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Recording Academy Announces Eligibility Period for 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards

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Recording Academy Announces Eligibility Period for 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards

As the music industry gears up for the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 4, 2024, the Recording Academy has already set the stage for the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2025. The eligibility period for the 67th GRAMMY Awards spans from Saturday, September 16, 2023, through Friday, August 30, 2024.

This timeline has been strategically designed to allow ample time to thoroughly process all entries, ensuring the integrity of the awards process. Additionally, it enhances the Online Entry Process (OEP) by synchronizing the conclusion of the eligibility period with the end of the OEP period. The Recording Academy’s meticulous planning sets the foundation for another spectacular musical excellence celebration in the coming year.

READ MORE: Trevor Noah Set to Return as GRAMMYs Host for Fourth Consecutive Year

Last month, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, passionately emphasizes the pivotal role of voting in the upcoming GRAMMY season in a heartfelt message to Recording Academy Voting Members. Acknowledging the extraordinary influence held by the world’s leading community of music professionals, Mason underscores their power to shape the future of music and impact global culture.

As a witness to the profound contributions of Recording Academy members, Mason encourages active participation during this critical time. Their votes, he believes, have the potential to initiate fundamental shifts in the music industry and beyond. Mason’s message serves as a rallying call for members to recognize and harness their collective influence, reinforcing the importance of each vote in shaping the destiny of the GRAMMY Awards and the trajectory of the music landscape.

You can read his open letter below:

Dear Recording Academy Members,  

Thanks to our Recording Academy Voting Members for voting in October, and congratulations to them on producing an excellent, diverse slate of nominees for the 66th GRAMMY Awards! On Nominations Day, we saw countless heartwarming reactions and a whole new set of first-time nominees stamped “GRAMMY-nominated” in front of their titles. In all, over 900 music creators were able to announce their work was deemed excellent by their fellow music creators, true experts in their crafts. 

Now, it’s time to select the winners, and the responsibility rests solely on the votes of Voting Members and their peers. Thousands of GRAMMY voters will be exercising the power that only they have to participate in the final round of voting for the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards, which is open now through Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET. 

Our incredible nominees are relying on Recording Academy Voting Members — their talented and admired peers — to listen to and evaluate their work for a chance to not only become “GRAMMY-nominated,” but “GRAMMY-winning.”  

The outcome of their votes can have a lasting impact on music and what our peers and music fans listen to for years to come. The winners that GRAMMY voters select will have the power to shape the future of music. 

So again, I ask our Recording Academy Voting Members to please listen carefully and evaluate each recording with integrity as they select who they feel is the best in music this year. To all GRAMMY voters, join your peers and utilize your power to make a difference.  

Thank you and see you at Music’s Biggest Night on Sunday, Feb. 4! 

Cheers, 
Harvey Mason Jr. 
CEO, Recording Academy 

The post Recording Academy Announces Eligibility Period for 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards first appeared on The Source.

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Trick Daddy Blasts Katt Williams: ‘Keep Rickey Smiley’s Name Out Your Mouth!’

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Trick Daddy isn’t feeling any of what Katt Williams had to say on Club Shay Shay. Especially when it comes to Rickey Smiley. In a video released online, Trick blasts the comedian.

“All my life, all my career, I’ve been a nephew, a brother, a little cousin, a fan of Rickey Smiley,” Trick Daddy said. “Katt Williams, your little pussy ass get on the Sharpe show and just get in your little bitch ass feelings and you say all type of shit you ain’t supposed to say.”

After also addressing jokes made at his expense, Trick Daddy had departing words: “Keep Rickey Smiley’s name out your mouth!”

Rickey Smiley responded to Katt Williams after the latter aired out their Friday After Next working relationship on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay show.

In case you missed it, Williams shut down Smiley detailing that he was originally supposed to be Money Mike, and then went into further issues with Smiley.

In the film, Williams played Money Mike, who had an encounter with recently released criminal Damon, played by Terry Crews. Williams states his beef with Smiley, who was the robbing Santa Claus in the film, came after he stood up for his character not being raped for comedy.

