Jennifer Hudson Releases Her First Ever Holiday Album ‘The Gift of Love’ Via Interscope Records

unnamed 66

unnamed 66

History’s youngest female EGOT-winner Jennifer Hudson captures the magic of the holiday season on her Interscope Records debut, The Gift of Love, released today. With her effortless range and melodic tone, the genre-defying vocalist brings to life seasonal favorites like “O Holy Night,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Auld Lang Syne” alongside originals that bring fresh meaning to the holidays.

To celebrate the album’s release, she will host a special episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” packed with holiday fun today. Next week, Hudson will appear on “SHERRI” and “CBS This Morning.”

The festivities will continue with The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience, which launches on November 24 at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre. This special series of performances will also bring the two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist, Academy Award-winning actress, and Tony and Emmy Award-winning producer to The Chicago Theatre in Chicago, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. Visit JenniferHudson.world for additional information.

Hudson has joined forces with Hallmark to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Countdown to Christmas programming event and Hallmark’s 2024 Joy to Your World holiday campaign, which launches today. The campaign will feature “Let There Be Joy,” an exclusive original song from Hudson. Songs from The Gift of Love will also appear in upcoming Hallmark holiday programming.

The Gift of Love includes “Carol of the Bells,” featuring The Joy, a South African quintet known for their blend of traditional Zulu music and modern a cappella. Hudson also collaborates with fellow GRAMMY® Award winner Common for the original song “Almost Christmas” and, to fans’ delight, finally records her stunning take on “Hallelujah.” Ryan Tedder served as Executive Producer of the album and produced several tracks. Hudson additionally teamed with producers David Foster, Greg Phillinganes, Kirk Franklin, James Poyser, Fede Vindver, Peer Åström; and co-writers including Michael Pollack and J Kash.

The Gift of Love Track Listing:

1.    Hallelujah

2.    Winter Wonderland

3.    Carol of the Bells (ft. The Joy)

4.    Find The Love

5.    O Holy Night

6.    Make It To Christmas

7.    Santa to Someone

8.    My Favorite Things

9.    Little Drummer Boy

10. Go Tell It On The Mountain

11. Almost Christmas (ft. Common)

12. Jingle Bells (Prelude)

13. Jingle Bells

14. The Christmas Song

15. Auld Lang Syne

The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience

November 24  Brooklyn, NY               Kings Theatre

December 13  Chicago, IL                 The Chicago Theatre

December 18  Los Angeles, CA         Walt Disney Concert Hall

December 21  Las Vegas, NV            Fontainebleau

December 22  Las Vegas, NV            Fontainebleau

The post Jennifer Hudson Releases Her First Ever Holiday Album ‘The Gift of Love’ Via Interscope Records appeared first on .

Ciara Reveals Her “Goodies” Single Almost Went to Brittney Spears

Ciara 3

Ciara 3

Ciara’s “Goodies” would have been a Brittney Spears banger in an alternative universe. Appearing on the Kelly Clarkson show, Ciara revealed the song was trying to be spun to the pop star.

“I learned about this later, but they were trying to give my song to Britney Spears,” Ciara said. “I know Britney wasn’t the one trying to take my song, because I love Britney.”

Just last week, Ciara has released her latest single, “Wassup,” featuring GRAMMY-nominated rapper Busta Rhymes, via her very own label, Beauty Marks Entertainment. Written by Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and Courtlin Jabrae and produced by J.R. Rotem, the energetic record taps into Ciara’s ATL roots with a current-day Y2K sound.

unnamed 28

“’Wassup’ is a fun flex record. It started with a play on words on what we would say when I came up in ATL. “What’s up, what’s happenin?” It’s somewhat of a Y2K moment. I’m tapping into my ATL roots! It’s a song that’s meant for you to have the ultimate fun,” says Ciara. “Busta ‘slaughtered’ the track with his classic, undeniable, and unstoppable flow. He brought pure edge and the perfect energy to the record to take it all the way to a special place!”

Busta Rhymes remarks, “Y’all are in trouble because The Queen CiCi and The Dragon got a Banger!! That’s Wassup!!”

