Music executive Clarence Avant died at 92 in his Los Angeles home, according to a statement from his family. Avant, known as “the Black Godfather,” significantly contributed to the music, entertainment, politics, and sports industries. Clarence Avant Passes Away At 92 Longtime entertainment mogul and music executive Clarence Avant sadly passed away at 92 on […]
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ONE Musicfest, in partnership with Live Nation Urban, has unveiled the highly anticipated lineup for this year’s edition of the premier urban music festival. Taking place on October 28th and 29th at Atlanta’s historic Piedmont Park, the two-day event promises an unforgettable weekend of music, culture, and celebration.
Known for its diverse lineup, ONE Musicfest has curated an exceptional roster of legendary and contemporary artists. Headlining the festival are the iconic Janet Jackson, soulful sensation Brent Faiyaz, the incomparable Kendrick Lamar, unapologetic rapper Megan Thee Stallion, and chart-topping artist Kodak Black.
In recognition of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary, ONE Musicfest has also curated a special Hip Hop 50 stage, featuring legendary acts such as Nelly, DJ Drama, KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, DJ Quik, Trina, and more.
“We are beyond excited about the 14th annual ONE Musicfest. To have the opportunity to host Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Megan Thee Stallion, Brent Faiyaz, and other iconic artists in the middle of Piedmont Park is a dream come true, especially on the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. It doesn’t get any better than this. It will be a premium experience for the artists, the attendees, and our partners. We look forward to our new home in Piedmont Park and delivering an elevated experience to our many fans.”
– J. Carter, ONE Musicfest Founder
With its stellar lineup and vibrant atmosphere, ONE Musicfest promises to deliver an extraordinary experience for fans, showcasing the very best in urban music and honoring the rich legacy of Hip Hop.
You can see the full lineup below.
The post ONE Musicfest Announces Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Brent Faiyaz, and Megan Thee Stallion as 2023 Headliners first appeared on The Source.
The post ONE Musicfest Announces Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Brent Faiyaz, and Megan Thee Stallion as 2023 Headliners appeared first on The Source.
Lil Kim stands tall as an undeniable rap icon. Nevertheless, in an oversaturated landscape, new rappers emerge daily. Established rappers often go unnoticed. As such, it is crucial to seize the opportunity to acknowledge and honor her contributions. Recently, Lil Kim graced the cover of XXL magazine, where she candidly discussed her career, achievements, and pivotal moments. More specifically, Lil Kim addressed the ongoing discourse in the rap industry regarding ghostwriters and the rightful attribution of songwriting credits. She emphasized her own involvement in writing for numerous artists besides herself. It is a remarkable feat that often goes unacknowledged within the industry, even for icons like Kim.
“Everyone calls me an icon, it’s an honor to me. It makes me smile, it makes me happy to know that people look at me that way because I never really saw that for myself. It just happened organically,” Lil Kim said in her XXL interview. “There’s a few highlights of my career, but it’s funny ’cause I never had that ‘Oh my God, I made it’ moment. Even to this day, I feel like that moment is still coming. I’m so glad to see us women getting our recognition and everyone celebrating us. I think it’s a wonderful thing. And, by the way, all this talk about writing- I’ve [written] for other people. I wrote on Diddy’s album, check your credits!”
Lil Kim had the honor of joining Janet Jackson on her recent “Together Again” tour. The rapper she filled in for Ludacris during the Allentown, Pennsylvania stop. During her performance, Lil Kim paid tribute to Michael Jackson. Afterward, she had an emotional encounter with Janet backstage, expressing her love for the legendary singer. Kim shared her admiration, mentioning how she saw Janet as a girl version of Michael Jackson felt a connection to her energy and talent. She praised Janet’s grace, but also hinted at her fierce side, jokingly mentioning that she can fight if needed.
“She represented me, a hood girl! I’m from the hood. I knew I could rap, but I was like, I wanted to do something different,” Lil Kim said about Janet. “I didn’t want to be the normal rapper. I love MC Lyte, I love Salt-N-Pepa, I love Queen Latifah – but I was like, ‘I want to do something different! I want to be a rap Janet Jackson.’” Janet reciprocated the love by posting a selfie with Lil Kim on Instagram and expressing gratitude for her filling in on the tour.
