See It: Cardi B Makes Surprise Appearance to Perform ‘WAP’ on Stage With Megan Thee Stallion at Madison Square Garden Concert

Cardi B Makes Surprise Appearance to Perform ‘WAP’ on Stage With Megan Thee Stallion at Madison Square Garden Concert

Cardi B caught fans by surprise at Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Summer Tour on Tuesday night (May 21), joining the Houston rapper in her headlining debut at Madison Square Garden.

Check out the images below …

The sold-out crowd erupted as Cardi, donning a black corset and thigh-high leather boots, took the stage. Despite some audio issues, she delivered powerful performances of her chart-topping hits “WAP” and “Bongos” alongside Megan. And from the looks of them together, they probably turned the temperature up in the building by about 100 degrees, at least. 

Cardi then shifted to her popular “Tomorrow 2” remix, bringing opener GloRilla back on stage. The surprises didn’t end there—Megan and Glo revealed Cardi’s involvement in a forthcoming remix of their track “Wanna Be,” currently at No. 47 on the Hot 100.

The Hot Girl Summer Tour is just starting, with upcoming dates in cities like Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, and Memphis. Meanwhile, speculation about Cardi B’s next album continues. Despite a recent tweet indicating no new album this year, her representative later confirmed a 2024 release is still planned. Cardi emphasized her role in opening doors for new female rappers in a Rolling Stone feature, stating, “These labels weren’t believing in new rap artists until I got signed.”

Just days after the New York Knicks’ playoff exit, Madison Square Garden’s atmosphere transformed from gloom to excitement. Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Summer Tour brought high-energy performances and celebrated New York’s hip-hop stars, including Cardi B and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.

Fans, dressed in cowboy hats and Megan-themed attire, filled the arena with anticipation. The show began with GloRilla, whose dynamic performance set a high bar. She delivered hits like “Lick Or Sum” and “FNF (Let’s Go)” with impressive energy, even overcoming a wardrobe malfunction with humor.

GloRilla brought out A Boogie, who performed “Jungle” before returning the stage to her. The energy remained high as Glo seamlessly transitioned back to her hits, setting the stage for Megan’s grand entrance.

In a vibrant red outfit, Megan Thee Stallion commanded the stage, proving her arena-headlining prowess. She performed hits like “HISS” and “Freak Nasty,” demonstrating her lyrical and dance talents, particularly her famed “Megan Knees.” During “Gift And a Curse,” she made a powerful statement on abortion rights, reinforcing her message with her fist in the air.

The concert’s highlight came when Cardi B joined Megan for “Bongos” and “WAP.” Despite technical issues, their chemistry shone through, thrilling the audience. Cardi’s classic verse from “Tomorrow 2” brought GloRilla back on stage, creating a memorable moment of unity among the three female rappers. They announced an upcoming “Wanna Be” remix featuring Cardi, to the crowd’s delight.

Megan continued her solo set with hits like “Stalli Freestyle” and “Body,” encouraging fans to embrace themselves. She closed the show with “Savage,” leaving no doubt about her star power and stage presence.

Megan’s debut as a headliner at Madison Square Garden was a triumph, showcasing her talent and the power of perseverance. The Hot Girl Summer Tour’s kickoff promises more exciting performances as it continues nationwide.

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Reebok Teams Up with HYMNE for Bold Sneaker Redesign

Reebok Teams Up with HYMNE for Bold Sneaker Redesign

Reebok, the iconic sports culture brand, has announced an exciting collaboration with Los Angeles-based design studio HYMNE. The partnership has resulted in a striking reimagining of two of Reebok’s most iconic sneakers: the Classic Nylon Plus and Club C. The SS24 HYMNE x Reebok footwear collection will be available exclusively on hymnestudio.com starting May 28.

Founded in 2016 by designer and creative director Jide Osifeso, HYMNE is known for its high-quality materials, subversive culture, and modern craftsmanship. Initially launched as a design studio, HYMNE evolved into a full collection by 2019, with Osifeso contributing to Reebok’s creative efforts.

The first installment of this ongoing collaboration features HYMNE’s unique design language. Their take on the Classic Nylon Plus introduces a completely rebuilt upper with a knit base and extruding molded foam elements, creating a non-conventional, disproportionate shape. Similarly, HYMNE’s Club C iteration features a mixed leather and suede upper with the same distinctive molded foam elements.

The campaign captures the theme of structural re-creation, set within a home remodeling environment, emphasizing the collection’s innovative spirit.

