Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer whose visionary talent helped shape the sounds of modern music, has passed away at the age of 91. Best known as the creative genius behind Michael Jackson's iconic Thriller album, Jones redefined music production and influenced countless artists across genres. His work earned him an unparalleled legacy with 28 Grammy Awards and collaborations with the greatest talents of our time. Jones’s death marks the end of an era, but his groundbreaking contributions will forever echo in the history of music.
Jones passed away peacefully on Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed the news in a statement, though the cause of death was not disclosed.
Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, have been indicted on serious charges of wire fraud following allegations of fraudulent activities involving multiple businesses. A federal grand jury in Miami has charged Kingston and Turner with five counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida, Kingston and Turner allegedly enriched themselves unlawfully by over $1 million. They purportedly deceived dealers of luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other high-end items by falsely claiming that payments had been wired or were in transit, using fraudulent documents to obtain goods without full payment.
Kingston, whose legal name is Kisean Anderson, was released on a $10,000 cash bond, while his mother was released on a $5,000 cash bond. Both are scheduled for their next court appearance on August 9th. If convicted, each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Photo Credit: Contributed - Pamputtae Official IG Page
Dancehall luminary Pamputtae has made history as the premier Jamaican artist to grace Nicki Minaj’s acclaimed Pink Friday 2 tour, marking her esteemed Gag City debut in Toronto, Canada this past Tuesday evening. The dynamic artist had previously expressed her eagerness to join Minaj's tour in February, and her aspiration culminated with an electrifying performance as the opening act for the Trinidadian-born superstar.
Draped in vibrant hot pink attire reminiscent of several devoted Barbs (and proudly adorned with the Jamaican flag), Pamputtae made the most of her brief stage time by delivering two compelling tracks, including her seminal 2008 hit, “It Good.”
Addressing the crowd, she rallied, “I need all of you guys to follow Pamputtae…” before seamlessly transitioning into her verse for Minaj's “Fine Nine Remix.” “I just want to take the time out to big up Nicki Minaj. Pamputtae from outta Kingston, Jamaica, a single mother of two boys and I come to kill it. Drop the track.”
Pamputtae joins a prestigious roster of artists such as JT, Bia, Tyga, 50 Cent, Jeremih, and the main guest Monica who have graced the Pink Friday 2 tour. Furthermore, superstar Drake made his Gag City debut that same evening, delighting the audience with a performance of "Needle" alongside Minaj, a track that cleverly incorporates lyrics from Beenie Man's “Wickedest Slam.”
Pamputtae and Minaj’s initial connection occurred in September 2021 when Minaj publicly endorsed Pamputtae's music on Instagram, leading to a surge of new followers for the "Ride It" deejay. This pivotal moment was followed by Pamputtae’s inclusion on the “Fine Nine Remix,” an all-female rendition of Skeng's 2022 hit “Likkle Miss.”
Reflecting on the impact of the track in a 2023 feature with BBC 1Xtra's Seani B, Pamputtae shared, “I’ve had more interviews, more shows, and whole heap more people see me – international people, too, see the things and follow the thing and go look up pon Pamputtae and see all of the things weh mi been a do from back then till now…” Considering Minaj’s expressed desire to incorporate Caribbean dates into her sold-out tour, it is likely that more Jamaican talents will join this prestigious lineup in the future.
Participating in Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 tour represents a significant milestone in Pamputtae’s career, highlighting her remarkable rise and international recognition. This groundbreaking opportunity not only showcases Pamputtae’s musical prowess and captivating stage presence but also signifies her growing influence within the dancehall and reggae community. By sharing the stage with global icons like Nicki Minaj and captivating audiences worldwide, Pamputtae is setting a new standard for Jamaican artists and solidifying her position as a formidable talent in contemporary music. This momentous achievement underscores Pamputtae’s perseverance, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, opening doors to new opportunities and propelling her towards continued success and acclaim in the music industry. Congratulations Pamputtae!!
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Photo Credits: Contributed - Pamputtae Official IG
Amidst the fleeting moments of the climactic crescendo at Andy G’s 25th annual Legendary event, the incomparable Dr. Dre Movements emerged as a shining star, captivating the audience with his unparalleled artistry. Commencing his second round with a spellbinding tribute to Andy G, he serenaded the audience with Buju Banton’s "Destiny," a homage befitting the auspicious occasion, resonating profoundly as Andy G's sound system bears the evocative name "Destiny." Embarking on a journey through the annals of dancehall history, Dr. Dre immersed the audience in a nostalgic reverie, conjuring cherished memories of the era's anthems that once ignited dancefloors with their incandescent rhythms.
