Drake’s new album, For All The Dogs, finally has a release date after months of speculation. Drake pushed the album back ahead of its planned release so he would have more time to finish his tour and the album itself, but also made up for the delay by dropping its single, “Slime You Out.”
With the album just two weeks away from release, fans might be wondering whether he’s planning on putting it on vinyl, as many of his contemporaries have been prone to doing with their own highly anticipated releases. Unfortunately, that seems unlikely, since he says the album isn’t quite done and the lead time needed to manufacture and ship records probably wouldn’t allow for enough time to do so before October 6. Drake’s notorious for finishing up his albums at the last minute, so don’t expect to see For All The Dogs 12″ on sale at Target anytime soon.
The last Drake project to be released on vinyl was Dark Lane Demo Tapes in 2020. Her Loss and Honestly, Nevermind were only released on CDs and those were released nine months and four months, respectively, after the albums hit streaming (CDs for both were released on March 17, 2023). On the bright side, Drake’s dad Dennis Graham says it’s the best music he’s heard from Drake while Lil Yachty promises some controversial topics. We’ve only got two weeks to wait to find out if they’re right; For All The Dogs is due 10/6 on OVO/Republic.
Jada Pinkett Smith celebrated Will Smith’s 55th birthday with a tribute on Instagram, Monday morning. In the post, she described sharing a family with the legendary actor as the “greatest joy” of her life. The message captioned a photo of herself and Will with their kids. Jada and Will have been married for over 25 years.
“Willard. I am so glad you were born on this day. Without you I would not have experienced the greatest joy of my life… the love of our family,” Jada began in her post. “On this Divine assignment we’ve chosen to walk together, I am grateful for the wells of laughter along the trails of tears we’ve shared. Thank you for helping me learn to embrace it all … with a smile. Here’s to 100+ more birthdays full of growth, acceptance and joy.”
Will & Jada Pinkett Smith Attend The Critics Choice Awards
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 13: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on March 13, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
Fans were receptive to the post, congratulating the couple on their loving relationship. “Man let them enjoy this day stop being negative all the time,” one user commented. Another wrote: “Beautiful family! Beautiful message! ikmoYour love story is not for anyone but the two of you to understand!” Tina Knowles even joined in, writing below: “This is a beautiful message [heart emojis] Happy Birthday Willow [sic].” Check out Jada’s post on Instagram below.
It’s not the first time that Jada has shared a throwback of herself on Instagram in recent days. Last week, she posted an adorable clip of herself and 2Pac singing along to DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince’s “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” from long before she married Smith.
Known for her compelling performances and unyielding activism, Kerry Washington’s trajectory in Hollywood is a paradigm for excellence and influence. As a testament to her professional achievements and shrewd financial acumen, CAknowledge puts her net worth at a commendable $55 million in 2023.
Rooted in the Bronx, New York City, Kerry Washington grew up with a sense of community that would later significantly influence her roles and activism. She attended the Spence School, an elite all-girls institution where she excelled both academically and in the performing arts. Yet, even in those hallowed halls, she remained connected to her community, actively participating in outreach programs. Washington’s undergraduate years at George Washington University further honed her acting chops, catapulting her into roles that would soon garner both critical and popular acclaim. The seeds sown in those formative years have borne ample fruit, evident in her complex characters and profound impact on and off-screen.
Career Highlights & Accolades: More Than Just Olivia Pope
HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Actress Kerry Washington attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
While Washington’s role as the indomitable Olivia Pope in Scandal remains her most recognizable work, her repertoire extends far beyond the corridors of D.C.’s fictional corridors of power. From the heart-wrenching drama of Ray to the social critique in The Last King of Scotland, Washington has delivered one masterful performance after another. She garnered Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations for multiple projects, solidifying her position as a versatile actress capable of commanding any script. Washington has also ventured into producing, with projects like Little Fires Everywhere acting as platforms for complicated narratives and strong female leads. In each project, Washington doesn’t just act; she imbues her roles with layers of complexity, making her one of the industry’s most sought-after talents.
Personal Life & Highlights: A Life Less Ordinary
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: (L-R) Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington attend The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
Despite the natural inclination for stardom to bleed into one’s personal life, Washington has skillfully managed to maintain a reasonable sanctuary around her private affairs. Married to former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha, the couple has been notoriously discreet about their family life, thereby preserving a sense of normalcy for their children. What does seep into the public consciousness, however, is Washington’s persistent activism. A proponent of various causes like education and voter registration, she uses her platform to address systemic inequities and inspire change, proving her commitment to bettering the world extends far beyond her acting roles.
