Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai were all smiles are the recent wedding of Tatum’s former teammate, Marcus Smart. Tatum rocked a sharp mint pinstripe suit while Mai was radiant in a chartreuse gown with a plunging neckline. The couple has been together since October 2020 and their pandemic romance has persisted ever since. While they kept things under wraps, Mai let things slip when she posted a TikTok from Tatum’s home during the 2021 offseason. They stepped out in public together for the first time in July 2022 at Michael Rubin’s 4th of July White Party.
However, the couple was in California this past weekend to attend Marcus Smart’s wedding. Smart and Tatum were Celtics teammates for six seasons between 2017 and 2023. However, Smart was traded this offseason as part of the deal that brought Kristaps Porziņģis to Boston. After Smart’s trade, Tatum only had good things to say about his ex-teammate. “He’s gonna love it, and the fans are gonna love him, the city is gonna love him. Sad to see him go, but happy for him to get a new start and excited to see what he does. They’re getting a leader. They’re getting a guy who’s a winner, who’s been to the playoffs every year. We’ve been to the Finals together obviously, so he knows what it takes to get there. Obviously extremely talented, the best defender in the league. He’s just a guy that you love to have on your team.”
Elsewhere, Tatum recently linked up with another Missourian. Tatum was born and raised in St. Louis and attended high school in Creve Coeur. However, he went out of state for college, committing to Duke and Coach K. Last month, Tatum was pictured kicking it with Sexyy Red, a product of St. Louis herself. Red posted an image of her hanging with Tatum on her Instagram, adding the caption “St. Louis sht man” along with a blood drop emoji. Tatum appeared dressed very casually in jeans and a Kobe-Jordan shirt. Meanwhile, Red has donned a blonde wig and was wearing a revealing purple outfit. Something was written across the ass of her shorts. However, only the word “Daddy” is clearly visible in the picture.
The internet had a lot of fun with the image, especially in roasting Tatum’s somewhat awkward stance. “Tatum scared to grab them cheeks ,” one person noted. “That boy fist sweating Didn’t even open his hand up. Everyone looks like a fan next to you,” added another. Meanwhile, other commenters referenced Red’s alleged relationship with Drake. “Not sure DRAKE will be happy with u taking pic with that dawg,” warned one individual.
The BET Award for Best International Act was first introduced in 2010 to highlight talents outside of the United States. Between 2011 and 2017, the category was split into two — Africa and the UK. However, since 2018, the award has become a more inclusive one. Accordingly, the 2023 BET nominees for the Best International Act include acts from all over the globe.
This year’s BET Awards will be held on June 25 in Los Angeles. These are the 10 artists up for the International Act award.
The recently announced nominations mark Aya Nakamura’s third time being recognized for the BET Award for Best International Act. Her first two nominations came as a result of her second and third albums, Nakamura and Aya, respectfuly. The French R&B singer earned her third nod due to her stellar fourth album, DNK. Nakamura released two singles, “SMS” and “Baby”, ahead of the album’s release, which made waves across Europe, particularly France. As was the case for her previous albums, DNK performed very well on the French Album chart, as well as the Belgian and Swiss charts.
Ayra Starr’s rise to fame began in 2021 with the release of her eponymous debut EP. After gaining momentum, she eventually released her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, only a few months later. By 2022, she had become a huge sensation. Ayra Starr’s music is predominantly R&B and Afrobeats. Her 2022 single “Rush”, propelled her into the European market, and she eventually worked with Kelly Rowland for a remix to her song, “Bloody Samaritan”. “Rush” would also eventually peak at the 24th spot on the UK Singles chart. This is her first nomination.
Burna Boy needs no introduction as far as the BET Awards go. The global sensation is no stranger to the BET Award for Best International Act. He famously pulled off a trifecta by taking the award three years in a row in 2019, 2020, and 2021. In the same vein as his previous works, his most recent album, Love, Damini was released in 2022 to critical acclaim. Straightaway, it became the highest-charting African album on the Billboard 200 upon its release. Love, Damini famously housed the popular single, “Last Last” and also featured other prominent artists like J Hus, Kehlani, Ed Sheeran, Khalid, and Blxst.
