Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson to host Eurovision-style ‘American Song Contest’

Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson have been announced as the upcoming American Song Contest hosts, a Eurovision-styled singing competition set to premiere on NBC this March.

The contest was initially announced in 2020. The new contest was initially supposed to air on TV in February, but NBC delayed it. It will feature “original musical performances representing all 50 states, five US territories and the nation’s capital, with artists competing to win the title of Best Original Song in a grand spectacle”.

Snoop Dogg said in a statement, “I am honored to host American Song Contest alongside my lil sis Kelly Clarkson, aka Miss Texas.”

Clarkson added: “I have been a fan and love the concept of Eurovision and am thrilled to bring the musical phenomenon to America. I’m so excited to work with Snoop and can’t wait to see every state and territory represented by artists singing their own songs.”

American Song Contest will kick off on March 21st. Air for eight weeks with the Grand Final scheduled for May 9th, the day before the first semi-final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The list of 56 solo singers, duos, or bands will be announced later.

The 2022 Eurovision Song Contest will occur at the PalaOlimpico in Turin, Italy, with the Grand Final set for May 14th. Last year’s Eurovision was won by the Italian band Måneskin.

Snoop Dogg sued for sexual assault by former backing dancer

Content warning: this article discusses allegations of sexual assault.

Snoop Dogg has been sued for sexual assault by a woman who regularly worked on-stage with the rapper.

The Jane Doe accuser filed the lawsuit in a Los Angeles federal court on February 9th, claiming that Snoop (real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.) and his associate Bishop Don “Magic” Juan (Donald Campbell) assaulted her after she attended a Snoop Dogg concert at Club Heat Ultra Lounge in Anaheim, California on May 29, 2013.

According to Rolling Stone, the woman alleges in the lawsuit that she was assaulted in back-to-back attacks after she accepted a ride home from Campbell and wound up at his residence against her wishes. She claims Campbell assaulted her at the residence when he “removed his penis from his pants” and “repeatedly shoved his penis into (her) mouth.”

It’s then claimed that Campbell later demanded she accompany him to a recording studio where Broadus Jr. was purportedly filming his TV series, Snoop Dogg’s Double G News Network. She alleges Campbell told her Broadus Jr. wanted her there and might make her “his weather girl”. She complied “in hopes of advancing her career,” the filing claims.

According to the complaint, the Jane Doe plaintiff felt sick and was using a bathroom at the studio when Broadus Jr. entered the room unexpectedly, shut the door, grabbed her shoulder and forced his penis into her mouth.

“After a few minutes, the defendant withdrew his penis from plaintiff’s mouth, visibly unsatisfied with plaintiff’s reluctance and disgust of being forced to engage in oral sex,” the complaint alleges. The rapper then allegedly “proceeded to masturbate and ejaculated on plaintiff’s upper chest and lower neck.” He left the accuser “humiliated, terrified and panicked” in the bathroom without returning.

The woman claims she didn’t immediately report the alleged assaults because she was “thinking about her job security if she displeased” the rapper, due to the fact she apparently worked for various companies owned by or associated with Snoop Dogg.

Her filing says she obtained a right to sue from the Department of Fair Employment and Housing on December 20, 2021 and agreed to “attempt to resolve this dispute through a private mediation” that took place February 8, 2022. However the filing says the “mediation was unsuccessful” and that, “immediately after the mediation ended” Snoop Dogg posted an image on Instagram that read “Gold digger season is here” alongside emojis of a judge, a police officer and a bag of cash.

US cult funk icon Betty Davis has died aged 77

The musician, who married Miles Davis in 1968, died of natural causes on February 9th.

Betty Davis, the 1960s and ’70s cult funk hero, has died aged 77, it has been confirmed.

Davis, who was married to jazz legend Miles Davis for a year in 1968, died today (February 9) of natural causes, close friend Danielle Maggio confirmed to Rolling Stone.

Davis’ self-titled debut album arrived in 1973, which she then followed up the following year with ‘They Say I’m Different’. Her third and final studio album, ‘Nasty Gal’, was released in 1975.

Though not commercially successful at their time of release, Davis’ music has gone on to be hugely influential in funk circles in the decades to follow.

Born Betty Mabry, she appeared on the cover of Miles Davis’ 1968 album ‘Filles de Kilimanjaro’, and was the inspiration behind his song ‘Mademoiselle Mabry’.

