Usher may have a Las Vegas residency on the horizon, but he’s somehow managed to film a surprise short film in partnership with beverage brand Rémy Martin too.

Directed by Jake Nava, the visual celebrates the intertwined excellence of music and Cognac.

Aptly titled ‘Team Up For Excellence – The Film,’ the slick production spotlights the cultural link between Cognac and American music since 1917 in France — and how both have been linked ever since.

The 8-time GRAMMY winner invites viewers on a journey that spans the 1920’s through to the present day.

Along the way, the flick pays homage to the multi–cultural connections, styles, and rhythms of the past. From Blues to Hip–Hop Swing to Break–Dancing; all of which are very much anchored in the drive to excel.

Speaking on the film, the performer said:

“Music doesn’t need Cognac to exist, and Cognac doesn’t need Music to exist, but what is beautiful is that they were meant to meet and when they did, they created cultural harmony.”

Watch Ush in action after the jump…

(more…)

Destiny’s Child may have called it quits nearly 16 years ago, but they continue to prove their bond is stronger than ever.

For evidence, look no further than band members Beyoncé & Michelle Williams joining Kelly Rowland virtually to help her welcome her newest bundle of joy.

More inside:

(more…)

For a relative “newcomer,” rising R&B star Giveon is racking up accolades and stats at quite the impressive pace.

See what we mean inside:

(more…)

Two years after thrilling fans with the critically acclaimed ‘New Breed,’ singer-songwriter Dawn Richard‘s birthed the LP’s follow-up – ‘Second Line.’

Her sixth studio album, the 16-track effort was preceded by music videos for housed singles ‘Bussifame,’ ‘Pilot (A Lude),’ ‘Jacuzzi,’ and the recently released ‘Boomerang’ (click here to watch).  A musical gumbo, the eclectic project features odes to the 37-year-old’s native New Orleans alongside tunes decorated with futuristic, progressive, and aggressive Urban Pop sounds.

Hear ‘Second Line’ inside courtesy of Apple Music and Spotify.

(more…)

H.E.R. has barely had time to soak in her first Academy Award win from Sunday night’s ceremony (April 25), yet she’s already back on the grind.

After ‘Fight For You,’ the lead single from the official ‘Judas & the Black Messiah’ soundtrack, brought her Oscar gold, the 23-year-old (born Gabriella Wilson) is turning her sights to her music from another movie:  Disney+ film ‘Safety.’

3 months after first introducing fans to the official music video to the film’s tune ‘Hold Us Together’ (click here to watch), Wilson’s teamed with award-winning Christian Pop singer Tauren Wells for the song’s remix.

Branded the ‘Hope Mix,’ look inside to hear how the duo have revamped the inspirational anthem.

(more…)

Much to the delight of her devoted fans, ‘Add to Me’ singer Ledisi has added a second live album to her prized discography.

Coming nearly 14 years after her first smaller live effort, 2007’s ‘Ledisi & Anibade Live Recordings Vol. 1,’ the new release – titled ‘Ledisi Live at the Troubadour.’ – comes as her first full length solo live jaunt.

A career-spanning set of performances that sees the powerhouse put refreshed spins on some of her most beloved tunes including ‘Alright,’ ‘Pieces of Me,’ ‘I Blame You,’ and even her latest fan favorite, ‘Anything For You’ (which snagged the previous 13x nominee her first GRAMMY at this year’s ceremony), hop inside to hear how Ledisi rocked the famed Hollywood Venue with her greatest hits.

(more…)

The Recording Academy has unveiled a set of major changes to the GRAMMY Awards.

Full story below…

(more…)

Dawn Richard celebrates the release of her new album ‘Second Line’ today with the video for ‘Boomerang.’

True to trademark form, the eclectic songstress delivers a potent performance in the captivating visual.

Home to songs such as ‘Jacuzzi’and ‘Bussifame,’ the LP is the star’s first release for her new label Merge Records.

Armed with a fresh musical perspective and boosted by buoyant backing, Richard shines in earnest.

Watch her werk below…

(more…)

Brandy shone brightly as Cinderella in the 1997 Rodgers & Hammerstein‘s production. So, it’s only fitting that the GRAMMY-winning songstress has been tapped to help Disney launch a yearlong ‘Ultimate Princess Celebration.’

As reported, the Vocal Bible has teamed with hitmaker Oak Felder to produce the anthem for the movement.

Christened ‘Starting Now,’ the song is billed by B-Rocka as “magical and empowering.”

Ahead of its release on May 21, she has shared a preview.

Check it out below…

(more…)

JAY-Z once rapped “I’m not a businessman. I’m a business, man.”

And he continues to show and prove why.

For, a month after it was reported that he was set to sell his TIDAL service, the star has closed the deal and the particulars re-affirm why he is at the top of the game.

Full story below…

(more…)

Without missing a beat, Gucci Mane picks up where he left off on his latest single ‘Sh*t Crazy,’ which features BIG30.

Now the rapper has just released the video for the track. The new set of visuals feature plenty of expensive cars and jewelry.

‘Sh*t Crazy’ is set to be featured on Mane’s new album ‘Ice Daddy,’ an album that is dedicated to his youngest song, Ice Davis. Ice is also featured on the album’s cover art.

Mane and wife Keyshia Ka’oir welcomed Ice together in December 2020 (as we reported here).

Watch the lavish video for ‘Sh*t Crazy’ below…

(more…)

June’s Diary has unwrapped their brand new single ‘Maniac.’

Harmonies may be their mainstay, but the R&B quintet showcases their versatility on the high-octane club jam.

Kristal, Shyann, Brienna, Gabby, and Ashly have been steadily growing their fanbase since being formed on Kelly Rowland‘s BET series ‘Chasing Destiny’ and show no signs of slowing down.

Armed with fresh material and even more exciting news to come, the ladies make clear that they are firing from all cylinders.

Take a listen to new June’s Diary after the jump…

(more…)

**