female artists

Ashanti Reflects On Sexual Harassment In The Music Industry

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Ashanti recently opened up on the sexual harassment she’s dealt with in the music industry over the years. Speaking with People, she reflected on the highs and lows of being a female artist.

“Honestly, I’m not sure if another artist would be able to deal with what I’ve dealt with,” Ashanti remarked to the outlet.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 08: Ashanti performs onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival – Day 3 at Louisiana Superdome on July 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/WireImage)

Ashanti explained that she’s always felt more like a “tomboy” and thus frequently found herself in rooms alone with men.

“I was always a tomboy, so I felt right at home with a bunch of big brothers,” she added. “If there was a beat I wanted, and another rapper on the label wanted, we would have to battle it out, and whoever wrote the best record got the beat. So, it made me stronger.”

The iconic singer also discussed a time when a male producer offered to help her with two songs for free. Afterward, he went back on his proposal and demanded she either shower with him or pay $40,000 for each track.

“I really, genuinely thought he was joking. You can feel like someone’s cool, and in the back of their mind, they have an ulterior motive,” she said. “Things like that can happen to Ashanti, so it can happen to anyone — and I’ve heard worse stories.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Ashanti discussed marriage and wanting to start a family. She says she has to “make sure it’s with the right person.”

Looking forward, Ashanti says she’s got an album in the works as well as a documentary about her life. Additionally, she’s working on a re-recorded version of her debut album.

[Via]

Mariah The Scientist’s New Single Finds Her Celebrating “Christmas In Toronto”

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Christmas has come and gone for another year, but festive cheer is still running rampant. At this time of year, new music can be hard to come by. Luckily, there’s still a handful of artists willing to work through the holiday season. Among those helping to close out 2022 is Mariah the Scientist, whose voice radiates on her new single.

“Christmas In Toronto” initially landed on December 24th, marking the perfect present from the R&B songstress to her fans on the special occasion.

“We spend Christmas in Toronto, woke to the most handsome face / Made memories no Audemars baguette cannot replace,” she reminisces on the chorus. “And it was sweet release, the most bitter taste / Met your mother, she has the sweetest embrace.”

However, not all of her lyrics are as heartwarming. “But wouldn’t it be nice if I could put my feelings aside? Wouldn’t it be nice if I hadn’t let you eat me alive?” she ponders on the song’s second verse.

Mariah’s new single follows a stream of successful releases shared throughout 2022. “Bout Mine” came at the end of October, and has since earned upwards of 1.3M streams on Spotify alone. Prior to that, the Atlanta native joined Dess Dior for a “Stone Cold” track.

Elsewhere in the news, The Scientist has been showing plenty of love to her beau, Young Thug, whose RICO trial will begin in the new year. Over the past few weeks, several YSL rappers have taken plea deals, though the “Day Before” artist wasn’t offered freedom like his friends.

Stream Mariah the Scientist’s “Christmas In Toronto” on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterwards, find more hip-hop holiday anthems on our annual playlist update here.

Quotable Lyrics:

We spend Christmas in Toronto, woke to the most handsome face
Made memories no Audemars baguette cannot replace
And it was sweet release, the most bitter taste
Met your mother, she has the sweetest embrace

[Via]

Coi Leray Ends The Year With Her “Wasted” Single & Music Video

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There are only a few days left in 2022, and we’ve already received an undeniably impressive load of music over the past 12 months. However, some of our favourite artists continue to get their submissions in before the ball drops on December 31st, closing the year out on a high note. Just one of the stars sharing a new single this Friday (December 23) is Coi Leray.

For her part, the Boston-born entertainer has given us “Wasted.” The title is a reflective song whose lyrics focus on the downfalls of a toxic relationship. “I gave you one chance then you f*cked it up, then you f*cked it up again / A mistake ain’t a mistake when you make the same one again,” she sings as the first verse begins.

Afterward, Leray continues, “You told me that I’m the one but I ain’t one of them / Communication gettin’ frustrated, can we make it make sense?”

