Music news

• Kenny Chesney Lands Ninth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With ‘Here and Now’

  10-05-2020 23:53
  
  Country superstar Kenny Chesney captures his ninth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart, as his latest studio effort, Here and Now, bows atop the tally. Notably, he ties Garth Brooks for the most No. 1s among country acts in the chart’s history.
  The set earned 233,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. in the week ending May 7, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. That’s the largest week for any country album in over a year-and-a-half, since Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty bowe
  
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• Ava DuVernay recalls being tipped $100 a week by Little Richard when she was an LA waitress

  10-05-2020 23:53 via nme.com
  Director Ava DuVernay has recalled how Little Richard would tip her $100 (£81) a week while she was working as a waitress in Los Angeles.
  Read more: Little Richard 1932 – 2020: the King and Queen of rock’n’roll who gave us everything
  The acclaimed filmmaker shared her anecdote about the late rock star following the news of his death from bone cancer on Saturday (May 9).
  “I served soul food brunch to Little Richard every Sunday for a year while waitressing at Aunt Ki
  
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• Yourcodenameis:milo announce one-off reunion gig to benefit Newcastle venue The Cluny

  10-05-2020 23:21 via nme.com
  
  Yourcodenameis:milo have announced details of a one-off reunion gig to benefit Newcastle venue The Cluny.
  The band went on an “indefinite hiatus” in 2007, but celebrated the 16th-anniversary of their debut EP ‘All Roads To Fault’ with a Twitter listening party earlier today (May 10).
  The Tyne And Wear post-hardcore group have now confirmed they will return to the stage later this year. The gig will take place at The Cluny on September 18 (coronavirus measures permitting),
  
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• Katy Perry Talks Pregnancy Hormones and Gaining the ‘COVID 30′ in Quarantine

  10-05-2020 23:03
  
  Expectant mother Katy Perry is experiencing the joys and challenges of being pregnant while in quarantine.
  In an interview for SHEIN Together, a virtual event held on Saturday (May 9) to benefit the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization (WHO), Perry admitted that pregnancy hormones are in full effect.
  “I would say I have five good days and two days where I just, I cry when I look down at my toes or I cry when just doing simple tasks,” she said, spea
  
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• Dave Grohl says Foo Fighters’ new album is “our David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’ record”

  10-05-2020 22:35 via nme.com
  
  Dave Grohl has compared Foo Fighters’ upcoming album to David Bowie’s 1983 record ‘Let’s Dance’.
  The US rock group confirmed they had finished what will be their tenth studio album in February.
  In an interview with his mum Virginia for a Mother’s Day programme on LA radio station ALT 98.7 FM, Grohl revealed more details about what fans could expect from the forthcoming record. “The record is so good, we’re so excited for people to hear it, we&rsquo
  
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• From Don Omar to Gabriela, Here Is Every Collab on Bad Bunny’s Surprise New Album

  10-05-2020 22:21
  
  Bad Bunny’s unexpected Mother’s Day release, Las Que No Iban a Salir – which translates to “the ones that weren’t going to be released” — compiles unfinished tracks that were wrapped up on the fly, many of them with some of reggaetón’s biggest names.
  Here is every collaboration on the album, including the grand finale — “En Casita” — which features girlfriend Gabriela and was recorded during the lockdown due
  
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• Listen to Slowthai’s fiery, Matty Healy-sampling new song ‘ENEMY’

  10-05-2020 22:04 via nme.com
  
  Slowthai has shared a new song called ‘ENEMY’ – scroll down the page to listen to the track below now.
  Read more: Pyro, water pistols, Skepta – slowthai’s Brixton Academy show is a statement of arena-sized intent
  The Northampton MC teased the track on his social media accounts yesterday (May 9), hinting that he would drop something in “24 hours”.
  ‘ENEMY’ is the star’s first piece of his own new music since the release of his d
  
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• John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Ledisi & More Pay Tribute to Betty Wright

