Music
Queens of R&B tour makes me look forward to my aunt’s era

Kandi Burrus needs to know that some of you might be talking nonsense.
During the last stop of the Queens of R&B tour, which was co-headlined by Xscape and SWV and supported by Mýa, Total and 702, Kandi has achieved its characteristic high tone in “My Little Secret” with a bit of dazzling shine for good measure, it was serious a slight but noticeable smile on her face.
While the tour itself was successful, during one of the ultimate stops some online critics noted that she didn’t sound exactly like herself.
My last stop was on Sunday in Inglewood, California, on the Kia Forum with my best friend, who, seconds before Kandi’s big event, grabbed my knee and checked out me with concern in his eyes.
There was no reason to worry though, and for the curious I’ll add that Kandi also played a superb note in “Understanding”.
Announced in May during Xscape and SWV’s joint performance of “Sherri,” the tour was to be “a testament to what can be accomplished when women come together with respect, admiration, and undeniable talent,” according to a press release, in addition to “a celebration of passion, strength, resilience, and the unstoppable ability to defy expectations.”
That’s a pleasant way of saying that R&B bands have learned to let go of reality shows, which probably weren’t enough to cover the prices of bickering with one another and fueling fans’ incessant web wars, and have began cashing in on touring, which leads to larger profits and fewer personal chaos.
Music
IN In an interview with “The Breakfast Club”, Coko from SWV admitted, this money was an enormous motivation for SWV and Xscape to join forces and do that tour.
I’m glad they stepped up and did it since it was one of essentially the most fun trips I’ve been on in years.
It’s a lesson that many R&B bands from the ’90s and ’00s could use to money in on the nostalgia market by staging their very own tours.
I admit I wasn’t prepared for a way persistently Xscape… DJ AOne he kept saying, “If you are over 40 and 50, raise your hands!”
The first time he said this, my response was to look at my friend with despair and say, “I’ve been hit, I’ve been hit.”
I turned 40, folks.
I swear I’m okay with getting older. It’s a blessing. It just gave the look of quite a bit on the time, but in the long run it was beautiful to see so many various representations of aunts and uncles in a single setting.
The program itself reminded me of the recommendation I give within the context of aging in my own life. latest book:”To millennials struggling with aging: stretch and believe in yourself.”
I don’t desire to be negative, but I even have to admit that it was actually an ideal decision on the part of the group not to proceed the truth show:SWV and Xscape: Queens of R&B” when Tiny criticized SWV for wearing only “t-shirts and combat boots” on stage, something in SWV woke up.
Since this episode aired they have not stopped looking amazing and looking out like such stars on the stage in Los Angeles.
Sometimes a bit of shade can turn out to be useful, folks.
In any case, the groups complemented one another well. their Verzuz-style format and even within the absence of LaTocha Scott, who decided not to tour together with her band after the truth show, her sister Tamika Scott filled the void.
This reminds me of one other good lesson I’ve learned on tour: don’t let your teammate dirty your bag.
I wasn’t sure what Total would offer on stage without Pam, but Kesha and Kima were impressive as a duo. They polished the vocals of the songs when needed and never lost a beat. It was all about their energy and robust catalog. That was enough to get fans excited, although guests like Ma$e, Da Brat and 112 (Slim, who now favors Stephen A. Smith, and Mike) helped.
But what I liked most was Kesha Epps’ bob hairstyle.
The 702nd group member was also missing, however the remaining members Misha and Meelah gave a moving performance tribute to Irish Grinsteadwho passed away last yr, and together, like Total, they created a superb set that I hope they will tour with for years to come.
Then there was Mýa, who after ending workingit pissed me off again after I considered how her profession must have gone after her release in 2003. At the tip she said, “Peace and blessings”, so I’ll end by saying I’m glad I got to see her perform here without having to travel to Tokyo.
Unfortunately, I missed OMG Girlz, so I can not share the impressions I finally felt when listening to it. “Gucci this (Gucci that)” AND “Lover” live.
Let this be a reminder to you that for those who are going to see SWV and Xscape, for those who want to see everyone on the bill, you wish to show up right originally.
At the tip of the performance, all of the actors got here out on stage to take a selfie with the audience, and as an indication of appreciation for the venue, we said goodbye with the song “Not Like Us”.
Watching Coko take off her blonde V-neck wig and wave it within the air in triumph, I left the venue hoping that this tour would return in some form in the long run.
They all deserve it, but overall, not many bands get the chance to perform at this level at this stage of their profession, so I would like them to ride this wave for so long as possible.
I’ll definitely raise my hand more quickly on my next run when DJAone calls out the old hands who’re blissful to be where they’re.
Music
André 3000 wore a piano on his back to the MET gala – here’s why

