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The Year in Music 2025: Most notable comebacks in hip-hop and R&B

December 26, 2025 by WDNY Radio

“Don’t call it a comeback, I been here for years.” That’s what LL Cool J famously declared on his hit “Mama Said Knock You Out.” The lyric feels fitting in 2025, a year marked by quite a few musical returns.

– After 15 years away, Keri Hilson returned with “Bae,” the lead single from We Need to Talk: Love, her first independent release and the beginning of a three-part series. We Need to Talk: Drama followed in September, with Redemption forthcoming.

– Pusha T and Malice officially reunited for Let God Sort Em Out, their first album together in over 15 years. Led by “Ace Trumpets” and “So Be It,” it has been nominated for best rap album and album of the year at the 2026 Grammys.

– Miguel returned with Caos, an album shaped by eight years of personal upheaval and self-reflection. It serves as the follow-up to 2017’s War & Leisure.

– Though she last released a studio album in 2018, Mýa stayed active with EPs before returning in 2025 with two singles, “Face to Face” and “Give It to Me.” The songs are a preview of her upcoming album.

– Teyana Taylor ended her retirement with the visual album Escape Room, which earned her her first Grammy nomination for best R&B album.

Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It series can be credited for several other iconic returns in 2025:

– Slick Rick released Victory, his first album since 1999, teaming with Nas and executive producer Idris Elba. The visual album, written and recorded across London and France, premiered at the Tribeca Festival.

– Raekwon followed with The Emperor’s New Clothes, his first album in eight years, featuring Nas, Westside Gunn, Method Man and Ghostface Killah.

– Havoc assembled Infinite, the final Mobb Deep album, using unreleased verses from the late Prodigy. Produced with The Alchemist, it marked the group’s first release since 2014.

– De La Soul released Cabin in the Sky, their first album in nine years, honoring late member Trugoy the Dove. Nas, Common and Killer Mike are among those who appeared on the project.

Shinedown shares ‘Hundred % Human’ teaser

December 26, 2025 by WDNY Radio

Is Shinedown set to celebrate the new year with new music?

The “Second Chance” rockers are teasing something called “Hundred % Human” in a Facebook post. The band adds in the caption, “Coming Soon…”

If “Hundred % Human” is indeed the name of a new Shinedown song, it will follow the group’s four 2025 singles: “Three Six Five,” “Dance, Kid, Dance,” “Killing Fields” and “Searchlight.”

The most recent Shinedown album is 2022’s Planet Zero.

Robert Irwin thinks Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce should wed at Australia Zoo

December 26, 2025 by WDNY Radio

Nobody knows where or when Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are getting married, but if they’re looking for unique venue that would be tough for her fans to track down, Dancing with the Stars champ Robert Irwin has a suggestion.

In an advance clip of ABC News’ 15th annual year-end special THE YEAR: 2025, hosted by Good Morning America‘s Robin Roberts, the wildlife conservationist proposes that the couple tie the knot at his family’s Australia Zoo in Queensland, about 50 miles south of Brisbane.

“You know what’d really, in my opinion, just absolutely make that wedding is if it was an Australian wedding,” Irwin said. “One of the things that we do that is the most popular is weddings at Australia Zoo. We have hosted many.”

“We have this beautiful, and I mean beautiful, location overlooking the African savanna, where rhinos and giraffes are just frolicking out in the open, in the wild,” he continued. “And you get married over that, and it’s stunning.”

“So Travis and Taylor, hit me up! I got you!” he joked.

Taylor was in the house at Arrowhead Stadium on Christmas Day as Travis played what could be his second-to-last game of the season. The Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Denver Broncos, and afterward Travis was asked whether it might have been his final game at Arrowhead amid growing speculation that he may retire after this season.

“The only time it ever crossed my mind was when I was driving in the other day and I saw how much the Powerball was, and I was like, ‘Man. If I could just win that. I wouldn’t have to work another day in my life!” said the man who’s engaged to a billionaire.

The Cure multi-instrumentalist Perry Archangelo Bamonte dead at 65

December 26, 2025 by WDNY Radio

The Cure multi-instrumentalist Perry Archangelo Bamonte has died. He was 65.

“It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas,” The Cure writes in a post to their website Friday. “Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm hearted and vital part of The Cure story.”

Bamonte joined The Cure full-time in 1990 and played guitar, keyboards and six-string bass on albums including 1992’s Wish. He left the band after 14 years but later rejoined in 2022. His last performance with The Cure was their November 2024 show in London, which celebrated the release of the band’s comeback album, Songs of a Lost World.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family,” The Cure says. “He will be very greatly missed.”