Kanye West sells luxury tank which featured in ‘Closed On Sunday’ video

The military vehicle is worth $500,000.

The rapper, known legally as Ye, has offloaded the military vehicle which previously featured in his music video for ‘Closed On Sunday‘, where he was seen driving in it with his former mother-in-law, Kris Jenner.

According to TMZ, West recently sold the EV2, which retails at $500,000, to David ‘Heavy D’ Sparks and David ‘Diesel Dave’ Kiley of the Discovery reality TV show Diesel Brothers.

Heavy D told the gossip site that after picking up the tank, he discovered that it contains a built-in DVD player that plays a K-pop video on a loop and he has no idea how to turn it off.

All six Dr. Dre tracks from ‘GTA Online: The Contract’ are now available to stream

Dr. Dre has officially released the six tracks he made for Grand Theft Auto Online: The Contract on streaming platforms.

The expansion to the online version of GTA V was released back in December, which featured Dre as a character in the game as well as new music from the producer, rapper, and music mogul.

Dre collaborated with the likes of Eminem, Anderson .Paak, Rick Ross, and Snoop Dogg on The Contract, and all six tracks from the expansion have been released separately on February 4.

Eminem, Dolly Parton, A Tribe Called Quest, and More Nominated For Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced the nominees for its upcoming class of 2022, and the crop of 17 artists it is considering for induction this year truly covers the expanse of popular music. From hip-hop pioneers to a few glossy pop superstars, a metal icon to a punk forerunner, and legends from the realms of country and Afrobeat, there's a little something for everyone.

Beck, Pat Benatar, Kate Bush, Devo, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Judas Priest, Fela Kuti, MC5, New York Dolls, Dolly Parton, Rage Against the Machine, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, A Tribe Called Quest, and Dionne Warwick are all those up for potential induction.

As ever, Greg Harris, the Rock Hall's president and CEO, introduced this year's nominees from inside the museum in Cleveland, Ohio today (February 2). "These 17 artists have had a massive impact on the music we all love and we celebrate each day inside the museum, he said in a video ahead of the announcement.

It's the first year of eligibility for Eminem, whose debut album, Infinite, was released in 1996, a few years before he reached superstar status. An artist becomes eligible for nomination at least 25 years since releasing their "first commercial recording," the Rock Hall's rules stipulate. Joining him as first-time nominees are Beck, A Tribe Called Quest, Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, Lionel Richie, and Carly Simon.

Will Snoop Dogg Smoke Weed During the Super Bowl Half-Time Show? Bets Are Being Placed!

Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige will descend on the SoFi Stadium next month for what will be a historic Pepsi Halftime Show during Super Bowl LVI. Ahead of the big game, bets are already being placed on whether famed weed connoisseur Snoop Dogg will light up during the performance.

The betting platform Bovada is allowing players to gamble on the possibility of Snoop Dogg lighting up a “fat doobie” with “Yes” at +250, meaning if someone bets $250, they’ll win $100 if he sparks the “devil’s lettuce,” which is legal in California. Anyone familiar with Snoop’s smoking tendencies will likely feel confident voting “yes,” although there’s a chance with the National Football League’s strict policies he won’t be able to get away with it. Then again, he is Snoop Dogg, so anything’s possible.

Bovada currently boasts over 100 different prop bets, including the national anthem length, winner of the coin flip, if any part of Eminem’s performance will be censored, what team jersey Drake will wear and even how many commercials will feature a dog.

Dr. Dre announced the Pepsi Halftime Show lineup last September via Instagram. Roc Nation was tagged in the post, making it obvious JAY-Z played an integral role in making it happen. Roc Nation signed a deal with the National Football League in 2019 to aid in the league’s social justice efforts and bolster its connections in the music industry. As the NFL’s “live music entertainment strategist,” JAY-Z and Roc Nation serve as consultants on productions such as the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Janet Jackson documentary 'Janet' announces release date

A release date has been announced for Janet, the forthcoming documentary about Janet Jackson. Janet, which was first announced early last year, is set to premiere on the 28th of January on Lifetime and A&E to mark the 40th anniversary of the singer’s self-titled debut album.

Back in September, a first teaser was shared for the documentary. The clip featured appearances from Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey and Paula Abdul discussing Jackson’s impact and influence, along with Tito Jackson saying Janet will “always be my baby sister.” There are also brief snippets of brother Michael Jackson. Janet has been in production for over five years. The documentary was directed by Ben Hirsch, with Janet Jackson and Randy Jackson serving as executive producers.