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CyHi, Mr. EGOT, Drops “On The Radar” Freestyle

CyHi, Mr. EGOT, Drops "On The Radar" Freestyle

Atlanta artist Mr. EGOT, formerly CyHi, made a powerful return with a freestyle at On The Radar’s studios in New York. This marks CyHi’s first offering of 2024, following the November 2023 release of “Mr. Put That Shit On,” featuring Pusha T, inspired by ‘The Wiz’ and released via EMPIRE.

“Mr. Put That Shit On” signaled CyHi’s comeback as he prepares for his upcoming concept album. As CyHi recently explained on Instagram, the album will explore “the fascinating journey of Philip Michael Thomas, an accomplished American actor and musician who coined the term ‘EGOT.’”

CyHi shows no signs of slowing down with his new album on the horizon. He has collaborated with industry giants like Lil Wayne and T-Pain, consistently delivering hit records that resonate with fans worldwide.

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Gala Music and Death Row Records Drop “Finesse” and “Baggin U Up” from Tha Dogg Pound

Gala Music and Death Row Records Drop “Finesse” and “Baggin U Up” from Tha Dogg Pound

Leading Web3 entertainment company Gala Music, in conjunction with Death Row Records, premiered two new songs from the iconic Hip-Hop duo Tha Dogg Pound (Daz Dillinger and Kurupt). The highly anticipated tracks “Finesse” and “Baggin U Up,” featuring Snoop Dogg and October London, are available exclusively on the Gala Music platform.

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This release marks a continuation of Tha Dogg Pound’s triumphant return. In April, they dropped the single “Smoke Up” featuring Snoop Dogg, and now they’ve announced their new album, W.A.W.G. (We All We Got), which will be released on May 31, 2024, on Gala Music and other major streaming platforms. This album is their first with Snoop Dogg since their reunion in 2005 and their first on Death Row Records since their 1995 debut, Dogg Food.

Since its emergence in the early 1990s, Tha Dogg Pound has been a trendsetter and barrier-breaker in the music industry. Its collaboration with Gala Music highlights its commitment to innovation, offering fans new ways to engage with its music through Web3 technology.

“Gala Music is at the forefront of ushering both established and emerging artists into Web3 and introducing them to the many opportunities that exist in the space,” said Gala’s President of Music, Leila Steinberg. “And we couldn’t be more excited to partner with Death Row Records and a legendary Hip-Hop group, Tha Dogg Pound, on their first Web3 releases!”

Gala Music seamlessly integrates Web3 and music, providing a unique and immersive entertainment experience. Their relationship with Death Row Records began in 2022 with the release of Snoop Dogg’s album, Bacc on Death Row (B.O.D.R.), via Gala’s platform. Through cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships, Gala Music redefines how fans connect with their favorite artists.

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MetaMoon Music Festival Returns with Star-Studded Lineup and Roc Nation Industry Summit

MetaMoon Music Festival Returns with Star-Studded Lineup and Roc Nation Industry Summit

The MetaMoon Music Festival, a celebration of Asian and AAPI artists and pop culture, is back for an exciting two-day event during the last weekend of September.

The festival will feature a concert at the newly renovated Brooklyn Paramount on Saturday, Sept. 28th, headlined by global superstars Eric Nam and Henry Lau. Rising artists Emei and SUNKIS will complete the lineup. This concert marks a significant milestone for Henry Lau as he makes his solo performance debut in the United States, offering fans a unique opportunity to see him live for the first time.

On Friday, Sept. 27th, the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University (LIU) will collaborate with MetaMoon to host the second edition of The Summit: Rise of Asian Artists and their Global Fandom. This one-day conference on Asian artists and representation in the music industry will be open to students and feature panel discussions and masterclasses by industry professionals. The event aligns with MetaMoon’s mission to spotlight Asian/AAPI talent on stage and behind the scenes. Students and emerging music executives will have the chance to network, meet peers, and explore the intersection of music and business within the most populous region in the world.

The first edition of the summit, held in Feb. 2023, brought together dynamic executives from organizations such as Ticketmaster, Sony Music Japan, and Pandora. Speakers discussed the expanding influence of Asian music, brand engagement with Asian artists, and the genre’s role in bridging cultural divides.

Produced in partnership with Live Nation, the MetaMoon Music Festival celebrates Asian artists, culture, and fans while embracing Brooklyn’s diverse communities. Registration for the Roc Nation School x MetaMoon Summit opens on Sept. 4th. A concert presale starts May 22nd and a general sale via Ticketmaster starts May 24th.

For more information, visit www.metamoonfest.com.

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Mother of Murder Victim Testifies in YSL Rico Trial

Mother of Murder Victim Testifies in YSL Rico Trial

The YSL RICO trial is still going, and this week, the mother of Donovan Thomas Jr., who was shot to death in a 2015 alleged gang-related incident, took the stand in Young Thug’s trial on Monday. This was the only day of witness testimony scheduled for the week as the trial approaches its six-month mark. The trial, which began on November 27, 2023, will hit the six-month mark on Monday, May 27, recognized as Memorial Day. It is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, May 28.