“The Money Mike in the original script got raped in the bathroom,” Williams said. “That’s what Rickey Smiley was okay with. Katt Williams had to take the risk in front of the cast, studios, and powers that be in his very first movie and say, respectfully, humbly, guys, ‘If we are talking about anything else I don’t have any credibility and no pull. But we talking about comedy, where I have all the credibility and pull. The problem with Friday After Next is we are are trying to make a classic comedy. And this comedy involves a rape. Rap is never funny, no matter who it happens to or what the circumstances are.”

Appearing on his nationally syndicated morning radio show, Rickey Smiley told his listeners that he “had no reason to lie.”

“They added that whole pimp twist to that character, which was actually a better decision and made it funnier,” Smiley said. “There was no way in the hell I could have executed that role like that and I’m glad that they made that decision.”

He also said, “Personally, I liked the pimp role better but the Santa Claus role was just perfect for me.”

Rickey Smiley would go on to praise Williams and also encourage his listeners to attend his forthcoming shows.

You can hear it all from Smiley below.

The post Trick Daddy Blasts Katt Williams: ‘Keep Rickey Smiley’s Name Out Your Mouth!’ first appeared on The Source.

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WATCH: Ice Cube Shares Thoughts on Katt Williams Interview, Thanks All Comedians for Their Work

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Ice Cube has weighed in on the now infamous Katt Williams interview on Club Shay Shay. In his nine-minute response video, Cube expressed his gratitude for each comedian he worked with, while also offering clarity to Williams’ statements.

Cube revealed that Rickey Smiley auditioned for the role of Money Mike, stating everyone chosen for the film auditioned across all the roles. He added Williams ended up being perfect for the role, adding that the character was written already but Williams did enhance it.

“The role was written but he enhanced it,” Cube said. “This is why Katt was so dope in the movie.”

You can see Cube’s full statement below.

Rickey Smiley responded to Katt Williams after the latter aired out their Friday After Next working relationship on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay show.

In case you missed it, Williams shut down Smiley detailing that he was originally supposed to be Money Mike, and then went into further issues with Smiley.

In the film, Williams played Money Mike, who had an encounter with recently released criminal Damon, played by Terry Crews. Williams states his beef with Smiley, who was the robbing Santa Claus in the film, came after he stood up for his character not being raped for comedy.

“The Money Mike in the original script got raped in the bathroom,” Williams said. “That’s what Rickey Smiley was okay with. Katt Williams had to take the risk in front of the cast, studios, and powers that be in his very first movie and say, respectfully, humbly, guys, ‘If we are talking about anything else I don’t have any credibility and no pull. But we talking about comedy, where I have all the credibility and pull. The problem with Friday After Next is we are are trying to make a classic comedy. And this comedy involves a rape. Rap is never funny, no matter who it happens to or what the circumstances are.”

Appearing on his nationally syndicated morning radio show, Rickey Smiley told his listeners that he “had no reason to lie.”

“They added that whole pimp twist to that character, which was actually a better decision and made it funnier,” Smiley said. “There was no way in the hell I could have executed that role like that and I’m glad that they made that decision.”

He also said, “Personally, I liked the pimp role better but the Santa Claus role was just perfect for me.”

Rickey Smiley would go on to praise Williams and also encourage his listeners to attend his forthcoming shows.

You can hear it all from Smiley below.

The post WATCH: Ice Cube Shares Thoughts on Katt Williams Interview, Thanks All Comedians for Their Work first appeared on The Source.

The post WATCH: Ice Cube Shares Thoughts on Katt Williams Interview, Thanks All Comedians for Their Work appeared first on The Source.

Big Daddy Kane Speaks on JAY-Z Potentially Getting His Own Day in NYC: ‘I Hope It Happens’

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Big Daddy Kane has heard about the possibility of JAY-Z getting his own day in New York City and he is all in.

“Hip-Hop is a culture and now a genre that people once shunned upon and looked down on,” Big Daddy Kane said to TMZ. “It can now groom billionaires, and if an artist can get its own holiday, I’m all for it. Much respect to JAY-Z. I hope it happens.”

Members of city council have introduced legislation to recognize December 4 as “Jay-Z Day” in New York City. The bill was introduced earlier in December.

According to ABC 7 New York, the bill suggestions a celebration of Hov’s “legendary status as a masterful MC and lyricist and as an innovative entrepreneur.” The bill was introduced after a massive turnout to the Brooklyn Public Library for the Book of Hov exhibit.