Busta and Ciara reunited on the road this summer for the critically acclaimed OUT OF THIS WORLD Tour alongside Missy Elliott. The tour left both fans and critics raving, Variety praised “Ciara was all sweat and allure,” while Atlanta Journal Constitution lauded, “[Ciara] captivated the crowd with her sultry dance moves and signature soprano.”

Additionally, today celebrates the 20th anniversary of Ciara’s 4x platinum debut album Goodies. A limited edition hot pink colored vinyl, which includes the original album and two bonus tracks, “Crazy” and “Represent Me,” is available now.

The post Ciara Reveals Her “Goodies” Single Almost Went to Brittney Spears appeared first on .

Anthony Hamilton Salutes Black Women On His Latest Single “Queen”

unnamed 53

GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum singer, songwriter, producer, actor, author, father, and R&B icon Anthony Hamilton celebrates the immense impact of Black women on his life with his new single “QUEEN. This single arrives at a significant moment as the nation gears up for a historic election and the possibility of electing the first Black female president.

“QUEEN” is a soulful anthem dedicated to celebrating Black women’s strength, beauty, and resilience. Written and performed by the legendary Anthony Hamilton and produced by Jermaine Dupri, this song is an homage to the QUEENS who have shaped history, nurtured generations, and continue to lead with grace and power. With heartfelt lyrics and a powerful melody, “QUEEN” aims to become a global anthem that resonates with people of all backgrounds, uplifting and honoring the essence of Black womanhood. 

About the song, Hamilton comments, “I’m surrounded by QUEENS. I was raised by QUEENS, some who never knew their value or the influence they had on me. It’s not only my duty as a Black King, but my right to celebrate, support and respect them. I was birthed by a QUEEN.”

In celebration of the “QUEEN” release, Anthony Hamilton has also announced the “QUEEN” Remix Contest and is calling on all remixers, producers, and DJ’s worldwide to submit their take on the song “QUEEN” for a chance to have their remix released officially. Additionally, the single will be supported by various “QUEEN” campaigns to include prizes and giveaways throughout the country.

The post Anthony Hamilton Salutes Black Women On His Latest Single “Queen” appeared first on .

Ciara Releases “Wassup” Featuring Busta Rhymes

unnamed 28

unnamed 28

GRAMMY winning, multi-platinum selling superstar Ciara has released her latest single “Wassup” featuring GRAMMY nominated rapper Busta Rhymes via her very own label, Beauty Marks Entertainment. Written by Ciara, Busta Rhymes and Courtlin Jabrae, and produced by J.R. Rotem, the energetic record taps into Ciara’s ATL roots with a current day Y2K sound.

“’Wassup’ is a fun flex record. It started with a play on words on what we would say when I came up in ATL. “What’s up, what’s happenin?” It’s somewhat of a Y2K moment. I’m tapping into my ATL roots! It’s a song that’s meant for you to have the ultimate fun,” says Ciara. “Busta ‘slaughtered’ the track with his classic, undeniable, and unstoppable flow. He brought pure edge and the perfect energy to the record to take it all the way to a special place!”

Busta Rhymes remarks, “Y’all are in trouble because The Queen CiCi and The Dragon got a Banger!! That’s Wassup!!”

Busta and Ciara reunited on the road this summer for the critically acclaimed OUT OF THIS WORLD Tour alongside Missy Elliott. The tour left both fans and critics raving, Variety praised “Ciara was all sweat and allure,” while Atlanta Journal Constitution lauded, “[Ciara] captivated the crowd with her sultry dance moves and signature soprano.”

Additionally, today celebrates the 20th anniversary of Ciara’s 4x platinum debut album Goodies. A limited edition hot pink colored vinyl, which includes the original album and two bonus tracks, “Crazy” and “Represent Me,” is available now.

The post Ciara Releases “Wassup” Featuring Busta Rhymes first appeared on .

The post Ciara Releases “Wassup” Featuring Busta Rhymes appeared first on .

