Alicia Keys to go head-to-head with John Legend in ‘Verzuz’ battle

Keys and Legend will go up against each other in another edition of the series, with their battle set to take place on June 19. The date is also known as Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the US.

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Let's celebrate Juneteenth with a special edition #Verzuz! @AliciaKeys vs @JohnLegend on the 🎹‼️ Friday, June 19th | 8PM EST

A post shared by Verzuz (@verzuztv) on Jun 13, 2020 at 12:07pm PDT

“Let’s celebrate Juneteenth with a special edition,” an Instagram post from the official Verzuz account read. The battle will begin at 8pm EST (1am BST). On his Twitter account, Legend dubbed it a “battle of the pianos”.

Celebrating Juneteenth with a special edition of #Verzuz! It's a battle of the pianos with me vs. @AliciaKeys this Friday, June 19th at 8ET/5PT @verzuzonline pic.twitter.com/uttjPbMKDd

— John Legend (@johnlegend) June 13, 2020

 

Other battles in the series have seen face-offs including Nelly versus Ludacris, Lil Jon versus T-Pain, and French Montana versus Tory Lanez.

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Legend will also release his new album ‘Bigger Love’ on June 19. The follow-up to 2016’s ‘Darkness And Light’ will feature guest appearances from Gary Clark Jr., Jhené Aiko, Koffee, Rapsody and more.

Meanwhile, Keys was one of a number of stars to sign an open letter calling for justice for Ahmaud Arbery. The 25-year-old was shot and killed on February 23 as he went jogging in Brunswick, Georgia. Two men – Gregory McMichael and son Travis – were arrested and charged with Arbery’s murder on May 7, after outrage spread online and in the US media that no action was seen to be taken in the case.

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Watch Tekashi 6ix9ine and Akon team up for ‘Locked Up’ sequel

Watch the clip below:

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LOCKED UP PART 2 IM ON ALBUM MODE 💿💿💿 THIS ALBUM GOING CRAZYYYYYYY 🔥🔥🔥 @akon 💛💚💙💜❤️🧡🖤🤍

A post shared by IM BACK AND THEY MAD (@6ix9ine) on Jun 7, 2020 at 10:16am PDT

 

Last year, 6ix9ine pleaded guilty to racketeering and an array of other charges including conspiracy to murder and armed robbery, but his prison time was significantly cut after he testified against other members of the Nine Trey Bloods gang. He was was granted an early release from prison in April after making a request to return home in order to avoid contracting coronavirus while behind bars.

Akon has since defended 6ix9ine after the controversial rapper was criticised for snitching.

He was asked by DJ Whoo Kid if he would download 6ix9ine’s upcoming new album once it’s released. “I’ma feature on that record,” he answered.

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“Matter fact, I’m about to call Tekashi right now and say, ‘Yo, T, what we doin?’ I’m ‘bout to get on that record. Listen, I’m me, n***a. You can’t beat me up. I’m getting on that record. That record probably be the hottest record that drop this year because of all that…Just think about all that surrounded this record. Even if you don’t like him. You gon’ get it, download it, out of curiosity.”

Meanwhile, Tekashi 6ix9ine has urged New York rappers to donate $100,000 to charity – and if they do he will match it.

It comes after children’s charity No Kid Hungry reportedly declined a $200,000 donation from the rapper earlier this month.

“We are grateful for Mr. Hernandez’s generous offer to donate to No Kid Hungry but we have informed his representatives that we have declined this donation,” the charity’s director of strategic communications said.

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Doja Cat donates $100,000 to fund set up to honour Breonna Taylor

“Happy birthday to the beautiful Breonna Taylor, who would have been celebrating her 27th birthday today,” Doja Cat wrote on Instagram. “I am donating $100,000 to Justice For Breonna Taylor Fund #BIRTHDAYFORBREONNA and I am inviting you all to honor and celebrate her with me by donating whatever you can and signing her petition – the link is in my bio.”

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Happy birthday to the beautiful Breonna Taylor, who would have been celebrating her 27th birthday today. I am donating $100,000 to Justice For Breonna Taylor Fund #BIRTHDAYFORBREONNA and I am inviting you all to honor and celebrate her with me by donating whatever you can and signing her petition – the link is in my bio. I’m urging all my friends, family, fans, and colleagues to please donate whatever you can to her cause and to ALL the foundations that are helping us bring justice and demand change! We are all in this together and together is the ONLY way to demand change for a better world. #BLACKLIVESMATTER #JUSTICEFORBREONNA #BIRTHDAYFORBREONNA

A post shared by Doja Cat (@dojacat) on Jun 5, 2020 at 5:38pm PDT

She continued: “I’m urging all my friends, family, fans, and colleagues to please donate whatever you can to her cause and to ALL the foundations that are helping us bring justice and demand change! We are all in this together and together is the ONLY way to demand change for a better world.”

Last month, Doja Cat came under fire on Twitter when the hashtag #DojaCatIsOverParty went viral after it was alleged that she had taken part in racist video chats in the past. A song Doja wrote in 2015 called ‘Dindu Nuffin’, named after a racist slur that mocks the victims of police brutality, also resurfaced.

Doja Cat subsequently issued an apology on Instagram for the song, but denied taking part in “any racist conversations” in online chat rooms.

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“I’ve used public chat rooms to socialise since I was a child,” she wrote. “I shouldn’t have been on some of those chat room sites, but I personally have never been involved in any racist conversations. I’m sorry to everyone that I offended.”

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Fontaines D.C. to donate proceeds from merch sales to Black Lives Matter movement

They went on to detail their plans, noting that selling merchandise is their “only source of income in the current climate”. “So we’ll be giving all profits from last week’s sale to the Black Lives Matter movement (USA), MASI – Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland and Runnymede Trust (UK),” they explained.