Oakley Caesar-Su, better known as Central Cee is a London-born rapper. In 2022, Central Cee became the first UK rapper to achieve one billion Spotify streams in a year. This was thanks to his viral hits “23”, “Doja”, “One Up” and “Let Go.” His latest EP No More Leaks arrived in October. This is his first-ever nomination for Best International Act at the BET Awards.
English singer Ella Mai made a successful crossover into the US market with her global hit single “Boo’d Up”. Following the release of her acclaimed sophomore album, Heart on My Sleeve, she has earned her first BET Award nod for Best International Act. The album features notable names, including Ty Dolla Sign, Latto, Roddy Rich, and Lucky Daye.
Ntokozo Mdluli, better known as K.O, started off as a member of the Hip Hop group, Teargas. Today, he’s made his name as one of South Africa’s most interesting rappers. Furthermore, his fourth album, Skhanda Republic 3 was released to critical acclaim. The lead single “SETE” was widely praised and became one of the most admired tracks of 2022.
Brazil’s L7nnon, also known as L7, enjoyed a massive breakthrough in 2022. He’s not only an accomplished rapper and rising star but is also a brilliant skateboarder who’s trying to go pro. L7nnon released several singles that took off in his native Brazil, including “Ai Preto” and “Facilitei.” He is also the third Brazilian nominated for the Best International Act award, following Emicida and Ludmilla’s nods in 2021 and 2022.
Stormzy is unarguably one of the UK’s most recognized rappers. He’s been nominated for the BET Award for Best International Act twice in the past. These nods came after his first and second albums, Gang Signs & Prayer, and Heavy is the Head. Stormzy’s third album was titled This Is What I Mean and released in late 2022. It earned critical acclaim for its genre-infused tracks and intimacy. The project has spurred his third nod for the award.
William Mundola, popularly known by his moniker Tiakola, is a French rapper. The rising star rose to fame in his native country as a member of the R&B and Hip Hop group, 4Keus. As the group is currently on a hiatus, Tiakola has gained even more fame as a solo artist. His debut album Mélo eventually hit the top spot on the French Album charts. Mélo featured several notable French rappers, including Hamza, Niska, Gazo, and more.
Uncle Waffles has been dubbed the “Princess of Amapiano”. This title is due to her infectious beats and swagged out style. The Eswatini-born DJ and producer has made South Africa her home and is gradually taking the continent of Africa by storm. Throughout Uncle Waffle’s career, she became an international sensation who performed across the globe. She is also the first amapiano act to play at Coachella. “Tanzania”, her debut single, became a huge hit, and was recently used by Beyoncé in a dance break during her Renaissance World Tour.
It’s been more than three years since Kiana Ledé gifted the world with a full-length project. That last body of work was her 2020 debut Kiki which was certainly one of the better R&B albums of that year. Since then, Ledé has taken on the ups and downs of life, love, and everything in between and it’s led to the upcoming release of her sophomore album Grudges. The project is just days away from becoming available to fans who have waited years for it, so with that being said, let’s get you up to speed with everything you need to know about it.
Release Date
Grudges is locked in for a release on June 16. It comes three years after Ledé released her debut album Kiki.
Tracklist
Ledé announced the tracklist for Grudges just days before its release. The tracklist goes as follows:
Kiana Ledé’s Grudges comes with features from Bryson Tiller (“Gone”), Ella Mai (“Jealous“), and Khalid (“Where You Go”). The album’s self-titled track is listed with a feature from “Kiki & Friends” and based on the tagged names on an Instagram post that Ledé used to announce the tracklist, the “Friends” could be Joyce Wrice, Sinead Harnett, Kyle Dion, and Destin Conrad.