The Taylor Hill and TBHits-produced track came along with a new music video. However, it’ll be a few hours until we see the footage officially premiere later today.

Other recent releases to come from the resident Trendsetter include “Players” as well as “Fly Sh!t.” On top of that, she makes an appearance on CMG The Label’s “Hold Me Down” alongside 42 Dugg.

Stream Coi Leray’s “Wasted” on Spotify or Apple Music below. Additionally, make sure to check back at 1 PM ET to catch the premiere of her latest accompanying visual.

Quotable Lyrics:

You make more time for your homies, you hit me when you feelin’ lonely
Yeah, how you gon’ look at me sideways when I ain’t heard from you in five days?
How we together and don’t even speak?
You too busy, out here runnin’ the streets
Ain’t even checkin’ on me
We say it’s love but how could it be?

[Via]

London-Based R&B Group FLO Unleash Their Beautiful “Losing You” Single

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Breakups are never easy. Luckily, London-based girl group FLO has shared their “Losing You” single that makes being on your own again easier than ever. The song arrived on Friday (December 16), and finds members Stella, Jorda, and Renée harmonizing as they express their vulnerable feelings.

“Dishes in the sink, I ain’t have no time to think / I don’t even ask you where you been / I know you’re with some other bitch,” the latter sings on the first verse. Her lyrics obviously set the tone for the rest of the track as her fellow vocalists air their own grievances.

On the chorus, Stella reflects, “Losing you was easier than I thought it’d be / I’m happy on my own / It’s the first time I finally feel at home.”

In a press release, FLO spoke about their latest release. “It’s fitting that ‘Losing You’ is being released this time of the year as it’s all about going through a loss but somehow being comforted by it,” they said.

“It reminds you of how content you are by yourself and finding that cheerful spirit during a tough time.”

Earlier this month, FLO dropped off their The Lead EP. Complete with six tracks, it finds the girls showing off their individual strengths over well built soundscapes.

As a press release notes, the trio made history last month. Thanks to their hard work, they’re officially the first group to ever win the prestigious BRIT Rising Star Award. Others to champion the same category include Adele and Sam Smith.

Stream FLO’s “Losing You” on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, find more R&B recommendations on our weekly playlist update here.

Quotable Lyrics:

Always lift you up and never let you down
That’s the reason you were keepin’ me around
I couldn’t see myself without you, but look now
I tapped out, I tapped out

[Via]

Asian Doll Follows Vydia Partnership With “Sky Falling” Single

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In the summer, Asian Doll caught our attention with her Let’s Do A Drill album. The 21-track project boasts features from Bandmanrill, 2rare, Iffy Foreign, as well as Tay Money, among others. Since then, she’s been busy with a handful of singles like “Prettiest Problem” and “Come Outside.” Additionally, she’s also shared “Childs Play” with Dee Billz and TaTa.

Before the year closes out, the Dallas-born lyricist has one last song for fans. Along with that comes the exciting announcement of an EP dropping in the new year. On her “Sky Falling” track, Asian lets the world know what’s coming next from her.

The nearly two-and-a-half-minute-long song marks the beginning of the 26-year-old’s collaboration with Vydia. The music tech company will be providing her with “a suite of services.”

Among them are “video and audio supply chain, global distribution, analytics, rights management, payments, and detailed revenue reporting in support of her upcoming EP release.”

Throughout “Sky Falling,” Asian Doll specifically reflects on the ups and downs of her personal life. Even with some tough battles to face, she refuses to let anyone make her feel inferior or stop her from finding success.

“I’m so excited to team up with Vydia, for my next projects,” the rap diva said in a statement via a press release. “It’s time to TAKOVA!”

Additionally, the tech company’s Label and Artist Relations Manager, Sweetness, added, “I have been a fan of Asian Doll from day one, [and] can’t wait to see what we accomplish in 2023 with Vydia support on our side.”

Finally, stream Asian Doll’s “Sky Falling” on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, find a selection of other new releases on our Fire Emoji playlist update here.

