Spotify has been issued a cease and desist order from the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) for hosting lyrics, music videos, and podcast content without proper licensing.
According to Billboard, the NMPA demands the removal “or Spotify will face copyright liability for continued use of these works.”
Earlier this month, Spotify was noted to cut $150M in royalties from music publishers and songwriters beyond what was already expected. This results from adding audiobooks into certain plans, adding books to the total subscription price.
The letter reads, “Spotify appears to be engaged in direct infringement by hosting unlicensed musical works in its lyrics, videos and podcasts and by distributing unauthorized reproductions, synchronizations, displays and derivative sues of these musical works to its users. Making matters worse, Spotify profits from such infringement.”
BLK, the number one dating and lifestyle app for the Black community, proudly unveils their new endeavor: The BLK MBA (Master of Black Affection) Program. Created to empower and support recent graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) facing post-graduation employment challenges, this innovative initiative seeks to redefine both professional and dating dynamics, while providing financial support to young job-seekers.
At its core, the BLK MBA Program creates an opportunity for recent HBCU graduates to navigate the journey from academia to the workforce. Despite improving graduation rates, systemic and cultural obstacles often obstruct the path to employment for Black graduates. African-Americans with college degrees are twice as likely to be unemployed as other graduates, with 12.4 percent of Black college graduates being unemployed, a rate significantly higher than the 5.6 percent average for all college graduates. BLK recognizes the need for solutions to fix this gap.
Enter the BLK MBA Program – a purpose-driven initiative designed to empower and support recent HBCU graduates struggling to find employment after college. But this isn’t your traditional MBA program – there will be no coursework or thesis statements. Instead, BLK will select three outstanding graduates from HBCUs, inviting them to embark on a summer of growth and discovery. These participants will immerse themselves in the vibrant BLK community, exploring networking and connections on the app. Along the way, they’ll share feedback to make the user experience even better, working alongside the brand to gain a deeper understanding of how Black Gen-Z approaches dating, networking and creating connections. Each participant will be awarded a stipend to support them during their journey.
“Our commitment to the Black community transcends the realms of just dating,” says Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Marketing at BLK. “The BLK MBA Program showcases our dedication to creating opportunities for professional growth and personal development for recent HBCU graduates. Through this initiative, we hope not only to address the employment challenges faced by Black graduates but also to enrich our platform with diverse perspectives and experiences.”
The application process for the BLK MBA Program commences in May, inviting recent HBCU graduates to apply. Applicants will be required to submit their resumes and a personal statement that showcases both their desire and need to be a part of the program. A panel of judges, comprising BLK brand team members and Black leaders from the BLK Advocacy Council, will evaluate applications to select three participants based on academic achievements, personal statements, and potential contributions.
Selected participants will embark on a transformative journey throughout the summer, immersing themselves in the vibrant BLK community to hone their networking skills and forge meaningful connections with other Black singles, recent graduates, young professionals and Black business leaders. Participants will proactively network, arrange meetings, and go on dates with the goal of fostering relationships that could lead to meaningful relationships and valuable job opportunities. As they navigate the digital dating landscape, participants will not only shape the future of dating experiences for Black Gen-Z individuals but also gain invaluable insights into effective networking strategies.
For further information about the BLK MBA Program and details on how to apply, please visit https://www.theplugbyblk.com/blkmba2024. Stay tuned for updates and announcements via our press releases, social media channels, and in-app notifications.
TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have taken legal action against the U.S. government following Congress and President Biden’s enactment of a recent law. This law mandates TikTok to sell its operations within nine months or face expulsion from U.S. app stores. TikTok argues that this legislation infringes upon its constitutional rights, particularly the First Amendment. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., was anticipated, given ByteDance’s firm stance against selling TikTok. The company maintains that the data of its American users is safeguarded.
“There is no question: the Act will force a shutdown of TikTok by January 19, 2025,” the lawsuit states, “silencing the 170 million Americans who use the platform to communicate in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere,” the lawsuit says. “For the first time in history, Congress has enacted a law that subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban, and bars every American from participating in a unique online community with more than one billion people worldwide.”