Tommy Richman Releases New Single Titled “Whitney”

Tommy Richman Drops New Single "DEVIL IS A LIE"

Tommy Richman continues adding on to his monumental summer run with the release of his latest single, “WHITNEY” along with an accompanying visualizer.

he new song is the second release from Tommy’s heavily anticipated debut album, COYOTE, out September 27th via ISO Supremacy/PULSE Records, and follows his run of sold-out live shows in D.C., New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as well as his late-night TV debut performance of “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. “WHITNEY” highlights the break-out star’s sonic versatility, coming as a modern-pop anthem that blends R&B, indie, and soul with an irresistibly funky disco-groove and bassline.

Alternating between his signature falsetto and a lower-tone cadence, Tommy’s heartfelt vocals masterfully capture his raw emotions over the track’s warm sweeping synth chords and bright analog-synth melodies, delivering another personal and intimate look into the journey that inspired COYOTE. Last month, Tommy gave fans the first glimpse of what to expect from his upcoming album with the release of “THOUGHT YOU WERE THE ONE,” a downtempo heartstring-pulling alt-R&B ballad. 

The post Tommy Richman Releases New Single Titled “Whitney” first appeared on The Source.

The post Tommy Richman Releases New Single Titled “Whitney” appeared first on The Source.

Grammy Winning Bilal Drops Cubist Torch Single “Tell Me” Ahead Of LP Release

Screenshot 2024 09 17 at 10.09.01 AM

Today, GRAMMY Award-winning artist Bilal unveils new single “Tell Me,” the latest from his forthcoming album Adjust Brightness, out September 27. Following the success of his June Black Music Month release, Live at Glasshaus featuring QuestloveCommon, and Robert Glasper, Bilal is back with his first album of new music in eight years. The new work features 11 brand-new tracks that will take listeners on his most daring musical journey yet, marking a bold step forward in Bilal’s already innovative sound. 

“Tell Me” is a standout piece from Adjust Brightness, offering a glimpse into the forward-thinking sonic journey Bilal has crafted. The mesmerizing layered vocals are both intimate and raw, creating an abstract yet captivating listening experience. The track deconstructs traditional love ballads, weaving in unconventional structures while retaining a haunting emotional pull. Though it carries the bare and natural essence of a demo, “Tell Me” is masterfully produced, with every sonic detail honed to perfection.

I realized a long time ago that, with the specter of AI and streaming, we risk losing our humanity,” says Bilal. “With Adjust Brightness, it was like: let’s make some shit that is going to confuse the damn computer. We’re bringing a love frequency — emphasizing the warmth, the love. It’s an intimate record.

Eight years following 2015’s In Another Life, a collaboration with Adrian Younge that drew from the psychedelic verve of vintage funk, Adjust Brightness marks a bold new chapter for Bilal. This album is a giant step forward, as Bilal merges his organic, soulful roots with experimental electronic influences inspired by artists like Aphex Twin, Stereolab, and Jai Paul. The creation of Adjust Brightness was deeply inspired by a period of musical and visual experimentation. Bilal began to approach his music much like a painter approaches a canvas — focusing on moods, textures, and atmospheres rather than traditional song forms. His experiences with experimental jazz and live performances fed into this avant-garde direction, and tracks like “Sunshine” and “Humility” highlight his innovative use of atmospheric grooves, intricate beats, and sonic manipulation. Though he’s venturing into new territory, the album retains the warmth, intimacy, and emotional core that have always defined Bilal’s artistry.

The post Grammy Winning Bilal Drops Cubist Torch Single “Tell Me” Ahead Of LP Release first appeared on The Source.

The post Grammy Winning Bilal Drops Cubist Torch Single “Tell Me” Ahead Of LP Release appeared first on The Source.

Juice WRLD Drops Two Posthumous Tracks, “World Tour(Aquafina)” And “Lightyears” Feat. Young Thug

unnamed 7

Today, from the late, legendary Juice WRLD comes The Pre-Party, a two-pack of highly anticipated songs fans have been trading notes about for years. The surprise set pairs luxe emo-rap cut “World Tour (Aquafina)” with “Lightyears” featuring Young Thug, which has a slight country sway to it. Listen HERE via Grade A and Interscope Records. The 9AM global timing of the 9.9 release is significant to Juice WRLD and his fandom as a cherished number (999) that symbolizes the concept of flipping a bad situation into a positive one.