André 3000 is currently and has been for the most a part of the last 30 years of one in every of the leaflets dressed at the planet. Since placing the whole generation of young black men to turban in stores with cosmetics supplies to blond wigs and kilos, there may be nothing that Atlien cannot break away.
So when he hit a haunted blue rug during the MET gala in 2025 in the entire piano on the back, even the most lost that they had to cut the thorn on the side of Mrs. Jackson a little bit of slack. By turning a single-piece black outfit with a red hat, which definitely has a specific name, only carrying what I can put on is a designer trash bag-good room one in every of the lithium at a goat level at the level of hip-hop also wore a piano … on the back. Yes. Piano. The entire 88-lake piano. I hope it was hollowed out for ease of movement; André 3000 is just not exactly a spring chicken at the moment. He doesn’t even rap by trading his notators on his famous flute collection.
Now it is extremely likely that me and your, your mother and your cousin, are wondering what can force anyone, and much more so André 3000, to cultivate the piano. Well, the answer to this query lies on Walking Promothal Exparit that André 3000 was at the MET gala. Just before he appeared in the Vogue channel for Met Gala Dwet Photo OP, group chats were in the news that André 3000 dropped the EP entitled “7 piano sketches”, while the biggest fashion night was half of the spring.
And don’t think that 3000 has returned to the bars, “7 piano sketches” is the most literal title of the album I’ve ever heard in my life; This is literally an album stuffed with piano sketches.
As you may see, the art of the album is comparable to the meta gala of the André 3000 outfit. This boy is coooooooold. This latest EP appears almost a 12 months and a half after André 3000 dropped, “New Blue Sun”, through which he began playing the flute, and never tell us more about Susa Screw and the Sasha Thumper crew. Despite the mixed reviews of “New Blue Sun”, this album was nominated for a lot of Grammy Awards during the 2025 ceremony, including the nomination for “Album of the Year”.
When everyone finally ends up talking about Met Gala costumes and a great discovery of Rihanna, prepare for the attack of dialogue about the André 3000 piano album.

(Tagstotransate) Andre 3000
Music
Seven questions we have before Sean “Diddy” Combs “begins the federal process

After the official stage of selecting the jury, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Day in court is just around the corner.
On Monday, April 28, a whole lot of New Yorkers began the questionnaire process to find out their impartiality in the federal process “United States against Combs ” NBC News Reported.
The 55-year-old disgraced musical tycoon is in the face of many federal allegations, including racketeers, sexual trade and transport as a way to become involved in prostitution, resulting from many lawsuits that were filed against him. The amazing variety of complaints started to appear in months since he decided against him civil lawsuit by his ex -girlfriend and singer Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura in November 2023.
The next phase of the selection process of the jury, which might be carried out in person, will start on Monday, May 5, in court Daniel Patrick Moynihan in Manhattan. Opening declarations are to begin on May 12. The federal process is to last from eight to 10 weeks.
Since the initial notification of Cassie, which was settled only a day after its assembly, there have been many alternative allegations from many alternative parts of the rapper’s past, not to say a whole lot of gossip and growing around. Numerous documentaries and real crimes They also added to the conversation.
At this point, a lot of us can wander away in the noise of understanding how we came above all and what exactly are the tests. Many questions surround the attempt, including the technique to watch it (if possible), which is to be there and more. Below we return to clarify exactly how we came and say what to anticipate from the trial.
What are Diddy’s fees?
After the federal raid of Combs’ Los Angeles, Miami and New York, Diddy real estate was arrested on September 16, 2024 and is in the face of 5 federal allegations: tribute conspiracy, based on the allegations of prosecutors that the tycoon was led by a criminal enterprise to consolidate the assault; Two allegations of sexual trade, because he’s accused of forcing women to take part in sexual files with sex employees and drug -powered sex events “; and two cases of transport as a way to become involved in prostitution, resulting from the claims that he transported two women on state lines for prostitution.
What about all other accusations?
In addition to the trial, Combs are in the face of countless other processes and allegations, accusing him of improper behavior, abuse, rape and assault. Tony Buzbee, a lawyer from Texas, known for coping with loud lawsuit about sexual assault against powerful men (including a recent lawsuit value $ 50 million submitted against Shannon Sharpe), is involved in several trials against Diddy. He said that over 100 men and women from throughout the United States filed lawsuits against the rap tycoon or intended.
What did Diddy say?
Combs contradicts all allegations in a civil lawsuit against him. Talking with BBC NewsHis lawyers said: “Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts and integrity of the trial.”
The statement added: “In court the truth will win: that Mr. Combs never sexually attacked or trade anyone – a man or a woman, an adult or minor.”