Delaware state trooper hailed as hero after being shot from behind, killed at DMV

December 26, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(NEW CASTLE, Del.) — A state trooper was killed after authorities say a customer at a DMV location in Delaware opened fire on the law enforcement officer from behind while he was sitting at a reception desk.

Cpl. Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, 34, of Hockessin, Delaware, a 10-year veteran of the Delaware State Police, was killed in Tuesday’s shooting, the agency said.

The suspected shooter was fatally shot by a responding police officer, according to Delaware State Police. The suspect was identified by police on Friday as 44-year-old Rahman Rose, of Wilmington.

The suspect approached Snook a short time after entering the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles in New Castle and allegedly shot him from behind with a handgun, according to Delaware State Police.

Snook managed to push a DMV employee out of harm’s way and told the individual to run as the suspect allegedly continued firing at him, according to state police.

Snook was transported to a local hospital, where he died, according to Delaware State Police spokesperson Cpl. Raushan Rich.

“We lost a brother, a son, best friend, a coach, a husband and a father,” Col. William Crotty, Superintendent of Delaware State Police, said at a press briefing Tuesday night. “Our trooper loved his community. He served with honor and integrity, and his life was cut short by senseless violence.”

“His last actions were that of a hero – a hero who saved lives today while sacrificing his own,” he added.

Snook was described as a dependable, professional and committed trooper by state police.

Multiple agencies responded to the shooting, which occurred Tuesday afternoon, police said.

“Rose allowed customers to leave the building and remained inside waiting for responding law enforcement,” Delaware State Police said in a statement. “As officers arrived, Rose fired multiple rounds at law enforcement as they approached the building.”

A New Castle County police officer shot Rose through a window from outside the DMV, according to state police.

The suspect was transported to an area hospital, where he died, according to Rich.

Several people sustained non-gunshot-related injuries, including a second trooper and a 40-year-old woman, according to Rich. A 35-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath and declined transport to a hospital, he said.

“What happened today was an act of pure evil, and if not for the heroism of several troopers and other officers, the consequences could have been so much worse,” Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer said at the press briefing.

Snook was working an overtime assignment at the time. He is survived by his wife and their one-year-old daughter, officials said.

“Our DSP family extends its deepest condolences to the Snook family. We are forever grateful to them for sharing ‘Ty’ with us and for the sacrifices they made in support of his service to the citizens of Delaware,” state police said.

Police have not released any details on an alleged motive in the shooting, which remains under investigation.

Watch Kelly Clarkson fly in a sleigh and HUNTR/X sing a Christmas carol on Netflix’s ‘NFL Christmas GameDay’

December 26, 2025 by WDNY Radio

If you weren’t tuned into Netflix’s NFL Christmas GameDay on Dec. 25, you missed performances by Kelly Clarkson and Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami and EJAE, the singing voices of KPop Demon Hunters‘ HUNTR/X. But that’s okay — the performances are now available to watch on YouTube.

Kelly kicked off the festivities arriving in a flying sleigh for a performance of her holiday hit “Underneath the Tree.” She then stepped off and continued to sing while various plays appeared to burst out of wrapped presents under a giant tree.

As for HUNTR/X, they switched things up by not performing “Golden.” Instead, they sang the popular carol “The 12 Days of Christmas,” arranging it so it sounded like a K-pop song.

Their performance was part of Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party, which also featured rapper Snoop Dogg, country star Lainey Wilson, opera singer Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli.

There were also a couple of football games taking place. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions, while the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders.

Born to lose, live to win: Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister died 10 years ago

December 26, 2025 by WDNY Radio

Motörhead frontman Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister died on Dec. 28, 2015 — 10 years ago Sunday.

Lemmy formed Motörhead in 1975 alongside guitarist Larry Wallis and drummer Lucas Fox after playing in the band Hawkwind. Wallis and Fox were then replaced by guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke and drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, who, along with Lemmy, made up the classic “Three Amigos” Motörhead lineup.

Early Motörhead albums including 1979’s Overkill and Bomber and 1980’s Ace of Spades, which spawned the iconic title track, helped pave the way for the new wave of British heavy metal movement alongside bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.

Lemmy was known for his gravelly voice, muttonchops and prominent moles. His onstage presence contributed to Motörhead’s energetic live shows, which were captured on the celebrated 1981 live album No Sleep ’til Hammersmith.

Following the departures of Clarke and Taylor, Motörhead went through several lineup changes before landing on a trio of Lemmy, guitarist Phil “Wizzö” Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee, which remained in place from 1995. Motörhead continued to put out new albums on a consistent basis, concluding with their 22nd studio effort, 2015’s Bad Magic.