Quotable Lyrics:

Tryna hide my pain, I’m in this house alone
I got addicted to this money, left my friends alone
Don’t know how tell my family that “I really love you long”
I told myself I had my back, how you gon’ do me wrong?

PinkPantheress Drops Off “Take me home” EP Complete With Three Songs

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She obviously isn’t able to wrap an individual present for each of her fans and deliver it to them firsthand. However, PinkPantheress is doing her best to ensure her listeners are satisfied this holiday season – no matter what they find under their tree on the 25th.

She’s been sharing several singles over the past few weeks. Now, the 21-year-old is back with an EP to close out the year consisting of three songs. The first, “Do You Miss Me?” made its debut in mid-November. Now, she’s giving us a music video for that, along with more musical goodness.

After that release, PP shared “Boy’s a liar” in early December. In a press release, she noted that it was the track she’s been “most excited to put out.”

“Me and Mura Masa wanted to create a fun track together about a common theme this time of year, boys being LIARS,” the UK songstress went on.

The third and final title on her new EP is “Take me home.” On her first verse, she sings, “I’m making the most of my life / Till the day that I hit twenty-five / I know that they’ll make an adult of me / I know that I’m not quite ready to be.”

On the chorus, she continues, “And I know I’ve got some growing, I realized the other day / When I said some things that I knew that I shouldn’t say.”

In a statement shared by The Fader, PinkPantheress spoke about her latest project. “I wanted to give a Christmas gift for anyone in need of some upbeat music,” she said of the previously teased songs that have now been shared with the world.

Finally, stream PinkPantheress’ Take me home EP on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, let us know which of the three titles is your favourite in the comments.

Take me home Tracklist:

  1. Boy’s a liar
  2. Do you miss me?
  3. Take me home

[Via]

Rosalía Taps Cardi B For “DESPECHÁ RMX”

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Cardi B didn’t come through with her long-awaited sophomore album in 2022. However, she did show out on a series of collaborations with other artists, reminding the Bardi Gang that she’s still that bitch.

After finding success on titles like Kay Flock’s “Shake It” and GloRilla’s “Tomorrow 2,” the New York native is connecting with Latin artist Rosalía. The two have come together for the “DESPECHÁ RMX” on Friday (December 16).

The updated version follows the original’s appearance on the Grammy-nominated singer’s Motomami project. It marks her third studio LP and landed her a nod for Best Latin Rock or Alternative album at the upcoming ceremony.

Throughout “DESPECHÁ RMX,” Rosalía sings in Spanish before Cardi flexes her bilingual rhyming skills. “Don’t need your drama, don’t need your stress / I could forget you like uno, dos, tres,” she declares in her first verse.

“Got my own money, whole lotta M’s / Como este mambo, my money dance,” her clever lyrics continue.

As AllHipHop notes, this isn’t the first time the Invasion of Privacy hitmaker has used both English and Spanish on the same song. Previously, “I Like It” featuring J. Balvin and Bad Bunny went 11x-Platinum.

Additionally DJ Snake’s “Take Take” with Bardi, Selena Gomez, and Ozuna has been viewed over 2.3 billion times on YouTube.

Other noteworthy multilingual tracks from the mother of two include “La Modelo” with Ozuna as well as “Mi Mami” with El Alfa. Later, in 2020, she went on to work with Anitta on “Me Gusta.”

Finally, stream Rosalía’s “DESPECHÁ RMX” featuring Cardi B on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, revisit the former’s Motomami album here.

Quotable Lyrics:

Don’t need your drama, don’t need your stress
I could forget you like uno, dos, tres
Got my own money, whole lotta M’s
Como este mambo, my money dance

[Via]

Get In The Holiday Spirit With Sevyn Streeter’s Cover Of “The Christmas Song”

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We’re nearly halfway through December, which means Christmas is officially less than two weeks away. While you’re busy preparing for the holidays by setting up your tree, baking cookies, shopping and wrapping presents, your favourite artists have been covering some festive classics for you to stream.