Is Cassie expected at his process?
Filing a Cassie catchment in a civil court almost two years ago was settled outside the court the day the day after its assembly. Diddy issued an apology after a physically recording leaked, which physically attacks her in the hotel corridor. However, this led many other accusers to the allegations, including those with the participation of minors that led federal investigators to a proper investigation in the potential case. The singer, who can also be a victim 1 in court documents, will testify in court under her full name.
The judge of the American District Arun Subramanian will chair the case in the southern district of New York, People magazine Reported. The COME Defense Team, led by Marc Agnifilo, includes Teny Geragos, the daughter of the famous lawyer Marek Geragos, known for representing the Menendez brothers, amongst others.
Georgian prosecutor Brian Steel, who represented rapper Young Thuga in his loud tribute process, also recently joined the Combs defense team.
Several US lawyers assistants, including Maurene Ryan Comey, daughter of former FBI director James Comey, conducts the prosecutor’s office. Maureen Comey chased Ghislaine Maxwell in her sexual trade process.
It will end up whether the sons of Combs Justin, Christian (Combs) and Quincy (Brown), who participated in previous court hearingsmight be present.
Where is Diddy now?
From the time of arrest on September 16, 2024, Diddy was behind bars at the Metropolitan Airesent Center in Brooklyn in New York, waiting for the trial. Many attempts to his lawyers exempt from Bond and strict guidelines failed because prosecutors are anxious about his ability to influence the case.
How much is he struggling?
If he’s convicted of racketeers, Diddy is prison. Meanwhile, if he found him guilty of two allegations of sexual trade, he’s in the face of a further not less than 15 years. Transport for the purposes of prostitution fees features a maximum judgment of 10 years.
Will the process be broadcast on television?
Cameras and electronic devices are often not allowed during court proceedings, so it’s unlikely to be broadcast, Vulture Reported. Although the media is not going to be allowed in the courtroom, they will report outside.

(Tagstranslate) Cassie (T) Sean Combs
Music
Kendrick Lamara and “Not Like Us” lessons – a year later

