Afro Nation, the biggest Afrobeats festival in the world, is returning to Portugal in 2024 with a stacked lineup featuring some of the biggest names in African music. The first wave of announced performers include Rema, Asake, J Hus, Ninho, Tyla, Omah Lay, Flavour, and more. As usual, a second stage will highlight some of Amapiano’s hottest DJs, including Uncle Waffles and Major League DJz. The festival takes place at the Algarve in Portimão on June 26-28, 2024. Tickets go on sale on November 23; you can find more information at afronation.com.
The 2024 performers include some of the genre’s biggest rising stars. Rema enjoyed increased public standing in 2023, performing for the NBA’s 2023 All-Star Game, on The Tonight Show, and at Broccoli City Fest. He also teamed up with hip-hop’s fastest-rising star, Ice Spice, for “Pretty Girl,” which the duo teamed up to perform on SNL.
Meanwhile, Tyla became the first South African musician to chart on the Billboard 200 in fifty years thanks to her hit song “Water” going viral on TikTok. She too made her US television debut recently, in addition to being nominated for the 2024 Grammy Awards. Asake and J Hus both dropped new albums, as well, establishing themselves as forces in the Afrobeats scene.
More performers will likely be announced as March nears, so stay tuned.
Earlier this year, the legal drama surrounding Fetty Wap reached a conclusion he probably wasn’t hoping for. Back in March, he was sentenced to six years in jail for selling drugs. Even if he doesn’t serve the entirety of his sentence that means he’s likely to spend multiple years behind bars. His incarceration hasn’t stopped him from communicating with his fans though. Occasionally he shares some updates on how he’s doing and some pictures of himself from prison.
Earlier today, Fetty shared another new post. “King Zoovier” he captioned the post which features a picture of him crouched over sporting an expensive-looking watch. Despite his circumstances, when new pictures of Fetty Wap make their way online, fans tend to get thirsty. “He still fine idc idc idc” one of the top comments on a repost of the pic reads, and they aren’t alone. Check out the picture and various fan reactions to it below.
Prison also hasn’t stopped Fetty from recording and releasing new material. Earlier this month, he teamed up with Coi Leray for a new single “1738.” The track was released with an accompanying lyric video and has racked up hundreds of thousands of plays on both Spotify and YouTube. It follows “Sweet Yamz,” a track Fetty released last year. The song proved there’s still plenty of love for the rapper out there as it’s racked up more than 17 million streams on Spotify alone.
Alongside the release of the new single, Fetty Wap also announced that he was following it up with an album coming soon. The album is called King Zoo and its expected to drop later this month on November 24. It will be his first new project since 2021 when he dropped The Butterfly Effect. Though he hasn’t revealed the rest of the tracklist yet fans are expecting more high-profile features involved. What do you think of fans continuing to be thirsty over Fetty Wap’s jail photos? Let us know in the comment section below.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to NBA YoungBoy fans that days after dropping off another album, he’s already got unreleased snippets surfacing online. So far in 2023, the Louisana native has been on a roll. He kicked things off with a featureless, 19-track effort, I Rest My Case, before working with Mariah The Scientist, Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, and The Kid LAROI on Don’t Try This At Home. Since then, YB has further expanded his discography with Richest Opp, and more recently, Decided 2. The latter hit DSPs this past New Music Friday (November 10), with just one guest appearance from Rod Wave on “Better Than Ever.”
So far, “Deep Down,” “My Body,” and “Free Sex” are all emerging as fan favourites, though were curious to see how the LP will age. As HipHopDX reports, an affiliate of the 24-year-old gave his Instagram followers a preview of what else YoungBoy has been cooking up lately, including a tribute to Kanye West. Using a sample of the embattled star’s “POWER” track from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, the Southern superstar gives the original lyricist his flowers. “RIP to the Donda, now I’m the biggest scholar / I got my own playlist, I say Kanye’s better,” he rhymes.
As is the case with most of the Baton Rogue-born star’s songs, not everyone is immediately feeling what they’re hearing. “He was going to off, then he started talking on the beat again,” one IG user wrote in Akademiks’ comments, criticizing NBA’s flow. “We listening to the same thing? This hard!” another person replied to the discourse.
Having the support of NBA YoungBoy behind him has to feel pretty good for Kanye West as he inches toward dropping another album of his own. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been all love for the father of four, as his wife Bianca Censori’s Australian friends reportedly held an intervention to help her acknowledge his “controlling” behaviour during her trip home this month. Read more about that at the link below, and let us know if you want YB to drop his full track sampling “POWER” in the comments.