  10-05-2020 22:03
  
  The music community is mourning the loss of legendary soul and R&B singer Betty Wright.
  Music stars like John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Ledisi, DJ Khaled and many more took to social media Sunday (May 10) to pay tribute to Wright, who recently died after a battle with cancer. She was 66.
  “I loved being around Ms Betty Wright,” Legend tweeted. “She was always so loving and giving to younger artists. Always engaged, always relevant. She will be missed.”Wright is known for suc
  
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• Pat Boone Remembers Little Richard: ‘He Knew He Had to Be Different’

  10-05-2020 21:48 via rollingstone.com
  
  The singer recorded milder, yet more successful, covers of the rock architect's music and looks back on one of the more controversial relationships in rock history
  
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• Betty Wright’s Biggest Billboard Hits: ‘Clean Up Woman,’ ‘Tonight Is the Night’ & More

  10-05-2020 21:46
  
  In her nearly 50-year chart career, R&B legend Betty Wright stretched across generations with a soul, funk and disco catalog that made her one of the genre’s most consistent hitmakers in the 1970s and early 1980s, and, in later years, as a frequently sampled presence in hits by Beyoncé, DJ Khaled and others.
  The singer-songwriter, born Bessie Norris, died at age 66 of cancer in Miami.
  Wright’s Billboard chart career began on Aug. 3, 1968, as “Girls Can’t Do Wha
  
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• In 1976, Betty Wright Won Her Only Grammy in a Major Upset

  10-05-2020 21:06
  
  The Grammys have always been unpredictable. Look no further than Betty Wright, who died today (May 10) at age 66.
  The first time Wright was nominated for a Grammy, she seemed to have an excellent chance of winning. At the 15th Annual Grammy Awards, which were presented on March 3, 1973 at the Tennessee Theatre in Nashville (the only time they were not held in Los Angeles or New York), she was nominated for best R&B vocal performance, female for her sassy smash “Clean Up Woman.” w
  
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• Music world remembers Little Richard as a wedding officiant to the stars

  10-05-2020 21:03 via nme.com
  
  As the music world continues to mourn the death of Little Richard, they’re remembering him for more than just being ‘The Architect’ of rock’n’roll.
  Read more: Little Richard 1932 – 2020: the King and Queen of rock’n’roll who gave us everything
  The star, real name Richard Wayne Penniman, died yesterday (May 9), with his lawyer Bill Sobel confirming the cause of death as bone cancer.
  Aside from being known as a founding father of rock’n&rs
  
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• Ariana Grande, Drake & More Musicians Send Heartfelt Messages on Mother’s Day

  10-05-2020 20:52
  
  As people are hunkered down during the global coronavirus pandemic, not too many of us are able to surprise Mom with a sweet gift, enjoy a delicious brunch together or give in-person hugs for Mother’s Day this year — and that goes for musicians as well.
  But just like us, many are sharing heartfelt messages of love on social media for both the women who brought them up and nurtured their talents, as well as the ladies who gave birth to their children.Among those posting sweet messages
  
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• P!nk Pens Encouraging Mother’s Day Essay Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

  10-05-2020 20:47
  
  P!nk has an encouraging message for moms around the world this Mother’s Day: “You are doing amazing.”
  In an essay published by NBC News on Saturday (May 9), the pop superstar chronicles her emotionally draining experience battling Covid-19 and offers hope to less fortunate families around the globe struggling during the pandemic.
  “Battling COVID-19 along with my 3-year-old son was the most physically and emotionally challenging experience I have gone through as a mother,&
  
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• Little Steven Remembers Little Richard: ‘He Wrote the Bible of Rock & Roll’

  10-05-2020 20:41 via rollingstone.com
  
  "I feel lucky to have been on the planet at the same time as Little Richard," says Steve Van Zandt
  
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• Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Meek Mill and more call for “urgent attention” in Ahmaud Arbery killing

