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.
Don Everly of the influential early rock ‘n’ roll duo The Everly Brothers died Saturday at his home in Nashville at the age of 84. In the wake of his passing, musicians who were inspired by the duo’s music have taken to social media to post tribute messages in Don’s honor.
Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr posted an homage to Don and his younger brother and band mate, Phil, who died in 2014, on his Twitter that reads, “God bless Don and Phil the Everly brothers we loved them peace and love.” The message is accompanied by a vintage photos of The Beatles and The Everly Brothers together.
Founding Beach Boys member Brian Wilson also paid tribute to Don on his Twitter page. “I’m sad to hear about Don Everly passing,” Wilson wrote. “The Everly Brothers were a big influence on us and we learned a lot from their beautiful harmonies. Love & mercy to Don’s family.”
Meanwhile, Peter Framptontweeted, “I am so sad to hear about the loss of Don Everly. Both Phil and Don created songs and harmonies that changed music forever. You will be together again now. RIP Don and Phil.”
Here are tributes from some other notable music artists:
Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis: “The Everly Brothers are integral to the fabric of American music. Very few of us can say we were around at the beginning, and even fewer can say we’re still here. With my friend Don’s passing, I am reflective…reflective on a life full of wonderful friends, spectacular music and fond memories…God Bless Don Everly and long live Rock and Roll music.”
Don McLean: “I met the Everly Brothers in 1969 and asked them about Buddy Holly. Phil said Buddy took the plane so he could do his laundry. I think Buddy had other laundry to do as well. This started my thinking for ‘American Pie’ which I wrote later. Additionally, Don was a great lead singer and unique rhythm guitar player.”
Kinks guitarist Dave Davies: “Very sad day. Both of the Everlys were part of my musical life growing up. We were inspired by their wonderful records and their singing and their voices. ‘Wake Up Little [Susie]’ was my favorite as a kid.”
David Crosby: “[The Everly Brothers were the first] people who made me really love harmony…'[All I Have to Do Is] Dream.'”
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.
Ryan Reynolds‘ Free Guy had the distinction of having the best second-weekend performance of the pandemic era, but if you’re still not ready to go the theater, you’re in luck.
20th Century Studios has announced that the film is coming to digital sooner than expected, on September 28, and will debut on Blu-ray, DVD and 4K Ultra HD on October 12.
The movie has an audience score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, and has been “Certified Fresh” with critics on the review aggregator, with an 82%.
The home version of the film will be packed with special features, including deleted scenes, a gag reel and special featurettes, including one with Taika Waititi‘s endless ad-libbing for his character Antwan, and another that lets viewers explore Free City, main character Guy’s hometown — which he comes to realize is actually a video game.
20th Century Studios is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.
(NEW YORK) — Mayim Bialik is the first guest host for the syndicated version of “Jeopardy!” amid Mike Richards’ exit.
Sony Pictures Television confirmed the news to ABC News Monday, noting that she is currently scheduled to tape three weeks of episodes, totaling 15 episodes, when production resumes this week.
The production company also said additional guest hosts will be announced as production on the upcoming 38th season of the quiz show continues.
The “Big Bang Theory” alum, who was announced earlier this month as the new host for “Jeopardy!” primetime specials and spin-offs, with Richards tapped to host the syndicated version before he announced Friday he was stepping away “effective immediately” amid resurfaced controversial remarks.
Bialik guest hosted “Jeopardy!” earlier this year from May 31 to June 11.
Richards announced he was departing as host in an internal note to “Jeopardy!” staff.
“It pains me that these past incidents and comments have cast such a shadow on Jeopardy! as we look to start a new chapter,” Richards, who remains an executive producer of the program, began.
He added that he was “deeply honored” to be asked to serve as the permanent replacement for Alex Trebek, who died last November after a years-long battle with pancreatic cancer, but it had “become clear that moving forward as host would be too much of a distraction for our fans and not the right move for the show.”
Sony Pictures Entertainment, who said in a statement to ABC News they were “surprised” to learn of Richards’ past comments, is looking for a new permanent host for the syndicated game show.
“I want to apologize to each of you for the unwanted attention that has come to Jeopardy! over the last few weeks and for the confusion and delays this is now causing,” Richards concluded. “I know I have a lot of work to do to regain your trust and confidence.”
Richards came under fire last week after a report from The Ringer exposed past disparaging comments made about women on “The Randumb Show,” a podcast he hosted from 2013 to 2014, the recordings of which have since been deleted. Richards has apologized for the comments.
The report also brought to light a 2010 lawsuit in which a former model on “The Price Is Right,” during Richards’ tenure on that program, alleged her contract was not renewed after she gave birth. Of the discrimination case, which was settled out of court without any admitting of wrongdoing, Richards said the allegations “don’t reflect the reality of who I am.”
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.
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.
(NEW YORK) — In a blistering farewell address to constituents on Monday, a defiant New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo blasted the State Attorney General’s five-month investigation that found he sexually harassed multiple women, calling it a “political firecracker” that triggered an “unfair and unjust” rush to judgment against him.