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@blklivesmatter @masi_movement_asylum_seekers @runnymedetrust . Link in bio to the T-shirt . . #blacklivesmatter #enddirectprovision

A post shared by Fontaines D.C. (@fontainesband) on Jun 6, 2020 at 6:31am PDT

 

The band will also put their most popular t-shirt back on sale and will “be accepting an unlimited amount of orders for the next week, with 100 percent of profits going towards these causes also”.

Fontaines concluded the post by committing to continue “reading, to further our understanding on these issues”. “The more we learn, the less likely we are to look away again when it suits us,” they said. “You can use your voice, without speaking on the behalf of others.”

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A host of artists, including Clairo, Parquet Courts and more, took advantage of Bandcamp’s latest “100 percent royalties for artists” day yesterday (June 5) by passing on the funds spent in their stores to organisations fighting for racial justice.

Meanwhile, Fontaines D.C. are set to release a new album next month. ‘A Hero’s Death’, the follow-up to 2019’s ‘Dogrel’, will be released on July 31 via Partisan Records.

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Tekashi 6ix9ine accused of stealing ‘GOOBA’ beat from Kenyan producer Magix Enga

Although the track has since been reinstated on YouTube, Enga posted a picture of 6ix9ine on Instagram with the caption: “Don’t sample my Beats Biggest song Delete By Magix Enga.”

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Don’t sample my Beats Biggest song Delete By Magix Enga ✌️🇰🇪

A post shared by BeatKing (@magix_enga) on May 31, 2020 at 6:50am PDT

After the track reappeared on YouTube 6ix9ine appeared to respond in the comments of a post by Akademiks about its reinstatement, saying “Haters right now acting like they don’t see this post.”

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GOOBA video back up after being removed earlier because of a producer claimed he ain’t get paid and supposedly his song was sampled

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks) on May 31, 2020 at 12:27pm PDT

Enga then posted a video response, saying: “6ix9ine, your song ‘Gooba’ is now on YouTube, let me just forgive you bro, but at least respect Magix Enga, Kenyan Beat King.”

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The producer who took down #tekashi69 song speaks

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks) on May 31, 2020 at 1:08pm PDT

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Meanwhile, 6ix9ine yesterday urged New York rappers to donate $100,000 to charity – and said that if they do he will match it.

“If you a rapper from New York and you ain’t got at least 100k to give back to our city for people in need you’re a bum,” he said on Instagram. “God gives you a gift it’s not just for you it’s to help others in need.”

It comes after children’s charity No Kid Hungry reportedly declined a $200,000 donation from the rapper earlier this month.

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Watch Yeah Yeah Yeahs perform intense quarantine version of ‘Phenomena’ in a closet

Vocalist Karen O, meanwhile, stands in the smoke-filled room with streamers behind her, and proceeds to emphatically dance and perform the song.

“Party anywhere (closet) anytime (any day of the week) safe at home,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing the performance. Watch it below.

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Party anywhere (closet) anytime (any day of the week) safe at home 💥 @little_vampire @brianchase123 @yeahyeahyeahs #barneyclay #django #2020

A post shared by Karen O (@ko) on May 23, 2020 at 11:14pm PDT

Yeah Yeah Yeahs last released an album with 2013’s ‘Mosquito’. Earlier this year, Karen O said she was “ready to make” new music with the band.

“I feel ready to make some music. That’s pretty much all I could say to that,” she told Australian radio station Triple J.

“It feels like time to have something new out there. But that’s yet to happen, so we’ll see how this year goes.”

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Yeah Yeah Yeahs made their long-awaited live comeback in the UK back in 2018 when they played All Points East festival for their first gigs on these shores in half a decade.

Reviewing the show, NME wrote that the trio’s set saw the band “stake their claim as the best live band on the planet”.

Last month, Karen O performed a rare Yeah Yeah Yeahs track from 2001 in quarantine. It comes after the singer spoke out about the racist abuse that Asian people have been experiencing globally since the rise of the coronavirus pandemic.

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System of Down, Faith No More and Korn announce rescheduled joint shows

Serj Tankian of System Of A Down. CREDIT: Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage

A full statement from System of a Down on Instagram reads, “We’re excited to announce that the rescheduled dates for our double-header with Korn, Faith No More, Helmet, and Russian Circles have been confirmed for May 21 & 22, 2021.

“Existing tickets will be honoured for the new dates. We look forward to bringing this weekend to life next year when it is safe for our fans, crew, and venue staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

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We’re excited to announce that the rescheduled dates for our double-header with @Korn_official, @FaithNoMore, @Helmet_music, and @RussianCircles have been confirmed for May 21 & 22, 2021. Existing tickets will be honored for the new dates. We look forward to bringing this weekend to life next year when it is safe for our fans, crew, and venue staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣For refund inquiries, please visit livenation.com/refund.

A post shared by System Of A Down (@systemofadown) on May 22, 2020 at 9:00am PDT

In other news, Faith No More and Korn are scheduled for a co-headlining North American tour in early August. Despite the ongoing pandemic, there has been no details about whether the tour will go ahead.

See NME’s up-to-date list of all the major cancellations in the music world here.

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Travis Scott and LeBron James team up for ‘Class of 2020’ charity t-shirt

Posting Scott’s design on Instagram, James said: “Class of 2020, I told you we were going to make graduation special. Creative genius, hip hop legend, and game changing fashion designer @travisscott has personally designed the Class of 2020 Grad shirt for all of you!

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Class of 2020, I told you we were going to make graduation special. Creative genius, hip hop legend, and game changing fashion designer @travisscott has personally designed the Class of 2020 Grad shirt for all of you! This is a collaboration between our teams, @uninterrupted and @cactusjack, to give you something special to mark this incredible accomplishment. It is dropping right now on https://shop.travisscott.com/ and only available through Sunday. All net proceeds go to charity. I love you guys. Enjoy this 🔥🔥🔥 and enjoy the show tomorrow night. #StriveForGreatness 🚀 #MoreThanAnAthlete 👑

A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames) on May 15, 2020 at 11:21am PDT

“This is a collaboration between our teams, @uninterrupted and @cactusjack, to give you something special to mark this incredible accomplishment […] All net proceeds go to charity. I love you guys.”