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Time sure does fly, and we’re celebrating three decades since Janet Jackson delivered her eponymous album. Thirty years ago, on May 18, 1993, Jackson released her sensual, groundbreaking project, Janet. As fans of the music icon are aware, the ’90s was a golden era for music. By the time the decade rolled around, Jackson was already a bonafide star. Her role at Good Times put her in living rooms every week. As a member of the illustrious Jackson family, the world knew her before she learned how to ride a bike. Iconic producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis would craft songs that made Jackson a radio star. However, Janet was a monumental shift for the hitmaker. Let’s look back at the singer’s fifth studio album.
Because of her last name, people believed Janet was destined for greatness. She stepped into the limelight as a child alongside her superstar siblings. Her solo debut came in 1982 with the release of her self-titled album, Janet Jackson. However, her third album, Control, in 1986, catapulted her to stardom. We saw Jackson become her own woman, navigating a career away from her family.
Yet, the release of Janet cemented Ms. Jackson as a Pop-R&B star. The album showcased Janet’s more sensual and mature side, allowing her to break free from the shadow of her legendary brother, Michael Jackson. The record’s essence and appeal stemmed from exploring love, sensuality, and self-expression, weaving these themes together with infectious rhythms. The theme resonated with listeners, and soon, Janet became a commercial powerhouse. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
The album also spawned six Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including the chart-topping hits “That’s the Way Love Goes” and “Again.” The response from critics was equally enthusiastic, as they praised the album’s concept and execution. They applauded her ability to seamlessly blend various musical genres, such as Pop, R&B, and Hip Hop, creating a distinctive sound that complemented Jackson’s often soft deliveries. Many also lauded Janet’s evolution as an artist, as she fearlessly pushed boundaries and tackled subjects that were considered taboo at the time.
Janet is a pivotal moment in Jackson’s career compared to her other releases. It was a daring departure from her previous work, which primarily focused on seeking—and often demanding—respect. Janet played a crucial role in shaping the singer’s career trajectory. It allowed her to establish herself as an artist who could successfully reinvent herself and acclimate to the ever-evolving music landscape. Her adaptability and willingness to take risks would become a hallmark of her career, as seen in subsequent albums such as The Velvet Rope and All for You.
Additionally, Janet would impact many icons in the making. Beyoncé and Rihanna cited Jackson as a significant influence on their style and approach to music. Jackson is, and continues to be, an undeniable trailblazer in entertainment. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Janet, it’s essential to recognize its significance in the singer’s career and the broader context of pop culture. The album pushed boundaries, broke taboos, and paved the way for future artists to follow in Janet’s footsteps.
When it comes to flow, lyricism, and creativity no one does it better than Busta Rhymes. The Hip-Hop icon is a staple in the game. From his albums, style, and dope music videos his influence is everywhere. Moreover, during a Janet Jackson concert at Madison Square Garden, she brought out Busta as a surprise guest. The two legends performed their 1998 bop “What’s It Gonna Be?” for the first time. Fans who attended caught the historic moment on video of the iconic pair performing their hit record during Janet Jackson’s New York stop for her Together Again tour.
Not only that, both Busta and Janet Jackson received tons of love from the crowd as they danced and perform their classic collab. Later, after their performance, Busta Rhymes gave the “Control” singer her flowers with a literal grand bouquet. “We’re going to give you your flowers…. your botanical garden while you can smell them,” he told the singer as someone gave her the bouquet. Not only that as Bus continued to shower the legendary singer with gifts and praise, he explained how their hit song came to be. “In 1998, 25 years ago, I’m on the Belt Parkway going from Long Island to Manhattan,” Busta began.
Busta Rhymes continued, “I’m listening to Janet Jackson do an interview with Angie Martinez when she was on Hot 97.” Moreover, he told the crowd that when Angie Martinez asked the R&B icon who she wanted to work with and she said ‘Busta Rhymes’ he almost crashed his car. Furthermore, Busta noted, “To this day, our video is the most expensive Hip Hop video made in the history of Hip Hop culture.” The legendary rhymer tied off his speech by wishing Janet Jackson a happy birthday (which is next week) and brought out a cake to commemorate the collaboration.