The 63-year-old Cuomo is set to leave office at 11:59 p.m. Monday, and his replacement, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, will be sworn in as New York’s first woman governor at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday by the state’s chief judge, Janet DiFiore, in a private ceremony at the state capitol in Albany.
But in a noon address, Cuomo used the opportunity to slam the allegations against him and tout his accomplishments as governor.
“Let me say now that when government politicizes allegations and the headlines condemn without facts, you undermine the justice system and that doesn’t serve women and it doesn’t serve men or society,” Cuomo said. “I understand that there are moments of intense political pressure and media frenzy that cause a rush to judgment, but that is not right. It’s not fair or sustainable. Facts still matter.”
Cuomo, who has insisted he did not touch anyone inappropriately, announced his resignation on Aug. 13, ten days after State Attorney General Letitia James made public the results of an investigation she alleged found the governor sexually harassed multiple women, including current and former state employees, and had retaliated against one of his accusers.
“A firecracker can start a stampede, but at one point everyone looks around and says, ‘Why are we running?'” The truth is ultimately always revealed,” Cuomo said. “The attorney general’s report was designed to be a political firecracker on an explosive topic and it worked. There was a political and media stampede but the truth will (come) out in time. Of that I am confident.”
Cuomo also sought to establish a legacy beyond the allegations that drove him from office, saying, “No governor in the nation has passed more progressive measures than I have.” He listed his accomplishments, including a refurbished LaGuardia Airport, a new Penn Station transportation terminal in New York City and marriage equality as cornerstones to what he called a “new paradigm of government that actually works.”
He offered advice for the pandemic that made him a national figure for the empathy and seriousness he showed during his daily press briefings on the crisis. And he reminded listeners that under his leadership, “We faced up to the facts and we made the tough but necessary decisions.”
Cuomo acknowledged that at midnight Kathy Hochul will become governor and said “I believe she will step up to the challenge.”
But he returned to the scandal that has led to his dramatic downfall.
“Now there are moments in life that test our character, that asks us are we the person we believe we are or are we the person we try to be at our best. You know me, I am a fighter and my instinct is to fight this because it is unfair and unjust in my mind,” Cuomo said.
“But you also know that I love New York and I serve you,” he said. “That is the oath that I took. And in this moment, I believe the right thing is that my service comes first. Prolonging this situation could only cause governmental paralysis and that is just not an option for you and not an option for the state, especially now.”
He began his last day on the job Monday with his top aid releasing a statement on his behalf, saying Cuomo “has no interest in running for office again.”
Melissa DeRosa, secretary to the governor, issued a statement on Cuomo’s immediate plans when he leaves the job he claimed a decade ago, one once held by his late father, Mario Cuomo.
DeRosa said that Cuomo has spent nearly 25 years in public service, from being secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Clinton administration in the 1990s to getting elected state attorney general in 2006 and serving as governor since 2010.
“And the way he does it, it’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” said DeRosa, whose resignation on Aug. 8 as the most powerful unelected bureaucrat in state government will also take effect Monday night. “He looks forward to spending time with his family and has a lot of fishing to catch up on. He is exploring a number of options, but has no interest in running for office again.”
Over the weekend, Cuomo sought to show he was in control until the end as he presided over briefings on Tropical Storm Henri. He requested his emergency management team remain in place and said Hochul had been briefed despite her absence from the news conferences.
Attempting to keep reporters “on topic,” Cuomo asked that questions be limited to the storm.
“We’re dealing with an emergency and New Yorkers want to hear about an emergency,” Cuomo said.
The first question he took was whether he still planned to resign on Monday.
“And, yes, my final day is [Monday],” Cuomo said during a news briefing Sunday.
Unlike Cuomo, who honed his political instincts at the hip of his father, Hochul’s political career began on a town council in Western New York. She briefly served in Congress and has been lieutenant governor for seven years.
“I’m excited about this,” Hochul said last week during a visit to New York City’s Queens borough. “I’m excited about this opportunity. I’m very prepared for this.”
A public swearing-in ceremony will be held for Hochul at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday in the Red Room of the state capitol building. But she wasted no time in announcing the first two appointments of her administration, picking Karen Persichilli Keogh, a former senior aid to Hillary Rodham Clinton, as Secretary to the Governor and Elizabeth Fine, executive vice president and General Counsel of Empire State Development (New York’s economic development agency), as Counsel to the Governor.
Once she takes office, among Hochul’s first tasks will be appointing a new lieutenant governor and she has said it would be someone from a New York City borough. She has signaled there would be “turnover” from the Cuomo administration, particularly among those in the Executive Chamber that were named in the state attorney general’s report as enabling Cuomo’s alleged harassment.
“I’m looking forward at the right time to introducing the members of my administration,” Hochul said.
Another priority is the pandemic and repopulating the depleted ranks of the state’s health department.
Hochul said the state has the authority to mandate masks in schools statewide and has said she believes “we will need mask mandates for children to go back to school … and that will have to be universal, it will be statewide.”
Kacey Musgraves is star-crossedin 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 withproducers 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.
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 threephotos 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.