JAY-Z has unveiled his eagerly awaited year-end playlist titled “Couple Songs of ’23.” Known for his discerning taste, the curated list showcases JAY-Z’s favorite tracks from the past year, offering insights into the music that has resonated with the influential artist. The list was previewed to fans on TIDAL during Hov’s Live session.

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Included in the playlist are Victoria Monet, Tyla, Lil Durk, Drake, Nas, Westside Gunn, Gunna, Nicki Minaj, and more. You can check out the playlist below.

The post Big Daddy Kane Speaks on JAY-Z Potentially Getting His Own Day in NYC: ‘I Hope It Happens’ first appeared on The Source.

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Pete Rock On Hip-Hop: ‘We Lost Our Integrity Chasing The Money’

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Pete Rock @ The Brookyln Bowl in 2016

As we celebrate 50 years of Hip-Hop, we always remember to pay homage to the GOATs that came before us. This includes Pete Rock, who recently shared his sentiments on the current state of Hip-Hop as a whole.

Sharing to his one million followers on Instagram, Pete Rock posted a clip of Erick Sermon addressing how the genre of Hip-Hop has become unrecognizable, even suggesting changing the name.  

Pete Rock added his two cents in the caption: “They should change the music too WTF 🤦🏾‍♂️ tryna create a narrative that aint working. Pile driving the culture straight in the ground. We created real history! idk what da hell they creating today but it damn sure aint history or hip hop thats a fact.”

Of course, Pete Rock is valid in saying he created real history, is revered as one of the greatest producers of all-time.

He continues, “We lost our integrity chasing the money. The bag as they say has become the problem and the focus point in the culture. Makes it corny when yall make it about money smh 🌽 Everyone extra sensitive about opinions smh. Soon as you have an opinion your a hater automatically lol. Clown shit 🤡 we all out here working to make better music. Why dont try and do the same thing 🤷🏿‍♂️🤨🤦🏾‍♂️”

The clip derives from an interview Erick Sermon did with Say Word! Podcast back in November of last year. 

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T.I. Honored With Prestigious Phoenix Award from Mayor Andre Dickens & City of Atlanta

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T.I. Honored With Prestigious Phoenix Award from Mayor Andre Dickens & City of Atlanta

If there’s one person who deserves an award from the City of Atlanta, it’s none other than T.I.

A few days ago, the 43-year-old was honored with the prestigious Phoenix Award from the City of Atlanta for his contributions to both philanthropy and entertainment, presented by Mayor Andre Dickens, former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Senator Raphael Warnock. 

The beautiful moment was captured and uploaded to T.I.’s YouTube page, which boasts 4.25 million subscribers. The beauty lies in the award being presented during T.I.’s closing shows with the Atlanta Pops at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Footage of these symphony performances went viral when Tip’s daughter Heiress stole the show, performing “Live Your Life” alongside her father.  

The Phoenix Award is the highest one can receive from the City of Atlanta, which makes perfect sense given Tip recently cut the ribbon on over 140 units of low-income housing in his neighborhood of Bankhead in Atlanta. He also recently hosted his 18th annual turkey drive, giving out over a thousand turkeys. He partnered with Atlanta Mission, Project Pinnacle, and Next Level Boys Academy to host three more holiday drives. This was in conjunction with his non-profits Us or Else and Harris Community Works.

On the music tip, T.I. recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of his standout album Trap Muzik, which coined an entire sub-genre of Hip-Hop.

Congrats T.I. on all your achievements! 

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Joey Bada$$ Reacts To Surprising Demise in ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’

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Joey Bada$$ Reacts To Surprising Demise in ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’

As reported on Shadow and Act … Oh, wait SPOILER ALERT … Cool? Carrying on. So basically, a body was rolling unceremoniously down a hill on Friday’s episode of Power Book III: Raising Kanan. And if that’s what we think it is, then rapper turned-actor Joey Bada$$ is done for in the series.

This past weekend, the artist who plays the role of Kadeem “Unique” Mathis posted a caption that read “Unique Forever.” Whelp, take that for what you will.

ICYMI, on the last episode of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, it got tense between Bada$$’s character and his bro, Ronnie, played by Grantham Coleman. This seemingly led to Unique’s demise.