The documentary was largely filmed around the time Jackson’s father Joe passed away in 2018. Drawing on archival footage the documentary will also explore significant moments throughout Jackson’s life and career, including the death of brother Michael in 2009.

Hyphy producer Traxamillion has died aged 42

Californian hip-hop producer Traxamillion has died aged 42, according to reports.

The producer, who was influential in popularizing the Hyphy sound in the Bay Area and beyond, died January 2nd in Santa Clara, California, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The report adds that Traxamillion, real name Sultan Banks, died in a home hospice at an aunt’s residence, from a rare form of cancer that he had secretly been battling since 2007.

“This is a huge loss for Northern California,” Bay Area-based website The Thizzler wrote on Twitter. “We send our condolences to his family & loved ones.”

The Weeknd announces new album ‘Dawn FM’ dropping January 7th

The Weeknd has announced that his new album, Dawn FM, will be released this Friday January 7th. The artist has teased on the news over the New Year weekend on his Instagram, writing that people should, “wake up at dawn tomorrow”. He also shared a screengrab of a text message exchange in which he decides to, “just drop the whole thing”.

Today, January 3rd, The Weeknd confirmed that the album will in fact be out this week, writing in a caption alongside a video teaser of new music: “new album : dawn FM // January 7th.” The clip also namedrops Tyler, the Creator, Quincy Jones, Lil Wayne and others.

The Beatles get back in the UK Top 40 after Peter Jackson’s Disney documentary

The Beatles album Let It Be has jumped into the UK Top 40 after the release of Peter Jackson’s three-part documentary, Get Back.

The seven-hour series, which was released to Disney+ in November, is currently being enjoyed by fans who have praised the insights it offers into the storied band.

According to Billboard’s latest report, Let It Be leaped from No 62 to No 22 in the UK albums chart this week, while the hits album 1 skyrocketed from No 57 to No 37.

Drake Withdrawals His 2021 Grammy Nomination

Drake has withdrawn his two Grammy nominations. A rep for the Recording Academy has confirmed to Variety. Reps for Drake did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Sources told Variety that the decision was made by Drake and his management and that the Grammys honored the request, although his motivation was unclear.

Drake was one of five nominees for Best Rap Album, for “Certified Lover Boy,” and for Best Rap Performance, for his song “Way 2 Sexy” (featuring Future and Young Thug).

Drake has had a long and contentious relationship with the Grammys. A year ago, he called for them to be replaced with “something new that we can build up over time and pass on to the generations to come.” His statement was in response to the Grammys after they failed to recognize his peer and fellow Canadian artist the Weeknd in any of its 2021 categories; despite him having one of the top albums and singles of 2020, Drake also threw shade at the Grammys during his acceptance speech in 2019, when “God’s Plan” won Best Rap Song. The award’s show producers cut off his mic after he claimed awards hold no value.

Adele Announces Las Vegas Residency

Say “Hello” to the newest fixture on the shimmering Las Vegas strip! Adele announced on Tuesday November 30th that she will be a resident performer at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace beginning in January 2022.

“Weekends With Adele” kicks off January 21 and is slated to continue through April 16. The British singer-songwriter will perform two shows each weekend, with one weekend off in mid-February, when Van Morrison is scheduled to play. Tickets went sale December 7, though there may not be a general sale date should the presale, December 3rd, demand be too high.

Adele's Las Vegas residency concerts are the only live shows she has announced since the release of the album. The dates are every weekend starting January 21st to April 16th, excluding February 18th and 19th.

Destiny’s Child’s “Bills, Bills, Bills” Named 2021 Top Comeback Track By TikTok

Destiny’s Child’s classic hit “Bills Bills Bills” made a monumental return in 2021 according to TikTok’s 2021 Music Report. The annual analysis of music trends on the video-sharing app ranked the 1999 song the no. 1 comeback track of the year. TikTok classifies “Comeback” as trending songs released between 5 and 25 years ago.

“Bills Bills Bills” was initially released as the lead single from Destiny’s Child’s second album The Writings On The Wall. It debuted at no. 84 before on the Billboard Hot 100 chart before peaking at no.1 five weeks later, the group’s first song to reach this position.

