Month: November 2021

Academy Award-winning actress, director, and producer Halle Berry will receive “The People’s Icon” award at the 2021 “People’s Choice Awards.” Grammy Award-winning artist Cardi B will present the award to Berry at the ceremony. The PCA Award-winner and seven-time nominee will be honored for her contributions in TV and film, including her directorial debut in the highly-anticipated film “Bruised,” which will be in select theatres on November 17 and arrives on Netflix on November 24. Cardi B and Berry teamed up to executive produce the film’s soundtrack, which features six original songs by award-winning and multi-platinum female artists, including a song by Cardi B. The 2021 “People’s Choice Awards” will air simultaneously on both NBC and E! on Tuesday, December 7 at 9pm ET/PT from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA. “Throughout her career, Halle Berry has broken down barriers, directed and starred in diverse roles that have paved the way for others in the industry,” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Live Events, Specials & E! News, NBCUniversal Entertainment Television and Streaming. “In addition to her filmography accolades and trendsetting ethos, Berry is known for her philanthropic work with women, children and underserved communities. She is an icon of our time and for all these reasons and more, we are honored to present her with ‘The People’s Icon’ award.”  As an actor, producer, director, activist, philanthropist, and fashion icon, Berry has made history on multiple accounts. Highlights include her performance in “Monster’s Ball,” which earned her the Academy Award for “Best Actress,” making her the first Black woman to receive that honor, as well as being nominated for a Golden Globe for “Best Actress” for her role in “Frankie and Alice.” Berry also earned an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG and NAACP Image Award for her extraordinary performance in HBO’s telefilm, “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,” which she also produced.  Most recently, Berry filmed Netflix’s “The Mothership,” which she stars in and executive produced, and will be seen in Roland Emmerich-helmed sci-fi epic “Moonfall” for Lionsgate, which is due in theaters February 2022. In 2020, Berry made her highly-anticipated directorial debut in new film “Bruised,” in which she also stars. Outside of her filmography success, Berry is an active supporter of the Jenesse Center in Los Angeles, which supports victims of domestic violence and aims to change the pattern of abuse in the lives of women and children. Further, Berry joined forces with Novo Nordisk and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to launch the Diabetes Aware Campaign and has supported a vast amount of charities and organizations such as Afghanistan Relief Organization, Black Lives Matter, Clothes Off Our Back, Love Our Children USA, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Stand Up to Cancer, Revlon Run/Walk, and United Nations World Food Programme.  Berry also founded rē•spin, a platform created to provide broader access to health and wellness content and products through inclusivity and conversation. Rooted in discovery and learning, the heart of rē•spin is its global community connected around the core belief of a holistic mind, body, and soul approach to wellness.    The 2021 “People’s Choice Awards” will air simultaneously on both NBC and E! for the first time on Tuesday, December 7 at 9:00pm ET/PT from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA.  “Live from E!: The 2021 People’s Choice Awards” will kick off the night with a red carpet special at 7:00pm ET/PT on E!. The “People’s Choice Awards” and “Live from E!: The 2021 People’s Choice Awards” are both produced by Den of Thieves with Executive Producers Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager and Barb Bialkowski. See the full list of all 40 categories and nominees online.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Masego and acclaimed singer-songwriter Devin Morrison have just one question: “Can I get to the yamz?” A silky smooth R&B track, the new single “Yamz” exudes a relaxed, sensuous vibe. The vibrant official video, directed by Mac Grant (Earthgang, J.I.D, Childish Major), leans into the double entendre of the song’s playful title. The clip follows a cast of characters on their neighborhood journeys to get to the “yamz,” whether that be sex, love, or money. A young content creator racks up tips on the ONLYYAMZ platform, a street entrepreneur is ambushed while finishing his last sales, and a student endures peer pressure to impress his crush, all in the lead up to Thanksgiving dinner. With Bussin’ – his 2019 debut album – Morrison demonstrated his talent for sultry, groove-oriented anthems that masterfully combine R&B, gospel, hip-hop and funk. He’s gone on to collaborate with such artists as Phonte, Zo!, Nao Yoshioka and Submerse. Masego, who has amassed over two billion combined global streams in his career to date, already has his sights already set on 2022. He’ll kick off a headline tour of Europe and the U.K.. on February 11 in Warsaw. The run will wrap up at London’s O2 Brixton on March 13. Mereba will support on all dates. “Yamz” follows another celebratory hit from Masego – “Garden Party” ft. Big Boi and JID, which has amassed 3.2 million combined streams since its release last month. NPR praised the song as “a lush neo-soul single that unveils wonderland.” Soul Bounce said, “it is a perfect track to close out of the heat of summer and take us into the subdued feel of fall.” Masego is a singular talent and surprising presence who cites 1930s Harlem big bandleader Cab Calloway as a guiding spirit and was mentored by DJ Jazzy Jeff. His 2018 debut album, Lady, Lady, included the breakout hit single “Tadow.” With more than one billion combined global streams, the song is certified Platinum in the U.S., Diamond in Brazil and Gold in Mexico. Earlier this year, Masego released Studying Abroad: Extended Stay, the deluxe edition of his acclaimed 2020 EP, via EQT Recordings and Capitol Records. The collection includes the hit “Mystery Lady Ft. Don Toliver” plus the beautifully reimagined “Mystery Lady (Sego’s Remix).” Combined global streams of “Mystery Lady” have soared past the 150 million mark. Masego, who has sold out shows and played festivals on every continent except Antarctica, recently played One Music Festival and Suwannee Hulaween in the U.S. Click here for tickets and additional details.