Meanwhile, Scott’s virtual ‘Astronomical’ show broke Fortnite’s streaming records when it took place last month to 12.3 million people.

The online game hosted the rapper’s latest “musical journey” for three days, during which he premiered his brand new collaboration with Kid Cudi, ‘The Scotts’.

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The previous record was held by EDM artist Marshmello, whose February 2019 set in Fortnite attracted 10.7 million players.

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Tom DeLonge says he’ll definitely play with Blink-182 again: “We just gotta figure out the timing”

“I was going through old photos and saw some old photos and just felt like it,” he explained to Rolling Stone, before adding fans shouldn’t read too much into it. “You know, I talk to Mark and Travis every so often. I just talked to Mark the other day, and I talk to Travis about every week or two. And you know, I was feeling a little sentimental, but there’s no hidden message there or anything.”

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I started @blink182 when I was 16, and it has been such a wonderful blessing throughout my entire life. I am so lucky to have had this, even when I’ve desired to tackle different artistic projects and challenges; and also some ambitious humanitarian work through @tothestarsacademy. It has given me every opportunity I have ever had, and gifted me some legendary friendships that I still have to this very day. @markhoppus @travisbarker

A post shared by Official Tom DeLonge (@tomdelonge) on Apr 24, 2020 at 1:07pm PDT

 

He continued: “Everyone wants to know, ‘Are you guys gonna play again?’ Yeah, of course we are. We just gotta figure out the timing, how it works for everybody.”

DeLonge pointed to a number of other endeavours that he needs to focus on before reuniting with his old band, including “multiple film projects”, his To The Stars Academy, which conducts research into UFOs, and his other band Angels And Airwaves. “We’re getting ready to put out the best record we’ve ever made,” he said of the latter.

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“I have all these priorities I’m responsible for, and I can’t just stop and go do a Blink-182 tour because it sounds fun. It’s a big thing. I gotta make time for it. So it’s kind of like, ‘How do we plan it a year or two in advance?’”

Meanwhile, DeLonge recently jokingly claimed viral song ‘I Wonder What’s Inside Your Butthole’ as an early Blink-182 song. The track was created by eight-year-old Jolee Rieffel-Dunn and has been viewed eight million times since her mother shared it on Twitter on Saturday (May 2).

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Kehlani shares ‘It Was Good Until It Wasn’t’ tracklist

In a press release, the musician explained the artwork, which sees her looking over a wall at an unseen scene. “[It’s] a depiction of the never-ending duality of ‘good’ and ‘bad.’ It’s a tale of perspective,” she said. Check out the image with tracklisting below.

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It Was Good Until It Wasn’t. 4 days. pre order link in bio.

A post shared by Kehlani 🧿 (@kehlani) on May 4, 2020 at 2:52pm PDT

After sharing the news across social media, Kehlani went a little deeper with her thoughts on the new record via her Twitter account – including a statement that her collaboration with James Blake, ‘Grieving’, is her favourite track.

telling y’all now…

my favorite song on my album is Grieving ft James Blake.

— It Was Good Until It Wasnt 5/8 (@Kehlani) May 5, 2020

i make love songs
songs about old love new love bad love good love
love i should’ve never known
love i wish i could!

that’s jus me. love is so commonly written about cuz it’s the strongest life force besides God. and even then , God is Love!
we’re all lovers, good or bad.

— It Was Good Until It Wasnt 5/8 (@Kehlani) May 5, 2020

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The new album follows the 2017 release of her debut full-length ‘SweetSexySavage’. In a four-star review, NME said: “Set off by her distinctive voice,  sweet but tough like honeycomb, the album is cohesive without feeling too samey […] Kehlani’s 17-track debut album establishes her as a multi-faceted talent.”

‘It Was Good Until It Wasn’t’ tracklist:

01. ‘Toxic’
02. ‘Can I’ ft. Tory Lanez
03. ‘Bad News’
04. ‘Real Hot Girl Skit’
05. ‘Water’
06. ‘Change Your Life’ ft. Jhene Aiko
07. ‘Belong To The Streets Skit’
08. ‘Everybody Business’
09. ‘Hate The Club ft. Masego’
10. ‘Serial Lover’
11. ‘F&MU’
12. ‘Can You Blame Me’ ft. Lucky Daye
13. ‘Grieving’ ft. James Blake
14. ‘Open’ (Passionate)
15. ‘Lexii’s Outro’

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Kesha cancels ‘High Road’ tour: “The safety of my fans & crew is my number 1 priority”

“This is heartbreaking, but the safety of my fans & crew is my number 1 priority,” she wrote. “Because of the current situation, doing this tour in 2020 is no longer feasible. But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate and express ourselves together in spirit and online. I will do my best to bring you all as much art and music as I can, as we get through this all together.”

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I’m so sad to announce that I am unable to move forward with rescheduling my 2020 High Road Tour due to health and safety concerns. This is heartbreaking, but the safety of my fans & crew is my number 1 priority. Because of the current situation, doing this tour in 2020 is no longer feasible. But that doesn't mean we can’t celebrate and express ourselves together in spirit and online. I will do my best to bring you all as much art and music as I can, as we get through this all together 🙏 Refunds will be available wherever you purchased your tickets. For any questions, reach out to your point of purchase.  I truly can’t wait to get back on the road again and play songs from High Road for you. Thank you for being here, and for your understanding. Please stay tuned for more info about new tour dates in 2021. I’m going to boogie with you SO hard next year.  Stay well and stay strong, wishing all of you health!  XOXO. at the end of a storm comes a rainbow 🌈 K

A post shared by Kesha (@iiswhoiis) on May 1, 2020 at 9:01am PDT

 

The musician confirmed fans would be able to get refunds from their point of purchase. “I truly can’t wait to get back on the road again and play songs from ‘High Road’ for you,” she added.

