Nicki Minaj brings more flavor to ‘Essence’ Festival with her new rap snacks

Nicki Minaj brings more flavor to ‘Essence’ Festival with her new rap snacks
Nicki Minaj brings more flavor to ‘Essence’ Festival with her new rap snacks
Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

Nicki Minaj is headlining the Essence Festival of Culture Friday night in New Orleans, and she is bringing more flavor to the Big Easy this weekend with the launch of her Rap Snacks chips.

Named after the “Motorsport” rapper, fans at the festival will have the first opportunity to taste her Barbie-Que Honey Truffle Potato Chips.

Rap Snacks investor Master P says, “We’re taking over the game. We’re taking over the grocery stores… We are the culture!” The Rap Snacks Instagram account commented, “The queen is queening again” and called her endorsement “the biggest brand partnership we’ve done since 2016.”

Rick Ross, Migos and Lil Baby are among the stars who have promoted Rap Snacks in the past.

“Nicki Minaj is unquestionably one of the most disruptive forces in the history of rap. You’re talking about a woman who rewrote the rules of hip hop culture and happens to be a phenomenal entrepreneur, as well,” Rap Snacks CEO James Lindsay says in a statement. “It just makes sense that as a brand disrupting the snack industry, we align to push the bar even further. This is the beginning of a legendary partnership.

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Enter Vecna: Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” included on updated ’Stranger Things 4’ soundtrack

Enter Vecna: Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” included on updated ’Stranger Things 4’ soundtrack
Enter Vecna: Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” included on updated ’Stranger Things 4’ soundtrack
Legacy Recordings

Metallica is bringing the heavy to Stranger Things 4.

The metal legends’ classic song “Master of Puppets” is featured on a newly expanded version of the Netflix sci-fi series’ season four soundtrack, which was released Friday to coincide with the premiere of the season’s final two episodes.

Thanks to its inclusion in the new episodes, “Master of Puppets” was trending on Twitter Friday morning. If you haven’t had time to watch yet, though, be careful before you search “Master of Puppets” on social media, for only spoilers will follow.

“Master of Puppets” joins the songs featured on the initial Stranger Things 4 soundtrack, which, of course, includes Kate Bush‘s resurgent hit “Running Up That Hill.”

The full Stranger Things 4 soundtrack is available now via digital outlets. It will be released on CD and cassette September 9 and on vinyl November 4.

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Bad Wolves mix Faith No More & Daft Punk on funky new single, “The Body”

Bad Wolves mix Faith No More & Daft Punk on funky new single, “The Body”
Bad Wolves mix Faith No More & Daft Punk on funky new single, “The Body”
Better Noise Music

Bad Wolves are taking a new direction with the band’s latest song, “The Body.”

The surprisingly funky tune is described as a “mix of Faith No More with a dash of Daft Punk.”

“When we were writing this song we had a goal of trying new things,” says drummer John Boecklin. “The slap bass and clavichord instantly was new territory for Bad Wolves. It feels good to know this track sounds like nothing we have ever done before.”

You can listen to “The Body” now via digital outlets. It will also appear on an upcoming Bad Wolves EP, set to drop July 29.

“The Body” follows Bad Wolves’ 2021 album, Dear Monsters, which marked the band’s first record with new lead singer Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz in place of Tommy Vext. Earlier this year, Bad Wolves released a new version of the Dear Monsters track “If Tomorrow Never Comes” featuring Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills.

Bad Wolves will hit the road later this month on the Rockzilla Tour alongside Papa Roach, Falling in Reverse and Hollywood Undead. The trek kicks off July 27 in East Providence, Rhode Island.

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Goo Goo Dolls’ new album ‘Chaos In Bloom’ out August 12; hear new single “Yeah, I Like You” now

Goo Goo Dolls’ new album ‘Chaos In Bloom’ out August 12; hear new single “Yeah, I Like You” now
Goo Goo Dolls’ new album ‘Chaos In Bloom’ out August 12; hear new single “Yeah, I Like You” now
Warner Records

Goo Goo Dolls will release a new studio album called Chaos In Bloom on August 12.  It’s the follow-up to their 2019 album, Miracle Pill.

The album was recorded during the pandemic in a studio near near Woodstock, New York. In a statement, singer John Rzeznik says, “Chaos in Bloom reminded us how special this whole thing is and to cherish the relationships that we have together, where we’ve been, and where we’re going.” 

Bassist Robby Takac adds that he’s been “been trying to have a relationship with the bigger picture and refining happiness and what it means from that perspective.”

You can watch the video now for the first single, “Yeah, I Like You.” John says this song is a comment on “a world that is just drowning in social media and internet stars,” adding, “Celebrity in this age has a very quick burn. It was hard not to be consumed by it during the pandemic.”