Donovan Thomas Jr., then 26, was murdered in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill neighborhood. Two other victims were also shot. Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, two of the remaining defendants in Young Thug’s trial, were charged in connection with the shooting.

Thomas’ mother, Shawonna Edmond, testified emotionally about how she learned of her son’s death and the days that followed. Once can’t imagine what she experienced on that day. When prosecutors asked, “Did you lay your son to rest?” she replied, “Yes, yes we did.” Asked when the burial occurred, Edmond tearfully responded, “It was January 17, 2015.”

Prosecutors also called several other witnesses, including an Atlanta police officer. The trial has seen numerous delays, including an incident late last year when Stillwell was stabbed in custody at the Fulton County Jail.

Prosecutors aim to prove that YSL, or Young Slime Life, is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous offenses. Defense attorneys contend that YSL is merely the name of a record label, Young Stoner Life. Jeffery Williams, professionally known as Young Thug, was indicted on May 9, 2022. He is on trial in Fulton County in a significant RICO case involving himself and five other defendants. The trial opened with a statement from Fulton County Assistant Chief District Attorney Adriane Love on November 27, 2023.

Young Thug faces eight criminal counts under a federal law designed to combat organized crime. Georgia, one of 33 states with its own RICO law, allows for the prosecution of criminal enterprises that do not need to exist as long as those under the federal statute.

Defense attorneys have expressed concerns that the trial could extend for years due to the extensive witness list the prosecution intends to call. They argue that Williams is not the leader of an alleged gang as claimed by prosecutors.

Eighteen jurors have been selected, including six alternates. Two jurors have already been excused: one for a medical emergency and the other due to relocating out of Fulton County.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville has expressed frustration with the trial’s slow pace, urging both defense attorneys and prosecutors to be better prepared. He has indicated a willingness to hold court on weekends if necessary, stating, “I have spoken with our sheriff and, consistent with the court, if need be we’ll start having court on Saturday and Sunday.”

In addition to the RICO charges, Williams faces charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of codeine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm, and possession of a machine gun. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to call approximately 150 more witnesses.

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WATCH: Common and Pete Rock Release New Single and Video “Wise Up”

Common and Pete Rock Release New Single and Video "Wise Up"

After much speculation, Common and Pete Rock have finally released their new single, “Wise Up.” The track blends the essence of the Golden Age of Hip Hop with a contemporary feel, creating a sound that resonates across all eras of hip-hop.

This collaboration brings together one of hip-hop’s most evocative emcees, Common, with one of its most celebrated producers, Pete Rock, setting a tone for what could be their most impactful work in decades.

To launch “Wise Up,” Common and Pete Rock partnered with director Marleaux Desiré to create an inspiring and creative visual presentation. The video captures street-level community stories, visually representing the themes explored in the song. It includes visual ideations from ILLIMITÉWORLD and still photography by creative director Alonzo Hellerbach.

“Wise Up” marks a significant moment in hip-hop, showcasing the perfect pairing of Common’s lyrical depth and Pete Rock’s legendary production skills. The single pays homage to their roots in the Golden Age and demonstrates their ability to evolve with the times, offering a universal appeal that transcends generations.

This release is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, as it signals the potential for more potent collaborations between these two iconic artists. With “Wise Up,” Common and Pete Rock reaffirm their status as influential figures in hip-hop, continuing to shape the genre with their innovative and thought-provoking work.

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Metro Boomin, Rung for Women, and Amazon Access Donate $100,000 to St. Louis Nonprofits

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Globally renowned artist and music producer Leland Tyler Wayne, known professionally as Metro Boomin, along with leaders from Rung for Women and Amazon Access, presented checks totaling $100,000 to five local nonprofits yesterday. The funds aim to support these organizations’ ongoing work in improving the lives of women and children in the St. Louis area.

“I’ve seen firsthand the work that goes into being a single mother. Mine was my inspiration and my hero,” said Metro. “It’s very important to me to pay it forward, because I see the same resilience and dedication in the women these organizations work with.” 

The recipients receiving $20,000 include Almost Home, Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation, The Haven of Grace, The Little Bit Foundation, and Parents as Teachers. These grants will directly aid individual women by reducing debt and covering essential expenses such as childcare, rent, and utilities.

“We are excited to partner with Metro Boomin in his work to lift up single mothers in St. Louis,” said Leslie Gill, President of Rung. “Inspired by the remarkable love he has for his late mother, he is demonstrating a commitment to women and to our community.”