“Thank you for being here, and for your understanding. Please stay tuned for more info about new tour dates in 2021. I’m going to boogie with you SO hard next year.  Stay well and stay strong, wishing all of you health!”

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Last month (April 17), Kesha released a new song called ‘Home Alone’. The star dedicated the track to “to all of you sexy people hanging at home… alone” and to the “one and only” Macaulay Culkin, who starred in the film of the same name as a child actor.

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Watch Christine And The Queens perform moving Neil Young cover

“Have a good day everybody,” she said to the camera, before turning off the recording. Watch it below now.

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🕊 keeps me searching for a heart of gold…

A post shared by Chris (@christineandthequeens) on May 2, 2020 at 10:48am PDT

 

Last month (April 21), Letissier shared a cover of Travis Scott’s ‘Highest In The Room’. Her take on the song saw her switch to her native French midway through the track.

It followed the release of a new song called ‘I Disappear In Your Arms’, which was listed as a bonus track from her recent EP ‘La vita nuova’.

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Speaking to NME in April, Letissier discussed how her plans to promote the EP had been changed because of the coronavirus pandemic. “I was going to do some American TV, stick around in LA and do some sessions with musicians,” she explained.

“I decided to take this [the lockdown] as a sign to write a lot on my own first instead. It feels a lot like the usual process when I start a new album. The mindset is different, because on my third album I’m looking for something very vast and hopeful.”

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Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande announce collaborative charity single ‘Stuck With U’

 

The stars have partnered with First Responders Children’s Foundation and SB Projects for the release of the single.

Grande added: “Proceeds from the streams and sales of #stuckwithu will be donated to first responders children’s foundation to fund grants and scholarships for children of healthcare workers, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, police officers and firefighters serving at the front lines during the global pandemic.”

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Stuck With U by me and @justinbieber. May 8. 🖤 grateful to announce that my friend and i have partnered with @1strcf and @sb_projects on this release. proceeds from the streams and sales of #stuckwithu will be donated to first responders children’s foundation to fund grants and scholarships for children of healthcare workers, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, police officers and firefighters serving at the front lines during the global pandemic 🌫 pre-save now and check back later today for more. 🖤💻🎙 artwork by one of my favorite artists @lianafinck

A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on May 1, 2020 at 10:00am PDT

 

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Bieber told fans to return to his Instagram page “later today” for an instrumental version of the track “so you can be a part of this”.

The single follows the Canadian pop star making a surprise appearance during Grande’s Coachella 2019 headline set, duetting with her on his own 2015 hit ‘Sorry’. The performance marked his first in two years.

Grande also hinted at new music last month after sharing a photo of herself in a home studio vocal booth.

Bieber, meanwhile, recently told fans he is “working on ways to help those in financial crisis” due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“As we all know things right now are definitely uncertain,” he wrote on Instagram. “Our routines, structure, and plans are all altered due to a horrific virus that is sweeping our nation. There are people who have lost love ones and also people battling for their lives.”

Bieber has also postponed his ‘Changes’ arena tour as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

The tour was due to kick off in Seattle on May 14 but will now be rescheduled.

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Biffy Clyro add child t-shirt and baby grow to NHS charity merchandise range

“We have now added a child t-shirt and baby grow to the ‘Mon The NHS’ range,” the band said on Instagram, sharing an image featuring the new additions.

The post added: “Available to pre-order now with 100% of proceeds going towards supporting @NHSCharitiesTogether.”

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We have now added a child t-shirt and baby grow to the ‘Mon The NHS’ range – available to pre-order now with 100% of proceeds going towards supporting @NHSCharitiesTogether. Pre-order via the link in our bio

A post shared by Biffy Clyro (@biffy_clyro) on Apr 25, 2020 at 3:27am PDT

Head over to Biffy Clyro’s official website to purchase an item from the ‘Mon The NHS’ range.

Last month, Biffy Clyro revealed that they will perform live on their Facebook page every Friday, taking requests and raising money for NHS charities.

The most recent song from the the band’s Facebook live-stream performances saw frontman Simon Neil perform an unreleased new song.

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Neil revealed that the new song, called ‘Holy Water’, won’t appear on the band’s upcoming album ‘A Celebration Of Endings’, but said it “feels very appropriate at this moment in time.”

The band were set to release ‘A Celebration Of Endings’ on May 15, but last month they announced the record had been pushed back to August 14 due to the continued coronavirus crisis.

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Michigan DJs can apply to have their mixes played on Eminem’s radio show

Submissions from DJs based in Michigan are being accepted here until next Wednesday (April 29). The winning submissions will then be played out on Shade45 from May 2 during a ‘Love Your DJ Mixshow Takeover’ hosted by Eminem.

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Hometown DJ’s! @shade45 and me linked up for #LoveYourDJ – first 500 get $313. Top 15 to get aired on Shade 45. #stimuluscheck #detroit Hit the link in bio for info

A post shared by Marshall Mathers (@eminem) on Apr 24, 2020 at 8:24am PDT

The Marshall Mathers Foundation has also recently donated 400 meals of “mom’s spaghetti” to key workers at two Detroit hospitals, in a nod to the iconic line from Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’. More meals are set to be distributed soon.

Eminem also recently marked 12 years of sobriety in a new Instagram post, sharing a photo of the sobriety coin he received to mark the achievement.

At the start of the year, Eminem released a surprise new album, ‘Music To Be Murdered By’.

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“The 47-year-old has surprise-released another album,” an NME review wrote. “This one veers between maturity and adolescent outbursts, between clumsy pop commercialism and something close to outsider art.

