Episodes – Page 1401

Watch now: “Saturday Night Live”'s Cecily Strong raps with Travis Scott in SNL promo

Rosalind O’Connor/NBCTravis Scott is performing this weekend on Saturday Night Live, and in a promo for the show, cast member Cecily Strong comically tries to impress him with her rapping skills.

The Houston rapper will perform songs from his platinum Astroworld album on the show, which will be hosted by actress Awkwafina from Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s 8.

Scott is nominated in five categories for the BET Hip-Hop Awards: MVP of the Year, Hot Ticket Performer, Lyricist of the Year, Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style), and Hustler of the Year. The show tapes Saturday.

La Flame will also join SZA, Chance the Rapper, Miguel, and Ty Dolla $ign in performing at the Mac Miller tribute concert on October 31 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.

Scott, who’s featured on Juicy J’s new single, “Neighbor,” will hit the road on his Astroworld: Wish You Were Here tour which will kick off November 8 in Baltimore.

Boyz II Men's Nathan Morris discuss his passion for flipping houses on DIY network's Hit Properties

DIY NetworkNathan Morris is trading studio time for renovation projects, on his new DIY network series, Hit Properties With Nathan Morris.

Morris, one of the Grammy award-winning members of Boyz II Men, says that growing up, he always had a thing for real estate and home renovations.

“I’ve always wanted to invest in real estate and I’ve done some of that over the years,” Morris tells ABC Radio. “And my dad and family raised us to kind of be good with our hands. So, I was always into that construction, design, kind of thing.”

“We started doing some projects where we brought that that creative design side into the real estate side,” he adds. “And now I’m kind of investing and doing it all the same time.”

Although Morris has been working on renovations projects for a while now, not everyone — including his family — really knows the extent of his passion for flipping.

“Well, the funny is that I didn’t really tell them,” Morris say referring to his close friends and family. “A lot of people don’t really know. I’m, like, really private with a lot of things I do in my life because I’m old-school. I try [to] keep my personal life personal and private.”

He continues, “So there are some things that they’re probably going to see for the first time. Obviously my family knows that I’m capable, but…just them seeing me do it is a different thing.”

After his family sees him in action, Morris is expecting a lot of feedback.

“It’s going to be interesting,” he smiles. “I mean, I gonna get a lot of opinions too…Which is good, because that’s what it’s about.”

Hit Properties With Nathan Morris premieres Saturday, October 6 at 10:30 p.m. ET on the DIY network.

Offset surprises Cardi B with special Lambo SUV for her birthday

Theo Wargo/Getty Images for NYFW: The ShowsOffset just presented Cardi B with a very special early birthday present: a brand new Urus Lamborghini, And he found a unique way to surprise her.

Cardi was planning to fly to LA, so the Migos rapper sent her a fake message that he’d fainted and summoned her to their home in Atlanta. There, she was shocked to see the Lamborghini SUV hybrid sports car, which Offset claims is the first model in the United States.

“I’m just like, oh my God. What is going on?,” Cardi said in an Instagram video. “Look what I got here. Owww. I’m so happy. Now I’m really gonna have to learn how to drive. I’m happy. I’m just so happy and thankful.”

She told her husband, “I love you,” and he responded. “I love you, too.”

In a comment, Cardi playfully asked Offset not to surprise her like that again.

“I’m happy and mad at the same time,” she wrote. “I been crying and praying for like 2 hours. I love you babe thanks for the gift. Please don’t scare me again you know i suffer from anxiety.”

Cardi turns 26 on October 11.

As the “Bodak Yellow” rapper enjoys her unexpected present, her nemesis, Nicki Minaj, is trying to cash in on their alleged shoe-throwing incident. The Queen rapper is selling merchandise inspired by their Fashion Week confrontation. She’s offering fans backpacks, T-shirts, and jackets that say, ”Nicki Stopped My Bag.”

It’s a callback to an Instagram post on September 8, in which Cardi complained to Nicki, “I let you attempt to stop my bags.”

Listen now: Maxwell drops new single, “Shame,” as he continues his 50 Intimate Nights tour

Columbia RecordsMaxwell croons about a complicated relationship is his new single, “Shame,” which he dropped Friday.

The three-time Grammy winner sings, “You unlock my phone, you look through all my messages/You were lurkin’ at my life from a di-di-di-distance/You were checkin’ out the comments I was leavin’/Adding letters up, subtracting numbers, jumping to conclusions.”

“Social media has created an alternate world where people watch everything you do, including your failures,” Maxwell says, explaining the inspiration for the song. “They even often feel a sense of joy in your pain. This creates a barrier to real intimacy because we’re preoccupied with appearances; with measuring up to what society thinks we should be, how we should look, what we should have and what we should aspire to.”

“The song is about removing that mask of expectation and letting go of the shame of being real and vulnerable,” he continues. “The shadow of shame can only be broken when we unveil ourselves, and recognize that we that we are all human — flawed yet perfect, broken yet stronger with each obstacle.”

