Amber

This week's Bop Shop features quarantine ready songs from Lady Gaga, The Wonders, Karol G, and more. View the full article

Bill Withers, known for acoustic soul hits "Lean on Me" and "Ain't No Sunshine," died Monday of heart complications, his family said Friday. View the full article

Our culture watch list includes Harry and Meghan's cellist, a "Putnam County Spelling Bee" reunion, Yiddish song and a street-artist show down under. View the full article

Days after releasing the visual to his single "The Greatest," Rod Wave delivers his album Pray 4 Love. The St. Petersburg, Florida native has shared an honest record where he exposes both his strengths and weaknesses. Whether he's speaking on matters of love, street life, or inner demons, Rod Wave opens himself to with fans on 14 tracks where he returns to what matters: Creating music. “Before the albums, and people talking and liking and following, all I had was the music,” the rapper told Apple Music. “The music helps me talk about [my problems]. I don't regret going through none of it, because if it hadn’t went down like that, 'Heart on Ice' wouldn’t have even been a song. It would have been 'Wrist on Ice.'” For the bulk of the album, he flies solo aside from a single feature from ATR Son Son, so check out Pray 4 Love by Rod Wave and let us know what you think about this one. Tracklist 1. Pray 4 Love 2. F*ck the World 3. Thief in the Night 4. Thug Life 5. I Remember 6. Rags2Riches ft. ATR Son Son 7. No Weakness 8. Roaming 9. The Greatest 10. Ribbon in the Sky 11. 5% Tints 12. Girl of My Dreams 13. Thug Motivation 14. Dark Clouds View the full article

Despite the circumstances we're currently living in, Famous dex was determined to deliver a bop. The rapper called on Rich The Kid and Tyga to craft "What I Like," a song that stays in line with a rapper's favorite topics including women, sex, money, luxury items, and jet-setting. The music video is all set to drop soon, and by the looks of the preview, most of the aforementioned points will make appearances. The track is rumored to appear on Dexter's forthcoming project—an album that the rapper has yet to share a title or release date for, just yet. Famous Dex fans haven't received a full-length studio project since his 2018 debut release Dex Meets Dexter, although the rapper did deliver his EP Dexter 2031 earlier this year. Give "What I Like" by Famous Dex featuring Rich The Kid and Tyga a listen and let us know if they made a hit. Quotable Lyrics Louis got a lot of f*cking bands in it (What?) Dexter f*cked them hoes and took 'em to Japan, didn't he? (Didn't he?) I done pulled it out the lot and got the Lamb' dented (Skrrr) I get in that p*ssy, I'ma stand in it (What?) I get money, that's just what I like (What I like) She so freaky, she gon' ride it like a bike (Like a bike) Popped that Xan in Japan, damn, twice (In Japan) I get money (Ha), that's just what I like View the full article

One of hip hop's favorite trios has blessed the world with a new song. On Friday (April 3), The Lox returned with a single that is all about their dedication to themselves, each other, the streets that raised them, and the code that they live by. Styles P, Jadakiss, and Sheek Louch each trade verses and partner up on the catchy chorus of "Loyalty & Love," a streetwise, straightforward song that packs a New York punch. "Loyalty & Love" comes almost a month after Jadakiss released his acclaimed album, Ignatius. When The Lox aren't' in the studio cooking some heat for their fans, they're working on heir successful careers. Outside of music, you can catch Styles P and his wife on Marriage Boot Camp, hashing out their personal lives in front of adoring reality television fans. In the meantime, stream "Loyalty & Love" by The Lox and let us know what you think. Quotable Lyrics You know what the f*ck it is, I ain't got a f*ck to give (I ain't got a f*ck to give) I ain’t got a buck to give, the n*ggas on that sucker sh*t Got me on my '93, Wu, bring the rucker sh*t Only break bread with the homies that I suffered with (My homies) That sucker sh*t don't reside here, you should slide or die from a wild n*ggas idea (Die) View the full article

The world was first given a sneak peek at Frank Ocean's song "Cayendo" last year during his coveted club appearance in New York City. The song was a much different tempo as the track he delivered on Friday (April 3), but music lovers aren't being picky. Frank Ocean surprised fans with two releases, "Cayendo (Side A - Acoustic)" and "Dear April," giving them a bit of sunshine through this strange time under quarantine. The tracks were available on SoundCloud for a short time before officially making their way to streaming services. The songs were featured on Ocean's 7" vinyl that was made available for pre-order last year. The records only recently made their way into the hands of fans who were eager to leak Ocean's latest tunes. On "Cayendo," Frank Ocean slows things down and delivers a song bilingual track of Spanish and English lyrics about love and loss. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. Quotable Lyrics You stood me up, you lay me down You know too much, I can't be proud I still really, really love you, yes I do When I still really, really love you, like I do If you won't, then I will If you can't, then I will Is it love to keep it from you? View the full article

