Music

Miguel And Nazanin Mandi Announced Their Separation After 17 Years Together

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R&B star Miguel and his longtime partner Nazanin Mandi have announced their separation today. In a statement to People the couple said “they wish each other well,” and a statement from a rep to the magazine also said that “after 17 years together, Miguel and Nazanin Mandi have decided to separate and have been for some time now.” Though they were together for over a decade, the pair decided got engaged back in 2016 and were married in 2018 at the the Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Simi Valley, California. Now, after three years of marriage, they’ve decided to call it quits.

Plenty of couples have experienced turmoil or dissolution during the pandemic, but it’s nice to see that these longterm partners are apparently able to make that call while staying on good terms. As for Miguel, he announced a return in the spring of this year, letting fans know that Art Dealer Chic Vol. 4 was coming in April. The Art Dealer Chic series was one that began early in his career, so along with the new installment he also made the earlier EPs from the series available on streaming for the first time. Other than that it’s been a quiet year for the R&B star, but a divorce is often the catalyst for a new creative era, so we’ll see what the future brings for him.

Jack Harlow Explains Why He Was ‘Totally Jealous’ Of Bryson Tiller

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Louisville was never known as a hotbed of hip-hop but in recent years, the city’s profile has risen considerably thanks to the success of hometown heroes like Bryson Tiller, Jack Harlow, and EST Gee. Harlow especially has had a standout year; riding the wave of his No. 2 hit “What’s Poppin,” he managed to turn that buzz into a No. 5 chart debut for his debut album, Thats What They All Say, and turn himself into a fixture of pop culture thanks to a string of viral moments and his placement on Lil Nas X’s “Industry Baby.”

A big part of Harlow’s rise was a boost from Tiller on the song “Thru The Night” from his 2019 mixtape Confetti. However, before that collaboration, Harlow counted himself one of Tiller’s biggest fans, telling Complex in a new interview today that he was actually “totally jealous” of his fellow Louisvillian when Tiller first crossed over in 2015 with “Don’t” and Trapsoul.

“I’d hear Outkast, or I’d hear Drake, or I’d hear Kendrick Lamar talk about where they’re from and rep it,” Jack explains. “And I was like, ‘Who’s going to do that for Louisville?’ Bryson Tiller comes out. I’m in awe. I’m inspired. And I’m totally jealous. And I’m just like, ‘Oh my God, this guy got it.’”

In addition to “Thru The Night,” the two Kentuckians also teamed up with their late fellow local Static Major for “Luv Is Dro” from Jack’s new album. You can read Complex‘s full profile on Harlow here.

Jack Harlow is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Jack Harlow Explains Why He Was ‘Totally Jealous’ Of Bryson Tiller

by
Getty Image

Louisville was never known as a hotbed of hip-hop but in recent years, the city’s profile has risen considerably thanks to the success of hometown heroes like Bryson Tiller, Jack Harlow, and EST Gee. Harlow especially has had a standout year; riding the wave of his No. 2 hit “What’s Poppin,” he managed to turn that buzz into a No. 5 chart debut for his debut album, Thats What They All Say, and turn himself into a fixture of pop culture thanks to a string of viral moments and his placement on Lil Nas X’s “Industry Baby.”

A big part of Harlow’s rise was a boost from Tiller on the song “Thru The Night” from his 2019 mixtape Confetti. However, before that collaboration, Harlow counted himself one of Tiller’s biggest fans, telling Complex in a new interview today that he was actually “totally jealous” of his fellow Louisvillian when Tiller first crossed over in 2015 with “Don’t” and Trapsoul.

“I’d hear Outkast, or I’d hear Drake, or I’d hear Kendrick Lamar talk about where they’re from and rep it,” Jack explains. “And I was like, ‘Who’s going to do that for Louisville?’ Bryson Tiller comes out. I’m in awe. I’m inspired. And I’m totally jealous. And I’m just like, ‘Oh my God, this guy got it.’”

In addition to “Thru The Night,” the two Kentuckians also teamed up with their late fellow local Static Major for “Luv Is Dro” from Jack’s new album. You can read Complex‘s full profile on Harlow here.