“Shame” is the first single from Maxwell’s upcoming sixth studio album, NIGHT, scheduled to be released in 2019. The album will wrap up his BLACKSUMMERS’NIGHT trilogy.

The singer from New York City kicked off his 50 Intimate Nights tour, featuring Marsha Ambrosius, on September 27 in Richmond, VA. It’ll continue through December 9 in New York City. Tour stops also include New Orleans, Atlanta, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Detroit.

Here are the remaining Maxwell 50 Intimate Nights Live tour dates:

10/5 — National Harbor, MD, The Theater at MGM National Harbor
10/6 — Baltimore, MD, MECU Pavilion
10/8 — Norfolk, VA, Chrysler Hall
10/9 — Charlotte, NC, Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
10/10 — Augusta, GA, Bell Auditorium
10/12 — Atlanta, GA, State Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
10/13 — Jacksonville, FL, Moran Theatre at Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts
10/14 — Mobile, AL, Saenger Theatre
10/16 — Orlando, FL, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
10/17 — Hollywood, FL, Hard Rock Live at the Event Center
10/18 — St. Petersburg, FL, Mahaffey Theater
10/20 — Huntsville, AL, Von Braun Center Concert Hall
10/21 — Jackson, MS, Thalia Mara Hall
10/24 — New Orleans, LA, Saenger Theatre
10/25 — Memphis, TN, Orpheum Theatre
10/27 — Irving, TX, The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
10/28 — Sugar Land, TX, Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
10/29 — San Antonio, TX, Majestic Theatre
11/1 — Phoenix, AZ, Comerica Theatre
11/2 — San Diego, CA, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
11/3 — Reno, NV, Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort
11/4 — Las Vegas, NV, The Pearl @ Palms Casino Resort
11/8 — Oakland, CA, Paramount Theatre
11/9 — Oakland, CA, Paramount Theatre
11/10 — Los Angeles, CA, Microsoft Theater
11/14 — Kansas City, MO, Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
11/15 — St. Louis, MO, Stifel Theatre
11/18 — Nashville, TN, Schermerhorn Symphony Center
11/20 — Milwaukee, WI, Riverside Theater
11/21 — Minneapolis, MN, State Theatre
11/23 — Louisville, KY, Louisville Palace
11/24 — Northfield, OH, Hard Rock Live
11/26 — Toronto, ON, Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
11/28 — Montclair, NJ, The Wellmont Theater
11/29 — Westbury, NY, NYCB Theatre At Westbury
12/1 — Detroit, MI, Fox Theatre
12/2 — Chicago, IL, Chicago Theatre
12/3 — Chicago, IL, Chicago Theatre
12/5 — Boston, MA, Orpheum Theatre
12/7 — Wallingford, CT, Toyota Oakdale Theatre
12/8 — Upper Darby, PA, Tower Theater
12/9 — New York, NY, Beacon Theatre

T.I. drops new album, “Dime Trap,” and “Wraith” video featuring Yo Gotti

Epic Records/Grand HustleT.I. dropped his tenth studio album, Dime Trap, on Friday, while also releasing the video for the track “Wraith,” featuring Yo Gotti.

The album, narrated by Dave Chappelle, contains 15 tracks, featuring Gotti, Meek Mill, Teyana Taylor, Anderson.Paak, Jeezy, YFN Lucci, Sam Hook, and Victoria Monet.

In an Instagram video recorded in the studio with Chappelle, TIP compared the album to the expert speaking events held by the TED organization, known as TED talks.

“This totally a collaboration. I‘m excited about it,” T.I. said. “The whole album is sort of like a TED talk. I’m just going through different scenarios, different environments, different vibes.”

“The fact that you described the album as TED Talk is already fire,” Chappelle chimed in .

Dime Trap is T.I.’s first album since the Atlanta’s rapper dropped Paperwork in 2014. The Grand Hustle Records CEO opened a pop-up trap music museum on September 30 in Atlanta to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his second solo album, Trap Muzik. The museum includes artwork inspired by a variety of artists, including 21 Savage, Rick Ross, Future, Gucci Mane, and the late Shawty Lo.

T.I. will also perform on the BET Hip-Hop Awards, being recorded October 6 at the Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami and airing October 16

Here’s the Dime Trap track list:

“Seasons” (ft. Sam Hook)
“Laugh At Em”
“Big Ole Drip” (ft. Jesse of Watch the Duck)
“Wraith” (ft. Yo Gotti)
“The Weekend” (ft. Young Thug)
“The Amazing Mr. F Up” (ft. Victoria Monet)
“At Least I Know” (ft. Anderson .Paak)
“What Can I Say”
“Jefe” (ft. Meek Mill)
“More & More” (ft. Jeezy)
“Pray for Me” (ft. YFN Lucci)
“Lookin Back”
“Light Day”
“You” (ft. Teyana Taylor)
“Be There” (ft. London Jae)

Chance the Rapper pledges a million bucks to boost mental health services in Chicago

ABC/Randy HolmesChance the Rapper is stepping up again to help folks in his hometown of Chicago, this time by pledging a million dollars to fund mental health services in Chi-Town.