What better way to introduce herself to the world than to deliver a debut album titled after her nickname. Kiana Ledé is no stranger to the entertainment industry and has been navigating her career since she was just 14-years-old. The now-22-year-old has been given a second chance at a first impression with the release of her debut project KIKI that was released on her new label, Republic Records. The R&B sounds from the Arizona native are a delightful addition to the rising artists in music's current culture who are looking to stake their claim as the next noteworthy star. Kiana calls on a handful of fellow artists to help her along on KIKI including Lucky Daye, 6LACK, Moneybagg Yo, BIA, Col3trane, Arin Ray, and Dreamville's Ari Lennox. Stream KIKI by Kiana Ledé and let us know your thoughts. Tracklist 1. Cancelled. 2. Movin. 3. Mad at Me. 4. Chocolate. ft. Ari Lennox 5. Forfeit. ft. Lucky Daye 6. Second Chances ft. 6LACK 7. Crazy. 8. Plenty More. 9. Skiterlude. 10. Labels. ft. Moneybagg Yo & BIA 11. Honest. 12. Feel a Way. 13. Good Girl. ft. Col3trane 14. Attention. 15. Separation ft. Arin Ray 16. Protection. 17. No Takebacks View the full article

With as many collaborations as Lil West and Brevin Kim have together, they're well on their way to having enough tracks for a joint album. The Delaware rapper and Boston duo have steadily released multiple collaborative singles over the last few months. Back in December, Brevin Kim added Lil West to the remix of their song "the wedding!" Then, weeks ago, Lil West featured them on his track, "Bleach." The artists return once again, this time to round out their trio of singles with "Luck." The short-running track falls under two minutes, but it's a good vibe for these quarantine days. Last year, we received two projects from Lil West, Vex Part 1 & Vex Part 2, both of which were well-received from the newcomer. The young artist is known for experimenting with various genres, so it'll be interesting to see what he comes up with on his next album. In the meantime, stream "Luck" by Lil West and Brevin Kim and let us know what you think. Quotable Lyrics Just me and my bro, can't do no wrong Pull out all this cash to feed my hoes Boy want all this action, G.I. Joe You worryin' about your past but me I don't View the full article

Fusing genres is a Thundercat specialty. On his latest release, Is Is What It Is, the Los Angeles singer-songwriter blends R&B, funk, soul, and futuristic sounds to deliver a smooth, jam-filled project. Thundercat has endured much throughout his career—and life—to bring him to the place he is now. The title of his album is a phrase commonly used by millions that speak on accepting things as they are. “It feels like a place of rest, a bit, for me,” Thundercat told Entertainment Weekly. “Even saying it to myself sometimes makes things feel a bit better. It's a hard thing.” If you listen to the record hard enough, you'll find that you hear the lyrics "it is what it is" sprinkled throughout the album. Thundercat has also called on a handful of other artists to assist him on the project including Childish Gambino, Ty Dolla $ign, Louis Cole, Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, Zack Fox, Lil B, and Pedro Martins. Give It Is What It Is a few spins and let us know what you think. Tracklist 1. Lost in Space / Great Scott / 22-26 2. Innerstellar Love 3. I Love Louis Cole ft. Louis Cole 4. Black Quails ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino 5. Miguel's Happy Dance 6. How Sway 7. Funny Thing 8. Overseas ft. Zack Fox 9. Dragonball Durag 10. How I Feel 11. King of the Hill 12. Unrequited Love 13. Fair Chance ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Lil B 14. Existential Dread 15. It is What it is ft. Pedro Martins [via] View the full article

Drake releases his new dance single "Toosie Slide," which is already a viral dance trend on TikTok. View the full article

On the heels of receiving a co-sign from Oprah Winfrey, Drake delivers his latest single "Toosie Slide." The OWN mogul recently reacted to Lil Yachty's track "Oprah's Bank Account" featuring Drake and DaBaby. "I love it. I love it. I loveeeeee it! Yes, I love it," she told the Associated Press. "I haven’t seen the video but it’s nice to be in a Drake song no matter what — especially for your bank account, OK!" Drake returns with "Toosie Slide," a song that has already set social media on fire. We may not see Oprah taking to TikTok to give her best dance moves to Drake's bars, but thousands of the social platform's users have made the snippet a viral hit prior to the song's release. “Drake hit me up and was like, ‘Yo, I need your help,'” Toosie, a dancer from the original video told Rolling Stone. “So he sends the record. It was just an idea at the time. It was just the hook and a verse. I came up with this dance. [Drake said,] ‘What you think? You think you can come up with a dance for this song that I made?’ So I sit down, listen to it. Luckily, I’m at Ayo and Teo’s house with Hii Key and all of us. We all chilling. We came up with it pretty fast. We just all pieced it together. We all contributed.” Check out Drake's "Toosie Slide" and let us know what you think of the OVO mogul's bars. Quotable Lyrics Nike crossbody, got a piece in it Got a dance, but it's really on some street sh*t I'ma show you how to get it It go right foot up, left foot, slide Left foot up, right foot, slide Basically, I'm sayin', either way, we 'bout to slide, ayy Can't let this one slide, ayy [via] View the full article