Juice previewed “World Tour (Aquafina)” on Instagram Live back in 2018, leaving listeners wondering if they’d ever hear the official release. Now, they can listen closely as the Chicago star inhales at the top of the track, then swan-dives through DJ Relentt’s jewel-tone synths into a blissed-out fever dream that rolls drugs, sex, and threats into a technicolor blur: “I can’t feel my tongue, shorty, I’m off the moll’, yeah / I still see the snakes, n****, run inside, yeah.”

“Lightyears” takes a different tack, mixing downcast guitar with booming bass while the two rap visionaries paint a modern picture of class and excess. “Taking trips off the Percs, I be sky high / In the sky sippin’ on red lean like it’s red wine,” Juice coos, while Young Thug flexes, “Ride big Bentleys everywhere that I go / Keep the Lamborghini parked at the bank though.” The beat comes courtesy of longtime Juice friend and collaborator Nick Mira

The latter song has also been the subject of much speculation. Before Juice’s passing, Thug confirmed the two had more songs in the works, and their chemistry has been affirmed time and again, from Future’s “Red Bentley” (2018), to Juice’s “On God” (2019), to their collab track “Bad Boy” (2021), on through Thug’s “Money” featuring Nicki Minaj (2023) – to name a few. Mira’s involvement with “Lightyears” upped the anticipation — he’s had multiple songs on every Juice album to date, including Top 10 hits “Lucid Dreams,” “Bandit,” and “Smile.”

The post Juice WRLD Drops Two Posthumous Tracks, “World Tour(Aquafina)” And “Lightyears” Feat. Young Thug first appeared on The Source.

The post Juice WRLD Drops Two Posthumous Tracks, “World Tour(Aquafina)” And “Lightyears” Feat. Young Thug appeared first on The Source.

Chance The Rapper Drops New Track “3,333”, Single Artwork Created By 8-Year-Old Daughter Kensli Bennett

Screenshot 2024 08 30 at 1.30.23 PM

Today, Chance the Rapper unveils his latest single “3,333” is now available on all digital streaming platforms. The track finds Chance at his most introspective, reflecting on his career journey, from humble beginnings to performing on the world’s biggest stages. With its deeply personal lyrics and candid storytelling, “3,333” offers fans a glimpse into Chance’s mindset as he navigates the highs and lows of his musical path.

Adding a unique and heartfelt touch to the release, the single’s artwork was created by Chance’s 8-year-old daughterKensli Bennett. The vibrant and playful illustration captures a joyful, musical world, featuring swirling colorful notes around a central figure, her father. Kensli’s imaginative design brings a sense of innocence and family collaboration to “3,333,” making it a truly special release.

The post Chance The Rapper Drops New Track “3,333”, Single Artwork Created By 8-Year-Old Daughter Kensli Bennett first appeared on The Source.

The post Chance The Rapper Drops New Track “3,333”, Single Artwork Created By 8-Year-Old Daughter Kensli Bennett appeared first on The Source.

Travis Scott Releases 5 New Drops From ‘Days Before Rodeo’ Era

Screenshot 2024 08 30 at 5.41.28 AM

To commemorate 10 years since the release of his most lauded and iconic DAYS BEFORE RODEO mixtape, Travis Scott releases DAYS BEFORE RODEO – LIVE FROM ATLANTA, XX DBR CHOPPED & SCREWED Edition, plus VAULT 1, 2 & 3  each available now, and only on shop.travisscott.com.

Screenshot 2024 08 30 at 5.41.54 AM

Available for a limited amount of time, fans can own five versions of the most coveted bites from the DBR era vault, as well as the full set, performed by Travis Scott live in Atlanta last week for one night only.

DAYS BEFORE RODEO was re-released on all digital streaming platforms for the first time on August 23 to celebrate its 10th anniversary and a decade of groundbreaking influence.
 