The suite continued, “qualified divestiture’ demanded by the Act to allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally. And certainly not on the 270-day timeline required by the Act. Petitioners have repeatedly explained this to the U.S. government, and sponsors of the Act were aware that divestment is not possible.”
“There are good reasons why Congress has never before enacted a law like this. Consistent with the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of expression, the United States has long championed a free and open Internet — and the Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that speech “conveyed over the Internet” fully qualifies for “the First Amendment’s protections.” What it comes down to is the Act’s national security argument is iffy and questionable at best. “If Congress can do this, it can circumvent the First Amendment by invoking national security and ordering the publisher of any individual newspaper or website to sell to avoid being shut down. And for TikTok, any such divestiture would disconnect Americans from the rest of the global community on a platform devoted to shared content — an outcome fundamentally at odds with the Constitution’s commitment to both free speech and individual liberty.”
Beats, a pioneer in audio technology, has expanded its bestselling product family by introducing the all-new Beats Solo Buds true wireless earphones and the next generation of its iconic headphones, Beats Solo 4. Reputable athletes Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka headline the campaign.
The Beats Solo Buds embody the Solo line’s signature attributes of portability, comfort, and premium audio quality in its smallest form factor yet. The Solo Buds are the ultimate on-the-go companion, boasting impressive sound, up to 18 hours of battery life, and seamless one-touch pairing for both iOS and Android users. Available in four premium colors, including Matte Black and Arctic Purple, the Solo Buds will retail for $79.99 starting in June.
Meanwhile, the Beats Solo 4 offers upgraded, powerful sound, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and UltraPlush cushions for unparalleled comfort. With up to 50 hours of battery life and Lossless Audio via USB-C, the Solo 4 sets a new standard in headphone technology. Available in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink, the Solo 4 is priced at $199.99 and can be ordered today from apple.com.
A recent poll by Reuters/Ipsos reveals a divided sentiment among U.S. adults regarding the potential ban of TikTok. How surprising. Sarcasm. ByteDance, a China-based tech company, owns the popular social media app. With an ambitious law on the horizon that could effectively ban TikTok nationwide by January 2025, about half of Americans express support for the drastic measure, citing concerns over data privacy and Chinese influence.
The legislation, known as the “Protecting Americans’ Data From Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024,” signed by President Biden after receiving bipartisan support in Congress, mandates ByteDance to divest its stake in TikTok within nine months to a non-“foreign adversary” entity. That’s a bold statement, but the lawmakers are serious about this. Failure to comply would result in the app’s distribution being prohibited in America. TikTok intends to challenge the law on First Amendment grounds, but the ban may become a reality if unsuccessful. ByteDance has no plans to sell its interest in the platform.
According to the poll, approximately 50% of Americans support a TikTok ban, 32% oppose it, and 18% are undecided. Concerns about Chinese government surveillance and influence loom large, with 55% believing ByteDance utilizes TikTok to sway public opinion and 46% suspecting espionage activities by the Chinese government.
Senator Maria Cantwell has raised alarms, suggesting that TikTok and ByteDance exploit data and artificial intelligence for surveillance purposes, even targeting journalists covering the company. Past incidents, such as ByteDance firing employees for unauthorized access to TikTok data, further fuel apprehensions.
Concerns about the repercussions of a TikTok ban exist. Ninety percent of respondents believe content creators would migrate to alternative platforms, while 45% worry about adverse effects on small businesses and performing artists. Additionally, 46% fear potential infringements on free speech rights.
The Ipsos/Reuters poll, conducted from April 29-30 with a sample size of 1,022 U.S. residents aged 18 or older, highlights the complexity of public opinion on the TikTok ban issue, with a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.2 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Whatever happens, TikTok has become an influential staple in pop culture, but the connection to China has some people concerned, and possibly, rightfully so.