The latest starlet to help spread the holiday cheer is none other than Sevyn Streeter. For her part, she’s offering up a beautiful rendition of “The Christmas Song,” complete with production from Eric Hudson.

In the accompanying music video, the 36-year-old sings in front of a grand piano. While Lonny Berreal plays, she shines in a sultry white dress.

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire / Jack Frost nipping at your nose,” her voice rings out over the first few bars. “Yuletide carols being sung by a choir / And folks dressed up like Eskimos.”

As Vibe notes, this is the first we’ve heard from Streeter since she previously shared “23” back in September. Prior to that, she worked with DIXSON on “CHERRY SORBET.”

Elsewhere this year, the Florida native gave us the deluxe cut of her Drunk Wordz Sober Thoughtz album. Throughout the 20-song tracklist, she connects with artists like Lavi$h, Lucky Daye, Jeremih, and BIA.

Some of the project’s most successful titles include “Guilty” with Chris Brown and A$AP Ferg, as well as “End Up.”

Even after a busy year, rumour has it that the “It Won’t Stop” hitmaker is preparing a new album for arrival in 2023.

Stream Sevyn Streeter’s cover of “The Christmas Song” on Spotify or Apple Music below. Additionally, find more of our recent R&B favourites on our weekly playlist update here.

Quotable Lyrics:

And so I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it’s been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

[Via]

Ari Lennox Gets Fans In The Christmas Mood With “My Favorite Things” Cover

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Though Ari Lennox’s 2022 started out on a chaotic note, things have certainly turned around for the R&B diva in recent weeks. After previously sharing her long-awaited age/sex/location sophomore album in September, she’s back again with more music for her fans.

While her latest arrival isn’t an original song, it does find the Dreamville hitmaker putting her spin on a holiday classic – “My Favorite Things.”

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens / Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,” she croons the classic lyrics. “Brown paper packages tied up with strings / These are a few of my favorite things.”

Listeners have been undeniably loving Lennox’s sultry vocals on her newest release. “Ari literally has the perfect voice for Christmas songs… The soulful way,” one YouTube user pointed out.

“Ari could sing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ to me and I’m going to put it on repeat,” someone else joked. “Ummm I need her to do a whole Christmas album,” another person wrote. “I’m going to put it on repeat.”

As she was promoting the song on Instagram, Lennox left a sweet message for her followers. “Hey my loves!!” she began. “I want to give you something special for being so good to me this year.”

The comment section on that post has similarly been flooded with people begging the “Pressure” vocalist to drop off an entire holiday album. It remains unclear if she has any future plans to craft such a project, but our fingers are certainly crossed.

Stream Ari Lennox’s cover of “My Favorite Things” on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, make sure to let us know what your favourite holiday song is down in the comments.

Quotable Lyrics:

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

Bree Runway Reminds Us She’s “THAT GIRL” In New Single & Music Video

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Bree Runway is back with a bang, sharing her latest single, “THAT GIRL,” this New Music Friday.

The London-born performer shared the EASYFUN-produced upbeat track after taking some time off from the industry, and the bouncy, upbeat club banger has her fans proudly rallying behind her.

“I’ve been on a mini hiatus and there’s no better way to remind you that I’m ‘THAT GIRL’,” the 29-year-old told Paper Mag. “This song automatically makes me feel like the main character in the middle of a sweaty club, and I’m just oozing sex, glamour and confidence whilst everybody watches.”

She continued her explanation with, “It’s my everyday reminder of how fabulous I am, and it’s your new everyday reminder too – you’re automatically a 10 if you: turn this on, f*ck with it, press play and feel liberated, pumped up, and free.”

Earlier this year, the singer dropped off “Pressure” and “Somebody Like You.”

Check out the music video for “THAT GIRL” above, and stream the latest single from Bree Runway on Spotify below.

Quotable Lyrics:

And my ass thick but my bank account thicker
Tasty ass bitch, skin brown like a Snicker
I don’t see nobody, I don’t care about these n*ggas
And I can’t push your brand if it’s not six figures

[Via]