Three-time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Asiahn demonstrates her range and depth with a jazz-inflected sultry single, “We Can,” out via Since the 80s / Motown Records. The sensitive song, in which she hesitantly invites a lover back into her heart, also features a sample from the late, great singer and actress Eartha Kitt at its core. Listen to the track HERE. Like a lot of Asiahn’s upbeat songs, “We Can” is hot, heavy, and uncompromising. Swift drum patterns shuffle underneath flutters of flute and sax as Asiahn swoops in to assert her place in a relationship. “Don’t got permission to fall in love with me,” she sings. “Unless I tell you so.” The whole track is fun and fierce, and it’s punctuated by two interludes from Eartha Kitt, who talks about love and compromise and falling for oneself first and foremost—a sentiment that also holds true throughout Asiahn’s lovingly rendered songs. “We Can” follows the sultry “Fall Back,” and continues the Los Angeles-based artist’s transition from lovesick songstress to empowered star, as showcased on her Motown debut, The Interlude EP, released earlier this year. The EP debuted on multiple Billboard charts and earned Asiahn Billboard’s Emerging Artist Spotlight, started at #33 on Apple Music Charts, and received support from fans and critics ranging from Halle Berry, Lena Waithe, and Keke Palmer, to American Songwriter, Essence, Nylon, Refinery29, MarieClaire, and many more. Asiahn also plays the title character in the recently released Netflix animated series, Karma’s World, created by Ludacris. The show tells “the story of a girl finding her voice and using it to change the world.” Sounds like the ideal role for this 3x-Grammy-nominated talent who continues her steady rise, which includes being named Pandora’s Artist to Watch 2021, participating in Live Nation’s Black History Month, and Tidal Sessions performances. About Asiahn: Raised in Charleston but based in Los Angeles, artist and songwriter Asiahn—pronounced “Ahh-zee-yahn”—knew she needed a break between installments of her beloved Love Train EPs. Creatively, she was inspired by something new: heartbreak, and picking up the pieces afterwards. Thus, The Interlude—a five-track explosion of talent and control by one of music’s most in-demand creatives—was born. Showcasing new sides to the sultry, boundary-breaking artist, The Interlude tells the story of Asiahn realizing that the break between relationships signified the start of harvest season as she rediscovered herself after heartbreak, bouncing back from the pain and learning to speak her truth in every corner of her life. With songs like “Messed Up” and “Gucci Frames,” Asiahn is giving you something to fall in love with throughout The Interlude, a project that tells the full story of welcoming vulnerability in service of getting ready to love again. “If I’m going through something hard, I don’t wanna write about it until I’ve healed, because otherwise I’m bringing you into my negative space and I have no resolve for you,” Asiahn says of The Interlude. “And with this project, I wanna make sure I’m giving you just enough to be satisfied, but not enough to be full.” Asiahn is known for penning hits for massive stars like Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Drake, Lil Wayne, and Dr. Dre, but with The Love Train series, and now The Interlude, she’s ready to usher you into her own world. “At the end of the day, my music is my identity,” she says. “And I can’t expect anyone else to know what I want to say and how I want to say it. I’m the best person to tell my own stories.”