Jack Harlow is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Lil Nas X Celebrates Being ‘The First One-Hit Wonder’ With 11 ‘Billboard’ Songs At Once

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Lil Nas X is determined to have the last laugh over any of his critics — and often does. With the release of the first Billboard charts to count his debut album, Montero, he got as much ammo as he’ll need for the foreseeable future. Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and landing three songs in the Hot 100 top 10, Nas has accomplished a pretty rare feat for any artist, let alone one dropping his official debut.

He knows it, too, thanks to a tweet from PopCrave that also noted even more songs from Montero that landed in the Hot 100 after the album’s first week. “wow,” he tweeted in response, taking the opportunity to gloat over all the detractors who figured he’d flop after “Old Town Road.” “i just became the first one hit wonder of all time to have 11 songs on billboard all at once.”

Among those songs are “Industry Baby,” the inescapable and controversial Kanye-assisted hit featuring Jack Harlow, “Montero” aka “Call Me By Your Name,” the song that sent critics from Boosie Badazz to Nike into a tizzy, “Scoop,” which features a standout verse from Doja Cat (who replaced Ski Mask The Slump God), and “Dolla Sign Slime,” the song that Drake missed out on but Megan Thee Stallion killed (in a good way).

Offset Reportedly Helps Cover Anthony Johnson’s Funeral Costs

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Offset may not be a Los Angeles native but it looks like his time in the city has left him with a close affinity for its local heroes. TMZ reports the Atlanta rapper was one of a number of high-profile well-wishers to help out with the costs of actor Anthony Johnson’s funeral. The Friday co-star passed away a week ago at the age of 55, receiving fond tributes from hip-hop stars like Bow Wow, Ice Cube, and Vince Staples.

Unlike those three, Offset had no personal connection to the late comic actor, but he did contribute to the nearly $70,000 that have been donated to the actor’s family’s GoFundMe. According to TMZ, Offset donated $5,000. Another notable donor was comedian Lil Rel Howery (Get Out) who gave $4,000. Michael Blackson, another comedy personality, helped raise $10,000.

Johnson’s widow will give the overage after paying for the funeral to the actor’s four children and start a standup comedy school for underprivileged youth. She also wants to advocate for entertainers to get life insurance, as Johnson’s sudden passing left his family scrambling to cover the funeral costs.

Before his passing, Johnson was known for acting roles in House Party, Lethal Weapon 3, and Menace II Society, as well as a standup career in the LA area.

R. Kelly Faces Decades In Prison After Being Found Guilty Of Sex Trafficking And Racketeering

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After years of allegations and court dates for R. Kelly, a verdict has finally been handed down: The New York Times reports that today, Kelly was found guilty of racketeering as well as eight violations of an anti-sex trafficking law. The singer now “faces the possibility of decades in prison,” the publication says.

As for Kelly’s reaction to the conviction, the Times notes, “R. Kelly sat motionless in the courtroom as he was found guilty of all nine counts of the racketeering and sex-trafficking charges against him. His facial expression was hidden by a mask.”

This story is being updated.

Polo G Gears Up To Set Out On His First Headlining Tour For ‘Hall Of Fame’

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Chicago rising star Polo G is gearing up to embark on his first-ever headlining tour for his No. 1 album Hall Of Fame next month, announcing the tour dates today. It’ll also be his first tour in two years and his first since achieving the aforementioned benchmark.

In a press release for the tour, Polo said, “I’m excited to head back out on the road and perform all of these songs for my fans for the first time. Die A Legend tour was big but this will be even bigger.” The Chicago rapper was unable to tour his second album due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Songs from Hall Of Fame include “Rapstar,” “Gang Gang,” “Painting Pictures,” “So Real,” “Party Lyfe,” “Toxic,” and “Black Hearted.”

The tour’s venues will determine safety protocols and tickets will go on sale Wednesday, September 29 at 10 am local times. You can purchase them here. The tour’s organizers encourage fans to check out their venue’s respective safety protocols and local regulations. You can check out the tour dates below.