To be awarded the Song Of The Year at the Grammys is no small feat. In fact, it’s considered one of the “Big Four” for a reason — it is a highly competitive category. At the upcoming 2024 Grammys, eight tracks will be up for the prestigious award. From the chart-topping “Kill Bill” by SZA, to Miley Cyrus’ breakup anthem, “Flowers,” it’s anyone’s guess who will win.
According to the Grammys, the Song of the Year is awarded to a song’s artist and songwriters “without regard to album sales or chart position.” The latter claim is one that can be justified by last year’s win. At the 2023 Grammys, veteran blues singer Bonnie Raitt took home the Song of the Year award for the single, “Just Like That,” which proved to be quite the controversy. Nonetheless, four out of the latest nominations have peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100. This year, it’s relatively up in the air who will win, but these are the tracks competing for the award.
With “Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift surpassed Paul McCartney and Lionel Richie to become the most nominated artist in the category, with seven nominations. However, she has yet to win the award in the past. Nonetheless, “Anti-Hero,” the lead single off her tenth album, Midnights, is undoubtedly a favorite in the category. The record-breaking single topped the charts around the world and spent eight weeks atop the Hot 100. Swift shares the nomination with her friend and longtime collaborator, Jack Antonoff.
“Dance The Night” – Dua Lipa
The Barbie movie was a gargantuan success. Additionally, the movie’s soundtrack also became inescapable, especially on TikTok and on the radio. The first song released from Barbie: The Album was “Dance the Night,” by Dua Lipa. The disco-fueled club staple is all about dancing the night away, despite life’s challenges. At the upcoming 2024 Grammys, it’s nominated for Song of the Year, as well as Best Song Written for Visual Media. Besides Dua Lipa, Andrew Wyatt, Caroline Ailin and Mark Ronson are also up for the award for their songwriting contributions.
“Flowers” – Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus’ chart-topping hit single, “Flowers” has become a newfound anthem of singlehood. Evidently, its success was going to lead to a Grammy nod, so her Song of the Year nomination comes as no surprise. Furthermore, Cyrus and the track’s producers and engineers are also up for Record of the Year, among other nominations. “Flowers” quickly became Cyrus’ biggest hit of her career, spending eight weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the charts around the world, including the UK, Portugal, Japan, Brazil, Canada, and more.
SZA is officially the most nominated artist at the upcoming 2024 Grammys. The R&B songstress made history with her acclaimed sophomore album, SOS, which broke numerous records. In a similar fashion, “Kill Bill” became a monumental success. The smash hit centers on SZA’s jealousy after her ex gets with a new girl. “Kill Bill” is also nominated for Record of the Year, as well as Best R&B Performance. Moreover, the song is also the longest-running number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, spending a staggering 21 weeks in the peak position.
Olivia Rodrigo’s comeback did not disappoint her hungry fans. After the success of her debut project, Sour, her sophomore album became widely anticipated. The first single released from Guts was “Vampire,” which debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100. Overall, “Vampire” is a song about Rodrigo’s dissatisfaction with an unknown man, who treated her unfairly. The dramatic tune starts off tame, before sinking into a heavy pop-rock power ballad, and the songwriting cheekily references vampires and their lore. Rodrigo co-wrote the song with producer Dan Nigro. Furthermore, the pair are also up for the Record of the Year award for the same track.
“Butterfly” – Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste and co-writer Dan Wilson are both up for the Song of the Year award at the 2024 Grammys, for the beautiful track, “Butterfly.” The moving single was written to reference his wife’s strength amid battling a serious health condition. After several Grammy nods and wins, “Butterfly” marks Batiste’s first nomination in the Song of the Year category.
“What Was I Made For?” – Billie Eilish
Barbie: The Album is filled with many memorable tracks. Furthermore, at the 2024 Grammys, two songs from the project are up for Song of the Year. Billie Eilish’s introspective single, “What Was I Made For?” is one of the two, and is also up for Record of the Year. Like most of her accolades, she shares the nomination with her brother and longtime partner, FINNEAS, who she co-wrote the song with.
“A&W” – Lana Del Rey
“A&W” is the second single from Lana Del Rey’s ninth album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. While the single wasn’t a commercial triumph, it was critically lauded for its experimentation and maturity. Lana Del Rey shares the nomination with Jack Antonoff, as well as singer-songwriter Sam Dew, the latter of which also contributed background vocals.