  10-05-2020 20:10 via nme.com
  Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and Meek Mill are amongst the names calling for “urgent attention” in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery.
  Read more: 10 things we learned from Meek Mill’s powerful new docuseries Free Meek
  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 s
  
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• Soul Singer Betty Wright Dead at 66

  10-05-2020 20:01 via rollingstone.com
  
  Grammy-winning and oft-sampled vocalist also had hits with "Clean Up Woman," "Tonight Is the Night" and "Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do"
  
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• Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber on course for Number 1 with charity single Stuck With U

  10-05-2020 19:55 via music-news.com
  
  The Official Chart: First Look, which airs on BBC Radio 1 today between 6pm – 7pm, offers a first glance of the Top 20 ahead of Friday’s Official
  
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• Betty Wright’s 10 Best Songs: Staff Picks

  10-05-2020 19:53
  
  Betty Wright was one of the most venerated figures in ’70s soul, funk, gospel and disco — not just a brilliant singer- songwriter, but also an accomplished producer and even an instinctive A&R woman, helping singers and eventual disco stars George & Gwen McCrae sign their first record deal in the late ’60s while just a teenager herself.
  While Wright’s multi-faceted career has seen her importance and influence trickle down to future generous in numerous ways &mdash
  
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• Bad Bunny Drops Surprise New Album ‘Las Que No Iban a Salir’: Stream It Here

  10-05-2020 19:33
  
  Bad Bunny surprised his fans over the weekend with yet another new album.
  The 10-track release, titled Las Que No Iban a Salir (The Ones That Were Not Coming Out), dropped on music streaming services Sunday (May 10), marking the Puerto Rican artist’s second new album in 2020. The set features appearances by fellow reggaeton stars Don Omar, Yandel, Zion & Lennox, Nicky Jam, and Jhay Cortez.
  Las Que No Iban a Salir follows Bad Bunny’s first 2020 album, YHLQMDLG, which dropped in Fe
  
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• Little Richard Was a Quiet Civil Rights Pioneer Whose Concerts Helped Push Culture Past Segregation

  10-05-2020 19:25
  
  The early history of rock ‘n’ roll is a story of segregation — and Little Richard, who died of bone cancer at 87 on May 9, was a key player in the fight to destroy it.
  Because of Jim Crow laws, and racism in general, African-American musicians from Louis Armstrong to Charlie Parker to Motown revues traveling through the South spent much of the 20th century relegated to black hotels and black restaurants, denied entrance even to hotels where they were headlining. Ballrooms and a
  
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• Bad Bunny releases surprise new album ‘Las Que No Iban a Salir’

  10-05-2020 19:20 via nme.com
  
  Bad Bunny has surprise-released new album, ‘Las Que No Iban a Salir’, just two months after his last record.
  The new album arrived unannounced, although the star had been previewing a range of new tracks on his Instagram Live in recent broadcasts.
  The 10-track record features collaborations with the likes of Nicky Jam, Don Omar, Zion & Lennox, Jhay Cortez, Yandel, and his girlfriend Gabriela Berlingeri, as well as the recently released track ‘En Casita’. According to
  
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• The 10 Best Samples of Betty Wright Songs: Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Chance the Rapper & More

  10-05-2020 19:19
  
  Betty Wright’s legacy of soul, funk and disco hits in the ’70s and ’80s is one that’s continued to echo throughout popular music — somewhat literally, in the case of the many, many artists who have sampled her crisp grooves and peerless vocals over the years.
  With news of the beloved singer-songwriter’s death at age 66 this week, Billboard pays tribute to the way Betty Wright’s music has lived on through its repurposing by future generations he
  
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• Pink says battling coronavirus was her “most physically and emotionally challenging experience”

  10-05-2020 19:18 via nme.com
  
  Pink has spoken out about “battling” the coronavirus with her young son Jameson, saying it was her “most physically and emotionally challenging experience” as a mother.
  Read more: Coronavirus: every cancelled gig, festival and tour – and how to get your ticket refund
  Last month, the singer revealed that she and her three-year-old son had contracted the virus. After two weeks in isolation, they were re-tested and are “now thankfully negative”.
  In a post o
  