Millions of creatives have found themselves confronted with financial hardships during this COVID-19 quarantine. Independent contractors and freelancers have been fired or laid off from their jobs, and with artists on pause because of the coronavirus pandemic, the musicians and singers that work with them are out of work. Some members of the rich and famous elite are donating money to COVID-19 relief efforts, but H.E.R. reportedly made sure that her team is taken care of financially. Emma McIntyre / Staff / Getty Images H.E.R.'s act of generosity would have gone unnoticed if it wasn't for her supporting vocalist Ajanee Hambrick. In an Instagram post, Ajanee shared that H.E.R. not only gave her money to cover her expenses for the next few months, but for everyone who works with and for her. "I’ve been gone for a second because My family was directly effected by COVID 19 All of us were infected with the virus," Ajanee wrote. "Today This BOSS just blessed her whole team With some COVID 19 funds to help us through the next few months I’m not talking about alil bag for groceries! SHE JUST BLESSED EVERY LAST ONE OF US! THANK YOU sis!" She went to encourage all artists "who HAS It like that" to mirror H.E.R.'s act of altruism. "Especially if they have been down from day 1 Thank You @hermusicofficial for being someone who leads by example!" Check out Ajanee Hambrick's post below. View the full article

The COVID-19 quarantine has caused many political leaders to go to extreme measures to ensure the safety of their citizens. Some places are issuing fines for people found out and about with purpose and it was rumored that some states in the U.S. would begin implementing "arrests" for people who violated "Stay At Home" orders. Some people find the mandatory lockdown to be an invasion of their rights, while others are taking the ordinance as seriously as possible with the hopes that it will be over sooner than later. One leader has reportedly used the threat of death on his citizens. Controversial Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has reportedly stated that if anyone is found wandering the streets, they are to be shot on sight. According to CBS News, residents on the mainland are under strict lockdown orders. However, some have taken to the streets to protest the lack of supplies and poor living conditions during the COVID-19 quarantine. The government has reportedly denied these allegations, and now President Rodrigo Duterte is putting his foot down. "I will not hesitate. My orders are to the police and military, as well as village officials, if there is any trouble, or occasions where there's violence and your lives are in danger, shoot them dead," the Philippine President said during a televised speech. "Do not intimidate the government. Do not challenge the government. You will lose." Of their 57 million citizens, the Philippines reportedly has approximately 2,700 reported cases and 110 deaths to date. "I will not hesitate my soldiers to shoot you," Duterte added. "I will not hesitate to order the police to arrest and detain you." [via] View the full article

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has been granted early release from prison due to COVID-19 concerns and will serve the rest of his sentence in home confinement. View the full article

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine will serve the balance of his federal sentence in home confinement, a judge ordered, due to coronavirus-related conditions in prison. View the full article

Adam Schlesinger, who died April 1, wrote songs that were loved by many fans who never knew his name. Here's a sampling of his work in rock, film, TV and more. View the full article

Sam Hunt will release his new album "Southside" into a musical environment that Lil Nas X, Blanco Brown and others would tell you Hunt helped shape. View the full article

Kathy Valentine's hair-raising memoir recounts life before, during and shortly after the Go-Go's ascended to become the darlings of the MTV generation. View the full article

James Corden in "One Man, Two Guvnors," stories with Dolly, Cirque du Soleil, Nadia Sirota with Anthony Roth Costanzo, L.A. Chamber Orchestra and more. View the full article

Fountains of Wayne's "Utopia Parkway" features what may be the late Adam Schlesinger's most lovable hero: An outer-borough striver with big plans. View the full article

Ellis Marsalis, jazz pianist, teacher and patriarch of a New Orleans musical family that includes famed musician sons Wynton and Branford, has died. He was 85. View the full article

Adam Schlesinger, the Fountains of Wayne co-founder who died Wednesday of coronavirus complications, is being fondly remembered by his peers and admirers. View the full article

Adam Schlesinger, cofounder of "Stacy's Mom" rock band Fountains of Wayne and songwriter for film and television, died from complications related to COVID-19. He was 52. View the full article

From Neil Diamond's updated "Sweet Caroline" to spoofs of "Kokomo" and "Stayin' Alive," here are the best song parodies to keep you company in quarantine. View the full article