Singles
Ledé has released three singles ahead of Grudges. They are “Irresponsible,” “Jealous” with Ella Mai, and “Deeper.”
Tour
A tour in support of Grudges has yet to be announced, but if we had to guess, you can bet that Ledé will hit the road for Grudges.
More Details
In a cover story interview with Fault Magazine, Ledé shed some light on some aspects of Grudges.
In response to the most “emotionally challenging song” to write on the album:
I would say the most challenging to write was “Deserve.” I had to go back to the time I got raped and process all of the complexities of the situation. I had to choose to forgive myself for some of the choices I made following my rape. Including keeping in contact with the person who did it to seek some sort of closure since I know I wasn’t in a space to seek justice. I realized that putting the blame on myself was more about having control to protect myself. I had to release the grudge I held against myself and really put the blame on him. This song is the closest to revenge I’m gonna get and I am comfortable with that.
In response to the “biggest change” Ledé has felt on this album compared to other projects:
I think this album is just more grown. I have lived more life and processed my experiences from a more mature perspective. (Even though some shit still be toxic – ha.)
Grudges is out 6/16 via Republic Records. Find out more information here.
It’s been a little over three years since Kiana Ledé gave us her stellar debut album KIKI. Since then, the singer has been relatively active through collaborations with the likes of THEY. (“Count Me In [Remix]“), Kehlani (“Ur Best Friend“), Destin Conrad (“Unpredictable”), and more. It wasn’t until the fall of 2022 that the journey towards her long-awaited sophomore album began, and kicked off with the release of “Irresponsible.” Eight months later, Kiana Ledé finally announced her sophomore album: Grudges.
Ledé shared the news by unveiling the project’s cover art and release date in an Instagram post. For the cover art of the album, which arrives on June 16, Ledé is pictured on her knees surrounded by numerous cameras in different styles, from portable video cameras to full-on surveillance cameras. The Instagram post was shared with a brief message that read, “Sometimes you gotta face yourself.”
In addition to sharing the cover art and release date, Ledé also unveiled its tracklist through its Apple Music pre-save page. Grudges will arrive with 17 songs and a lone feature from Ella Mai who appears on the album’s second single, “Jealous.”
You can view the artwork for Grudges above and scroll down to see the album’s full tracklist.
Ella Mai’s highly anticipated Heart On My Sleeve Tour is in full swing. The “How” singer is embarking on a 34-city tour with sole opening support from singer Thuy. With just a handful of shows complete, as the tour only officially kicked off on March 31 in Wallingford, Connecticut, fans are eager for the day the songwriter sets roots in their region.
With the Grammy Award-winning recording artist only recently releasing the deluxe version of her namesake album, in preparation for seeing the musician live, fans want to know what is Ella Mai’s setlist of songs for the tour.
View Ella Mai’s Heart On My Sleeve Tour setlist, according to Setlist.Fm and the remaining tour dates below.
1. “Trying”
2. “Not Another Love Song”
3. “Pieces”
4. “Break My Heart”
5. “10,000 Hours”
6. “Shot Clock”
7. “Leave You Alone”
8. “Boo’d Up”
9. “A Mess”
10. “Didn’t Say”
11. “Sink Or Swim”
12. “Power Of A Women”
13. “Naked”
14. “Trip”
15. “2 O’Clock”
16. “How”
17. “This Is”
18. “DFMU”
04/12 – Miami, FL @ Revolution Live
04/13 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
04/18 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
04/19 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live!