“Unique is the younger brother of Ronnie, so I feel like this is the first time that people can see Unique [excited about something],” Joey Bada$$ told Shadow and Act in an interview (which you can view in full above) ahead of the season’s premiere. “You see the excitement in Unique. You almost see his inner child a little bit, like, ‘Wow, Ronnie’s home. My big brother.’ And you get to see a little more vulnerability from Unique this season, which I think adds a very interesting layer.”

To Power fans, Unique was a big-time drug lord but had a softer side as the love interest of Patina Miller’s character Raquel Thomas.

“Despite these two characters having moments of wanting to tear each other’s heads off, I think there was always an undeniable chemistry between them,” Joey Bada$$ recalled. “Viewers can definitely expect to see that chemistry explored a little bit and I think it plays on this new layer of Unique’s vulnerability. I think it’ll be interesting to see what happens between Unique and Raq.”

To give you a refresher, Power Book III: Raising Kanan was created by Sascha Penn. This marks the third spinoff series in the Power franchise. Played by MeKai Curtis, it tells the story of Kanan Stark’s younger years rising in the illicit drug business during the 90s. What a time to be alive. Joey Bada$$ has been in the series as Unique since the beginning of 2021 and was one of the original cast members … Damn. RIP, Unique. 

The post Joey Bada$$ Reacts To Surprising Demise in ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ first appeared on The Source.

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R&B Legend Anita Baker Gives Singer Victoria Monét Her Stamp of Approval

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R&B icon Anita Baker recently gave up and coming singer Victoria Monét her stamp of approval on social media and fans are loving the bridge of gap between the two queens. Victoria wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) “I wanna make a classic love song that Anita Baker would be proud of…” and the legend responded. Anita replied:

You’ve Already Done it.
@VictoriaMonet
By Using *ALL of Your Gifts. *How does it feel* is A Melodic Masterpiece. CONGRATULATIONS on ALL your, well deserved Nominations & Accolades & Keeping R&B in Your World/Your Generation ABXO

Watching You Manifest Your Dreams, Is Truly, A Beautiful Thing Never stop Creating ENJOY ABXO

Victoria responded:

WOW!! This is such an honor and a dream come true!!! My gratitude for you and your art has always been immense and now to speak to you through mine feels so golden!! I love you to the stars and I thank you for these flowers! I’m in awe hope to hug you soon

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Taraji P. Henson Surprised By Pay Disparity Support: ‘Women Of Color Have Said The Same For Years’

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Actress Taraji P. Henson went viral last month after breaking down in tears during an interview with Gayle King about black women’s pay in Hollywood. Taraji talked about the pay disparities for Black female actors and revealed she was considering quitting her acting career. Now Taraji shares she was surprised by the overwhelming support, because she along with other women of color have been talking about this publicly for years to no avail.

ETonline reports:

Taraji P. Henson was not expecting the amount of support, feedback and attention she has received since passionately speaking out about her experiences with pay disparity throughout her career.

The Color Purple actress walked the red carpet at this years’ Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Film Awards at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Thursday, and she spoke with ET’s Denny Directo about her message, and why she wasn’t expecting it to hit so hard with so many people.

“[It’s] because I’ve been saying it for years,” Henson shared. “If you go and do research and look at any women of color in the industry, they said the same thing.”

“I don’t know why people decided to hear the words [this time], maybe it was the emotion attached to it,” she added. “But like I said in the interview, I’m just tired of us having that same conversation. Something’s gotta give.”

Thoughts?

The post Taraji P. Henson Surprised By Pay Disparity Support: ‘Women Of Color Have Said The Same For Years’ first appeared on The Source.

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[WATCH] Kevin Hart Calls Katt Williams’ Shannon Sharpe Interview “Sad”

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Comedian Katt WIlliams really shook the room among rappers and comedians alike on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, which has prompted almost all the people mentioned to respond including famous funny man Kevin Hart.

Katt suggested that Hart is an “industry plant”, asking, “Has there ever been a comedian to get their own sitcom and a starring role in a movie like Hart did with “Soul Plane” on their first year in Los Angeles?” Hart responded to Williams on X, saying, “Gotta get that anger up outcha champ….It’s honestly sad. In the meantime…. Please enjoy MY MOVIE TRAILER to my next film ‘LIFT’ which will be dropping on @netflix in 8 days!!!!! There is a moment in the trailer where @gugumbatharaw says ‘They Really Love You’….I now know she’s talking about ‘Katt’ Mark yo calendars world!!!! This one is SPECIAL!!!!” 

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