An industry insider has given the following information concerning the singer’s recent career move, “There is no doubt that Jess is a force to be reckoned with in British music. Her songs have been wildly successful. But there hasn’t been a massive pick-up outside Europe. Now she feels like it is the time to branch out.”  

In January a source from The Sun reported that Glynne had split from Atlantic Records due to a disagreement concerning her sound and future releases, amidst the issues the singer also disbanded from her management team. Glynne’s label change then made her available to team up with Jay-Z’s hugely successful firm, the newspaper’s source also reported that the singer attended meetings in Los Angeles to discuss her musical future with Roc Nation.   

The source continued to discuss the news, “She wanted to change up her sound and people should expect something different from her when she returns. But given her obvious talents when it comes to singing and songwriting, Roc Nation is confident there are even bigger and better things on the horizon for Jess.”  

Glynne first rose to fame after signing with Atlantic Records in 2014 when her tremendous talent was heard as a featured artist on the Clean Bandit single “Rather Be”. The single was released on 17th January 2014 and reached number one within the UK singles charts; the track also won Best Dance Recording at the 2015 Grammy Awards.   

The singer has also achieved great acclaim as a solo artist, with Glynne having released two studio albums. Her debut album, I Cry When I Laugh, was released on 21st August 2015 and became a worldwide success. The album peaked at number one within the UK albums charts and sired six singles, including two songs that reached number one. The first hit single, “Hold My Hand” was released on 20th March 2015 and was featured on the soundtrack for Bridget Jones’ Baby. The second number one single, “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself”, was released on 14th August 2015 and was the fourth track to be released from the album. 

Rumours concerning the London born songstress’ new material has been circulating since the news of her label move was reported. The singer’s move to Roc Nation will surely benefit Glynne’s sound, as the conglomerate offers multiple services including media relations, touring support, merchandising opportunities and publishing. Founded in 2008 by Jay Z, the record label is home to a roster of music’s most influential and popular artists including Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Megan Thee Stallion and Rhianna.   

Despite its disuse in the courtroom as of yet, limits have been placed on the musical freedoms of drill artists, where Digga D among other rappers were under a CBO order that required them to submit lyrics to the police before their release. But now, the community is fighting back.

Civil liberty campaigners and activists alike have now pushed the CPS to perform a “listening exercise” to unpack how trials can be unfairly affected by drill lyrics, as well as stereotypes around Black men. Nick Federici, a youth worker at the Pythian Club, told the BBC that drill is misunderstood as a cause of violence: “Drill is just the youth expressing themselves,” he said. “Drill doesn’t cause crime in deprived areas. It’s poverty, it’s envy, it’s so many other things going on, underlying issues.”

While drill may not directly caused violence itself in his belief, Federici acknowledges that drill may accelerate the occurance of inevitable violence: “Obviously if somebody gets on a song and calls my name out and tells me this and that, it’s going to provoke me,” he said.

Eithne Quinn is an academic from the University of Manchester, who has been a rap expert in court cases for a number of years. Her take is that “any new guidance to prosecutors that restricts the flow of rap into our courtrooms will be very welcome.

wtf is wrong with the grammys

— blonde don (@machinegunkelly) November 23, 2021

This year’s more prestigious categories in the general field (best album, best new artist, record of the year and song of the year) see a lot of big names, none of which crop up more regularly than Olivia Rodrigo, who has been nominated for each with her viral sensation ‘drivers license’ from here 2021 album Sour. The usual suspects of Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, H.E.R., Taylor Swift, and Kanye West also receive nods throughout the categories. Mercury Prize winner Arlo Parks and recent record breakers Glass Animals also get fitting mentions in the Best New Artist bracket.

The Album of The Year, and Best Rap Song categories also bring their fair share of controversy. Kanye West has been nominated for his effort on DONDA, released earlier this year. These days it’s seemingly impossible for Kanye to go through an album cycle without something landing in the headlines. This time, the spotlight has been placed on his expansive feature list. Specifically, the appearance of recently cancelled Marilyn Manson, who also has a nod for Best Rap Song on West’s track “Jail”. His position on the album has led to many questioning whether or not he should be involved in the award ceremony after being accused of sexual assault by multiple women. The academy’s CEO Mason Harvey Jr. said this about his inclusion, “We won’t look back at people’s history, we won’t look at their criminal record, we won’t look at anything other than the legality within our rules of, is this recording for this work-eligible based on date and other criteria,” he added. “If it is, they can submit for consideration.”.

Jay-Z makes history with this announcement, picking up 2 separate nominations in the Best Rap Song category. Featuring on “Jail” with Kanye West, and “Bath Salts” alongside DMX and Nas, takes the rappers total Grammy nominations up to a record-breaking 83. He surpassed Beatles legend Paul McCartney to take the title after he has only gained 81 nominations so far, renowned producer Quincy Jones sits in 3^rd place with a meagre 80 Grammy nominations. Of the 83 nominations Jay-Z has bagged so far, he has won 23.