“If he sometimes sounds stuck in the past, Eminem also proves himself capable of growth.”

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Kehlani to release new album ‘It Was Good Until It Wasn’t’ next month

Now, it appears she’s made a U-turn, with the album arriving in just two weeks. “It’s a tale of perspective,” she revealed of the new record’s cover, which you can see below. “The sun is shining, the sky is blue, but clearly something has gotten my attention.

“Paired with the back cover, we come into the question of is the grass really greener on the other side? Good things are good… until they aren’t. Then, were they ever really good?”

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It Was Good Until It Wasn’t. album out 5/8.

A post shared by Kehlani 🧿 (@kehlani) on Apr 24, 2020 at 10:01am PDT

The new album will follow Kehlani’s 2017 debut full-length ‘SweetSexySavage’, which NME described as “R&B pop [with] a dark underbelly.”

“Set off by her distinctive voice, sweet but tough like honeycomb, the album is cohesive without feeling too samey,” the review continued.

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Kehlani made her long-awaited return last Decemeber, when she shared new track ‘All Me’, which features guest vocals from Keyshia Cole.

It’s not clear yet whether the track will appear on ‘It Was Good Until It Wasn’t’.

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The National’s Matt Berninger signs record deal for debut solo album ‘Serpentine Prison’

“Her friendship, advice and guidance through a lot of choppy water has been steadfast, honest and kind. She’s a total pro. I’d be lost without her. Thanks to Jamie, I’m signing a record deal for Serpentine Prison today. In blood of course. You’re the greatest @boy.orbison.”

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As most of you know, this is my manager, the one and only Jamie Heaslip. I would never have been able to do the things I’ve been doing for the last few years without her. Her friendship, advice and guidance through a lot of choppy water has been steadfast, honest and kind. She’s a total pro. I’d be lost without her. Thanks to Jamie, I’m signing a record deal for Serpentine Prison today. In blood of course. You’re the greatest @boy.orbison 🧤🩸

A post shared by Matt Berninger (@greengloves777) on Apr 24, 2020 at 6:38am PDT

 

At present, the musician hasn’t revealed which label he has signed to or when ‘Serpentine Prison’, which was produced by Booker T. Jones, will be released.

Speaking to NME about the album last year, Berninger said it differed from his work with The National and other collaborations because he “wasn’t trying to do anything with a genre in mind”. “I didn’t think about the style of the songs or even trying to avoid sounding like The National or [side-project] El Vy,” he said.

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“There’s cross-pollination, but I wasn’t trying to go after anything. I just wanted to find some good songs. I just wanted to see if I could do something by myself, so I brought in 20 of the most brilliant musicians and some of the coolest people I know.”

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The Killers to release another ‘Imploding The Mirage’ track later this week

“Ladies and Gentlemen! We wanted to share one of our favourite album tracks with you, so ‘Fire In Bone’ will be out this Friday!” The Killers captioned the image.

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Ladies and Gentlemen! We wanted to share one of our favorite album tracks with you, so Fire In Bone will be out this Friday!

A post shared by The Killers (@thekillers) on Apr 21, 2020 at 12:12pm PDT

The group were due to head out on the road for a UK stadium tour in support of ‘Imploding The Mirage’ next month, with a show scheduled to take place at London’s Emirates Stadium. However, the dates were postponed until 2021 earlier this month due to the coronavirus crisis.

You can see the original schedule below. New dates are expected to be announced to ticketholders soon.

May
28, Falkirk, The Falkirk Stadium
30, Manchester, Emirates Old Trafford

June
01, Norwich, Carrow Road Stadium
03, Southampton, St. Mary’s Stadium
06, London, Emirates Stadium
09, Bristol, Ashton Gate Stadium
11, Coventry, Ricoh Stadium
13, Middlesborough, Riverside Stadium
16, Dublin, Malahide Castle

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Over the weekend, the band’s Brandon Flowers and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. performed a stripped-back version of ‘Mr Brightside’ as part of the One World: Together At Home live-streamed concert.

Meanwhile, Flowers recently said that he found it “difficult” to separate Morrissey’s political views from his art. “…I’m not going around playing the music in front of my kids,” he explained.

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Boosie Badazz Concert Shooting Caught On Drone Camera


Boosie Badazz concert in Gardena Friday night ended prematurely after gunfire rang out in the venue leaving patrons scampering for their lives.

According to reports, there were multiple shootings and at least one of them was caught on camera by a drone flying overhead. TMZ posted the graphic footage showing the moments when one person held up a gun and started shooting. Cops are investigating the incident that left two persons suffering from gunshot wounds and several other nursing various other injuries caused from the melee.

In the clip, you can see where someone return the fire while partygoers flee the scene. The motive of the shooter is not known and there is nothing in the video that shows what agitated him. Boosie has since reacted to the concert shooting by posting a clip on Instagram and writing in the caption, “COMPTON They say Cali crazy n sometimes ……… they was fighting the whole night they showed me nothing but love tho.” Watch the video clip below.

Boosie concerts have been plagued with violence this year. In April, his show at Virginia Motorsports Park, in North Dinwiddle, Virginia, was canceled because someone started firing shots inside of the venue before the Louisiana rapper even went on stage. In March, another one of his concerts in Decatur, Illinois, ended prematurely after a massive brawl broke out in the audience.

COMPTON ?They say Cali crazy n sometimes ……… they was fighting the whole night ??????/they showed me nothing but love tho????

A post shared by Boosie BadAzz (@officialboosieig) on Nov 4, 2017 at 12:46am PDT

Cardi B Says Vybz Kartel Is Her Favorite Artist Of All Time


No it’s not Offset, Cardi B calls Vybz Kartel her favorite artist of all time.

