Empire State Building To Hold Lighting Ceremony In Honor Of Notorious B.I.G.’s 50th Birthday

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This Friday evening at 4 p.m., the Empire State Building (ESB) will host a lighting ceremony to honor the 50th birthday of the Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie), in partnership with Bad Boy / Atlantic / Rhino Records and the Christopher Wallace Estate. 

The Empire State Building Observatory Experience will feature a life-size photorealistic avatar of Biggie for guest viewing and photographs on Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Also, on Friday and Saturday, fans can purchase exclusive Biggie x ESB hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, sold only at the Observatory. Biggie’s 11x platinum album Life After Death will be available to purchase on cassette, along with the preorder for the 8-LP Deluxe. 

Fifteen minutes after sunset on Saturday, May 21 – what would have been Biggie’s 50th birthday – the Empire State Building will light up in dynamic red and white with a rotating crown and the number “50” in the mast.  

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Tierra Whack and Run The Jewels Set for Adult Swim Festival in Philly

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The Adult Swim Festival comes to the East Coast for the first time as a three-day block party in Philadelphia’s famed Fishtown area. The series of events will take place from Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 7, 2022, and will feature performances by Run The Jewels, Dethklok, and Philadelphia resident Tierra Whack. In celebration of all things Adult Swim, fans will enjoy a dynamic program of music, humor, live panels, outdoor screenings, and exclusive products. Advance tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday, May 19.

“After several successful years in LA and online, we’re excited to bring the Adult Swim Festival to the East Coast,” said Michael Ouweleen, president of Adult Swim. “Fishtown is the perfect setting for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the city, Adult Swim and top talent who are at the forefront of the music and comedy worlds.” 

The Adult Swim Festival Block Party, presented by Live Nation, will feature a curated series of individually ticketed events at four iconic Fishtown venues, including The Fillmore Philadelphia, The Foundry, Punch Line Philadelphia, and The Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia, all set within an ongoing neighborhood block party with beer gardens, food trucks, and fun fan attractions.

At must-see panels and series watch parties, fans will get first looks and breaking news about some of Adult Swim’s most popular shows. Matt Maiellaro and Dave Willis, together with their Aqua Teen Hunger Force co-stars Carey Means (Frylock) and Dana Snyder (Master Shake), will take the stage to present all the facts and a first peek at the sequel to the fan-favorite series. Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, makers of Smiling Friends, will bring joy to Philadelphia and premiere a video from an upcoming special. Fans of Rick and Morty can also look forward to a first peek at the highly anticipated sixth season of the comedy, which will premiere exclusively at the festival.

Additional performers include Flo Milli, DJ Diamond Cuts, Bia, and Trackstar the DJ.

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Drai’s Las Vegas Announces Multi-Year Residency for Chris Brown

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Starting Saturday, June 11, Drai’s Nightclub will welcome famous performer Chris Brown back to the Drai’s LIVE stage for a new multi-year engagement. The Grammy Award-winning artist will make his triumphant return with an explosive new creation unlike anything seen before on Drai’s LIVE. The Drai’s website has tickets available now.

When Brown initially took the Drai’s LIVE stage in 2015, he was one of the club’s inaugural tenants, and he’ll be the first with a custom-designed set and production. The transparent two-level stage, designed to bring Brown’s vision to life, will bring him closer to his fans with an immersive, up close and personal encounter. The R&B legend will sing favorites from his 15-year career, such as “Go Crazy,” “Iffy,” and “No Guidance,” as well as tracks from his highly anticipated new album, Breezy (TBC). At a later date, further shows from his multi-year residency will be revealed.

“Chris Brown helped define Drai’s LIVE and what has become an unmatched lineup of residency performers on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Dustin Drai, Vice President of Entertainment, Drai’s Management Group. “He’s one of the most dynamic live performers today and we’re thrilled to welcome him back with a production that’s set to deliver an unprecedented fan experience.”

