Happy Friday, people. As at all times, the great folks at ESSENCE bring you the very best latest music from emerging artists, in addition to the most well liked bands in entertainment every week.

This week, country music extraordinaire Shaboozey dropped “Good News,” his first latest original song since releasing his RIAA-Gold certified masterpiece. Mary J. Blige’s cult album was released, Cordae presented his long-awaited third studio album, and Jon Batiste gives gifts to his fans. Today’s list also includes music from artists corresponding to Wizkid, DESTIN CONRAD, FLO and more.

Below you will find our weekly roundup of what is latest.

Mary J. Blige – “Gratitude”

Mary J. Blige album Gratitude reflects her soulful artistry, delivering powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with themes of gratitude and resilience. Check it out HERE.

Cordae – “Crossroads”

Cordae’s latest album showcases his lyrical skills and features collaborations with artists corresponding to Lil Wayne and Anderson .Paak, marking a big step in his musical journey. Stream HERE.

Shaboozey – “Good News”

The country star’s latest single, “Good News,” combines elements of country and hip-hop to create a reflective melody that echoes his record-breaking hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Check it out HERE.

FLO – “Access to all areas”

FLO’s debut album Access all areas introduces a fresh mixture of R&B and pop, highlighting the trio’s harmonious vocals and contemporary sound. Listen to this HERE.

DESTIN CONRAD – “NOSE BLOOD”

DESTIN CONRAD’s “NOSEBLEED” combines smooth R&B melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing his emotive vocals and songwriting skills. Listen to this HERE.

Ray Vaughn featuring Isaiah Rashad – “EAST CHATT”

Ray Vaughn teams up with Isaiah Rashad on “EAST CHATT,” a gritty hip-hop track that pays homage to his roots with compelling verses and a fascinating rhythm. Hear this HERE.

Wizkid – “Kese (Dance)”

Wizkid’s “Kese (Dance)” is an infectious Afrobeat track that invites listeners to the dance floor with its rhythmic beats and vibrant energy. Stream HERE.

Dave East – “Living Proof”

Dave East album Living proof showcases his storytelling skills and gritty lyricism, cementing his place in today’s hip-hop scene. Listen to this HERE.

Jack Freeman – “It Feels Like Christmas”

“Feels Like Christmas” by Jack Freeman is a soulful holiday song that captures the heat and joy of the vacation season with wealthy vocals and classic instrumentation. Check it out HERE.

SAINt JHN – “Body on Me”

SAINt JHN’s “Body On Me” is a sensual mixture of hip-hop and R&B, characterised by his raspy vocals and seductive melody. Stream HERE.

Jon Batiste – “Beethoven Blues”

Jon Batiste Beethoven’s Blues offers a singular mix of classical compositions and jazz improvisation, reimagining Beethoven’s works through a contemporary lens. Hear this HERE.

The cost of Medicare Part B is estimated to increase in 2025 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS.) Medicare is an extra service provided to American residents, normally age 65, who qualify for retirement.

CMS explained on its website how and why premiums and tax-deductible costs will increase in the approaching 12 months:

“Each 12 months, the Medicare Part B premium, deductible and coinsurance rates are set in accordance with the provisions of the Social Security Act. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185.00 in 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $257 in 2025, an increase of $17 from the annual deduction of $240 in 2024.

The increase in the usual premium and deductible for Part B for 2025 is primarily as a consequence of anticipated price changes and assumed utilization increases which might be consistent with historical experience.”

The cost will apply to all seniors, including those that are married, single, working or unemployed. Some will pay this expense out of pocket, while seniors receiving Social Security advantages will see a deduction in their paycheck.

“Medicare enrollees who already receive Social Security benefits can expect the new Part B premium for 2025 to be automatically deducted from their Social Security checks in January.”

Medicare has 2 parts, A and B. Part A partially covers hospital bills, and Part B covers mostly outpatient services. Regular screenings, home health services, doctor visits and outpatient services will now incur higher costs.

CMS will host a web-based information session on November 13 at 2:00 p.m. ET. The Emergency Medical Service Open Door Forum will discuss rising fees and explain the small print to recipients.

A price increase could seem small to some, but to others it could mean sacrificing a necessary item like food.

BLACK UNDERTAKING there have been recent reports of seniors in Atlanta combating food insecurity. Atlanta residents are receiving additional food assistance from Supplementary Commodity Food Program. Like other American seniors, they can not at all times afford groceries on their limited income.

TO BE reports: “Atlanta is not the only city struggling with food insecurity among seniors. The nonprofit Feeding America helps seniors across the country. As the elderly population grows, so does the problem of hungry citizens.”

Linda Nageotte, president of Feeding America, talked about how lack of access affects health.

“Food insecurity is closely linked to health, which becomes especially critical as we age. Addressing food insecurity amongst seniors would and will help reduce chronic disease result in healthier communities Generally.”