After their iconic performance Busta Rhymes took to Instagram to give his sentiments and appreciation for being able to perform with Janet Jackson. “Tonight was one for EVERY HISTORY BOOK!! FIRST TIME EVER THE WORLD GOT TO WITNESS THE BEAUTIFUL QUEEN @janetjackson & Myself perform ‘WHAT’S IT GONNA BE’ IN 25YRS SINCE THE CREATION OF THE SONG FROM THE ‘EXTINCTION LEVEL EVENT’ ALBUM At @thegarden,” he wrote. “Thank you Queen for having me tonight and being apart of this Dream Coming true. I’m forever Grateful and I love you sooooo much. Happy Early Bday Queen and Happy Mother’s Day and Happy 25yr Anniversary to our Classic.” For more daily news on your favorite artist tap into HNHH for the scoop.
The Boston Celtics were expected to finish off the Atlanta Hawks in Game 5 of their first-round NBA Playoffs series on Tuesday, April 25, but the Hawks won, 119-117, and forced a Game 6 for Thursday, April 27. Free basketball is rarely a bad thing, but in this case, there was a cost.
Janet Jackson already had her Together Again Tour scheduled to stop at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on April 27, meaning State Farm Arena was suddenly double-booked for Jackson and the Hawks’ Game 6.
State Farm Arena double-booked the Hawks playoff game and a Janet Jackson concert for the same night
(via Ticketmaster) pic.twitter.com/dSuFAxYMrs
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 26, 2023
State Farm Arena announced that Jackson’s concert was rescheduled for Friday, April 28.
Everything you need to know for Janet Jackson tomorrow!
This concert has been rescheduled for Friday, April 28 due to the @ATLHawks playoff game tonight.
Doors @ 6:30 PM
Show starts promptly @ 7:45 PM
: https://t.co/PLSJ51h03c
&
: https://t.co/Evq35FdOuk pic.twitter.com/CLlpt4UBhB
— State Farm Arena (@StateFarmArena) April 27, 2023
Jayson Tatum felt bad for inconveniencing her. The Celtics later took care of the Hawks in Thursday night’s Game 6, 128-120. Tatum finished his on-court postgame interview by apologizing.
“I want to send an apology to the legend Janet Jackson,” the four-time All-Star said with a smile. “We were supposed to close it out in Boston. She had to postpone her show. I hope she sees this. I apologize for that, but we got it done today.”
“I wanna send an apology to the legend Janet Jackson… we were supposed to close it out in Boston. She had to postpone her show. I hope she sees this, you know, I apologize for that. But we got it done today.” – Jayson Tatum to Stephanie Ready
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 28, 2023
Jackson seems totally unbothered by the ordeal. She posted highlights from her April 26 show in Atlanta, the first of two nights, and captioned the Instagram post, “Atlanta, show 1 of 2 tonight! See you again Friday (congrats Hawks!) …swipe to see the band’s fave parts of the show. #TogetherAgainTour [basketball emoji].”
Jackson might run into another scheduling issue with the New York Knicks if a Game 5 is needed against the Miami Heat in their Eastern Conference semifinals series, which will begin this Sunday, April 30. A potential Game 5 would be at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, May 10 — Jackson’s second of two nights scheduled at MSG.
When the Atlanta Hawks beat the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of their NBA playoff series earlier this year, it set a few things into motion. Firstly, it forced a Game 6 between the two teams, with the Celtics leading the series 3-2. However, as per NBA scheduling rules, that game would be played at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. This was a problem because the Hawks hadn’t booked the arena for that Thursday night game. As it had been left vacant in the booking schedule, Janet Jackson was scheduled to perform there instead.
As the Hawks are the priority user of State Farm Arena, Jackson was forced to push her concert back a day. Fans were not best pleased about the change, especially as Taylor Swift was scheduled to perform at the neighboring Mercedes-Benz Arena on Friday night as well. Not only would plans have to be rescheduled to attend, but the area around the arena would also be additionally crowded. What’s worse is that the Hawks didn’t even win the game which necessitated the concert postponement.
Tatum really apologized to Janet Jackson for having to postpone her show in Atlanta for Game 6
pic.twitter.com/1F1nvRUfMO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 28, 2023
With five minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Hawks were up three on the Celtics. It had been an incredibly tight, high-scoring game between the two sides as Atlanta looked to force a Game 7. However, the Celtics outscored their opponents 18-7 over the final five minutes to clinch a series win and set up a rivalry series with the Sixers. Jayson Tatum had 30 points and 14 rebounds for the Celtics in the win, playing a vital role in the victory as he has done all series.