At the top of March 2025-I used to be just greater than a month ago-I used to be asked for a party for a newly broken 7-year-old. When I asked the boy’s mother if there have been any special requests for songs, the just one she could take into consideration was Kendrick Lamara’s “Not Lame”, a song that for my part just isn’t possible to surprise in history, since the song defining 2024. It was time in my life when Kendrick Lamar’s song dressed. “Squabble Up” from the most recent album of Lamar, “GNX”, the album The Rapper, currently gives live shows within the United States and Canada from SZA to sold -out stadiums. Kendrick Lamar is currently one among the best artists on the planet.
In May 2024, my children knew Lamara only by name; Now they know his catalog and argue about who can call essentially the most songs in it. A year after Lamar dropped “Not Like Us”, one of the crucial virulent and dance records DISS of all time, the whole lot is feasible for Lamar. For Drake, the recipient of this eating and dance record Diss … eh, not a lot. Who would think that?
“Not Like Us” was released on May 4, 2024 and It wasn’t even the one song released by Lamar that day. What began kind of, with the hospitable verse of Lamar on the longer term and “Like that this” (March 22), led to the discharge of Drake “Pushs” (April 13), and then “Taylor created freestyle” (April 19), after which for my part is the actual best record in the entire form, “Euphoria” (April 30). Then got here the fluurry: Kendrick dropped “6:16 in La” on May 3, and then Drake released “Matters Family” later on the identical day.
Very shortly after Drake dropped this record, Kendrick returned to “Meet The Grahams” (within the early May) of the group’s absolute darkest record, then dropped his record, “Not Like Us” later that day. What a difference a day. Drake will drop “The Heart entitled 6”, but to be honest, no person cared. Damage was caused; Kendrick, Drake, with “Not Like Us”, catchy bop with quote lines, wildly repetitive accusations and a section of connection and answers, which I mean, if you happen to need a plan, tips on how to recognize one among the best acts on the planet, Kendrick jumped and showed (Folks).
This song led to the entire concert, called Amazon, called “Pop out: ken & friends” in Juneteenth (June 19, 2024), where Drake had all night dedicated to his face, assisted by Dr. Dre and most LA celebrities, which also doubled as some Unity Unity program in Los Angeles.
July 4 Video for “Not like us” I fell, transferring the “jumping” motif to latest, heavy levels of Compton. This film has over 330 million views, which seems … low. The success of the identical song meant that the machine appears in Super Bowl … In February 2025 you saw. I saw it. This is essentially the most regularly viewed show of the Super Bowl in history. And even if you happen to have not watched it in real time, definitely obviously I watched the video replay; The performance on the YouTube NFL website currently has over 120 million views.
I believe it might be safely said that “not like us” modified the whole lot. Sure, before this beef with Drake (we’ll soon reach him), Kendrick was already one of the crucial respected artists in hip-hop, let alone musical. He is the one rapper who received the Pulitzer Award (thus far), won 22 Grammy Awards – five, of which he won in 2025 for “Not Like Us” – not less than two separate books written about him from an analytical perspective by two very respected journalists, and his song “Alight” is the song Black Lives Matter Ruch. He will succeed beyond the wildest imagination of most rappers, but “not like us” turned Kendrick into a different way.
“Not Like Us” turned him into a pop star, whose songs live at the highest of the charts; Currently, his song “Luther” from Shans is the primary song within the country and He has been for 10 weeks. Kendrick does things that Drake once did, aside from doing it without creating songs, which after all are to hit the highest of the hits. Quoting Jay-Z from his song “Come and Get Me” from 1999, Kendrick didn’t crossover, “brought suburbs to the hood.” A year later, Kendrick Lamar appears in Gatorade advertisements, which might not seem shocking a year ago, but now seems obvious. His vulgar with Drake and ultimately the discharge of the song, which took over the complete conversation resulting in the album, which became a right away classic, modified Kendrick, a year later, into a certified pop sensation. Kendrick has at all times been a transcendent artist, but now he’s in a rare atmosphere of each transcendent and business.

There can be Drake, which for my part is now and will at all times be one of the crucial sold artists on the planet. He has … a year; Much longer than I believe he (or anyone) expected, but he went. But so long that Drake had his back against the wall and such a non-hop way was illuminating. Shortly after dropping the “GNX” Lamar Drake, he began proceedings in motion, which might find yourself suing his own label – Universal Music Group (UMG) – contributing to the undeniable fact that they effectively overstated “they don’t like us” for profit on the expense of Drake. Remember, Drake and Kendrick are on the identical label.
In the movement, which a year ago, which never seemed prone to me from Canadian Teflon, now feels the best as possible karen hip-hop, and very intruder, which Kendrick accused him, a costume that can’t shake (yet). I even have never had a problem with Drake’s music, because Drake at all times made hits and like Kendrick, I like Drake, who makes me dance within the club. But now I don’t love Drake as a man; It seems small and small and like a sore loser. I’m not alone in it. Drake’s Cool has long gone. There is a guy who can release music – the album from Partynextdoor on Valentine’s Day, that even he would need to admit that he didn’t hit the identical – but he doesn’t move the needle anymore. He is Drake with all distinctions, no cultural trace. In fact, it isn’t any longer like us.
I do not know what is going to occur next to Kendrick Lamar. At the moment he’s on the longest lap of the victory of all time, reaching heights, I bet that even his own team didn’t realize that he was available to him. At the moment there may be Barry Bonds with the Home Run record; He was already entering Galeria Sław, but now he’s talking to one of the best to do that, jumping a few of those that believed that their gaps were cemented. Everything is subjective and that is what hip-hop is for, what to argue, analyze, enjoy and dance. Regardless of how you chop it, I bet that nobody could predict how one song could make Kung Fu Kenny’s profession look a year later.
Now, if you happen to forgive me, I even have to do the trick while my son asks “television” within the automobile, not only because he likes to shout “mustaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa”,, “loved” the whole lot I wanted was a black big nation, being rational, give them what they ask for “uh …”.
What a difference annually.

(Tagstranslate) @Ap
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