Megan Thee Stallion drops new “Tuned in Freestyle” video for her haters

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Following up her recent “Outta Town Freestyle” video, Megan Thee Stallion is once again slayin’ her haters with a new rapid-fire freestyle track and video called “Tuned in Freestyle.”

The clip, which was released Monday, captures Megan in a recording studio. Decked out in a lime-green top with matching hot pants and glasses, the “Hot Girl Summer” artist begins, “This goes out to all you tuned in, the hotties, the secret hotties,” then later raps, “Talk about something y’all like, stop talking ’bout me.”

She also references a couple of Pokémon characters, rapping: “I’m the hot girl, feelin’ like Charizard/ And he know he finna win if he get my card.”

The three-time Grammy winner appears on the cover of the September/October 2021 issue of Essence, which hit newsstands on Monday. Megan has six nominations, including a nod in the Artist of the Year category, for the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, which takes place on September 12 in New York City.

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Styx collaborates on new “Renegade”-inspired beer, Oh Mama, made for band’s Pittsburgh fans

Courtesy of Styx/Voodoo Brewing Co.

Styx‘s 1979 hit “Renegade” has long been embraced as the adopted theme song of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and now the veteran rockers have partnered with the Pittsburgh-area Voodoo Brewing Co. to create a beer inspired by the classic tune.

Oh Mama beer, named after the opening lyrics of “Renegade,” is a traditional golden lager brewed by Voodoo especially for Styx’s fans in and around the Steel City.

The brew currently is available in four packs of 16-ounce cans and in 50-liter kegs at Voodoo’s corporate pubs and franchise locations; online for home delivery in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.; at select beverage outlets in Pittsburgh and Erie, Pennsylvania; and for delivery in various states via the Tavour app — using the code word “renegade.”

Oh Mama also can purchased on tap at select bars and pubs.

“We are excited to announce that STYX, in partnership with Voodoo Brewing Co., is bringing our Oh Mama beer to a frosty mug near you,” say singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw in a statement. “We think you’re gonna love it as much as we do. Cheers!!!”

Adds guitarist James “JY” Young, “As we have our tradition with ‘Renegade’ and the Steelers, we are excited to announce our Oh Mama beer. We look forward to bringing a part of Steeler tradition to our fans that they can enjoy from home.”

“Renegade” is played at every Steelers home game during the third quarter as the soundtrack to a video compilation of defensive highlights meant to inspire the team’s players and fans. Styx also has performed the national anthem at several Steelers games over the years.

Styx released its latest studio album, Crash of the Crown, in June and the band has a bunch of 2021 U.S. tour dates scheduled to support the record.

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Phoebe Bridgers moving all fall tour dates to outdoor venues

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Tibet House

Phoebe Bridgers is bringing her tour outside.

The “Kyoto” artist has announced that all of her upcoming fall tour dates will be taking place in outdoor venues. The decision was made “in the interest of safety” amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, all venues will require attendees to be fully vaccinated, except for where that is “not permissible by law.” In those cases, attendees must either show proof of vaccination or obtain a negative test with 48 hours of entering the show.

“Please wear a mask,” Bridgers says. “I love you. See you soon.”

Bridgers’ tour is set to kick off September 3 in St. Louis. Due to the venue rearranging, some shows have been postponed to a different date.

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Ed Sheeran teases his rerecorded song for ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Jingle Ball 2012

Ed Sheeran is giving fans a little taste of his contribution to pal Taylor Swift’s re-recorded version of Red.

On Instagram Monday, Ed shared a snippet of himself rerecording his part for their duet “Everything Has Changed.” In the caption, he did his part to help spread the word that the vinyl for Red (Taylor’s Version) is up for pre-order today and the album is available to pre-save on streaming platforms.

“Here’s a video of me rerecording my bit for a song you might know,” Ed wrote. “There’s also a brand-new song me and Taylor wrote the first day we met called ‘Run’ that’s out with the new version of the record, November 19th. Enjoy guys! Was so fun reliving all of this.”

Earlier on Monday, Taylor announced the vinyl pre-order news by officially joining TikTok.

Meanwhile, Ed announced last week that his new album, = [Equals], will be out October 29.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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“Get ready to fall apart”: Kacey Musgraves announces new album, ‘star-crossed’

Interscope Records/UMG Nashville

Kacey Musgraves is star-crossed in her highly anticipated new album. 

Kacey announced Monday that star-crossed is the name of her fourth studio album, which will be released on September 10. It’s the follow-up to her multi-Grammy-winning 2018 project, Golden Hour. Kacey teams up again with producers Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk on the 15-track album, which features tracks titled “good wife,” “angel,” “camera roll,” and “gracias a la vida,” which translates to “thanks to life,” and more.  

star-crossed is built around the concept of a modern-day tragedy in three acts, in light of her divorce from ex-husband Ruston Kelly. After teasing the title track on Instagram over the weekend, the singer has now dropped the song in full. 

Alongside the album, Kacey will debut star-crossed: the film via Paramount+ featuring Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy, actress Victoria Pedretti of The Haunting of Hill House, singer Princess Nokia, comedian Megan Stalter and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Symone

The trailer for the film depicts Kacey as an out-of-the-ordinary bride who ultimately reclaims her freedom, with shots of her running alongside a black stallion and dancing with drag queens in the street in the middle of the desert.