Former Alone Australia winner Gina Chick diagnosed from breast cancer just days after checking out she was pregnant. She describes in his last book her experience with chemotherapy and what got here after it.

Fortunately, cancers diagnosed during pregnancy and in the 12 months after delivery are rare. But such cases are becoming more and more common in parts With world, including Australia. Scientists aren’t entirely sure why.

Here’s what scientists know thus far and treatment options.

How rare is this?

New South Wales test found that in 1994, for each 100,000 women giving birth, roughly 94 cancers were diagnosed during pregnancy or inside one 12 months of birth. In 2013, this number increased to around 163 per 100,000. Although these statistics are over a decade old, they’re the latest and most rigorous data available in Australia.

Swede from 2023 test pregnancies in the years 1973–2017 showed similar results.

Both studies found that a couple of quarter of pregnancy-related cancers are diagnosed before birth, with the rest diagnosed a 12 months after birth.

What variety of cancer are we talking about?

First in the UK comprehensive assessment cancer during pregnancy – a review of diagnoses from 2016–2020.

This study, the NSW study and others found that breast and skin cancer (often melanoma) are the most typical cancers related to pregnancy. In this group, there was also a high percentage of thyroid cancer, gynecological cancer (especially cervical and ovarian cancer) and blood cancer.

A UK study found that around 92% of cancers were recent diagnoses and around 82% had symptoms. The majority (81%) were treated with curative intent, and roughly 82% of pregnancies related to a cancer diagnosis resulted in a live birth.

However, 20% of the moms died before the end of the five-year study period. Gastrointestinal cancers were particularly concerning. They were characterised by the highest mortality rate of roughly 46% and were related to diagnosis at a more advanced stage of cancer.

This could also be because lots of the symptoms of gastrointestinal cancers, resembling abdominal pain, fatigue and acid reflux disorder, overlap with those of pregnancy. In other words, some cancer symptoms may be confused with pregnancy symptoms, “masking” or delaying the diagnosis of cancer.

Why are there more and more such cases?

The big selection of cancers that occur during and after pregnancy suggest that there are various aspects involved.

In countries with high socioeconomic status, women have children later in life, and the biggest risk factor for a lot of cancers is age. However, the evidence that age is a serious risk factor for pregnancy-related cancers is inconclusive. This may explain some, but not all, cases.

Another factor could also be increasing usage prenatal genetic testing in early pregnancy. They analyze DNA from the mother’s blood to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus. But these tests may also provide details about the mother’s chromosomes. This has led to the diagnosis of Hodgkin’s disease, breast and colorectal cancer in pregnant women without symptoms.

Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones essential for the growth and development of breast tissue and supporting other points of a healthy pregnancy. They may also contribute to cancer developmentespecially breast cancer. However, it is unclear whether this is related to the increase in pregnancy-related cancers.

Other cancers, resembling skin cancer, have been linked to environmental aspects resembling exposure to UV radiation. Of note, melanoma was the leading pregnancy cancer in the New South Wales study, reflecting the high rate of skin cancer in the local population. Other environmental aspects, resembling smoking and human papillomavirus, have been linked to cervical cancer. Again, we will not be sure whether such aspects are related to the increase in the incidence of pregnancy-related cancers.

What happens after the diagnosis is made?

Pregnancy complicates the diagnosis of cancer because any potential treatment for the mother may jeopardize the health and viability of the fetus. So some points of treatment may require adjustment.

Surgery can often be performed in any trimester of pregnancy, depending on the location of the cancer.

Radiotherapy requires careful planning because the effects of radiation on the fetus rely upon the developmental stage at which radiation is administered to the body and on the dose.

Chemotherapy must be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy on account of its potential toxic effects on the fetus. It can often be given in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Chemotherapy must be avoided inside three weeks of birth to cut back the risk of bleeding and infection in the newborn, who might also have a weakened immune system consequently of chemotherapy.

More targeted immunotherapies are typically given to the mother after delivery. Depending on her treatment, she could also be advised to not breastfeed. This is because the medicine can pass from mother to baby through breast milk.

What’s happening to the children?

Reassuringly, data from New South Wales showed no increase in the rate of perinatal deaths given to moms with pregnancy-related cancer.

However, there have been more planned premature births. This is because women are offered induction of labor and/or cesarean section to make it easier for the mother to undergo cancer treatment while also reducing the risks of treatment for the unborn baby.

There was also the next percentage of babies born with low birth weight and low Apgar scores (indicators of a baby’s condition soon after birth), which were probably related to premature birth.

What do researchers need to know?

We have lots to study why pregnancy-related cancers are rising and what women diagnosed with this cancer can expect.

We also have to mix cancer and obstetrics data in national databases. This would allow us to find out which areas must be prioritized for further research, provide clinical guidelines for cancer screening during and after pregnancy, and help assess responses to screening programs or therapies in the future.