Jimmy Fallon Recruits Megan thee Stallion and Ariana Grande for a Covid Christmas Carol

Late Night host Jimmy Fallon tried to do something new — he aimed to make a definitive Christmas song for right now. Instead of going for timelessness as Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You?". On the December 6 episode of The Tonight Show, the host recruited heavyweights Megan Thee Stallion and Ariana Grande, the two of the absolute biggest and best in the game right now, to help bring the song, "It Was a... (Masked Christmas)," to life. The results may save lives!

The premise of the song is that it's a good thing to remain cautious of COVID-19 in order to protect yourself and your loved ones during the holidays. Fallon sings, in his voice frosted with Auto-Tuned, to wear a mask, get a vaccine booster shot, and say hey to folks via Zoom when necessary to avoid risky meet-ups. It is, unfortunately, a chillingly bleak reminder that we're still in a pandemic. However, the message is softened by two key aspects of the video: many, many oversized and relentlessly cozy sweaters, and the gleaming presence of both Meg and Ari.

Jibrizy Soaring to New Heights

Everyone’s favorite hip-hop illusionist has always flown high in the sky, but he’s about to go a lot higher. With his sketch videos giving viewers a good laugh or cry, Jibrizy knows how to entice an audience. What makes this statement come true is his exponential growth of followers.

Jibrizy is at 9.9 million Facebook followers and growing rapidly. The world is seeing his content and loving every minute of it. It is only a matter of time until he hits the big 10 million. Keep an eye out because his popularity will pass you by in a flash.

Lil Nas X's song about gay sex earns 3 Grammy nominations

“Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” was nominated for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Music Video, thus catapulting LGBTQ narratives to the highest echelon of achievement in the music industry.

Its title is a reference to the gay romance novel and 2017 film “Call Me By Your Name.” However, its lyrics are less about love and more about lust. Including lyrics such as, “romantic talking? You don’t even have to try” and "I’m not fazed, only here to sin."

In the music video for the song, Lil Nas X is seduced out of what appears to be the Garden of Eden, falls into hell, and gives the devil a lap dance.

Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, celebrated his nominations and thanked his fans in a string of Twitter posts, "don’t have to win a single award, truly thankful for all the insight this year has brought me. and thankful for the journey. love u guys," the 22-year-old rapper wrote.

Oasis tribute band stranded with revelers in Yorkshire pub have finally escaped

Oasis tribute band, Noasis, escaped after becoming stranded in a Yorkshire pub for four days.

Storm Arwen left 61 people at the Tan Hill Inn in the Yorkshire Dales stuck after five feet of snow fell suddenly on November 26. The pub is 1700 feet above sea level, the highest in the UK.

The band played a gig at the pub on Friday night (November 26) and got stranded following the heavy snow until the evening of November 29.

Many had travelled to the pub to see the band, but became stranded when snow blocked cars and roads became impassable.

Staff at the pub November 28 prepared a karaoke evening to keep spirits up among those stranded. They also organized a quiz, showed films on a projector and made a Sunday lunch for all guests, who had been sleeping on makeshift beds next to the bar.

Young Dolph Shot and Killed In Memphis

Young Dolph, the Memphis rapper whose robust baritone voice anchored seven albums, countless mixtapes, and tracks with Megan Thee Stallion, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Lil Durk, and more, was shot and killed in his hometown on November 17. He was 36.

It was confirmed by police that the rapper entered the Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies shop on the afternoon of the 17th and was hit by gunfire from a car that pulled up outside the store. Surveillance video from the scene shows his car parked outside the shop.

Friends and collaborators including Chance the Rapper, Megan Thee Stallion, and Offset have taken to social media to offer their thoughts and remembrances of Young Dolph.

Adele asked Spotify to remove the default shuffle button for albums, and they obliged

Not only does does Adele create masterful emotional albums, she also is changing how we stream our music. Thanks to Adele, Spotify has removed a play button that automatically shuffled songs regardless of an album's track list. The singer-songwriter tweeted on Saturday that she had requested the change for the release of her fourth studio album, 30, which arrived on streaming services on Friday. An account for the streaming service replied to Adele's tweet with "Anything for you."

Previously, tapping the play button for an album on Spotify would auto-shuffle songs rather than playing them in the order the artist intended. The shuffle feature is still available when playing an individual track from an album, but the main play button no longer defaults to playing an album's songs out of order.