Business Ventures & Philanthropy: A Multi-Dimensional Portfolio
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: (Editorial Use Only) (Exclusive Coverage) (L-R) Kerry Washington, Kelly Rowland and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at SoFi Stadium on September 04, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood)
While not as overt as some of her Hollywood contemporaries, Washington has been circumspect in diversifying her financial portfolio. She has quietly invested in several ventures, primarily focusing on those aligned with her social justice aspirations. On the philanthropic front, her contributions are far more visible. Washington serves on the board of V-Day, a global activist movement aimed at ending violence against women and girls. She has also lent her name and resources to arts education and has been an outspoken advocate for gender equality in Hollywood, influencing the narrative through not just her words but her actionable commitments.
Krayzie Bone, member of the legendary rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, is currently hospitalized and fighting for his life. The Cleveland rapper is battling sarcoidosis, the same disease that claimed the life of Bernie Mac, and is currently on a ventilator after undergoing surgery. What Is Sarcoidosis? Krayzie Bone is presently in the hospital, facing a […]
Usher is having a bit of a renaissance in 2023. The R&B legend has proven that there’s still a lot of love for him and his music around this year. His collaboration with Summer Walker and 21 Savage “Good Good” has been rising up the Hot 100 for weeks. It’s a single that’s expected to appear on his upcoming new album which is dropping in early 2024. The album’s release date is in line with another major piece of recent news for the singer.
Over the weekend it was announced that he would be following up Rihanna last year by taking the stage at this year’s upcoming Superbowl. Usher described the opportunity to play the Halftime Show as the “honor of a lifetime” in a statement released alongside the announcement. Fans have been showing up to the rapper’s Las Vegas residency all year and occasionally it’s caused a bit of controversy. Most notably when Keke Palmer turned up to a show in a revealing fit that her boyfriend wasn’t a fan of. She doubled down by appearing in one of the singer’s music videos just a few months later, which had some noticeable parallels.
Now in a new video, Usher seems to have learned his lesson. A hilarious clip is making the rounds of the singer refusing to perform directly to Dwyane Wade’s wife for a pretty good reason. He doesn’t want the smoke because he’s pretty well aware that he couldn’t take Wade in a fight. He hilarious explains his decision into a nearby camera.
Fans in the comments agreed with his assessment. “He know who to play with and who not to play with,” one comment reads. “Marry the woman. And then BOOM usher won’t snatch them up,” another agrees. What do you think of Usher’s interaction with Dwyane Wade during one of his concerts? Let us know in the comment section below.
‘8 Mile’ actor Nashawn Breedlove, who was also known as Ox, has reportedly passed away. Rapper Mickey Factz paid tribute to the late rhymer on social media.
Cleveland rapper Krayzie Bone, one of the members of the pioneering Ohio rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, has reportedly been hospitalized and is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair internal bleeding in his lung. According to TMZ, the 50-year-old rap veteran began coughing up blood on Friday and checked himself into an LA hospital. Doctors found a bleeding artery in one of his lungs and operated, placing him in an induced coma to aid his recovery. However, the artery has continued to bleed, and as of press time, they’ve scheduled a second surgery, hoping to fix the problem for good.
Due to Krayzie Bone’s, whose real name is Anthony Henderson, status as a giant in the hip-hop world, his bandmate Bizzy Bone’s plea for prayers on his behalf was met with an enthusiastic response from stars throughout the genre on social media, including NBA stars such as LeBron James (also an Ohio native). Krayzie Bone’s family asks for privacy as they determine next steps for his care and is at the hospital now awaiting updates.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, after their trailblazing start in hip-hop in the ’90s, have seen renewed interest from the community after participating in a truly chaotic Verzuz hits battle in 2021. Since then, contemporary artists like Logic and Saba have either covered or collaborated with members of the band while Fat Joe recently recalled a behind-the-scenes story from the creation of one of the group’s most iconic records.
During the 2000s, girl groups continued the legacy of their predecessors from the ‘90s. They built upon the success and style of their predecessors while adding their own unique flavor. Additionally, a few girl groups were crossover successes from the ‘90s era. For example, acts like Destiny’s Child rose to fame in the ’90s but stepped into greater levels of success in the 2000s.
Specifically, many notable girl groups of the ’00s continued to showcase diversity within R&B. They represented a range of backgrounds and voices and began to incorporate more music genres into their work. As a result, this helped broaden the representation of women in the music industry. Overall, the 2000s were a successful decade for several R&B girl groups and saw them rise to fame and prominence.