Transitioning seamlessly, he delved into a captivating medley of 90’s classics, embracing the soulful melodies and infectious beats that defined an epoch. As the night unfolded, enraptured attendees found themselves ensnared in the magnetic allure of Dr. Dre's enthralling performance, reluctant to bid adieu to the euphoric atmosphere that enveloped them.
In a moment of electrifying synergy, Dr. Dre and the effervescent Trigga Half Krazy took center stage, igniting a fervent energy that reverberated through the venue. With deft precision, Dr. Dre unleashed the iconic strains of Panhead’s "Gunman Tune," eliciting an ecstatic frenzy from the enraptured crowd. It was a masterful display, a symphony of sonic brilliance orchestrated by the maestro himself.
In customary fashion, Dr. Dre Movements delivered a tour de force performance, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of all who bore witness to his virtuosity. As the lights dimmed and the echoes of applause lingered in the air, one thing became abundantly clear: Dr. Dre Movements had once again ascended to the pinnacle of musical excellence, contributing his singular talents to an unforgettable evening of celebration and camaraderie.
Join the movement and bask in the brilliance of Dr. Dre Movements. Kudos to Andy G and the entire Destiny Family for orchestrating yet another transcendent event, uniting old friends and kindred spirits in a celebration of music, camaraderie, and everlasting memories.
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Photo Credits: JL Entertainment LLC
Watch Dr. Dre Movements at Andy G's Legendary 2024
Peter "Peetah" Morgan, the frontman of the Grammy Award-winning reggae ensemble Morgan Heritage, has passed away at the age of 46.
Renowned for chart-topping hits like "Don’t Haffi Dread (To Be Rasta)," "Down by the River," "Tell Me How Come," and "She’s Still Loving Me," the band announced Peetah’s untimely demise on Sunday (February 25), refraining from disclosing the cause of death.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, the Morgan family conveyed, "It is with profound love that we announce the ascension of our cherished husband, father, son, and brother, Peter Anthony Morgan, lead vocalist of Morgan Heritage. Jah has come to deliver us from ourselves, for love is the only path."
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed his sorrow on X, formerly Twitter, stating that his “heart is heavy” upon hearing the news. He described Morgan's passing as a “colossal loss" for Jamaica and the reggae music community.
Morgan, affectionately known as “Peetah,” hailed from the illustrious lineage of renowned Jamaican reggae vocalist Denroy Morgan.
In 1994, Peetah and his siblings joined forces to establish Morgan Heritage, a band that achieved significant acclaim, culminating in a Grammy win for Best Reggae Album in 2016 with "Strictly Roots."
One of Peetah's brothers, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, ventured to Tennessee with the goal of introducing Nashville to the vibrant rhythms of reggae.
Reflecting on the intrinsic connection between reggae and country music, Peetah once remarked to The Associated Press in 2018, “If you follow reggae music and country music, it’s a lot of storytelling. In reggae, we tell the story of people suffering.”
The other visionary siblings who played pivotal roles in founding the band were Una Morgan, Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan, and Memmalatel “Mr. Mojo” Morgan.
We will keep you updated as more developments surrounding this untimely loss is made available. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, supporters and loved ones.
Stefflon Don, the ethereal enchantress of the sonic cosmos, has unveiled her latest opus, “Intergalactic,” a celestial masterpiece now gracing the vast expanse of streaming platforms with Rvssian's confirmed approval. Woven into the fabric of the revamped Dutty Money Riddim by the illustrious multi-platinum producer giant, Rvssian, this auditory odyssey transcends the mere confines of conventional musicality, propelling listeners into a celestial realm of unparalleled musical innovation. This reimagining of Rvssian's 2009 Go-Go Club Riddim introduces sharper electronic claps and a higher tempo, enriched by the sublime presence of a violin that weaves seamlessly throughout the composition.
Released on December 15, 2023, the remastered riddim sparked a social media maelstrom, as artists fervently vied for the privilege to craft their renditions under the discerning gaze of Rvssian’s authoritative nod. Amidst this fervor, Stefflon Don, a luminary among her contemporaries, graced the riddim with otherworldly talent, effortlessly navigating its rhythmic intricacies. Her lyrical prowess, metaphors, and bars, delivered with an ineffable smooth chill vibe, stand as a testament to her versatility, a cosmic artistry that extends beyond the earthly confines of genres – truly intergalactic in its essence.