Brown has continued to set records, including his own, when the original version of his smash “Go Crazy” surpassed his track “No Guidance” as the longest-running #1 song on the US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart at 28 weeks. He’s received many award nominations and victories in the last year alone. “Heat” and “No Guidance” were chart-topping singles from his ninth studio album. Breezy (TBC), his ninth studio album, is set to be released this summer.

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T-Pain Taps Lil Jon, Hannibal Buress, O.T. Genasis For Inaugural “Wiscansin Fest”

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While his new single “That’s Just Tips” moves around hip hop, T-Pain, 37, joins the likes of J.Cole, Pharrell and Jay Z with the launch of his very own music festival, titled “Wiscansin Fest,” in Wisconsin this June.

MORE: T-Pain Teams with TIDAL for ‘1-833-4-TIPSONTIDAL’ to Give Tips to Emerging Artists

The award-winning recording artist and wife, Amber Najm, announced Wednesday (May 11) via social media that the inaugural Wiscansin Fest will debut June 11 in Milwaukee at Rave.

The “Buy U A Drank” creator, who has been building up anticipation for the first-ever festival with a 19-city “The Road to Wiscansin Tour,” names a 17 acts line-up with the announcement that includes chart-topping superstars and longtime collaborators of the Tallahassee native, featuring Lil Jon, O.T. Genasis, Bleu (Formerly Yung Bleu), K Camp, and Hannibal Buress with a DJ-set as the moniker Eshu Tune.

“The first of its kind @nappyboyentertainment presents a line up that I hand picked myself,” T-Pain wrote with celebration emojis in the Instagram caption with a photo of the Festival flyer. “This one means so much to me. Go get your tickets link in my bio before they sell out. See you on June 11th in the only place that felt right- Milwaukee, WISCANSIN.” 
“Wiscansin Fest!! @tpain’s first ever festival and I’m so proud of him. Y’all get your tickets now!!,” captions a proud Amber Najm in an Instagram post promoting the upcoming festival flyer.

MORE: T-Pain Calls Out Dallas Fans for Low Ticket Sales

The word “Wiscansin” originates from T-Pain’s verse on the 2008 classic “Can’t Believe It” featuring Lil Wayne from his gold-selling third album, Three Ringz (Jive). T-Pain changed the pronunciation of the state, Wisconsin, to “Wiscansin” to make a rhyme with “mansion. The success of “Can’t Believe It” spawned a remix with Justin Timberlake. In 2018, T-Pain launched a collegiate-themed apparel line, Wiscansin University, inspired by the word. 

Headline by T-Pain-himself, see the complete line-up to the inaugural Wiscansin Fest below.

T-Pain

Lil Jon

Bleu (Yung Bleu)

K Camp

O.T. Genasis

Kid Ink

Juvenile

Mija

Eshu Tune (Hannibal Buress)

Erica Banks

Softest Hard

Trap Beckham

Krizz Kaliko

Young Cash

Shonte Renee

The Black Amigo

DJay Mando

Very Handsome Billy
VIP and general public tickets for Wiscansin Fest are on sale now. You may purchase your tickets here.

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Warner Music Group Celebrates Successful HBCU Immersion Program, Opens Applications for 2022-23 Program

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In conjunction with Culture Creators, Warner Music Group is celebrating the success of its inaugural WMG HBCU Immersion Program.

The pioneering WMG HBCU Immersion Program establishes a strong and diversified pipeline of the smartest and brightest HBCU students to help grow the music industry in the years ahead. The lively and effective six-week program prepares HBCU students for a career in the competitive music industry by giving them the knowledge they need to succeed. The WMG HBCU Immersion Program provides students with a full introduction to the music industry, career development advice, and the opportunity to interact with WMG executives.

The WMG HBCU Immersion Program provides a new path for talented young people through the Culture Creators curriculum, which includes five cutting-edge learning modules: A&R, Marketing, Data Science, Business Development, and Administration & Licensing. Weekly live virtual sessions, interactive learning activities, and guest speaker panels will be held for students. Following completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for a paid position with Warner Music Group’s Summer Emerging Talent Associate Program, which will allow them to apply what they’ve learned and gain hands-on experience at Atlantic Records, Warner Records, Warner Music Nashville, Rhino, Warner Chappell, and WMX. Subsidies for housing will be available to help people relocate to New York City, Los Angeles, or Nashville.