Cherish
Cherish is an R&B girl group that initially consisted of four sisters: Farrah, Neosha, Fallon, and Felisha King. The quartet was known for their contemporary R&B sound, featuring smooth harmonies and sultry vocals. Cherish first rose to prominence in 2003 after being featured on a track with rapper Da Brat. The song “In Love wit Chu” achieved considerable chart success and helped showcase the sisters’ talents. Their debut studio album, Unappreciated, was released in 2006 and was followed two years after by their sophomore album, The Truth. The most successful songs in their discography are “Miss P.” ft. Da Brat, “Unappreciated,” and “Do It to It” ft. Sean Paul, which peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Blaque
Blaque is one of a handful of R&B girl groups that successfully transitioned from the ‘90s to the 2000s. Although their music performed much better on the charts in the late ‘90s, they were still pretty big in the early 2000s and released a string of sleeper hits between 2000 and 2003. Like in the ‘90s, their music was known for its unique blend of R&B and Hip Hop. The trio, Shamari Fears, Natina Reed, and Brandi Williams, made one of the most formidable 2000s girl groups while they were together. Blaque’s sophomore album Blacque Out! was released in 2002 and was a moderate success. Their hit songs include “Bring It All to Me,” “Can’t Get It Back,” and “I’m Good,” among others.
Floetry
Floetry was a unique R&B duo in the 2000s known for their soulful music, spoken word, and impactful lyrics. Formed in 1997, and between then and 2005, they rose to become one of the most iconic 2000s girl groups of the decade. The duo comprises Marsha “The Songstress” Ambrosius and Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart. Together, they created timeless, soul-stirring music. While they had been performing together since 1997, their debut studio album, Floetic (2002), brought the group widespread recognition. Their sophomore album, Flo’Ology (2005), was also well-received. Some of their biggest songs are “Say Yes,” “Supastar” with Common, and “Floetic.”
3LW
3LW, meaning “3 Lil Women,” was an R&B girl group known for their youthful energy and harmonious vocals. The trio was formed in 1999 and comprises members Kiely Williams, Adrienne Bailon, and Naturi Naughton. 3LW’s music was characterized by a blend of contemporary R&B, Hip Hop, and pop elements. They released three albums between 2000 and 2003, with the first two, 3LW and A Girl Can Mack, being their most successful. While 3LW had a good run, they officially disbanded in 2007. The group is best known for their hit tracks, “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right),” “I Do (Wanna Get Close to You),” and “Playas Gon’ Play.”
Danity Kane
Danity Kane’s formation on the reality TV show Making the Band and their initial success in the mid-2000s marked them as a unique girl group of that era. The original lineup included members Aubrey O’Day, Wanita Woodgett, Shannon Bex, Dawn Richard, and Aundrea Fimbres. Danity Kane gained recognition with their self-titled debut album in 2006. The project housed the hit singles: “Show Stopper” and “Ride for You.” They released their sophomore studio album, Welcome to the Dollhouse, in 2008. It was their second consecutive album to top the Billboard 200 chart and featured another hit single, “Damaged.” In May 2023, Aubrey O’Day claimed that Diddy stole their songs to hand over to bigger artists.
The Pussycat Dolls
The Pussycat Dolls were originally formed as a burlesque dance troupe in the late ‘90s. However, they later evolved into a music group and are one of the most successful girl groups ever. The most well-known lineup included Nicole Scherzinger, Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Melody Thornton, and Kimberly Wyatt. A fusion of R&B, pop, and dance elements characterized the Pussycat Dolls’ music. Furthermore, they gained international recognition with their debut album, PCD, followed by another commercially successful album, Doll Domination. They have several hit songs, including “Buttons,” “Don’t Cha,” and “When I Grow Up,” among others.
Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child’s career continued well into the 2000s, solidifying their status as one of the most iconic girl groups of the 2000s and of all time. By the ’00s, the group consisted of the most notable trio of Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michele Williams. Following their commercially successful 1999 sophomore album, The Writing’s on the Wall, the group released their third album, Survivor, in 2001. It spawned international hits “Survivor,” “Bootylicious,” and “Emotion” among others. Additionally, it was a critical and commercial success that earned the group a Grammy Award. Their final album, Destiny Fulfilled, was also a critical and commercial success. The group’s influence extended worldwide, with their music greatly transcending cultural boundaries.