Nokia and NASA have joined forces in an extraordinary venture to bring 4G connectivity beyond our planet’s bounds and into the depths of space. This groundbreaking collaboration is a giant leap forward in our quest to explore the cosmos and promises to revolutionize how we communicate during future space missions.
Nokia, a global leader in telecommunications technology, and NASA, the renowned space agency, are partnering to establish a reliable and high-speed communication network on the lunar surface. By utilizing Nokia’s expertise in developing cutting-edge telecommunications solutions and leveraging NASA’s vast experience in space exploration, the project seeks to overcome the challenges of operating in the harsh lunar environment.
At the core of this endeavor is deploying Nokia’s innovative 4G technology. Unlike traditional communication systems, 4G networks offer faster data transmission rates, greater bandwidth, and enhanced reliability. This means that astronauts, lunar rovers, and mission control on Earth can communicate seamlessly, enabling vital tasks such as real-time telemetry, remote monitoring, and command operations.
The introduction of 4G connectivity on the Moon opens up possibilities for future lunar missions. With a robust communication infrastructure, astronauts will have access to critical data and resources necessary for conducting scientific research, navigating lunar terrain, and ensuring the success of their missions. Moreover, this advancement lays the groundwork for developing a sustainable lunar economy and eventually establishing human colonies on the Moon.
While deploying 4G technology is a significant achievement, Nokia and NASA are already looking ahead to the next frontier: 5G and beyond. With the rapid advancement of telecommunications technology, future lunar missions could benefit from even faster data speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity, opening doors to new levels of innovation and discovery in space exploration.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Nokia and NASA to bring 4G connectivity to space represents a monumental step forward in exploring the cosmos. By harnessing the power of telecommunications technology, we are extending our reach beyond Earth and paving the way for a future where space exploration is more accessible, efficient, and interconnected than ever before.
Artificial Intelligence is getting smarter, funnier, and in some ways creepier. Arguably a photo of the most famous painting, the Mona Lisa is capable of doing more than just smirking, with the help of Microsoft’s brand new artificial intelligence technology.
Researchers at Microsoft detailed VASA-1, a new AI model they developed that takes still images of a face with an audio clip of anyone speaking, and it automatically creates a pretty realistic video of that person’s photo speaking. The videos are compelling, with lip-syncing, and natural face, and head movements—spooky stuff.
Get this: in one demo video, the Microsoft researchers animated an image of the Mona Lisa to spit a comedic rap, originally by actor Anne Hathaway. Well at least it wasn’t a real artist, then we’d have more AI controversy on our hands.
The output result may be entertaining but may also feel jarring in the product’s authenticity. It just feels too real for some. Now Microsoft said the tech could work within educational applications or, as they put it, “improving accessibility for individuals with communication challenges,” or even virtual companions for humans. Now, that all sounds good, but it may be used for impersonating people and other nefarious uses. Imagine this AI technology used to disrupt creative industries from film to advertising and more.
Microsoft says it is not releasing the VASA-1 model to the public just yet. “We are opposed to any behavior that creates misleading or harmful contents about real persons,” Microsoft researchers said in a recent blog post. They added that they have “no plans to release” the product publicly “until we are certain that the technology will be used responsibly and in accordance with proper regulations.”
The Mona Lisa rapping and all that is fun and games, but until this technology can be responsibly managed, it seems like it’s ripe for potential issues in a world where there’s already enough misinformation floating around. So, the jury is out on this one.
The Recording Academy® has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Coursera, a renowned online learning platform, to introduce GRAMMY GO. This innovative initiative offers a range of courses designed specifically for music creators and industry professionals, aligning with the Academy’s commitment to supporting and empowering all music community members.
GRAMMY GO on Coursera features diverse specializations tailored to emerging talents and established figures in the industry. The curriculum, taught by Recording Academy members, including GRAMMY® winners and nominees, delivers practical insights and real-world lessons that learners can immediately apply to their careers.