This seminal project is celebrated for its transformative impact on hip-hop, heralding a new era of sonic innovation and playing a crucial role in shaping today’s music and culture. This exclusive digital deluxe album  will feature unreleased  bonus tracks from Travis Scott’s Days Before Rodeo Era as well as exclusive merch and vinyl bundles will be available on shop.travisscott.com.

Screenshot 2024 08 30 at 5.42.10 AM

Travis originally released DAYS BEFORE RODEO in 2014 as his second mixtape, almost a full year before his debut album “Rodeo” arrived. Featuring an impressive lineup of guest appearances from Young Thug, Big SeanThe 1975, Rich Homie QuanMigos, T.I., and Peewee Longway, the mixtape introduced a new era of progressive trap production that contributed to the genesis of some of today’s most influential artists, including Young ThugMetro Boomin, and Migos. The project stands as a testament to Scott’s visionary approach, marking a monumental moment in music.
 
Tracks like “Mamacita,” featuring Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug, and “Don’t Play,” featuring Big Sean and The 1975, underscore the mixtape’s impact, blending moody production with dynamic collaborations that captivated both fans and critics. The gritty production, crafted by Metro BoominLex LugerFKi, Wondagurl,and Travis Scott himself, set a new tone for hip-hop and played a pivotal role in shaping its direction in today’s culture. The re-release of DAYS BEFORE RODEO, offers both longtime fans and new listeners worldwide the chance to experience a project that has profoundly influenced the music industry. Hailed as one of the best mixtapes of the 2010s, DAYS BEFORE RODEO  was instrumental in redefining the sonic landscape of hip -hop and amplifies Travis Scott’s enduring legacy and trailblazing contributions to music.

The post Travis Scott Releases 5 New Drops From ‘Days Before Rodeo’ Era first appeared on The Source.

The post Travis Scott Releases 5 New Drops From ‘Days Before Rodeo’ Era appeared first on The Source.

Mary J. Blige Speaks on Retirement: ‘In a Little While It Will Be Time’

Mary J. Blige to Receive Entertainment Icon Honors at Urban One Honors: Best in Black Event

Mary J. Blige is still considering retirement within this decade. Speaking with Us Weekly, she stated, “When it’s time, it’s time.”

“Sometimes I get fatigued,” MJB said. “I’ve been doing this for thirty-something years. In a little while, it will be time.”

What does retirement look like for The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul? “Retirement looks like traveling the world, going to places I never been before. Relaxing on yachts, in home, and enjoying the fruits of my labor.”

You can hear more from Mary J. Blige below.

Recently, Mary J. Blige dropped a brand new single, “Breathing,” featuring Fabolous.

The single, released through Blige’s own Beautiful Life Productions in partnership with 300 Entertainment, was produced by Shaun “S Dot” Thomas. The song was written by Mary J. Blige, Fabolous, Jocelyn “Jozzy” Donald, PurpleKBeats, and Jay Hawkins and contains samples of “Kick In The Door” by The Notorious B.I.G and “I Put A Spell On You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. Blige was additionally inspired by Nina Simone’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You.”

“Breathing” is Blige’s second single since the release of Good Morning Gorgeous, her critically acclaimed 15th studio album that received six GRAMMY® nominations at the 65th GRAMMY® Awards, including Album of the Year and Best R&B Album.  

Her first single following the album, “Still Believe in Love,” was released in October 2023 and spent 7 weeks at #1 on The Billboard Adult R&B Airplay Chart. This marked her eighth #1 on the chart, cementing her as having the third-most No. 1s among women artists in the chart’s 30-year history.

“Breathing” showcases Blige’s unparalleled vocals and intimate lyricism. It is a song about what she promised: being happy where she is and reveling in it. Again, Blige proves why she was heralded as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” 

The post Mary J. Blige Speaks on Retirement: ‘In a Little While It Will Be Time’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Mary J. Blige Speaks on Retirement: ‘In a Little While It Will Be Time’ appeared first on The Source.