols. 11 & 12, Desert Sessions

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL

Jack Antonoff
Dan Auerbach
Dave Cobb
Flying Lotus
Andrew Watt

BEST REMIXED RECORDING

“Do You Ever (RAC Mix)” — Phil Good
“Imaginary Friends (Morgan Page Remix)” — Deadmau5
“Praying for You (Louie Vega Main Remix)” — Jasper Street Co.
“Roses (Imanbek Remix)” — SAINt JHN
“Young & Alive” (Bazzi vs. Haywyre Remix) — Bazzi

BEST MUSIC VIDEO

“Brown Skin Girl” — Beyoncé
“Life Is Good” — Future Featuring Drake
“Lockdown” — Anderson .Paak
“Adore You” — Harry Styles
“Goliath” — Woodkid

BEST DANCE RECORDING

“On My Mind” — Diplo & SIDEPIECE
“My High” — Disclosure Featuring Aminé & Slowthai
“The Difference” — Flume Featuring Toro y Moi
“Both Of Us” — Jayda G
“10%” — Kaytranada Featuring Kali Uchis

BEST DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM

Kick I, Arca
Planet’s Mad, Baauer
Energy, Disclosure
Bubba, Kaytranada
Good Faith, Madeon

BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC ALBUM

Run to the Father, Cody Carnes
All of My Best Friends, Hillsong Young & Free
Holy Water, We The Kingdom
Citizen of Heaven, Tauren Wells
Jesus Is King, Kanye West

Marvelous Marvin Hagler tragically passed away yesterday at the age of 66. The legendary boxer was someone that many looked up to and back in the 80s, he was constantly showcasing his impressive talents all while winning titles. His loss is a massive blow to the sport of boxing, and many of the people he inspired took to social media to pay their respects to one of the greatest talents of his generation.

Joe Rogan was one of the people who offered a Hagler tribute which shouldn’t be a surprise considering how much Rogan loves combat sports. In fact, Rogan is quite a talented visual artist, as he displayed a drawing he made of Hagler all the way back in 1983 when Rogan would have been a teenager. Rogan also offered some kind words about the man and the impact Hagler had on his life.

Per Joe Rogan:

“I drew this piece of Marvin Hagler way back in 1983 when I was 15. I remember watching a TV profile on him where he was running on the beach in the dead of winter shadow boxing and screaming “WAR!” They showed his maniacal dedication to training and fight preparation, and it had a massive influence on me. I would think of him when I was tired and was considering stopping. I would imagine what he would do and it would always fill me with energy. When I heard he died yesterday I was stunned. I was such a massive fan all my life, and every now and then I’ll go to YouTube and watch some of his classic fights. The other day I watched his victory over Mugabi, and it was every bit as epic as I remembered. They don’t make many human beings as incredible as Marvin Hagler. He was truly one of the greats. RIP”

Rogan’s words will surely resonate with those who love and remember Hagler. Numerous athletes have an impact on our lives but it’s clear that Hagler was someone special, who went above and beyond.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images for Laureus

Late last week, Mulatto debuted her new “Beat Box” freestyle, rapping for almost a minute-straight about her star-studded feature history, her newfound success, and of course, light shots at other women rappers in the game. Fans specifically speculated the rapper was shading fellow female artist Renni Rucci, namely when she spit “…and ain’t nothing big about y’all h*es! So if the b*tch name ain’t Latto, don’t put ‘Big’ in front of it. Straight up.” They’ve since been taking shots at each other on their respective social media channels, with Mulatto using a Nicki Minaj verse to taunt the Rucci. 

Amid the beef, the “Muwop” artist shared a clip in her Instagram story of Nicki Minaj’s memorable verse on the remix of YG’s 2014 track “My N*gga.” “Drop a freestyle and get a rise out of bitches,” raps Nicki on the track. Rucci, whose current name on Instagram and Twitter is “The Biggest,” had back at the rapper for the suspected shade in the freestyle.   

Rucci had previously express she had no interest in hopping in beef with Latto, commenting, “if it ain’t directed it ain’t respected. lil mama popping it tho.” It seemed she may have had a change of heart because she later took to Twitter to express her dissatisfaction with the bar. 

“My social media names BEEN this we all rappers so let us rap watch out,” penned Rucci on her Twitter. Many questioned why Rucci had responded if the shade wasn’t “directed,” as she had previously commented. 

Right now, it’s hard to tell whether or not this beef will continue on, but right now it seems like both sides are playing it safe. We’ll keep you updated on the beef.