ABC affiliate WLS reports the entertainer took the stage Thursday afternoon at the Chicago Cultural Center, where he staged the second annual summit for his charitable organization SocialWorks.

There, the rapper officially launched his My State of Mind initiative. “I’m proud to announce I am pledging $1 million to mental health services in Chicago,” the recording artist said to applause from the assembled crowd of educators, fans, and health services professionals.

Chance, who in 2017 pledged money to help boost Chicago’s public schools, also announced that he’s giving $100,000 to 20 other schools in the city. “We will be upping the game in terms of equity, in terms of what is rightfully yours. Principals, teachers, we got your back,” he said.

Mario evolves from singer to artist with his new solo album, “Dancing Shadows”

Pres RodriguezMario is making a comeback with his new album, Dancing Shadows, out today. He says the disc reflects his growth since he first started his career 16 years ago at the age of 16.

The “Let Me Love You” singer from Baltimore is releasing Dancing Shadows on his own New Citizen label. It’s been nine years since his previous album, 2009’s D.N.A. Mario says his new project demonstrates how he’s evolved as an artist.

“My actual vocal ability came from practicing and singing on a karaoke, imitating Boyz II Men. Imitating Michael Jackson as a kid,” he tells ABC Radio. “My voice being the foundation that got me started, but now growing into more of an artist. I’m playing drums on this album. I’m playing music on this album. I’m co-producing on this album.”

The 32-year-old entertainer says now that’s he’s discovered his musical direction, he was able to work with actual musicians on Dancing Shadows, instead of relying on computers.

“There’s live instrumentation,” Mario explains. “There’s, ‘Yo, I need a trumpet player to the studio ASAP for this eight-bar piece on the bridge.’ These things that are coming to life that has always been instilled with me, but I didn’t have the creative control to actually implement them into my music. Now I’m taking that on with this new album. “

Mario is also expanding his career with a recurring role on the new season of Empire.

After Beyonce performs, Jermaine Dupri will DJ the City of Hope Gala after party

Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Goldman Properties)Multi-talented Jermaine Dupri has excelled as an artist, producer, songwriter and music executive, and now he’ll be displaying his DJ skills at the City of Hope Gala after party in Santa Monica, California.

JD will be rocking the charity celebration at the Barker Hangar on October 11, following performances by Beyonce, Mary Mary, and more. Pharrell will serve as the host, and JAY-Z will present the Spirit of Life Award to Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Warner/Chappell Music.

The event benefits the City of Hope research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases

Three days following the gala, Dupri will kick off his So So Def CULTURAL CURREN$Y TOUR on October 14 in Washington, D.C. The lineup features Xscape, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, Anthony Hamilton, Bone Crusher, Youngbloodz, Dem Franchize Boyz, and J-Kwon.

Michelle Williams claps back at social media comments that she doesn’t look depressed

ABC/Ida Mae AstuteAfter revealing in July she had checked herself into a mental health facility, Michelle Williams is responding to social media comments accusing her of not looking depressed.

“It almost made me feel guilty for doing the work to feel better, look better and BE BETTER!!,” the former Destiny’s Child member said on Instagram of the comments.

“I began to wonder how long was I supposed to walk around looking like what I had been through,” she continued. “Now don’t get it twisted, I definitely looked and felt a mess, but I made the decision to get it together!! I look at new pictures of me now vs 10 weeks ago and I truly thank God for bringing me this far.”

The 38-year-old old singer has committed herself to mental health awareness, and hopes going public with her story will inspire others coping with depression.

“I just want to encourage someone to smile, get up, brush your teeth, comb your hair, shower, put some bronzer on, get a shape up, put some lotion on your ashy ankles, put something nice on,” she wrote.

“For those of you unfamiliar with someone going through something…pray before you speak or just smile at them and keep it moving. With love!!”

Williams will star with fiancé Chad Johnson in the reality series, Chad Loves Michelle, premiering Saturday, November 3 at 9 p.m. ET on OWN.

Warrant reportedly issued for The Game’s arrest after he fails to appear in court

Gabriel Olsen/Getty ImagesA federal warrant has reportedly been issued for the arrest of The Game, in connection with an earlier sex assault case.

Bossip reports that the Compton rapper is wanted after failing to appear in Illinois Federal Court. A woman named Priscilla Rainey has subpoenaed his company, Trees by Game LLC, for information on his financial assets.

Rainey already won a $7 million judgment against The Game in 2016; she sued him for assaulting her during a date in 2015 after they filmed an episode of his VH1 dating reality show, She’s Got Game.

The Game, born Jayceon Terrell Taylor, was ordered to pay compensatory damages of $1 million and $6 million in punitive damages. However, Rainey claims she has yet to be paid, and that he has ignored attempts to contact him, hence the subpoena.