By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Missy Elliott, one of the most iconic players in the history of music videos, will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. MTV announced Monday that Elliott will also perform on Aug. 26 at the Prudential Center in […]
Author Archives: Mesfin Fekadu
Associated Press
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Music
Meek Mill Launches New Record Label with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation
By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Meek Mill is in a Jay-Z state of mind: The Philadelphia rapper-turned-entrepreneur is launching a new record label in a joint venture with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. The two hip-hop players celebrated the launch of Dream Chasers Records on Tuesday at the Roc Nation headquarters in […]
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Congressman, Celebs Push for A$AP Rocky’s Release From Jail
By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Following an outcry from celebrities and a Change.org petition with half a million signatures, U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat is pushing for the release of A$AP Rocky, who has been behind bars in Sweden while police investigate a fight involving the rapper. Last week a Swedish […]
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BET Awards Honor Mary J. Blige, Nipsey Hussle, Tyler Perry
By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer The 2019 BET Awards featured a number of contemporary pop and rap stars who are dominating the charts, from Cardi B to Lil Nas X. But the show belonged to artists viewed as icons in the black community, including singer Mary J. Blige, filmmaker Tyler Perry and the late […]
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BET Awards to Honor Nipsey Hussle; Cardi, Lil Nas to Perform
By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer Nipsey Hussle, the late rapper who was a respected and beloved community activist in South Los Angeles, will be honored at the 2019 BET Awards with the Humanitarian Award. The posthumous honor will be presented Sunday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The rapper is also nominated […]
Posted inNational News, NEWS
‘Emanuel’ Explores Life After Tragic Church Shooting
By MESFIN FEKADU AP Entertainment Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Jennifer Pinckney was hiding under a desk holding the mouth of her then-6-year-old daughter when Dylann Roof fired more than 70 shots in Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine black worshippers. The new documentary, “Emanuel,” explores life after the tragic shooting […]
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Janelle Monae Applauds Jump in Grammy Nominations for Women
By MESFIN FEKADU , AP Music Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — At a pre-Grammy brunch honoring Janelle Monae, a few hundred music industry players and performers packed tightly in a room to hear the singer speak passionately about women being the backbone of the music industry and dominating in nominations at Sunday’s show. And then […]
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2019 Songwriters Hall Class: Missy, Cat Stevens, John Prine
By MESFIN FEKADU , AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Missy Elliott is making history as the first female rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, whose 2019 class also includes legendary British singer Cat Stevens and country-folk icon John Prine. The organization announced the new group of inductees Saturday. Other inductees include Tom […]
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Tia Fuller, Fierce Woman in Jazz, Takes Shot at 1st Grammy
By MESFIN FEKADU , AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Saxophonist Tia Fuller was crying in bed. And praising God. She’d just received the news that she was nominated for her first-ever Grammy Award — but it’s not just any nomination: Her inclusion in the best jazz instrumental album category is a historic moment […]
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AP Source: Travis Scott in Talks to Perform at Halftime Show
By MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Rapper Travis Scott is in talks to perform at the Super Bowl halftime in Atlanta, The Associated Press has learned. A person familiar with the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak about the topic publicly, told […]
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Teddy Riley Readies ‘Emotional’ Return to Apollo in Harlem
By MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Teddy Riley is on the brink of tears. Happy tears. The singer and producer behind hits for Michael Jackson says now that he’s just days away from his big show at the Apollo Theater — a return to his hometown in Harlem after more than 20 […]
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Diana Ross, John Legend set for Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
By MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Diana Ross, John Legend, Bad Bunny, Kane Brown and Ella Mai will be among the stars celebrating at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Macy’s said Thursday that Martina McBride, Pentatonix, Rita Ora, Sugarland and Anika Noni Rose also will participate in the 92nd […]