In the tapestry of 1990s music, few artists have woven a legacy as rich and enduring as Mariah Carey. By the time her third studio album, Music Box, graced the airwaves in 1993, she had already established herself as a vocal powerhouse with a flair for heart-rending ballads and uplifting pop tunes. Music Box was more than an album; it was a declaration of Carey’s versatility and a deepening of her artistry. It showcased a singer comfortable in both the high octaves of her vocal range and her voice’s more intimate, emotional nuances.
Music Box arrived when the music industry was brimming with talent, yet Mariah’s album distinguished itself through its blend of soulful R&B with mainstream pop appeal. The album reflected a maturation of her sound, weaving together lyrical introspection with melodies that lingered long after the last note. It was this exquisite balance that not only endeared Mariah to her existing fans but also captivated a new legion of listeners, cementing her status as one of the era’s defining musical talents.
Music Box: Crafting A Best-Selling Masterpiece
Music Box is a testament to Mariah Carey’s unique ability to meld soulful storytelling with pop sensibilities. Working closely with producers like Walter Afanasieff, Carey co-wrote and co-produced much of the album, infusing it with personal artistry and universal appeal. This collaborative effort resulted in a collection of songs that were as technically impressive as they were emotionally resonant.
The album’s lead single, “Dreamlover,” set the tone with its breezy, uplifting melody, showcasing Carey’s skill in crafting catchy pop tunes that still retained depth and substance. Yet, the poignant “Hero,” with its inspiring lyrics and soaring vocals, became one of Carey’s most iconic and enduring hits. Another standout track, “Without You,” highlighted her ability to interpret and elevate a song, making it unmistakably her own.
Each song on Music Box contributed to a narrative arc that spoke of love, loss, and resilience, with Carey’s voice serving as the unifying thread. The album showcased her vocal range, from the tender whispers of “Anytime You Need a Friend” to the powerful belts of “All I’ve Ever Wanted,” affirming her status as one of the most gifted vocalists of her generation.
Commercial Triumph & Critical Reception
The release of Music Box marked a high point in Mariah Carey’s career, as the album achieved phenomenal commercial success. It soared to the top of the Billboard 200 and held its position with tenacity, becoming one of the best-selling albums of the decade. Its global impact was undeniable, with multi-platinum certifications across various countries, confirming Carey’s status as an international pop sensation.
Critics and audiences alike lauded Music Box for its impeccable production and Mariah’s vocal prowess. The album’s singles, particularly “Dreamlover” and “Hero,” received widespread acclaim, with “Hero” becoming an anthem of hope and resilience for many. This critical acclaim was not confined to commercial success; it also cemented Mariah Carey’s reputation as an artist capable of delivering chart-topping hits and emotionally rich ballads.
Music Box was a cultural touchstone. It demonstrated Carey’s ability to connect deeply with listeners through her music, creating songs that transcended the boundaries of pop and R&B. The album’s success laid the groundwork for her continued evolution as an artist and set a new standard for vocal performance in popular music.
Enduring Impact Of Music Box
The legacy of Mariah Carey’s Music Box extends far beyond its initial release, resonating through the decades as a defining work in her illustrious career. Its influence is manifold, not only in terms of sales and accolades but also in how it shaped the trajectory of popular music. Music Box showcased a fusion of pop and R&B that was groundbreaking for its time, setting a precedent for future artists in both genres.
Carey’s vocal techniques displayed on the album, marked by her signature five-octave range and use of the whistle register, became influential elements in the musical lexicon. Her ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes through her music set a new benchmark for storytelling in pop and R&B, inspiring a generation of singers and songwriters.
Moreover, Music Box solidified Mariah Carey’s image as a versatile artist, capable of delivering upbeat pop anthems as well as soul-stirring ballads. This versatility has become a hallmark of her career, earning her a revered place in the pantheon of music greats. The album remains a touchstone for fans and a source of inspiration for artists seeking to blend vocal prowess with emotional depth in their music.
Andre 3000 is an artist who has a legendary legacy as it pertains to rap music. He and Big Boi were an incredible duo in Outkast and they delivered classic albums. Overall, fans have always wanted Andre to deliver a solo rap album. However, he has never actually done it. This has subsequently led to frustration from some fans. Sure, he has given us some pretty legendary features, but he doesn’t seem keen on a rap album. Today, he announced a new instrumental album called New Blue Sun, and it has fans curious.