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• Watch Low Cut Connie’s Sweaty, Nearly Nude Tribute to Little Richard

  10-05-2020 18:52 via rollingstone.com
  
  South Philly band's Adam Weiner plays Richard hits like "Long Tall Sally," "The Girl Can't Help It" in wild livestream performance
  
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• Betty Wright, Iconic Soul and R&B Singer, Dies at 66

  10-05-2020 18:19
  
  Legendary soul and R&B singer Betty Wright, known for classics like “Tonight Is the Night,” “No Pain, (No Gain)” and “Clean Up Woman,” has died. She was 66.
  Wright died from cancer at her home in Miami, Billboard has confirmed.
  In early May, Chaka Khan wrote on Twitter that Wright was “now in need of all your prays.”
  “Calling all my #PrayWarriors,” Khan tweeted. “My beloved sister, Betty Wright @MsBettyWright, is now in need o
  
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• See Boyz II Men, Babyface Perform ‘A Song for Mama’ on ‘SNL’

  10-05-2020 18:06 via rollingstone.com
  
  Soul group and song's producer deliver Mother's Day ode on Season 45 finale
  
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• R&B singer Betty Wright has died aged 66

  10-05-2020 18:02 via nme.com
  
  R&B singer Betty Wright, who was responsible for songs such as ‘No Pain (No Gain)’ and ‘Clean Up Woman’, has died aged 66.
  Read more: Best albums and tracks of 1986
  The singer’s niece confirmed her passing to TMZ folowing Chaka Khan‘s plea earlier in the week, when she tweeted: “Calling all my #PrayWarriors | My beloved sister, Betty Wright is now in need of all your prays.”Calling all my #PrayWarriors | My beloved sister, Betty Wrigh
  
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• Bad Bunny Releases Surprise Album ‘Las Que No Iban a Salir,’ Extending His Hot Streak

  10-05-2020 18:01 via rollingstone.com
  
  Nicky Jam, Yandel, Don Omar and more are featured on Puerto Rican hitmaker's latest full-length, partially recorded during quarantine
  
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• Machine Music: With Eurovision Canceled, The Netherlands Prepares to Host First AI Song Contest

  10-05-2020 18:00
  
  LONDON – Could artificial intelligence be used to help create the ultimate pop song?
  That’s one of the questions that organizers of the first-ever AI Song Contest hope to gain insights into when their competition wraps up in the Netherlands on May 12.
  “What we hope to show is the creative possibilities of artificial intelligence,” says Karen van Dijk, a senior editor at VPRO, the Dutch public broadcaster behind the event. “What it can do? But also, what are its limi
  
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• ‘In My Room’ With Jesse Colin Young

  10-05-2020 18:00 via rollingstone.com
  
  Former Youngbloods frontman performs "hippie national anthem" "Get Together" and other songs from his home studio
  
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• The 1975’s Matty Healy says he “felt pretty irresponsible” about Dubai fan incident

  10-05-2020 17:57 via nme.com
  
  The 1975’s Matty Healy has spoken again about kissing a male fan at a Dubai concert, saying he “felt pretty irresponsible” about it.
  Read more: EXCLUSIVE: The 1975, ‘Notes On A Conditional Form’ – the world’s first review
  The incident took place at the band’s August 2019 show in the United Arab Emirates city, where homosexual acts are illegal and can be punishable by fines and jail time.
  In a new interview, Healy has reflected on his actions, which
  
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• Tekashi 6ix9ine’s ‘GOOBA’ breaks YouTube record for biggest 24-hour debut in hip-hop

