VIDEO: Legendary Blues Singer Etta James Dies in California
Despite the reputation she cultivated, she would always be remembered best for 'At Last'
2012-01-20
Robert Jablon The Associated Press
In real life, little about James was as genteel as that song. The platinum blonde's first hit was a saucy R&B number about sex, and she was known as a hell-raiser who had tempestuous relationships with her family, her men and the music industry. Then she spent years battling a drug addiction that she admitted sapped away at her great talents. Read the complete article
Cassow: Conquering The World One Beat at a Time
Living the Hip Hop Life
2012-01-15
By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News
Portland rising hip hop star Cassow talked to The Skanner about life, music and what's next. Read the complete article
Aretha Franklin to Headline Essence Fest
New Orleans event in July will be one of nation’s largest gatherings of Black artists
2012-01-12
Chevel Johnson The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Newly engaged queen of soul Aretha Franklin is headlining this summer's Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, and its other top performers include Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Stephanie Mills, Charlie Wilson and Keyshia Cole. Read the complete article
Lil Wayne Writing Prison Memoir
“Gone Till November” will detail rapper’s eight months at Rikers Island in 2010
2012-01-12
NEW YORK (AP) -- Lil Wayne is offering a literary tour of his prison days. Read the complete article
Steven Tyler to Supreme Court: Watch the Language
Aerosmith and ‘Idol’ star says creativity is lost when swearing becomes rampant
2012-01-10
Lynn Elber AP Television Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- If the U.S. Supreme Court is willing to listen, rocker Steven Tyler has something "old school" to say about nudity and profanity on broadcast TV. Read the complete article
Jay-Z Raps About Birth of Daughter With Beyonce
The song "Glory" gives fans details on Blue Ivy, including the fact Beyonce had miscarriage at one point
2012-01-09
Nekesa Mumbi Moody AP Music Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- Through a rap verse, Jay-Z has confirmed the birth of "the most beautiful girl in the world" - his newborn daughter.
Read the complete article
US Album Sales Rise for First Time Since 2004
Increase in digital avenues finally making up for drop in CD buying
2012-01-05
Ryan Nakashima AP Business Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- U.S. album sales rose more than 3 percent last year for the first gain since 2004 - a sign that rising digital sales are finally stemming the decade-long decline of compact discs. Read the complete article
VIDEO: Senegal Music Star Ndour Makes Bid for Presidency
The election is less than two months away, and the incumbent president has been in power for more than a decade
2012-01-03
Sadibou Marone The Associated Press
Ndour, who made the announcement late Monday on his private radio and TV stations, joins some 20 other candidates already running against President Abdoulaye Wade. Read the complete article
VIDEO: LA Coroner Says Heavy D Died of Natural Causes
Weight and a transcontinental jet flight were contributing factors
2011-12-27
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles coroner's office says Jamaican-born rapper Heavy D died of natural causes. Read the complete article
Editor Ousted Over Racial Slur Against Rihanna
Eva Hoeke, editor of "Jackie," and the magazine's publisher said in a joint statement on Facebook that they used the n-word - 'although without malicious intentions'
2011-12-22
AMSTERDAM (AP) -- The editor of a Dutch fashion magazine has been fired after the publication used a racial slur to refer to Barbados-born Rihanna, setting off a social media furor and prompting an outraged response from the singer. Read the complete article