Offset shouldn’t be jealous because he gets to sleep next to her. It’s no secret that Cardi B is a huge dancehall fan and Vybz Kartel represents the pinnacle of the genre so it’s no surprise either that he is her favorite artist. The “Bodak Yellow” rapper was in Jamaica last week to shoot a music video for a song with Rvssian and reggaeton artist Ozuna. There are already rumors of a collaboration with Vybz Kartel in the works and that was likely orchestrated by Rvssian.

Cardi B posted a screenshot of a post Vybz Kartel made on Instagram last month giving her a big shoutout. “I can cry @vybzkartel is my favorite artist of all time Me and my friends teenagehood was all about dancing to @vybzkartel #FreeVybz,” she wrote. Bardi also regularly post videos of herself vibing Vybz Kartel songs.

Cardi B is the biggest success story in hip hop this year thanks to her breakout hit single “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves).” The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart making her the second woman in history to top the chart with a solo record. The first female artist to achieve that success was Lauryn Hill in 1998. The former Love and Hip Hop New York star is currently working on her debut album.

Vybz Kartel continues to make his mark on dancehall six years after his incarceration. Over the last two months alone, he has released enough music to make two albums and almost all of his new singles have been hits in the dancehall space. Kartel is currently awaiting his appeal trial in February next year and he is also working on an upcoming project, due early next year.

I can cry ? @vybzkartel is my favorite artist of all time .Me and my friends teenagehood was all about dancing to @vybzkartel !!! #FreeVybz @hennessycarolina @hoodcelebrityy @lovelyyliliam

A post shared by Cardi B Official IG (@iamcardib) on Nov 3, 2017 at 8:39pm PDT

Tommy Lee Sparta Reacts To Mavado Diss Track


Tommy Lee Sparta has reacted to Mavado‘s new diss track “Timer.”

The “Uncle Demon” is out to get blood and his sight is set on a confrontation with Mavado. The Gullyside singjay link up with DJ Frass for the gritty new diss track where he took some shots at Tommy Lee. “Them a scam badness them a joker / So fi them crime a fi solve I moca / When mi set the timer its a over / Family cry and them can’t get no closure,” Mavado sings.

Tommy Lee posted a video clip on IG asking his fans if he should respond. “Wa them a say angel in a demon fight, wrong time yo go buy down a market man… who fi dead mi fans who fi dead,” he said. His fans reacted telling him to drop something for Mavado. “Mavado kill him sparta for life,” one fan wrote. “Kill everything pon the gully side all the one name flex who a call up your name. Kill all the Vendetta fool and Jahmiel.”

?who?

A post shared by Tommy Lee Sparta (@tommyleesparta) on Oct 25, 2017 at 8:55pm PDT

Vybz Kartel and Cardi B Collaboration Coming Soon Says Rvssian


Vybz Kartel and Cardi B dropping a new collaboration, producer Rvssian confirmed.

The “Bodak Yellow” rapper was in Jamaica last week to shoot a music video for the famed producer but seems that was not all she did in reggae land. There were some rumors floating around claiming that she visited Vybz Kartel in prison, but sources told us that did not happen. Instead, she spends some time at GeeJam villa where there is a studio and record some new music.

Over the weekend, Cardi B wrote on Instagram that Vybz Kartel is her favorite artist of all time. “I can cry @vybzkartel is my favorite artist of all time Me and my friends teenagehood was all about dancing to @vybzkartel #FreeVybz,” she wrote. She didn’t mention the new collaborative single, but what artist don’t want to work with their idol.

Rvssian and Vybz Kartel are again working on new music. Last week the longtime collaborators released the new hit single “Kremlin” featured on the producer’s new project, Moscow Riddim. The incarcerated deejay has cranked up the dial in the past two months by releasing a flurry of new singles including “Mhm Hm,” “Don’t Come Back,” and “Kremlin.”

#cardib and #rvssian in #Jamaica shooting a video

A post shared by DancehallHipHop (@dancehallhiphop) on Nov 3, 2017 at 3:50pm PDT

Ishawna Channels Michael Jackson For Raunchy New Single “Eat It”


Ishawna is cuing up “Equal Rights” part two, a song tentatively titled “Eat It.”

The female dancehall star ignited a heated debate in dancehall earlier this year with “Equal Rights” not just for its sexually explicit lyrics, but more for the message she is sending to the male fans in dancehall. Last weekend she previewed a new single that sounds more like a “Equal Rights” followup. The new single sampled Michael Jackson’s classic “Beat It” but Ishawn put a spin on it and say “Eat It.”

“Ishawna “Equal Rights” Jackson Ladies should I release the full version? #EatIt,” she wrote on Instagram. Some of her fans are saying it’s time for her to move on to another topic, while others support the new single. “Too much about eatings now its time to tackle another topic, this kind a getting played out now Ishawna,” one fan wrote. Nevertheless, sources inside her circle confirmed with Dancehall HipHop that the new single could arrive as early as this week.

Take a listen to the snippet below and leave your comment.

Ishawna "Equal Rights" Jackson ??? Ladies should I release the full version?! ??? #EatIt

A post shared by ISHAWNA (@mslegendary) on Nov 3, 2017 at 9:00am PDT

Blac Chyna and Playboi Carti Dating, Couple Up On SnapChat


Blac Chyna and Playboi Carti are reportedly dating.

Chyna and Playboi fuel dating rumors when they both posted videos of themselves together on their SnapChat. Chyna first raised some eyebrows when she posted on SnapChat “Keep my name out ya mouth.” Her followers were wondering who was she throwing shots at. Some folks thought that she referencing Kim Kardashian who did an interview with Jennifer Lawrence on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Lawrence asked her about Blac Chyna and she declined to comment.

Now we know that she was talking about Playboi Carti’s ex-girlfriend Rubi Rose. Chyna posted a Snap of herself driving her new Ferrari while the rapper ride in the passenger side. Carti then posted a snap of Chyna sitting in her sport car wearing his chain. Perhaps the two are just working on a new mixtape or just hanging out as friends. Nevertheless, Chyna is notorious with among young rappers so lets see where this goes.