However, the upcoming battle with the Sixers wasn’t what was on his mind during his post-game, on-court interview. “It’s gonna be fun, it’s gonna be exciting. I wanna enjoy this moment right now,” Tatum said of the impending Sixers series. “I wanna send an apology to the legend Janet Jackson. We were supposed to close out in Boston but she had to postpone her show. I hope she see this and know that I apologize for that. But we got it done today.” It was a gracious and heart-warming moment from the Celtics star, who was sure to acknowledge Jackson’s iconic status.
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Sports scheduling is a tricky business. A team knows exactly where and when they will play their home games during the regular season. This allows the stadium owners to make the venue available for other activities when the home team is on the road.
However, the playoffs are a different beast altogether. In the NBA, all playoff series are played in a best-of-seven format. This means there is a minimum of four games and a maximum of seven. This allows both teams to get a minimum of two home games per series. Currently, a playoff series is played in a 2-2-1-1-1 format. This means that after game 4, the teams alternate hosting duties. But because those games aren’t needed, the venue might have been left available on those nights. This uncertainty is now causing some headaches in Atlanta.
Janet Jackson was supposed to play at State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, on April 27. However, April 25 saw the Hawks top the Boston Celtics 119-117 in Game 5 of their NBA Playoff series. The Hawks had been 3-1 down and facing elimination. However, the win meant that the series would necessitate a Game 6…hosted by Atlanta. Suddenly double-booked, State Farm Arena announced that Jackson’s concert would be pushed back a day to April 28. Tickets from the original Thursday show would be honored at the rescheduled event. Furthermore, refunds would be issued for anyone who could not attend the new show.
While some fans have cried foul, the decision makes sense (if necessitated by stupidity). As the arena’s official tenants and primary users, the Hawks likely get first-priority use of the arena. However, there is an element of hilarity in the implication that the Hawks didn’t expect to make it as deep as Game 6. If they had, they would have likely booked the arena ahead of time. Regardless, Jackson fans are unhappy with what they see as preferential treatment for the NBA. Furthermore, the rescheduling now puts Jackson in direct conflict with a Taylor Swift concert at the nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, we here at HotNewHipHop have a different solution. Janet Jackson, starting point guard for the Atlanta Hawks.
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On Sunday, the Boston Celtics secured their third playoff win against the Atlanta Hawks to go up 3-1 against Trae Young and company in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Most people assumed that the Celtics would handle business on Tuesday when the teams returned to Boston to possibly close out the series with a Celtics. Unfortunately for the team up north, the Hawks snuck away with a game 5 win backed by Young’s 38 points to make the series 3-2 and force a game 6 back in Atlanta. That’s good news, right? Well not particularly. A short time after the game, fans noticed that the Hawks’ game 6 matchup was set to take place at the same time and place as Janet Jackson’s Together Again Tour stop in Atlanta.
State Farm Arena double-booked the Hawks playoff game and a Janet Jackson concert for the same night
(via Ticketmaster) pic.twitter.com/dSuFAxYMrs
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 26, 2023
Yup, that’s right. A scheduling error by the State Farm Arena caused a double-booking of the Hawks’ next playoff game and Janet Jackson’s Together Again Tour stop. Games 5-7 in an NBA playoff series are usually marked as “if necessary” as they won’t be needed if the team accomplishes the coveted four-game sweep. So, the error could have been a result of a slight slip-up in remembering that these games could be needed. Then again, it could have also been an overly confident Hawks fan who believed that their team would sweep the second-rank Boston Celtics in four games. (As a Celtics fan, this reason would be great simply because of the “point-and-laugh” opportunity it gives me now that we’re up 3-2). Nonetheless, a slight error more times than not needs a slight correction.
State Farm Arena will host Game 6 of Hawks and Celtics on Thursday, moving Janet Jackson’s concert to Friday. Both events were previously scheduled on the same day.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 26, 2023
Chris Haynes, the Senior NBA Insider for TNT & Bleacher Report, reported that the Hawks-Celtics game 6 matchup would take place on Thursday, April 27 while Janet Jackson Together Again Tour stop in Atlanta will be moved to Friday, April 28. Just like that, all is well in Atlanta as the city’s week of entertainment can continue without issue. Let’s just hope the Celtics can finally bring this series to an end.
