The lyrics from Cardi B‘s sophomore chart-topper, ‘I Like It,’ boast an inventory of items and situations that earn a “thumbs up” from the New York-born rapstress. Now, for the umpteenth time, she can add “making history” to that list.
When the Bad Bunny & J. Balvin-assisted cut topped the Billboard Hot 100 last year Cardi’s name was scribbled in history books for not only becoming the first female rapper to see her second song reach the chart’s summit, but also the first and only artist this decade to launch two songs to the top from a debut album. Later, the tune made history again for having the longest run in the Hot 100 of any female rap songs (51 weeks total).
While the aforementioned are just three of many honors the J. White Did It-produced number collected during its prime, this week brought with it news it’s added one more. Details inside:
Justin Bieber may be one of the most successful music artists in history, but – as he recently announced – that success does not make him exempt from the challenges of life.
Taking to Instagram to lend a lengthy and deeply personal reflection, his 118 million Instagram followers were among the first stunned to see the 25-year-old open up about his past struggles with depression, drug abuse, the pressures of fame, and more. Using the social media platform to motivate his followers who may be dealing with similar woes, the post wasn’t all sad as he ended it on a note of hope and asserted he’s now a changed man.
With her sixth studio album, ‘Norman F*cking Rockwell,’ just hitting stores Friday (August 30), the Grammy-nominee – hot on the promo trail in its support – revealed its follow-up project already has a title and release date. This, just days after industry analysts unveiled the critically acclaimed LP’s projected first week sales.
Music’s reigning queen looked all sorts of lush while keeping it lowkey at Made In America 2019.
The annual extravaganza is put on by her husband Jay-Z, which no doubt explains Mrs Carter’s presence at the Philly spectacle.
While in the house, Bey watched the likes of Cardi B and Lizzo in action, the latter of whom couldn’t contain her excitement at spotting the ‘Brown Skin Girl’ belter.
As we all know, men who beat women are gutless swines with bad breath and low prospects.
Now, Nicki Minajhas stepped up and out to reveal how she freed herself from an abusive relationship…and how you can too.
I promise you saved my life last year ? I was in a domestic violence relationship & was ready to killl myself cause I feel like I would never get out & you being a strong black woman really spoke to me I swear I love you forever nicki ?
Two of R. Kelly‘s girlfriends are said to be eyeing the man who rescued Michael Jackson from legal turmoil with hopes he will do the same for the world-renowned pervert.
Cardi B‘s reign shows no signs of letting up and, at Made In America 2019, she made sure to show how high her star is shining.
Tapped to serve as one of the headliners of this year’s Philly festivities, the femcee delivered a scorching set comprised of her rapidly growing list of hits – including ‘Bodak Yellow,’ ‘Please Me,’ and ‘I Like It.’
At once point, Belcalis climbed the scaffolding so as for all of the crowd at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to see her twerk.
Watch highlights from her blazing set after the jump…
This week saw Missy Elliott honored at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards!
The industry visionary was this year’s recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Moonman for her immeasurable impact visually and sonically.
That Grape Juice was on-hand on the red carpet and spoke with the likes of Wyclef Jean, Kash Doll, Mona Scott-Young, and more about her colossal contributions to music and culture.
Check out all the action from the Prudential Center above.
From The Vault is back this week with a classic that taught music industry’s tastemakers an important lesson. Notably that when the music is undeniable, age really ain’t nothing but a number.
Today’s pick is Tina Turner’s iconic ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’
Released in 1984 as the third single from comeback album ‘Private Dancer,’ ‘Love’ stands as the artist’s signature song and is among pop culture’s most celebrated tunes.
Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, the track was sent to many artists such as Donna Summer and Phyllis Hyman before landing on Turner’s lap.
Exactly 35 years ago, the track hit #1 on the US Hot 100, her first and only chart topper to this day. It also managed to land inside the Top 3 of the Australian, German and British charts.
The song’s equally memorable video was directed by Mark Robinson and follows a striking Tina around New York City as she engages with the various street dancers she meets along the way.
It was also one of the premier outings of her trademark legs and “that” rockstar hair-do.
With this very song, Turner defied all the odds and became one of Pop’s hottest commodities… aged 44.
Which goes to show: with the right material, the right team, and perhaps the right alignment of luck – mature acts can secure a seat at the Pop table.
Thanks to this song and its parent album, Tina went on to become a legend in her own right.
If there’s a potent take-away for some of the older acts of today it’s that: rebranding is key. Turner managed to update her artistic narrative, making way for a contextually relevant sound – which still felt like “her” – and a more refined look that never saw her lose her flair.
Obviously, a million names pop in our heads when thinking about which veteran artists we’d like to see enjoy a chart resurgence akin to this one, but we’d like to know:
Who do YOU think is more deserving of a comeback like this?