04/21 – Richmond, VA @ The National
04/22 – Norfolk, VA @The NorVa
04/24 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
04/25 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
04/27 – New Orleans, LA@ The Joy Theater
04/30 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
05/01 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
05/04 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
05/05 – San Diego, CA @ SOMA
05/07 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
05/13 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
05/14 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
05/15 – Vancouver, BC @ Harbour Event & Convention
05/17 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
05/18 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
05/20 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
05/22 – Minneapolis, MN @The Fillmore
05/24 – Chicago, IL @House of Blues
05/25 – Indianapolis, IN @Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
05/27 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
05/28 – Columbus, OH @Newport Music Hall
05/30 – Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall
06/01 – Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
Usually, you’d expect your friends and family to shower you with gifts on one’s birthday. But Kiana Ledé reversed the trend, surprising fans with a brand new single. Beloved for her beautiful yet heartbreaking ballads about betrayal (heard on tracks like “Ur Best Friend” featuring Kehlani), the singer and songwriter dug deep within herself on her new song.
Produced by Vron, “Jealous,” which features Ella Mai, is about just what the title suggests, or as Ledé referred to it on social, “the green eyed monster.” The songs provides both sings with a platform of vulnerability to confess to their truths in the game called love.
Ledé opens the track with a few bitter pieces of honesty, singing, “I ain’t never been good at sharing / But with you I practice patience / And I let you do your thing ’cause I’m doing mine / I was actin’ like I’m good when I know I’m lyin’.” As the track builds the chorus serves as the soothing buffering between the lyrical gut punches.
But on the second half of the track, Ella Mai is here to deliver the final blow. The British songwriter comes in to share her experience on the scorned path of heartbreak, singing, “No, I ain’t never been good at hidin’ my feelings / I don’t wanna come across too strong / I triеd my best for so long.”
Bravely, Mai own up to her part in the failed romance in the lines, “I know you do this sh*t on purpose / Actin’ like you don’t know I’m perfect for ya / You told me I’m your only person / Hate to say it, but that player sh*t be workin’.”
Listen to the song above.
Kehlani is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling some type of way over another person, Kiana Ledé and Ella Mai’s new collaboration is for you. The R&B darlings finally unleashed “Jealous” on Monday (April 3), via The Heavy Group/Republic Records. As it turns out, today is also the Phoenix-raised artist’s birthday, marking the perfect occasion for her to share another must-hear single.
As the VRon-produced effort begins, we hear from Ledé, who admits that she’s “never been good at sharing,” though the man in her life now is pushing her to “practice patience.” Her melodic voice rings out, “And I let you do your thing ’cause I’m doing mine / I was actin’ like I’m good when I know I’m lyin’.” When the chorus finally rolls around, she initially resists her feelings of jealousy but eventually admits to struggling over the “other bitches” in her love interest’s life.
Kiana Ledé and Ella Mai’s “Jealous” Collab is Here
On her verse, Mai markedly sings, “Don’t make me pull up on you just to make it loud and clear / I know you do this shit on purpose / Actin’ like you don’t know I’m perfect for ya / You told me I’m your only person.” From the sounds of her lyrics, she’s feeling just as possessive as her collaborator, leaving them both with plenty of strong feelings to work through.
“What did you think would happen / When you give me all this good dick?” Ledé asks on the bridge as the song comes to a close. “When you keep me on some good shit? / Let ’em try me, I’ma poll it / I’ve been posting pics,” she teases the man who’s got her in her feelings. “That ass been lookin’ thick / Does it make you jealous? / I can’t be the only one.”
Stream Kiana Ledé and Ella Mai’s “Jealous” collab on YouTube above, or add it to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the new R&B track in the comments. For more release recommendations, make sure to check back in on New Music Friday (April 7).
Quotable Lyrics:
I’ve been posting pics That ass been lookin’ thick Does it make you jealous? I can’t be the only one
The opener is Thuy, an LA-based singer known for her hit “Universe.”
On Instagram, she wrote in the announcement: “IM SPEECHLESS!!! i’m so honored to be opening up for the angel @ellamai!!!!!! i’ve always been such a fan of u and it’s such an insane full circle moment to be your special guest on your HOMS TOUR!!!!”