This project will feature him playing the flute. Furthermore, there will be all sorts of other instruments throughout the project. At this stage, there is no telling what the album might sound like. All we know is that the names of the songs are pretty intense. That said, in a press release for the new album, Andre 3000 actually addressed the idea that he will never drop a rap album. Simply put, the concept of doing one interests him. It is just a question of doing it in a way that makes sense for him.
Andre 3000 of OutKast, winner of the Roc the Mic Award (Photo by KMazur/WireImage)
“There’s this misconception that I just won’t do it,” he said. “I think people feel like I’m sitting around on rap albums, or sitting around and I’m just not putting them out in that way. And no it’s not like that. In my mind, I really would like to make a rap album. So maybe that happens one day, but I got to find a way to say what I want to say in an interesting way that’s appealing to me at this age.” Overall, it could be years before we get a rap album from Andre. However, when it does come, it will be special.
Let us know your expectations for New Blue Sun, in the comments section below. Are you excited to hear some instrumental stylings from Andre? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.
Despite the fact that Tupac passed away nearly 30 years ago, the rapper is still a cultural mainstay. Despite being most well known for his music, he never actually won a Grammy during his lifetime. He was nominated five times during his life in 1996 and 1997 but was never able to secure a victory. Now, over 20 years later, the rapper has secured his second posthumous nomination and seventh over all which could net him his first ever win.
The Grammy Academy just announced the nominations for the 2024 edition of the show. Included among them is the Best Music Film category where Pac finds himself scoring a new nomination. The acknowledgement is for Dear Mama: The Saga Of Afeni And Tupac Shakur, a documentary miniseries about the rapper and his mother. Among the nominees is another major player in hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar with the live performance of his new album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Tupac is also not the only posthumous nominee with the David Bowie film Moonage Daydream also securing a nomination.
Much of the news recently surrounding Tupac has been about his murder investigation. After repeatedly discussing his role in the murder online for years Keefe D was finally arrested a few months ago. After multiple delays Keefe finally appeared in court earlier this month and made the expected move of pleading guilty.
There’s also been quite a bit of news coming from Jaida Pinkett Smith. She did a series of bombshell interviews promoting her new memoir which included lots of previously unknown details about Pac. She believed that he and Will Smith would have been friends and revealed that he once proposed to her while in jail but she turned him down. What do you think of Tupac potentially winning his first Grammy almost 30 years after his death for a documentary about his life? Let us know in the comment section below.
In pop music, few albums have sparked as much fervor as Madonna’s 1984 masterpiece, Like a Virgin. This album marked a pivotal moment in Madonna’s burgeoning career and a seismic shift in the pop music landscape. Before Like a Virgin, Madonna was a rising star with a penchant for catchy hooks and a unique fashion sense. However, this release crystallized her status as a global icon. It set the stage for her to become one of the most influential figures in modern music.
Released in an era dominated by synth-pop and dance tracks, Like a Virgin captured the early ’80s with Madonna’s unmistakable vocal timbre. The album was a bold declaration of artistic identity. It broke conventions and challenged societal norms, mirroring Madonna’s own ethos of relentless self-expression and reinvention. It was a collection of songs that would not only dominate the charts but also leave an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the decade.
Like A Virgin: Synthesizing The Sound Of The ’80s
The essence of Like a Virgin lies in its groundbreaking production and the way Madonna seamlessly fused dance-pop with her distinctive style. The album’s title track, “Like a Virgin,” produced by Nile Rodgers, became an anthem of self-expression and empowerment. Its driving bassline and catchy chorus characterized it. Its musically and lyrically boldness encapsulated the spirit of an artist ready to challenge the status quo.
Beyond the title track, the album was laden with hits that showcased Madonna’s versatility and ability to connect with a wide audience. Songs like “Material Girl” cemented her as a pop culture icon, intertwining a playful critique of materialism with a melody that was impossible to forget. “Angel” and “Dress You Up” were testaments to her knack for crafting pop songs that were both reflective and universally relatable, each track contributing to the album’s cohesive yet varied feel.
The production on Like a Virgin was a masterful blend of the era’s technology and artistry. Synthesizers, drum machines, and an array of electronic instruments were used. They created a sound that was both of the moment and timeless, a testament to Madonna’s vision and her producers’ expertise.