The funds were raised during the Leslie Joanne Soirée holiday event hosted by Metro Boomin at Rung in December and presented by Amazon Access. Additionally, Metro hosted ‘Metro Boomin Night’ during the May 20th Cardinals game, where he played a pre-game outdoor music set and threw the first pitch, contributing to a 6-3 win for the home team. Metro also brought 45 kids from the Sankofa House to join in the celebration and give back.

Fans who purchased a special Theme Ticket received an exclusive Metro Boomin bobblehead. A portion of each ticket sold was donated to Rung for Women, which offers comprehensive support services for women in St. Louis. Rung is acting as a fiduciary agent as Metro establishes his independent nonprofit foundation.

For more information, visit Rung for Women.

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DJ Cassidy’s “Pass The Mic Live!” Residency Set to Redefine Las Vegas Entertainment

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Fresh off the heels of the electrifying “Pass The Mic Live!” event at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, DJ Cassidy, the maestro behind the musical phenomenon, is gearing up for a groundbreaking Las Vegas residency that promises to revolutionize the city’s entertainment scene. Set to debut on July 5th at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, this unprecedented residency will feature a star-studded lineup of Hip Hop icons, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for audiences.

The “Pass The Mic Live!” Las Vegas residency will be a musical extravaganza unlike anything The Strip has seen before. DJ Cassidy, along with Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Slick Rick, and Doug E. Fresh, will take center stage, uniting as “The Rap Pack” to deliver an unforgettable showcase of talent and collaboration. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Rat Pack of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop, DJ Cassidy aims to recreate the magic of old-school Vegas entertainment with a modern Hip Hop twist.

Joining DJ Cassidy and his esteemed collaborators on select dates throughout the residency will be a roster of iconic special guests, each bringing their own unique flair to the stage. From Public Enemy to Akon, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, Too $hort, and Warren G, the lineup reads like a who’s who of Hip Hop royalty. These legendary artists will add depth and diversity to an already star-studded lineup, ensuring that each show is a one-of-a-kind experience for fans.

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DJ Cassidy expresses his excitement for the residency, stating, “I am truly honored to share a stage with my musical heroes… to create an experience that will go down in Vegas history.” With the support of Live Nation and Caesars Entertainment, as well as music mogul Steve Rifkind, founder of Loud and SRC Records, DJ Cassidy’s vision for the residency is set to become a reality.

The “Pass The Mic Live!” Las Vegas residency is the culmination of a four-year journey that began with DJ Cassidy’s groundbreaking “Pass The Mic” series. Through viral episodes and BET television specials, Cassidy brought together over 220 legendary superstars spanning four decades, including Earth, Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, and many more. Now, with the residency, DJ Cassidy continues to push the boundaries of live musical experiences, uniting artists who have left an indelible mark on Hip Hop culture.

Bakkt Theater, known for hosting successful residencies for artists like Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and Gwen Stefani, provides the perfect backdrop for DJ Cassidy’s innovative showcase. Tickets for “DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live! The Iconic Las Vegas Residency” are available now, offering audiences the chance to witness history in the making as Hip Hop’s finest come together for a celebration of music, collaboration, and culture.

Special Guest Schedule

July 5: Raekwon / Ghostface Killah

July 6: Public Enemy

July 12: Akon

July 13: Akon

July 19: Jermaine Dupri / Da Brat

July 20: Too $hort / Warren G

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Normani Releases Trailer for ‘Dopamine’ Album, Set for June Release

Normani Releases Trailer for 'Dopamine' Album, Set for June Release

Normani has released “Dopamine (First Dose),” the official trailer for her highly anticipated album, Dopamine, set to drop via RCA Records on June 14, 2024. This album marks a daring new chapter for the 27-year-old artist as she fully embraces and celebrates her sexuality, showcasing her journey into divine femininity.

The teaser opens with Normani seductively answering a phone, saying, “Hello hotline 1:59? Here to satisfy your deepest, darkest, wildest desires. No rules, no restrictions, just straight dopamine.” The scene transitions to Normani dancing provocatively in lingerie with a love interest, as her latest single with Gunna, “1:59,” plays, featuring interspersed visuals of both artists. The teaser also gives a glimpse of her upcoming single “Candy Paint,” featuring Normani on a silver rocket with her body painted silver, echoing the album cover where she poses on a black rocket. This visual creatively encapsulates the essence of Dopamine.

Normani’s upcoming album represents a season of liberation and freedom, celebrating her journey to this pivotal moment. Dopamine will be available on all major streaming platforms on June 14, 2024. Fans can pre-save the album at wheresthedamnalbum.com.

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