In the video, the band appears at a red-carpet event surrounded by social media influencers and fans, but the whole thing quickly devolves into a knock-down, drag-out brawl.  Everyone then collectively decides that the video’s director — played by the actual director Keenan O’Reilly — is responsible, and they all go after him to administer a beat-down.

Before the video dropped, the band confused fans by posting an “apology” for the video, in which they said they were “unaware” of O’Reilly’s “true motives and do not endorse or condone his actions.”  O’Reilly then posted a sarcastic apology of his own on his Instagram Story, writing, “I have embarrassed myself and my loved ones….I will accept whatever consequences what follow.”

Goo Goo Dolls’ tour kicks off July 15, and will feature them previewing songs from Chaos In Bloom, along with their hits and fan favorites.

 

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Little Big Town finds romance on the water in the sun-kissed “All Summer”

Little Big Town finds romance on the water in the sun-kissed “All Summer”
Little Big Town finds romance on the water in the sun-kissed “All Summer”
Capitol Records Nashville

Little Big Town shared another new song off their upcoming 10th studio album Friday, a warm-weather anthem called “All Summer.

Set to a tropical beat, the song describes a summer fling that kicks off with two people “makin’ eyes across the pool,” and soon leads to a love affair that may not be for a long time, but it’s definitely for a good time.

“Here I am getting tan / Drinkin’ wine on the water / And it’s easy and it’s fun / If you want it if I want / I’ll be your dream, in between / In your meantime lover / All summer,” the band sings in the song’s chorus.

The new song follows “Hell Yeah,” LBT’s current single. Both songs will be featured on the group’s next album. Though they haven’t shared many details about what that album will be called or when it’s due out, the band is starting to build a bigger picture on their next chapter with the release of each new song.

Fans will have plenty of opportunities to hear “All Summer” live in the months ahead. Little Big Town has several festival, casino and amphitheater dates on the books in June, July and August, and they’re joining Wynonna Judd and an all-star cast of musical women on the final The Judds Tour this fall.

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Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow among stars added to NBC’s ‘Ukraine: Answering the Call’ special

Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow among stars added to NBC’s ‘Ukraine: Answering the Call’ special
Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow among stars added to NBC’s ‘Ukraine: Answering the Call’ special
NBC

Paul McCartney and Sheryl Crow are among the celebrities who have been added to the star-packed lineup of NBC’s upcoming special Ukraine: Answering the Call, Billboard reports.

The new additions, which also include Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas, join previously announced list of celebs that include Jon Batiste, Kristen Bell, Brandi Carlile, Brian Cox, Jeff Daniels, Vera Farmiga, Lena Headey, Alicia Keys, Simu Liu, Julianne Moore, Brad Paisley, Rosie Perez and more.

According to the network, the hour-long primetime special “is aimed at educating, raising funds for those whose lives have been shattered by the crisis, and spreading awareness through the power of entertainment — an answer to the call from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who has challenged Americans to use their voices to reach those who want peace.”

Zelenskyy will address Americans during the special.  NBC News will also share reports on the stories of real people all around the world who are impacted by the crisis in Ukraine.

Ukraine: Answering the Call airs this Sunday, July 3, at 7 p.m. ET on NBC. 

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Listen to new covers by Bleachers, Phoebe Bridgers, Brittany Howard & Gary Clark Jr. on ’Minions 2’ soundtrack

Listen to new covers by Bleachers, Phoebe Bridgers, Brittany Howard & Gary Clark Jr. on ’Minions 2’ soundtrack
Listen to new covers by Bleachers, Phoebe Bridgers, Brittany Howard & Gary Clark Jr. on ’Minions 2’ soundtrack
Decca Records

Bleachers, Phoebe Bridgers, Alabama ShakesBrittany Howard and Gary Clark Jr. all contribute to the newly-released soundtrack to the animated film Minions: The Rise of Gru.

In keeping with the ’70s setting of the movie, the soundtrack features a number of covers from the decade. Bleachers put a spin on John Lennon‘s “Instant Karma!”; Bridgers tackle Carpenters‘ “Goodbye to Love,” and Clark takes on The Ides of March‘s “Vehicle.” Howard, meanwhile, teams up with Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire for a new rendition of the legendary funk/soul group’s song “Shining Star.”

The album, which was produced by Bleachers frontman Jack Antonoff, also includes St. Vincent‘s previously released cover of Lipps Inc.‘s “Funkytown” as well as Tame Impala‘s collaboration with the iconic Diana Ross, “Turn Up the Sunshine.”

Minions: The Rise of Gru is the sequel to 2015’s Minions and the fifth entry in the Despicable Me franchise. It’s in theaters now.

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Pink declares hateful messages directed at her and her kids don’t “move my needle”

Pink declares hateful messages directed at her and her kids don’t “move my needle”
Pink declares hateful messages directed at her and her kids don’t “move my needle”
Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Pink had one defiant message to her haters — stop wasting your breath.

Taking to her Instagram Story on Thursday, the “What About Us” hitmaker hoped to shake some common sense into her critics by letting them know they’re wasting their time trying to bring her down.