#PressPlay: Chileee #PlayboiCarti and #BlacChyna are looking like they’re enjoying each others company ?? #BaeWatch

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Nov 4, 2017 at 7:38am PDT

It didn’t take long for Rubi Rose to respond. “Sis how my a$$ taste,” the Instagram model wrote on her IG.

Well that didn’t take long ? #PlayboiCarti’s ex #RubiRose has a message for #BlacChyna ?? (See earlier post)

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Nov 4, 2017 at 8:26am PDT

Cardi B Flew To Jamaica To Shoot Video With Rvssian & Ozuma


Cardi B was in Jamaica this week to shoot a video with Rvssian and reggaeton artist Ozuma.

The “Bodak Yellow” rapper touched down in Jamrock on Wednesday via a private jet and we’re told that she was staying at the secluded GeeJam villa in Portland. Sources told us that the trio were shooting the video for the single “Sooner.” Cardi B announced via Instagram Live on Wednesday that she is on her way to Jamaica. “On my way to Jamaica!” she wrote sending her Jamaican fans into a frenzy.

On Friday, Rvssian posted a video clip on IG of himself and Cardi B hanging out on set the video shoot. “We in Jamaica,” Cardi B said. “We doing this video for sooner and its hotter than a motherf****.” In October, Rvssian posted a photo of himself, Card and Ozuma in the studio recording the new single.

“We shooting the video with Cardi B and Ozuna in Jamaica, so we bringing the culture to Jamaica,” the producer said. “And the song is a dancehall song. On the dancehall scene, I have two new juggling rhythms dropping in the next two weeks.”

Cardi B will be making a club appearance in New Orleans tonight.

#cardib and #rvssian in #Jamaica shooting a video

A post shared by DancehallHipHop (@dancehallhiphop) on Nov 3, 2017 at 3:50pm PDT

Ski Mask The Slump God Says XXXTentacion Sacrifice His Soul


Ski Mask The Slump God says his former friend XXXTentacion tried to sacrifice his soul and that’s why he stopped being friends with him.

Ski Mask and XXX have been friends for years and just recently the “Look At Me” rapper told his fans on IG that he is quitting music. The next day he said that he would make new music if fans convinced Ski Mask to be his friend again. But according to Ski, XXXTentacion is just too crazy for him to be around, crazy enough to want to sacrifice Ski’s soul. As to the meaning behind that, he didn’t elaborate.

The Slump God later explained on IG why he stopped being friends with X. “This is a person who has before threaten my family told me I was suppose to be sacrificed on some crazy shit so no i didn’t just separate myself for no reason,” he wrote. This revelation comes as no surprise since Adult film star Marsha May confirmed the allegations from as far back as July of this year.

“XXX has the same thing. He sacrifices his best friend’s soul, Ski Mask. Sacrificed his soul,” May said during an interview with 6FT. The entire story is bizarre, but XXXTentacion has been acting somewhat crazy for the past few months.

Wow ?. Do u believe #skimasktheslumpgod about #xxxtentacion ?

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akadmiks) on Oct 31, 2017 at 2:01pm PDT

XXXTentacion Changes Mind About Quitting Music Teases New Song


XXXTentacion has already changes his mind about quitting music and is teasing a new single.

The Florida rapper has a way of keeping his name in the media and the use of shock-value has been working good for him so far. X took to Instagram on Thursday to preview an upcoming song while telling his fans that he don’t even considers it music. “Said I was going to stop making “music” but… I dont consider this “music,” he wrote. He didn’t revealed the title of his non-music song nor a release date.

Just last week, XXXTentacion revealed on Instagram that he will stop making music. That revelation comes just days after he said that he wanted out of his new record deal with Capitol Records. “Sad to announce I will not be making or releasing any music,” the rapper wrote. “I am tired of being mentally abused for trying to help people, I’m tired of the hate, I’m done.” After saying that on IG, XXXTentacion then announced that he will get back to making music only under one condition and that’s of his former friend Ski Mask The Slump God start being friends with him again.

Ski Mask says that is highly unlikely that he will be friends with X again because not only is he crazy, but he had to distance himself from him so that fans can start taking him serious as an individual rapper. He also said some things about XXXTentacion wanting to sacrifice his soul. “This is a person who has before threaten my whole family told me I was supposed to be sacrificed on some crazy sh*t so no i didn’t just separate myself for no reason,” Ski Mask wrote.

Despite those strong feelings, Ski Mask added that he will always have love for that alien-looking ni**a named XXX.”

said I was going to stop making “music” but… I dont consider this “music” ?

A post shared by MAKE OUT HILL (@xxxtentacion) on Nov 1, 2017 at 9:49pm PDT

Teyana Taylor Finally Meet Her Idol Janet Jackson In Person


Teyana Taylor is a celebrity in her own right but recently she got a chance to meet an even bigger celebrity, Janet Jackson, someone she idolized.

Last month, Teyana posted a video on Instagram of herself on FaceTime with Janet Jackson where she got emotional talking to the pop icon. She finally got a chance to meet Janet in person at one of her concerts. She posted a boomerang video clip of them standing together with their heads turn backwards. “Mothaaaaa f**kinnnnnnnn moodddddd: One of the best days of my life!,” she wrote. “I can’t believe we are really in the same room…!! she gives the best hugs I love you jannnnnn @janetjackson #Finally #SOTW #BestConcertIveEverBeenTo.”

Teyana Taylor has long expressed that Janet Jackson is her idol and even as recent as this year she wore a Jackson-inspired bare midriff ensemble to the MTV Video Music Awards. Back in 2012, she recreated Janet Jackson’s iconic nearly nude photo shoot for Rolling Stone magazine. So it seems Jackson has been paying attention and this is her way of showing love to someone who idolized her so much.