“I love creating a storyline. I feel like ‘X’s And O’s’ and ‘Distance Between Us,’ for example, tie into the story of I Hope You See This of closing out that chapter of like that bad relationship or leaving people in the past and that’s kind of like what ‘X’s And O’s’ is about, just like leaving people, whether it’s the non-believers or whether it’s a toxic ex, in the past and I feel like the whole deluxe is really just like closing out that chapter of my life.”
Ella Mai is going on tour to promote her album Heart On My Sleeve. The album was released back in May 2022 but the deluxe released this year in February. Ella Mai announced the album in March of 2022 and stated she poured her heart into it. The original album featured 15 songs and the deluxe added three songs. Separating the two is easy since the cover of the deluxe is in black and white, a large contrast to the original’s colorful cover. The album has minimal features with them coming from Latto, Lucky Daye and Roddy Ricch. This type of a variety showcases the adaptability of Ella as well as her collaborators. The deluxe edition does not add any new features.
Ella Mai has been hinting at going on tour since 2022. In a slideshow of Instagram posts recapping the year there were some not-so-subtle hints. These included her standing in front of an empty venue as well as footage of her rehearsing with a live band. In a more understated hint, she also included a picture of a water bottle with her album’s logo on it. Her listeners were quick to comment about these clues and ask about a tour. Many of them mentioned how long it had been since she did a solo tour and how they had their hopes high.
Ella Mai has announced her Tour
Whenever an artist drops an album, people expect and assume a tour will follow it. During the pandemic years of 2020 through some of 2022 this was not a guarantee. Many fans who already purchased tickets for various tours learned that the tour would not be happening. This not only left fans disappointed but the artists as well. Some opted to do virtual concerts through social media and YouTube from their homes or small venues. As time went on, venues began to open up with policies in place to keep everyone safe. These policies were worth the trouble for many fans because of their love for the artists. Recently, more and more venues have abandoned these policies and fans are able to attend shows with fewer precautions.
Ella Mai announced her Heart On My Sleeve Tour on January 22, 2023. On this same day, she also announced the deluxe edition of her album Heart On My Sleeve. Her listeners certainly had a lot to look forward to with both of these announcements. The tour poster featured the same black and white imagery the cover of the deluxe edition of the album has. This uniformity is a glimpse of the type of curated visuals fans can expect to see on the tour. The tour begins March 31 2023 and ends on May 4 2023. Ella has called this her “North America Tour” which leads many fans to believe an overseas portion – specifically in the UK- will be coming in the future.
Fans are Looking Forward to the Tour
Ella Mai recently asked her Twitter followers to ask her some questions. Naturally, many of the questions were about how she was doing or how specific songs came to be. However, there were also some questions about her upcoming tour. One of the first ones asked if there would be any openers/guests for the tour. Ella did not specify who they would be, but she did confirm there would be some. The tour poster does not share who the openers are either. Ella also shared that the chances of a UK portion of her tour are very high. She stated she wants to come back to her home in the UK since she is on tour all over America.
Tickets for Ella Mai’s Tour are Available Now
Tickets for Ella Mai’s Heart On My Sleeve tour are available now. Fans should check Ella Mai’s website to be connected to their venue’s ticket seller. An extensive list of tour dates and locations are on the homepage of her website. This makes it easy to find without navigating through multiple menus. Fans can scroll to their preferred city and click on “tickets” to gain access to the tour. They can also click on “RSVP” to get reminders and updates about the tickets as the date for their city gets closer. At the bottom of the list, there is an option to “Track” the tour which will take fans to the RSVP page too.
There are several ticket options with various benefits for each one. Naturally, the prices for these various levels increase depending on what comes with them. Most dedicated fans will want to purchase the Meet and Greet Experience tickets. These tickets are also the most expensive ones available. These tickets give fans access to take a picture with Ella Mai, enter the venue early and merch items. Fans can also select the VIP Merch Bundle tickets. This bundle includes an Ella Mai windbreaker, scrunchies, early entry and other benefits. However, there are merch items available on her website now. Some of them are already sold out.
Which city are you going to for Ella Mai’s tour? Let us know in the comments below.