“Upon my deathbed – if I am asked these questions: ‘Did you work hard? Make the world a better place ? Did you fight for equality at all costs?  Did you stay true to yourself?  Did you help strangers?  OR Did you choose your career and take the safe ground and keep your mouth shut for profit and safety?’ I won’t even have to answer,” Pink wrote. 

She said she would “be smiling [and] completely at peace” with all her life’s choices.

“And even you telling me I’m irrelevant and that my kids are ugly doesn’t move my needle,” the Grammy winner closed. “May your god forgive You.  I’m right with mine.”

Pink has spoken openly against the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed a woman’s constitutional right to have an abortion. The singer took to Twitter shortly after the decision was released and told fans, “Let’s be clear: if you believe the government belongs in a woman’s uterus, a gay persons business or marriage, or that racism is okay- THEN PLEASE IN THE NAME OF YOUR LORD NEVER F***KING LISTEN TO MY MUSIC AGAIN. AND ALSO F**K RIGHT OFF. We good?”

Pink’s activism was recently recognized by the Songwriters of North America, who will present her a SONA Warrior Award later this month. She will be celebrated not only for her activism but also for her philanthropy, advocacy and musical accomplishments.

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Ringo Starr planning global — and celestial — “Peace and Love” birthday celebration next week

Ringo Starr planning global — and celestial — “Peace and Love” birthday celebration next week
Ringo Starr planning global — and celestial — “Peace and Love” birthday celebration next week
Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty Images

Ringo Starr turns 82 on Thursday, July 7, and as has become an annual tradition, the legendary Beatles drummer is planning to mark the occasion with a special “Peace and Love” celebration.

For this year’s event, Ringo will gather privately in Los Angeles with his wife, Barbara, members of his All Starr Band and other celebrities and musical friends, and everyone will give a “Peace and Love” salute at noon local time.

Among the participants will be All Starr Band members Steve Lukather, Edgar Winter, Colin Hay, Warren Ham and Gregg Bissonette, as well as Benmont Tench, Jim Keltner, Richard Marx, Matt Sorum, Ed Begley Jr., Linda Perry, Diane Warren, the late Roy Orbison‘s sons Roy Jr. and Alex.

As usual, Ringo is asking fans to join in by saying or thinking “Peace and Love,” and/or flashing a peace sign, at noon wherever they are in the world. In addition, as part of this year’s celebration, Artemis Music Space Network, with help from the International Space Station, will transmit Starr’s message across the planet, and into Earth’s orbit and outer space.

At noon on July 7, Ringo will signal the Artemis Mission Control Center in Houston, Texas, to beam his message and music — including his 2021 single “Let’s Change the World” — to the International Space Station, which will relay peace-and-love messages and music down to the planet and out to the stars as it orbits.

The event also will feature a number of musical performances paying tribute to Ringo before the “Peace and Love” declaration.

Meanwhile, a variety of celebrations in countries around the world are being planned, including at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. In addition, Starbucks plans to play a special Starr playlist in over 10,000 stores.

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Journey’s Jonathan Cain says faith-based album ‘Arise’ offers “call to standing for freedom”

Journey’s Jonathan Cain says faith-based album ‘Arise’ offers “call to standing for freedom”
Journey’s Jonathan Cain says faith-based album ‘Arise’ offers “call to standing for freedom”
Identity Records/The Fuel Music

Journey will release its first new studio album in 11 years, Freedom, in one week. But the band’s longtime keyboardist and co-songwriter Jonathan Cain has also been promoting a new solo effort, Arise, the sixth full-length spiritual-themed album that he’s put out since 2016.

The 11-track Arise, which was released in late May and is available now via digital formats, combines new tunes with songs that appeared on Cain’s 2021 EP Oh Lord Lead Us.

Cain, who wrote and recorded Arise during the pandemic, tells ABC Audio that the project reflects his general unhappiness with the direction the U.S. has been going in recent years while also encouraging Christians to be more fervent in embracing their faith.

“I sort of landed on a revival theme … like an awakening, a call to prayer, a call to … standing for freedom and standing for the church,” Cain maintains. “And, you know, we had our freedoms diminished there during the lockdown. And I think everybody had to face the fact that … the government can get in the way … and churches need to stand up and say no. And a lot of them did.”

The album was recorded in Nashville with musicians that Cain describes as his “go-to Christian quartet,” including drummer Tommy Harden, guitarist Mike Price and bassist Tony Lucido. In addition, Jason Derlatka, who joined the Journey lineup as a keyboardist and backup singer in 2020, contributed backing vocals to a number of Arise‘s tracks.

While the themes of his spiritual songs and the tunes he writes for Journey may differ, Jonathan says there’s a common thread between the two.

“I try to put melodies that go somewhere and lyrics that say something … contrary to what the music is out today,” he notes.

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