Last month, the inaugural WMG HBCU Immersion Program was completed with resounding success, with 32 students selected from over 150 applicants. Beginning in January 2023, fresh applications for the WMG HBCU Immersion Program will be accepted. Applicants must be a college junior, senior, or graduate student currently enrolled in an approved HBCU who has a strong interest in music. During the six-week program, students must commit to three hours every week. Visit www.wmg.com/hbcuimmersionprogram for additional details.

“As a proud HBCU alum, I am thrilled about the creation of WMG’s HBCU Immersion Program,” says Dr. Maurice Stinnett, WMG, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “HBCU’s are full of talent, brilliance, and creativity — everything we need in the next generation of leaders in the music industry. I’m so proud to offer this training opportunity in partnership with Culture Creators, which I know will further strengthen the leadership, skills, and innovation of these amazing students.”

“It’s an honor to be able to support the growth of programs within our industry that create hands on learning and give access to real life opportunities,” says Kevin Weaver, President of Atlantic Records. “Through the program we also get to know these young adults personally, giving Warner Music Group the ability to tap into the next generation of future leaders at the ground floor. From here the potential opportunities are truly endless for all.”

“The key to creating an equitable environment for students of color to learn, grow and rise in the music business relies on executives and companies’ willingness to give them access and support,” says Joi Brown, Founder, Culture Creators and Head of Strategic Partnerships, ICM Partners. “The WMG Immersion program provided access, leadership, education and mentorship, not to mention opportunity to intern across all business units. We’re proud to have been co-conspirators in the program and looking forward to our next cohort of students to run through the program.”

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Photo Recap: Megan Thee Stallion Celebrates “Plan B” with New York Fans and D’Usse

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Megan Thee Stallion‘s special fan event for her most recent single release, “Plan B,” was presented by D’USSÉ Cognac.

Guests were treated to an immersive experience that included a fully outfitted dance floor, pop-up candy bars, and bespoke bedroom photo moments strewn throughout the area during the event, which took place Saturday evening at New York’s Iron23.

Megan Thee Stallion was joined by Pardison Fontaine, who made a surprise appearance for the crowd. Behind the DJ booth, the rapper finished the night with a replay performance of the tune.

You can see the images from the event below.

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Jack Harlow Announces ‘Come Home The Kids Miss You’ Tour Feat. City Girls

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Jack Harlow is set for the Come Home The Kids Miss You Tour, presented by Live Nation. The headlining, fall tour will begin on September 6th and will include dates in Nashville, Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, and other cities. City Girls will provide support for the tour.

Last week, Harlow dropped his album of the same name, which featured Pharrell Williams, Drake, Justin Timberlake, and Lil Wayne. You can see the full run of dates and venues below.

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“COME HOME THE KIDS MISS YOU TOUR” DATES:

Dates with support from City Girls *
(additional dates to be announced)

9/6 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium *
9/8 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory *
9/10 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall *
9/11 – Austin, TX – Moody Center *
9/13 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre *
9/17 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena *
9/20 – Inglewood, CA – The KIA Forum *
9/23 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater *
9/24 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena *
9/25- Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum *
9/27 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center *
9/28 – Denver, CO – 1STBANK Center *
9/30 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory *
10/1 – Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Arena *
10/2 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre *
10/5 – Toronto, ON – Coca-Cola Coliseum *
10/8 – Philadelphia, PA – The Liacouras Center *
10/9 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
10/11 – Washington DC – The Anthem *
10/14 – Miami, FL – PFL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park *
10/1 5 Tampa, FL – Yuengling Center *
10/16 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena *

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Kevin Hart’s HARTBEAT Productions Hosts Inaugural HARTBEAT BRUNCH

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Kevin Hart’s HARTBEAT, a global, multi-platform media firm that creates entertainment where comedy meets culture, hosted the first HARTBEAT BRUNCH this weekend, bringing together the comedy industry. Hart, Bill Burr, Don Cheadle, Tiffany Haddish, Niecy Nash, Desus Nice, Lil Dicky & GaTa (“Dave”), Iliza Shlesinger, Amanda Seales, Rob Riggle, Sherri Shepherd, Jay Pharoah, HARTBEAT CEO Thai Randolph, HARTBEAT President & Chief Content Officer Bryan Smiley, HARTBEAT President and Chief Distribution Officer Jeff Clanagan, and more were in attendance.