Nine-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated R&B superstar Tank has announced today’s release of his new single. “I Deserve” is available today via R&B Money/Atlantic Records at all DSPs and streaming services; an official music video directed by Matt Alonzo and starring Adam Waheed and Juhahn Jones premieres today via YouTube. “I Deserve” sees Tank bringing his extraordinary two-decade career full circle by sampling his now-classic single, 2001’s Top 40 smash, “Maybe I Deserve.” The new single heralds the upcoming release of what will be Tank’s final album, R&B MONEY, due to arrive Friday, February 4, 2022. Written, produced, and sung solely by Tank, “Maybe I Deserve” recently made its long-overdue streaming debut alongside the artist’s landmark first three solo albums, including 2001’s RIAA gold-certified, #1 debut, FORCE OF NATURE, 2002’s ONE MAN, and 2007’s chart-topping, GRAMMY® Award-nominated SEX, LOVE & PAIN. Rolling Stone acknowledged the historic streaming premiere with an exclusive interview with Tank, writing, “For the first time, fans will also be able to travel through his catalog in reverse, rewinding from 2021 to 2000.” “I Deserve” follows the premiere earlier this year of the #1 R&B hit, “Can’t Let It Show,” featuring an instantly memorable sample of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” and available now at all DSPs and streaming services; an official music video is streaming now at the official Tank YouTube channel HERE. Hailed by REVOLT as “emotionally charged,” the track proved another chart-topper for Tank, reaching #1 at Adult R&B radio outlets nationwide. Tank’s tenth studio album, R&B MONEY marks the full-length follow-up to 2019’s acclaimed ELEVATION, highlighted by the #1 singles, “Dirty“ and “I Don’t Think You’re Ready,” both of which reached the peak position on Billboard’s “Adult R&B Songs” – Tank’s fourth and fifth time atop that airplay chart. ELEVATION in turn followed 2017’s SAVAGE, featuring the blockbuster single, “When We.” The RIAA platinum-certified single – which marked the only core R&B record to crack Billboard’s “Hot 100” in 2018 – spent 13 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard and Mediabase Urban AC charts, ultimately being named as both outlets’ #1 Adult R&B Song of 2018 while also earning a nomination as iHeart Radio’s “R&B Song of the Year.” In addition, the official “When We” companion video now boasts over 115M individual views via YouTube alone HERE. Among his many achievements, Tank, who yesterday was nominated for Favorite Male R&B Artist at the 2021 American Music Awards airing on Sunday, Nov. 21, has proven an in-demand actor with roles including Lifetime’s recent film, Lust: A Seven Deadly Sins Story, executive produced by Bishop T.D. Jakes and co-starring Keri Hilson. Last year also saw the launch of two successful projects, R&B Money Podcast and the YouTube reality show, Babbs to the Bone, an unscripted series featuring his wife Zena Foster-Babbs and their children.

Following the release of her self-titled single “Big Boss Vette,” one of hip-hop’s hottest new voices Big Boss Vette releases the official music video via Beatstaz/Amigo Records/Republic Records. In the confident new video directed by Fonzy, the St. Louis’ rapper and singer seduces the screen with raw energy as she commands her lane as one to watch under neon lights. Over skittering 808s and a bass thump, she tears into one braggadocious boast after another. With raw hunger in her delivery. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO Popping up everywhere, she recently revealed the cinematic visual for “Eater,” inciting a flurry of activity online and earning plugs from 4 Sho Magazine and more. Meanwhile, “Make Em Mad” just soundtracked an episode of HBO’s EMMY® Award-nominated Insecure from creator Issa Rae. It played during a key scene of episode 2 from the farewell season 5. Big Boss Vette excitedly broke the news on social media. Maintaining incredible momentum, she unleashed “Eater” a few weeks back, with Consequence of Sound hailing the single as a “lively take on New Orleans bounce music,” calling Big Boss Vette “one to watch.” It received additional plugs from the likes of Enigma Online, The 360 Magazine, and more while appearing on The Alftiude’s A-List. Now, she’s got even more heat on deck. You’ve been warned. There’s a new boss in town. About Big Boss Vette:Big Boss Vette asserts herself as a bright, blunt, and bold force for hip-hop with unapologetic bars, undeniable style, and a fiery flow of her own. The St. Louis rapper and singer lights up any room and instantly commands attention. As a kid, Big Boss Vette told everyone, “I want to be a rapper,” and she made good on her promise. Taking to social media, she posted freestyles on Facebook during high school, remixing the likes of Dej Loaf’s “Try Me” and making a viral impact with millions of views. She regularly uploaded remixes to YouTube and attracted an audience. However, trouble followed her everywhere—until she got shot. Changing the course of her life, she served up “Bad Bitch” in 2019 and racked up 1.7 million YouTube views. A year later, “Outside” exploded. Following a much-liked teaser video, her TikTok followers demanded the full version, and she delivered. It lit up TikTok with countless anime creates and support from Chlöe Bailey. At the same time, it generated 8 million Spotify streams and 2 million YouTube views. During 2021, she picked up the pace with “No Fakin,” “Dog Ass *,” and more. Along the way, she attracted the attention of Republic Records and landed a deal with the label. After raking in over 30 million total streams independently, she bosses up on a series of singles led by “Eater.” Follow Big Boss Vette on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and Spotify.