10/8 — Cincinnati, OH @ Ovation
10/9 — Columbus, OH @ Express Live
10/15 — Norfolk, VA @ ODU Homecoming
11/23 — San Francisco, CA @ Warfield
11/28 — Los Angeles, CA @ Novo
11/30 — Denver, CO @ Mission
12/2 — Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory
12/3 — Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom
12/6 — Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
12/9 — Washington, DC @ Echostage
12/17– Jacksonville, FL @ Daily’s place
12/18 — Tampa, FL @ MFCU Amphitheatre
12/19 — Atlanta, GA @ The Roxy

Lil Nas X’s ‘That’s What I Want’ Debut Gives Him Three Songs Simultaneously In The Hot 100 Chart’s Top 10

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When “Old Town Road” was becoming the biggest song of all time in terms of chart performance, there was real concern that Lil Nas X would be a one-hit wonder. As we now know, though, the rapper has gone on to have multiple hits since then. In fact, he has three hits right now: On the new Billboard Hot 100 chart dated October 2, Lil Nas X has a trio of songs in the top 10.

New to the top 10 is the recently released single “That’s What I Want,” which debuts in the No. 10 spot. Elsewhere, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” is at No. 9, while “Industry Baby” currently sits at No. 2, its Hot 100 peak. As for the song that claimed the throne this week, that’s The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber’s “Stay,” which is now No. 1 for a sixth total week.

Having three songs in the top 10 is impressive and not something that happens all that often, but it’s also far from the most top-10 songs in a single week. That honor belongs to Drake, who landed an unprecedented nine songs in the Hot 100’s top 10 following the recent release of Certified Lover Boy. Two songs from that album are represented on this week’s top 10: “Way 2 Sexy” is at No. 3 and “Knife Talk” is at No. 8.

Erykah Badu Gifted Rihanna Her Infamous Panty Perfume At The Savage X Fenty Fashion Show

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Rihanna’s third-annual Savage X Fenty Show is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video featuring performances from BIA, Nas, and Normani and appearances from Adriana Lima, Bella Poarch, Gigi Hadid, and Erykah Badu. The latter expressed her appreciation for being included by coming bearing a gift for her gracious host: A bottle of her infamous Badu Pussy perfume, which she supposedly formulated by burning pairs of her underwear. It seems like there could be a mutually beneficial arrangement in there somewhere, right? Erykah posted a photo to Instagram posing with Rihanna and the perfume backstage.

“Thanks RiRi,” the caption reads. “I had a ball at your @savagexfenty show. Always cool to spend a lil love time with a fellow visionary Pisces mind. Enjoy the scents. I like your hustle.”

Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3 became available for streaming on Friday, September 24 and also drew controversy on Twitter for some of the styles represented — something that’s becoming something of a trend for the show in its three years. The second show was criticized for using a Muslim worship song, prompting Rihanna to write on her Instagram Story: “We understand that we have hurt many of our Muslim brothers and sisters, and I’m incredibly disheartened by this!… Moving forward we will make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”

Danny Brown Was Excited He ‘Didn’t Bomb’ His First Time Doing Standup Comedy Opening For Hannibal Buress

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Rap and standup comedy are very similar performance arts rooted in timing, vocal precision, and crowd interaction. However, they are far from the same — only a handful of standup comics have ever proved adept at rap, including Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, and Zack Fox, while Chance The Rapper’s attempt to try comedy sorta stunk. But there remains an affinity between the two groups, who have an appreciation for each other’s crafts, which occasionally cross over — such as the time Hannibal Buress trolled fans at Adult Swim Festival as an imposter MF DOOM.

The latest rapper to attempt to make the leap to standup is Danny Brown, who is well-known for the goofball comedy of his raps and his fun-loving personality. Last week, he made his standup debut, opening for Hannibal Buress in Huntsville, Texas at a 4,000-attendance venue. Brown tweeted both before and after the show, revealing that it was his first night, asking followers to wish him good luck, then celebrating the fact that “I didn’t bomb!!!!!” In another pair of deleted tweets, Complex reports that the rapper said he was now “addicted” to comedy and dedicating himself to getting better.

“Definitely have a lot to work on but I can honestly say I’m addicted now and want to get better at this so I’m definitely gonna go hard when I get back home,” he wrote. “Thank you to everyone who sent me good luck wishes it definitely helped cause playing in front of 4K for my first stand up set definitely had me missing sleep last night.”