Outside of Motörhead, Lemmy was a cowriter on Ozzy Osbourne‘s 1991 album, No More Tears, including on the songs “Mama, I’m Coming Home” and “Hellraiser.” Motörhead also recorded their own version of “Hellraiser.”

Lemmy, who was known for his hard-partying ways, developed a number of health issues in his later years. On Dec. 26, 2015, two days after his 70th birthday, he was diagnosed with cancer. He died two days later.

Upon Lemmy’s death, Motörhead officially disbanded, though archival recordings continue to be released. Lemmy’s ashes were sent to a number of his close friends, including Metallica‘s James Hetfield.

Snoop Dogg takes over Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings game with ‘Holiday Halftime Party’

December 26, 2025 by WDNY Radio

Who needs Santa on Christmas when you have a performance from Snoop Dogg?

Snoop entertained fans Thursday with his Holiday Halftime Party, part of Netflix‘s NFL Christmas Day telecast. The performance took place at halftime of the matchup between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings and began with an introduction from Snoop’s longtime friend Martha Stewart, who put her own spin on the classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

“I sprung from my bed and said, ‘What is cracking?’ Hailing from the one and only LBC, give it up for Snoop D -O- Double G,” Martha said as she flipped the pages to a book with illustrations of Snoop.

Snoop then emerged dressed in a red suit and coat, performing songs including “The One and Only,” “My Favorite Things” and “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang.” He was backed by an orchestra, a marching band and dancers.

Huntr/x, the trio behind Netflix’s Kpop Demon Hunters movie, joined Snoop for a pop rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” and then Lainey Wilson followed with “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” arriving in a white sleigh. Andrea Bocelli later took the stage with his son Matteo Bocelli to duet on “White Christmas.”

The Vikings defeated the Lions 23-10.

Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris marks band’s 50th anniversary: ‘It’s an achievement’

December 26, 2025 by WDNY Radio

Iron Maiden celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2025, and founding bassist/songwriter Steve Harris reflects on the milestone in a statement to Kerrang!

“It’s pretty incredible when you think about it, but we don’t think about it too much,” Harris says. “The band don’t really say, ‘Wow, this is 50 years!’ It’s brought to us by other people like management or whoever is making a bigger fuss about it. We just do what we do.”

“But it is a long, long time,” Harris continues. “It’s an achievement. We won’t harp on about it ourselves, but we’re aware of that. And long may it continue.”

Maiden has certainly accomplished a lot in the last half-century, though there are still one or two things they’d like to check off their bucket list.

“There are a couple of countries here and there we’d still like to get to,” Harris says. “Like, we were once supposed to play Bangkok, but three weeks before there was a military coup and we had to cancel. Maybe one day we’ll drag the Iron Maiden plane out again to go and do them, because that makes those shows a lot easier!”

As for how many years past 50 Maiden will continue, Harris says, “I’m not thinking about retirement, but we all know that it’s coming at some point when you’ll be forced into it by one thing or another.”

“I still stay fit, playing football and tennis and things, but you never know what’s coming round the corner,” Harris says. “That’s why you’ve got to make the most of this while you can, going out enjoy every gig for the sake of it. I’ve been saying that for the last 10 years, but it’s truer now than ever.”

Maiden will launch a North American tour in August.

Police seize 55 pounds of meth wrapped as Christmas presents in Kentucky drug bust

December 26, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(JEFFERSONTOWN, Ky.) — Santa was not the only one trying to deliver Christmas surprises this year.

Police say they confiscated 55 pounds of suspected methamphetamine wrapped in Christmas paper Monday during a narcotics investigation in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, right outside of Louisville.

Jacob Talamantes, 23, of Nebraska, was arrested after a police K9 alerted officers to the presence of illicit drugs in Talamantes’ 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, according to a press release from the Jeffersontown Police Department. Police say they found the festively wrapped methamphetamine packages in the vehicle.

According to police, Talamantes tried to walk away from the officers but was detained. Additionally, he allegedly told officers that he was traveling from Iowa and intended to traffic the drugs.

The Jeffersontown Police Department Chief Richard Sanders decried the crime.

“No amount of festive wrapping can disguise the harm these drugs inflict on families and communities. The coordinated efforts of partner agencies ensured these holiday-wrapped packages never reached the streets,” Sanders said in a Facebook post.

Talamantes is charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, according to police. The charge is a felony, per state law.

Jeffersontown Police credited the Kentucky State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their assistance in the investigation.

Attorney information for Talamantes was not immediately available, but he is expected to next appear in court on Friday, Jan. 2, per court documents.

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