Prayers are going out to the family of 9-year-old Ezra Blount, who died Sunday due to injuries he sustained at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival on Nov. 5. The little boy was riding on his father’s shoulders at the concert when a crowd surge happened. His father was unable to breathe and passed out, and Ezra got trampled. Ezra’s father said when he came to, his son was nowhere to be found. The boy was later located at the hospital, where he remained in critical condition for more than a week. Ezra’s grandmother confirmed on Sunday afternoon that, after running more tests, doctors reported seeing no brain activity. The boy was officially pronounced dead later that evening. The death toll now stands at 10. The family is now being represented by famed civil rights and personal injury lawyer Ben Crump, who says everyone in charge of the event should be held accountable. Crump is representing more than 200 clients and says his team is holding Scott, promoters and Live Nation responsible for the tragedy.

BET has announced the 2021 “Soul Train Awards” will feature an exciting lineup of unforgettable performances, special moments and appearances by some of the biggest stars in R&B, Gospel, Adult Urban Contemporary and Soul. This year, performers will include the 2021 “Soul Train Awards” ‘Legend Award’ honoree Maxwell, ‘Lady of Soul’ honoree Ashanti, R&B super duo Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, R&B/Soul songstress Ari Lennox, soul singer/songwriter and producer Leon Bridges, R&B singer Lucky Daye, and more. The 2021 “Soul Train Awards” presented by BET premieres Sunday, November 28 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her. Internationally, the 2021 “Soul Train Awards” will simulcast on BET Africa at 2am CAT on November 29th and air on BET France on December 1st, at 10:30pm CET. The show will also be available to watch on My5 and Sky On-Demand in the UK beginning December 3rd. “Soul music is a movement, and we are incredibly proud to give it a platform and produce a performance line-up that will exemplify the best of the genre and reach generations of music lovers across the globe,” said Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. “We could not be more thrilled for these exceptional artists to hit the stage at the historic World Famous Apollo, in celebration of fifty years of Soul Train. This will definitely be an iconic night to remember.” The “Soul Train Awards” annual Soul Cypher is a tradition started by former show host Erykah Badu that features a group of artists freestyling. The cypher will bring together some of today’s top vocalists for what promises to be an electrifying performance. Participants in the cypher this year include D-Nice, Musiq Soulchild, Jac Ross, Koryn Hawthorne, Elle Varner, and Tone Stith. As a nod to the 20th Anniversary of her self-titled album Aaliyah, the late R&B great’s hit single “Rock the Boat” provides both theme and instrumental for the cypher. Additionally, BET announced the first group of presenters who will take the stage: H.E.R., Tristan Mack Wilds, and the BET casts of Games People Play and Sacrifice, a BET+ Original series. As previously announced, H.E.R. leads the 2021 “Soul Train Awards” nominations with an impressive eight nods for ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award (x2),’ ‘Best Collaboration (x2),’ and ‘Video of the Year’. Jazmine Sullivan and Chris Brown garnered the second most nods with six nominations each. Jazmine Sullivan’s nods include ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ and ‘Video of the Year’. Chris Brown’snods include ‘Best R&B/Soul Male Artist,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Best Dance Performance,’ ‘Best Collaboration (x2),’ and ‘Video of the Year’. Wizkid and TEMS are the third highest with five nods each, followed by Blxst with four nods. Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, Doja Cat, and Yung Bleu each have three nods. Three-time GRAMMY® award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Maxwell will receive the ‘Legend’ award at the 2021 “Soul Train Awards.” Award-winning and multi-platinum singer/songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and author Ashanti will be the recipient of the ‘Lady of Soul’ honor. Dynamic best-friend duo Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold will return as co-hosts of the 2021 “Soul Train Awards,” bringing their irreplaceable energy and hilarious comedic talents to this year’s show.

If you spent the first half of the COVID-19 pandemic catching up on the BET+ hit show “Bigger,” you are not alone. The show, which is written by Felischa Marye, became a fan favorite among 20- and 30-somethings searching for pertinent entertainment that showcased their lives in a relatable way. Marye does not disappoint. We are not sure why she hasn’t become a household name like her counterparts, Lena Waithe or Kenya Barris, but it’s clearly not due to talent…. sis is cold with the pen, and the storylines keep coming. For those of you who are still working your way through season 2, this is a recap so keep in mind that we have a few spoilers to reveal. Now if you have been following along, then you know that the season ended with the revelation that Deon and his on- and off-again boo thang, Layne, married in secret and have yet to tell their friends. As we know from the previous season, Marye is a stickler for a plot twist and season 2 ended with most of the cast ending their relationships or moving on and searching for new opportunities. So is it the end? It feels like a definite closeout, but there are still so many questions. What’s next for Veronica and Ken, is it really over? Can Vince and Shoshana learn the best roles for their relationship so that each person can shine respectfully?  And will Tracey get a new job? Bet+ has yet to announce the status of Season 3, but we can confirm that it has not been canceled or renewed by the network as of to date.   So rest assured superfans, there is still hope. For more information about “Bigger” and BET+ visit the network’s official page at BET.com. Also, join the conversation with @BET and @BETPlus across all social platforms with #BiggerOnBET.