Commercial Success & Cultural Phenomenon
Upon its release, Like a Virgin rocketed to the top of the charts. It firmly established Madonna as a force in the global music scene. The album was a commercial juggernaut, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and staying there for six consecutive weeks. Its title track became a signature song for Madonna. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and resonated with audiences worldwide. The success of Like a Virgin was not just a triumph of marketing. It was a testament to its appeal across diverse demographics.
Beyond its commercial achievements, Like a Virgin was a cultural watershed. Madonna’s image, characterized by her unique fashion sense and unabashed confidence, became emblematic of the 1980s. She challenged societal norms around female sexuality and empowerment. Madonna became a role model for a generation of young women and a point of contention for conservative critics. This album propelled her to the status of a pop icon, influencing music, fashion, dance, and popular culture at large.
The Enduring Legacy Of Like A Virgin
Decades after its release, Like a Virgin stands as a testament to Madonna’s enduring influence on popular culture. The album went beyond commercial success. It became a blueprint for future pop artists, demonstrating the power of blending catchy music with a compelling public persona. Madonna’s ability to reinvent herself with each album, starting with Like a Virgin, laid the groundwork for what it means to be a pop icon in the modern era.
Like a Virgin‘s influence is evident in pop music’s evolution. It set a precedent for integrating fashion and music, encouraging artists to express themselves through their image as much as their sound. The album also played a crucial role in normalizing female sexual agency in music, paving the way for future generations of female artists to explore and express their sexuality without fear of censorship or backlash.
After everything that unfolded at Tamar Braxton’s Love & War concert this past weekend, emotions are running high in the music community. Above all else, there’s concern for James Wright Chanel. He’s posting from the dentist’s office this week, confirming his plans for a new set of teeth after an assault by Chrisean Rock. Opinions on the matter have been pouring in non-stop, from questions about why the Baddies cast member was even at a Braxton concert to begin with, to a select few suggesting the 46-year-old is the one to blame for her friend’s pain.
On Monday (November 13), Tamar addressed many of our burning questions in a lengthy Instagram video. She admitted to previously looking at Rock as a “little sister” figure and still seems insistent that the public avoid sending her hate at this time. Still, she hopes to see justice brought forth for James in all of this and has managed to keep mostly calm and composed amid all the turmoil. One person we’ve seen cause Braxton to step out of character is Tommie Lee, who’s been insinuating that the “Let Me Know” vocalist only invited Rock to come out to the Baltimore show to use her name for clout.
“And before someone take my phone ,” Braxton wrote on her Story, “if you on cocaine and your name starts with a T and [you] never even sold out a bag of blow pops… Stay silent. God bless y’all .” She then understandably asked for the public to “let [her] and [her] team heal from this trauma in peace” over the coming weeks.
After responding to questions and critics from virtually every corner of the internet, Tamar Braxton’s Twitter fingers are likely feeling tired. Still, she found the energy to respond to Karlissa Saffold’s post about the R&B legend being responsible for her friend’s assault since Rock’s history of violence has been well-documented. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Andre 3000 pulled up to NPR to speak with Rodney Carmichael about his forthcoming album. One of the interesting pieces from the interview is he gave an exclusive listen to Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean.
I wanted to see how a younger audience would perceive it. I live in Cali now, so I reached out to Tyler for him to check it out and I went to his house.
So we’re sitting there and Frank [Ocean] just happened to drop by. So it’s us three sitting there listening to these three songs and I just kind of wanted to get an opinion. And it was just good for me to hear with somebody else. Because sometimes you can be in your own thing and think it’s a certain thing and you just want to have some outside… not that it really matters, because once you believe in it enough — I mean, I take criticism all the time, but it’s not like, ‘Hey, do you like it or not?’ It’s ‘How can we help it?’ So at that point, I felt like we had something because we had a nice day just enjoying it in a way. And I started just playing it for friends and playing it for artists and playing it for people I respect or people who I felt would get it.
– Andre 3000 on playing his new album for Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean
You can read about the feedback he received from the two legends here.
On Tuesday morning, Andre 3000 announced a solo album. You read that right: Andre 3000 is preparing to deliver a solo album. Hitting Instagram, the Outkast legend announced New Blue Sun for release this Friday (Nov. 17).
,” Braxton wrote on her Story, “if you on cocaine and your name starts with a T and [you] never even sold out a bag of blow pops… Stay silent. God bless y’all 
.” She then understandably asked for the public to “let [her] and [her] team heal from this trauma in peace” over the coming weeks.
I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time