  10-05-2020 17:32 via nme.com
  
  Tekashi 6ix9ine’s new single ‘GOOBA’ has broken YouTube’s record for the most-watched hip-hop video in a 24-hour span.
  Read more: Tekashi 6ix9ine – ‘Dummy Boy’ review
  On Friday (May 8), 6ix9ine, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, shared his first piece of music since being released from prison last month. He also shared an accompanying music video.
  Now, according to Chart Data, the video has garnered the biggest 24-hour debut for a hip-hop video i
  
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• That Time Little Richard Ignited Johnny Cash’s ‘Get Rhythm’

  10-05-2020 17:05 via rollingstone.com
  
  The rock & roll king interpreted Cash's song for a 2002 tribute album to the Man in Black
  
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• Bono Unveils the ’60 Songs That Saved’ His Life for His 60th Birthday

  10-05-2020 16:59
  
  Bono is reflecting on the importance of music on his 60th birthday. The U2 frontman on Sunday (May 10) shared a list of 60 songs that have played a big part in his life.
  “These are some of the songs that saved my life… the ones I couldn’t have lived without… the ones that got me from there to here, zero to 60… through all the scrapes, all manner of nuisance, from the serious to the silly… and the joy, mostly joy,” the rocker shared in an open letter
  
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• Boyz II Men & Babyface Team Up for Mother’s Day Tribute on ‘SNL’: Watch

  10-05-2020 16:52
  
  Boyz II Men and Babyface joined forces for a special Mother’s Day tribute during the season 45 finale of Saturday Night Live.
  For the show’s third “at home” episode on May 9, the legendary R&B trio performed 1997’s Babyface-penned “A Song for Mama” from their respective homes and studios. The iconic songwriter and producer joined in, providing smooth acoustic guitar in the background.
  The beautiful black-and-white performance featured a montage of ph
  
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• Paul McCartney: ‘I Owe a Lot of What I Do to Little Richard’

  10-05-2020 16:31 via rollingstone.com
  
  Beatle pays tribute to rock pioneer who "taught Paul everything he knows"
  
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• Mother’s Day 2020: Here Are 12 Latin Songs All About Amor to Celebrate Mom

  10-05-2020 16:00
  
  When it comes to showing their Mamis some love, Latins aren’t shy about their displays of affection. The same thing applies to songs made for moms, which tend to be full of love and affection and much-needed during these challenging times.
  From Ricardo Arjona to Aventura, here are 12 tracks that we’ll be playing for the special lady in our lives.
  “Mi Novia Se Me Esta Quedando Vieja” – Ricardo Arjona
  Guatemalan star Ricardo Arjona didn’t just write a song for h
  
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• ‘American Idol’ Top 11 Reveal Their Proudest Moments So Far

  10-05-2020 16:00
  
  This has definitely been the weirdest season of American Idol ever. Season 18 has been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the top 11 contenders back into their homes to perform from their bedrooms, backyards and living rooms.
  So far, they’ve more than lived up to the challenge, turning their minus into a plus by becoming overnight sound engineers, camerapeople and mood setters.
  It’s a lot, but so far, soooo good. In the first of a series of personal catch-ups, we asked all the
  
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• Bono shares playlist of “60 songs that saved my life” to mark 60th birthday

  10-05-2020 15:59 via nme.com
  
  Bono has shared a new playlist of the “60 songs that saved my life” to mark his 60th birthday today (May 10).
  The U2 frontman has also announced that he plans to write a “fan letter” to the writers of each song to thank them, including Billie Eilish and Kraftwerk.
  “These are some of the songs that saved my life…” Bono wrote. “The ones that I couldn’t have lived without. The ones that got me from there to here, zero to 60, through all the scr
  
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• Hear Bono’s ’60 Songs That Saved My Life’ Playlist

  10-05-2020 15:55 via rollingstone.com
  
  On 60th birthday, U2 singer shares "fan letters" of gratitude to Billie Eilish, Kraftwerk, David Bowie and more
  
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• Beyonce will celebrate Mother's Day with family after testing negative for coronavirus

  10-05-2020 15:30 via music-news.com
  
  The singer recently teamed up with her mother to promote Covid-19 testing in their hometown of Houston, Texas.
  