Mothaaaaa fuckinnnnnnnn moodddddd: One of the best days of my life! ??????????????I can't believe we are really in the same room…!! she gives the best hugs ??????????????? I love you jannnnnn ?? @janetjackson #Finally #SOTW #BestConcertIveEverBeenTo

A post shared by Jimmy Neutch (@teyanataylor) on Oct 29, 2017 at 9:22pm PDT

“I had to wait til today to post this because I wanted to make sure it wasn’t just a dream,” Teyana wrote. “But waking up today and it still being there I know now it’s REALLY REAL thennnnn i look up again to a post of you and I on ya page chillllleeeee it was just tewwwww much for me to take in all at once. You have been one of my biggest inspirations.

I had to wait til today to post this because I wanted to make sure it wasn't just a dream, but waking up today and it still being there I know now it's REALLY REAL ? thennnnn i look up again to a post of you and I on ya page chillllleeeee it was just tewwwww much for me to take in all at once. You have been one of my biggest inspirations. Every last one of my shows incorporated a tribute to you! You are the reason why I LOVE THIS. Putting PASSION, LOVE & SOUL on stage and creating sexy music! This was more than just a delayed flight this was potentially missing an opportunity to meet one the the women that pave the way for me and countless others. Yes I cried like a baby but so what! I love you and thank you for ur beautiful words and taking out the time to call me before ya show. IM STILL SPEECHLESS & I can't wait to meet you Queen. ?? @janetjackson P.S. my hubby is the MVP for capturing this FaceTime footage I love you babe ??? ?: @theauntiesinc @destinyfulfild @imanshumpert SLIDE TO SEE THE REST OF THE CALL! ??????

A post shared by Jimmy Neutch (@teyanataylor) on Oct 23, 2017 at 1:17pm PDT

Beenie Man Responds To Spice Calling Him Badmind


Beenie Man says that he is dumb founded why he was attacked by Spice and her fans for calling her the “designated” queen of dancehall.

The dancehall legend did an interview with Winford Williams on OnStage last weekend where he spoke about Spice crowning herself the new queen of dancehall. “Well the queen of dancehall baptized now,” Beenie said in reference to Lady Saw being baptized and is now a devote Christian. The deejay then said Spice will have to do as much work as Lady Saw did to elevate her status to the queen of the genre, but for now she is the designated queen.

Spice hit back at Beenie Man hard calling him “badmind” and even suggesting that Vybz Kartel is the real king of dancehall. “D Rasta man [Beenie Man] vex true mi say a Kartel a the king a dancehall,” Spice said. “Nothing is wrong with your sentence “The Queen got baptized” we all know that, but you also do know that the king is incarcerated right.”

In his defense, Beenie Man said in a video clip posted on Instagram that he didn’t said anything negative in his statement. “What I heard about Spice saying this about my interview and I heard about what her fans have to say,” the Doc said. “I have to wonder, everybody have wifi but is not everybody wisdom listen to what am saying, when somebody say you’re the designated queen that means you get a post to be someone but you’re not voted for by the mass. When you become the queen elect then that means that you’re voted for by the mass and now all you need is a crown to put on your head to become that queen. Now if you get anything negative from that?”

Bwoy me still a wonder how people take a compliment and turn it into criticism and conflict. It mek yuh wonder who have a "Bad" mind. Unnu nuh have some lef over Sunday dinner fi go warm up later??? Go find supm do and enjoy life man. #Movewidyuhbadvibes #guhwatchtheinterview #NoTimeFiNegativity #BeenieMan #kingofthedancehall

A post shared by King Beenie Man (@kingbeenieman) on Oct 30, 2017 at 4:08pm PDT

“Bwoy me still a wonder how people take a compliment and turn it into criticism and conflict,” Beenie wrote on IG. “It mek yuh wonder who have a “Bad” mind. Unnu nuh have some lef over Sunday dinner fi go warm up later? Go find supm do and enjoy life man.”

Kodak Black and Plies Joint Mixtape “F.E.M.A.” Comes Out Today


Kodak Black and Plies will be dropping a joint mixtape titled F.E.M.A. sometime today (Tuesday Oct. 31st).

The two Florida rappers have been quietly working on the project since around summer and now its finally coming to fruition. The title of the project is Finesse Elevate Motivate Achieve (F.E.M.A.). The project will be revealed at around 7 AM EST on Live Mixtapes and will be available for the fans free. The duo didn’t revealed any additional details like tracklist or the guest list.

Kodak Black is still basking in the success of his Project Baby 2 mixtape released in August and there are already whispers that he is working on a full length studio album. Plies, who is a veteran rapper in the Florida rap scene, has teamed up with Black is is more of a newcomer on a few projects. Their joint project Real Hitta was released as recent as earlier this year.

Florida hip hop has been seeing a surge this year with a handful of new voices tasting mainstream success including controversial rappers Ski Mask The Slump God and XXXTentacion, as well as, Kodak Black and Denzel Curry.

Tomorrow Me & @plies Got Some Shit For Y’all On MY REAL BIRTHDAY ? #FEMA Make Sure Y’all Go Get It & Don’t Forget To Delete Dem Other Niggas Shit Y’all Downloaded Over Da Weekend #FL

A post shared by Project Baby (@kodakblack) on Oct 30, 2017 at 8:23am PDT

???? Breaking News Bih: @Plies & @Kodakblack "F.E.M.A" (Joint Project) Dropping 2morrow @7am Bih On @livemixtapes Trick Or Treat Bih ? ?????? #Plies #CheckCallin #RealHitta #PurpleHeart? #RanOffOnDaPlugTwice #RitzCarlton?

A post shared by https://youtu.be/eXb1UGnr4Wc (@plies) on Oct 30, 2017 at 8:03am PDT