“Whether it be through a GRAMMY Museum® program, GRAMMY Camp® or GRAMMY U®, the GRAMMY organization is committed to helping music creators flourish, and the Recording Academy is proud to introduce our newest learning platform GRAMMY GO in partnership with Coursera,” said Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy. “A creator’s growth path is ongoing, and these courses have been crafted to provide learners with the essential tools to grow in their professional and creative journeys.”
The inaugural Coursera specialization, “Building Your Audience for Music Professionals,” is now open for enrollment. Led by Joey Harris, international music and marketing executive, this course features insights from industry luminaries such as Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Jam, GRAMMY winner Janelle Monáe, and three-time GRAMMY winner Victoria Monét. Participants will learn essential strategies for cultivating a dedicated audience and establishing a strong brand presence in today’s dynamic music landscape.
GRAMMY GO will soon unveil its second course, “Music Production: Crafting An Award-Worthy Song.” Led by Carolyn Malachi, a Howard University professor and GRAMMY nominee, this course will enhance participants’ technological and audio skills. It will feature appearances by renowned figures, including GRAMMY winners CIRKUT and Hit-Boy and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.
“We are honored to welcome GRAMMY GO, our first entertainment partner, to the Coursera community,” said Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer at Coursera. “With these self-paced online Specializations, aspiring music professionals all over the world have an incredible opportunity to learn directly from iconic artists and industry experts. Together with GRAMMY GO, we can empower tomorrow’s pioneers of the music industry to explore their passion today.”
Beyond its educational offerings, GRAMMY GO is a digital hub for career pathways and industry insights, providing valuable resources for music professionals. For more information and enrollment, visit go.grammy.com and explore the available courses on Coursera.
Spotify users might get the chance to remix songs from their favorite artists, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal. The outlet claims that the streaming service is currently “developing tools that would allow subscribers to speed up, mash-up and otherwise edit songs,” as they recognize the popularity that remixes have with younger audiences.
However, this new feature will not be free to the public. Not only would those who want to use it need a Spotify Premium subscription, but they would also need to pay more for the upcoming “super-premium” level that Spotify is planning to roll out soon.
The last part of the agreement is that those who use Spotify’s remix feature cannot share their creations on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These are the two social media apps that have the most popularity for remixes. Those who want to upload there will need to stick to “unofficial” spins on songs.
This is due to financial and legal reasons, particularly the fact that “artists and labels don’t often get paid for those altered versions of their songs,” and if Spotify would allow that, remixes would run rampant and the money would be even harder to track.
Spotify’s rumored feature is also still at least a few months away, so it will be interesting to see how they approach this.
More than 200 major artists recently came together to sign an open letter requesting safeguards be put in place to protect artists from artificial intelligence. The letter notes the increasing use of technology to imitate performers’ voices and appearances. It also argues that it could have a detrimental impact on the music industry. Previously, artists like Nicki Minaj, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, and many more have had their voices or likenesses imitated.
“This assault on human creativity must be stopped. We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists’ voices and likenesses, violate creators’ rights, and destroy the music ecosystem,” the letter reads. It was penned by The Artist Rights Alliance, a non-profit run by several music industry veterans. Johnny Cash’s daughter Rosanne, for example, is a board member.
This isn’t the first time artists have come together to demand protection from A.I., however. Earlier this year, over 300 creatives joined forces to sign a letter in support of the bipartisan No Artificial Intelligence Fake Replicas And Unauthorized Duplications Act. 21 S*vage, Chuck D, Common, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Questlove, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and more signed the letter. “The No AI FRAUD Act would defend your fundamental human right to your voice & likeness, protecting everyone from nonconsensual deepfakes,” it says, also urging readers to, “Protect your individuality. Support HR 6943.”
“It’s time for bad actors using AI to face the music,” Representative María Elvira Salazar said when announcing the act. “This bill plugs a hole in the law and gives artists and U.S. citizens the power to protect their rights, their creative work, and their fundamental individuality online.” What do you think of various artists coming together to sign an open letter requesting protection from artificial intelligence? Do you stand with them? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
. This innovative initiative offers a range of courses designed specifically for music creators and industry professionals, aligning with the Academy’s commitment to supporting and empowering all music community members.