The event came on the heels of the launch of HARTBEAT, which brought together Hart’s entertainment companies HartBeat Productions and Laugh Out Loud and funded $100 million to further its objective of keeping the world laughing together. HARTBEAT is the creative force behind some of the biggest comedic hits of all time, with #1 hits across streaming, digital, radio, branded content, and box office.

Me Time (Netflix), the F. Gary Gray action heist Lift (Netflix), Storytown (HBO Max), #1 on the Call Sheet documentary (Apple TV+), Die Hart season 2 (Roku), So Dumb It’s Criminal with Snoop Dogg (Peacock), and a new season of the Hart-led sports talk show Cold as Balls (Peacock) are among HARTBEAT’s upcoming projects (LOL Network).

You can see the images from the brunch below.

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Vice President Harris Gives Jarring Reality Check During HBCU Commencement Speech

Vice President Harris Speaks At College Commencement

Vice President Kamala Harris gives graduates a jarring reality check during her HBCU commencement speech.

The VP left some college graduates with a sobering picture of the “unsettled” world they’re heading into. She discussed the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the possibility Roe v. Wade may be overturned by the Supreme Court during a commencement speech Saturday at Tennessee State University.

“Graduates, I look at this unsettled world and yes, I can see the challenges, but I’m here to tell you that I see the opportunities. The opportunities for your leadership. The future of our country and our world will be shaped by you.”

READ MORE: VP Kamala Harris Visits Bronx YMCA, Offers “Build Back Better” Plan

Harris stated that “the certainty of fundamental principles,” like territorial integrity and bodily autonomy, are being called into question. She ended the speech by congratulating the class of 2022 on their achievements despite the ongoing pandemic.

“Here in the United States, we are once again forced to defend fundamental principles that we hoped were long settled; principles like the freedom to vote, the rights of women to make decisions about their own body, what constitutes the truth,” she said.

Harris is also set to give a commencement speech May 18 at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Share your thoughts with us on social media.

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ICYMI: Quavo Donates $150,000 In Support of Single Moms

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Quavo assists single moms with a $150,000 donation to the Tender Foundation.

Migos’ Quavo and apparel brand, Legends presented their 2022 annual Huncho Day celebrity charity football games last Saturday April 30, at FCF Campus at Pullman Yards. Cam Newton, Quavo, Offset, 2 Chainz, Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Richie LeCounte, and more suited up.
The games streamed live with play-by-play commentary courtesy of Greg Mescall and Ryan Shazier.

Huncho Day remains close to Quavo’s heart. “This is my favorite day of the year. There’s nothing better than getting together with friends and family and playing a little ball for the community.”

READ MORE: Quavo Teases the Drop of New Music: “Buckle Up”

The “Flip The Switch” rapper played quarterback in high school and has found a way to give back to the youth in Atlanta. This year, Quavo upped the ante and donated $150,000 to the Tender Foundation in support of single moms.

Jaycina Almond, Founder of Tender Foundation said, “At Tender, we’re bridging the financial gap and providing a safety net for single moms living on the margins here in Atlanta. Our core programming consists of emergency bill pay assistance with rent, utilities, and childcare; providing Grocery store gift cards and operating a diaper bank. Now, with Quavo’s help, we’re able to pilot a new initiative called The Bridge.”

The Bridge is a guaranteed income program founded on the premise that every mother deserves the opportunity to parent without the stress of survival. The Bridge is a step toward establishing equity and disrupting generational poverty for Black women and their families.

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