Yet, “Intergalactic” is but a celestial note in Stefflon Don’s symphony of interstellar creativity. Her recently unveiled single, “Dat A Dat,” another contribution to the Dutty Money Riddim, stands as evidence of her artistic dexterity, a manifestation of her commanding response to an Instagram story tag and live video from dancehall artist Jada Kingdom. This exchange sparked a lyrical clash that left the #1Don fans eagerly anticipating more from this titan of the mic.
Born Stephanie Victoria Allen, Stefflon Don has etched her name into the celestial annals of musical history as a rapper, singer, and songwriter possessing an incomparable command over diverse genres. Her road to stardom commenced with the divine spark of the 2017 hit “Hurtin' Me” featuring French Montana, propelling her into the limelight. Debuting with the mixtape “Real Ting” in 2016, followed by “Secure” in 2018, Stefflon Don's trajectory led her to a partnership with 54 London, a Universal Music Group subsidiary crafted exclusively for her.
The accolades bestowed upon Stefflon Don reflect the magnitude of her impact. A recipient of the Best Female Award at the 2017 MOBO Awards, also clinching the Best New Artist title at the NME Awards in 2018. Nominations for Best International Act at the BET Awards in 2018 underscored her global influence. In 2023, Stefflon Don solidified her position with a global recording partnership with BMG, culminating in the release of her debut studio album, Island 54, featuring a collaboration with dancehall queen Spice in the track “Clockwork.”
Stefflon Don's unique journey, from her ties to the hardcore community of Denham Town in Kingston, Jamaica to her current residence in the UK, marks her as the first British female rapper featured on Spotify's prestigious Rap Caviar playlist. Additionally, her inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2019 attests to her status as a cultural phenomenon. Collaborations with industry giants like Future, Lil Baby, J Balvin, Mariah Carey, Halsey, and DJ Khaled further underscore her global reach.
As one of Britain’s foremost celestial exports, Stefflon Don commands billions of streams worldwide and boasts millions of subscribers on YouTube. Her track “What's Poppin” featuring Nigerian maestro BNXN has surpassed conventional boundaries, amassing over 10 million streams on YouTube alone. Partnering with Chivas Regal for limited edition bottles associated with her debut album, Island 54, and as the brand ambassador for the whisky brand, exemplifies Stefflon Don's influence—both within and beyond the earthly realms of the music industry. Notably, she has also curated her own cocktail, aptly titled 'The Don,' adding a touch of her signature style to the Chivas Regal experience.
Stefflon Don's verbal virtuosity, versatility, and her top-notch freestyles have earned universal acclaim, solidifying her as an extraterrestrial force to be reckoned with. Her indelible mark on the transcendent stage places her in a league of astral excellence on a global scale, and we eagerly await the ongoing brilliance that this top-tier recording artist will undoubtedly bring to the forefront of the worldwide musical panorama.
In a resounding triumph for Jamaican dancehall sensation Jada Kingdom, her recent track, "What's Up (Big Buddy)," has ascended to the coveted #1 position on the Jamaica Apple Music chart. The achievement is particularly noteworthy as the track is featured on producer extraordinaire Rvssian's Dutty Money Riddim, solidifying Jada's prowess in the dancehall arena.
This milestone comes amidst a heated lyrical clash on social media with international recording artist Stefflon Don, adding an extra layer of intensity to Jada Kingdom's recent success. The music video for "What's Up (Big Buddy)" was released just three days ago and has already amassed over 400,000 views on YouTube, a testament to the overwhelming positive reception from fans and music enthusiasts alike.
For Jada Kingdom, this achievement marks her inaugural #1 spot on the Apple Music charts, a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Born Jada Ashanti Murphy on September 5, 1998, in St. Andrew's Bull Bay, Jamaica, she has emerged as a multifaceted talent, garnering acclaim not only for her soulful vocals but also for her modeling and media persona.
Jada Kingdom's rise to the top is a testament to her unwavering dedication and artistic brilliance. Her distinct style, both in music and fashion, has resonated with audiences globally, and the success of "What's Up (Big Buddy)" reaffirms her position as a trailblazer in the dancehall genre.
As fans celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, it's evident that Twinkle’s star is big and shining brighter than ever. This #1 spot on the Jamaica Apple Music chart is not just a victory; it's a coronation of an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined the dancehall landscape.
Congratulations are in order for Jada Kingdom, and this momentous achievement undoubtedly cements her as a powerhouse in the music industry. The recognition she rightfully deserves has arrived, and the world is taking notice of the remarkable talent that is Jada Kingdom.