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Diamonds Are Forever: Beyoncé and Jay-Z star in new Tiffany’s “ABOUT LOVE” campaign 

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100

As Beyoncé and Jay-Z confirmed with their 2018 duo album, Everything Is Love in their life, and Tiffany agrees as The Carters star in the jewelry company’s new ABOUT LOVE campaign.

In a series of ads debuting September 2, Beyoncé models the iconic Tiffany Yellow Diamond, and Jay wears Jean Schlumberger‘s legendary Bird on a Rock brooch, customized as cuff links.

Mrs. Carter is only the fourth person ever to wear the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, which has last worn by Lady Gaga at the Oscars in 2019. The stone features over 100 carats of white diamonds.

“Love is the diamond that the jewelry and art decorate,” Bey and Jay say in a statement to People.

The campaign also features a 22-carat yellow diamond ring and a 15.02-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, plus an 18-carat yellow and rose gold bracelet

“Beyoncé and Jay-Z are the epitome of the modern love story. As a brand that has always stood for love, strength and self-expression, we could not think of a more iconic couple that better represents Tiffany’s values,” says Alexandre Arnault, Tiffany’s EVP of product and communications. “We are honored to have the Carters as a part of the Tiffany family.”

Queen Bey posted three photos on Instagram of her wearing a black gown with mesh opera gloves. Hova joins her in a classic black tuxedo and bow tie.

A film about the campaign, shot by Jay, will be released September 15 featuring Beyoncé’s version of “Moon River.”

In partnership with The Carters, Tiffany is donating $2 million toward scholarship and internship programs for historically Black colleges and universities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Fan falls to death after stunt gone wrong during Dead & Company show

Credit: Danny Clinch

A recent Dead & Company concert was rattled by a fan who tragically fell to his death. Witnesses say the man attempted to perform a flip on a balcony.

The New York Post reports that the incident happened at the band’s show at Citi Field in Queens, New York, on Friday. Police have withheld the name of the deceased but confirmed that the concertgoer was a man in his 40s.

According to the report, witnesses and police say the man attempted to do a flip and plunged 30 to 50 feet to his death from the fifth floor. It is unclear when the incident took place during the concert. 

A driver working outside Citi Field told the Post, “He was unresponsive and he hit the ground head first.” The driver also claimed that the man was “drunk.” Police sources corroborated the claim that the man was under the influence of alcohol, according to the newspaper.

The fan was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital and later died. The man’s identity reportedly will not be released until police notify next of kin.

Representatives for Dead & Company haven’t issued a public comment as of Monday morning, nor have the band’s socials made mention of the incident.

Dead & Company includes Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, as well as singer/guitarist John Mayer, ex-Allman Brothers Band bassist Oteil Burbridge and RatDog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti.

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Lil Nas X teams up with old employer Taco Bell for new role

David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Lil Nas X used to work at Taco Bell in his pre-fame days. Now, he’s teaming up with the fast-food chain in a whole new way.

The singer has been appointed as Taco Bell’s Chief Impact Officer, meaning he’ll be collaborating with the company on exciting new brand experiences.

In his first 60 days in the role, Lil Nas X will launch an exclusive experience, including new menu innovations, tied to the upcoming release of his album, Montero. Lil Nas will also make a cameo in Taco Bell’s breakfast advertising campaign, which kicks off Monday.

“Lil Nas X knows the job, the experience and the culture Taco Bell creates for its fans — including its people,” CEO of Taco Bell Mark King says in a statement. “This unique partnership will deliver on more than just marketing, allowing us to tap into the genius of Lil Nas X to inspire our team members and align with our commitment to unlocking opportunities for young people.”

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Pixies cancel headlining & festival dates due to COVID-19

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Pixies have canceled their upcoming fall tour amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

The itinerary includes a run of headlining dates beginning September 10 in Port Chester, New York, as well as sets at festivals including Summerfest and Riot Fest.

“Pixies have determined that with the current surge in COVID cases made worse by the Delta variant, this is the right decision for their fans, crew members and themselves, and ask that their fans stay safe and healthy,” a press release reads.

Pixies were also scheduled to open for two Nine Inch Nails shows in Cleveland. Those were scrapped last week when Trent Reznor and company announced they were canceling all live shows for 2021.

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Black Label Society details ‘Doom Crew Inc.’ album; listen now to new single, “Set You Free”

eOne

Black Label Society has announced a new album called Doom Crew Inc.

The 11th studio effort from Zakk Wylde and company — and their first since 2018’s Grimmest Hits — is due out November 26. You can listen to the lead single, “Set You Free,” now via digital outlets.

“We incorporated Father Dario even more into the solos, doubling with me and being more involved in that regard,” says Wylde, referring to guitarist Dario Lorina. “It really, truly is a two-guitar album, more so than ever. A twin guitar band, whether it’s the Allman Brothers or Judas Priest, with harmony lines, unison lines, and trading off solos.”

Here’s the Doom Crew Inc. track list:

“Set You Free”
“Destroy & Conquer”
“You Made Me Want to Live”
“Forever and a Day”
“End of Days”
“Ruins”
“Forsake”
“Love Reign Down”
“Gospel of Lies”
“Shelter Me”
“Gather All My Sins”
“Farewell Ballad”

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