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• Ariana Grande blocked Tiger King's Carole Baskin cameo in Justin Bieber duet video

  10-05-2020 15:30 via music-news.com
  
  Proceeds from Stuck with U are set to benefit officials at the First Responder Children''s Foundation.
  
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• Eminem says he’s been writing and recording new material while in lockdown

  10-05-2020 15:07 via nme.com
  
  Eminem was this week’s guest on Lil Wayne‘s Young Money Radio show – listen to the episode below.
  Read more: Eminem vs everyone: a massive list of every one of Slim Shady’s lyrical feuds
  It comes a week after Drake appeared as a guest on the Apple Music show, where he discussed releasing music during the current coronavirus pandemic, saying musicians need to “figure out what people need.” He also talked about new project ‘Dark Lane De
  
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• Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger and more hail “shining star” Little Richard

  10-05-2020 14:33 via nme.com
  
  Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger and more have all paid tribute to rock’n’roll pioneer Little Richard, who died this week aged 87.Read more: Little Richard 1932 – 2020: the King and Queen of rock’n’roll who gave us everythingThe star, real name Richard Wayne Penniman, known as a founding father of rock n’ roll died yesterday (May 9), with his lawyer Bill Sobel confirming the cause of death as bone cancer.
  Paul McCartney has now added his name to the huge
  
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• Flea to share two unreleased Aleka’s Attic songs to mark River Phoenix’s 50th birthday

  10-05-2020 12:18 via nme.com
  
  Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea is set to release two new songs from River Phoenix’s band Aleka’s Attic later this year.
  The tracks will be shared on August 23 to mark what would’ve been Phoenix’s 50th birthday.
  Released digitally and on 10″ vinyl, the unfinished tracks have been completed and produced by Flea. They will be released via LaunchLeft, the artist alliance set up by Phoenix’s sister and Aleka’s Attic bandmate Rain following his death.View
  
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• The Ultimate Mother’s Day Playlist

  10-05-2020 12:05 via rollingstone.com
  
  15 classic songs about moms of every stripe
  
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• Tekashi 6ix9ine moved after house arrest address leaks

  10-05-2020 11:10 via nme.com
  
  Tekashi 6ix9ine has been moved after the address of his house arrest accommodation was leaked online, his lawyer says.
  The rapper, real name Daniel Hernandez, was given early release from jail last month due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic and placed under house arrest.
  Now, as TMZ report, the rapper’s lawyer Lance Lazzaro has revealed that he’s been moved to another house due to security concerns stemming from photos he took from the balcony of his original accommodation.
  
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• Jill Scott vs. Erykah Badu in ‘Verzuz’ Battle of Neo-Soul Titans: See Billboard’s Scorecard and Winner For the Showdown

  10-05-2020 10:40
  
  At the end of nearly two months of battles between regional producers, legacy producers, legendary rap producers, R&B and pop producers and writers, the Verzuz series of Instagram live song battles still had a glaring omission from their line-up: women. 
  Lack of women behind the boards in music creation and production is a long-time industry issue, but Verzuz creators and battle commissioners Swizz Beats and Timbaland told fans they were working on a way to bring women into the fold soo
  
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• Foals share ‘Total Life Forever’ film on YouTube to celebrate the album’s 10th anniversary

  10-05-2020 09:50 via nme.com
  
  Foals have shared their making-of documentary of ‘Total Life Forever’ on YouTube for the first time.
  The 20-minute film, directed by Dave Ma, has been shared to mark the album’s 10th anniversary today, which is marked today (May 10).Read more: Album review: Foals – ‘Total Life Forever’Watch the new ‘Total Life Forever’ film below.Continuing the celebrations for the album’s 10th birthday, frontman Yannis Philippakis and guitarist Jimmy Smith w
  
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