Many other oddities come from this year’s nominees. ABBA was nominated for the first time in their 48 year careers, BTS fans are shocked at the group’s singular mention despite the group themselves seeming incredibly grateful, and notice a distinct lack of British music on the list. Arlo Parks, Major Lazer, and Paul McCartney are basically the only Brits to land in any major categories. See all the nominations here.

This is a huge honor Thanks to everyone who supports our music journey! @RecordingAcad #GRAMMYs #BTS #방탄소년단 pic.twitter.com/l10x0LrDMq

— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) November 24, 2021

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The 2021 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony took place on Saturday 30th October in Cleveland, this year saw the ceremony return as a live event after previous years live-streamed due to COVID-19. The night also boasted an array of special guests, memorable performances and of course the winning inductees and more awards. During the induction of Foo Fighters McCartney took the stage to sing their praises. The former Beatle gave his impassioned speech before closing the evening with an unforgettable performance. McCartney and the Foo Fighters concluded the ceremony with a now legendary rendition of the Beatles track “Get Back”. The performance saw McCartney and frontman Dave Grohl showcase their vocal prowess.

Within McCartney’s speech, the singer drew comparisons between himself and former Nirvana drummer, Dave Grohl. He noted the similar journeys which both have taken and the tragedies in which they both suffered. In 1980 the world stood still when it was announced that Beatles member John Lennon had been shot. Grohl also lost a friend and bandmate, fourteen years after Lennon’s death the news of Kurt Cobain’s suicide left everyone in shock. Before they took the podium to make their own speeches, the Foo Fighters performed three of their most loved tracks, “Best Of You”, “Everlong” and “My Hero”.

 

 

 

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McCartney discussed the pair’s connection, “I fell into rock and roll, I joined a group. My group was the Beatles. Like I say, the world changed. Dave did a similar kind of thing. He joined a group, Nirvana. We had a great time with our groups, but then eventually tragedy happened, and my group broke up, The same happened with Dave: His group broke up under tragic circumstances. And so then the question is, what do you do now? And we both were presented with that question. In my case, I thought, Well, I’ll make an album where I play all the instruments myself. So I did that. Dave’s group broke up, what’s he to do? He makes an album where he plays all the instruments himself. Do you think this guy’s stalking me?”

Another highlight of the evening was the induction of powerhouse Jay-Z, the artist’s introduction video included a list of the world’s most talented individuals. The video featured Beyonce, Samuel L. Jackson and comedian Chris Rock with the official induction speech given by Dave Chappelle. However, the real surprise came after the video. A pre-recorded message by former President Barack Obama left audience members in awe.

The politician had this to say, “I’ve turned to Jay-Z’s words at different points in my life, whether I was brushing dirt off my shoulder on the campaign trail, or sampling his lyrics on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the 50th anniversary of the Selma march to Montgomery, Today, Jay-Z is one of the most renowned artists in history and an embodiment of the American dream, a dream he has helped make real for other young people like him.”

Other inductees included Tina Turner, Carole King, The Go-Gos and Todd Rundgren. Other winners included Clarence Avant, who was given the Ahmet Ertegun Award. The prize is given to those who not performing industry professionals but who still embody passion and hold musical influence. The Musical Excellence Award was given to three highly influential acts, LL Cool J, Billy Preston and Randy Rhodes. The Early Influence Award was handed to pioneers Kraftwerk, Charley Patton and icon Gil Scott Heron famed for his poem, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”.

The ceremony is available to watch on HBO on 20^th November, the event can also be streamed via HBO Max.

The app has worked with American artist L.A. Migiotto on the new series. The digital virtual reality platform and Migiotto have teamed up to create 10 assembles.
The app’s pieces have been re-imagined from never-before-seen images and artwork from the chosen musical artists. Terra Virtua’s website has provided the following statement concerning their exciting new partnership. “Fuelled by a very modern obsession, L.A. Migiotto gained access to the Lyons Archive, a vast photographic treasure chest, chronicling over 30 years of celebrity from candid shots, to infamous moments in time. From this gold mine, Migiotto has curated images of icons such as Bowie, Madonna, Jagger and Winehouse – figures the world has elevated to levels of unattainable perfection, previously reserved for those depicted in myths, legend and fiction. While to many they are heroes, in just one moment they can be made the villain… Migiotto’s work seeks to question, who created them? Was it us, as a society? Do we have as much influence over them as they have over us.”

L.A. Migiotto has LANDED!! Witness the evolution of celebrity! Iconic paparazzi shots transformed into beautiful animated #NFTs

Amy Winehouse, Britney, Jagger, Bono, Sir Elton and more RIGHT NOW https://t.co/UMgBo6ba7h #NFTdrop #NFT #nftart #NFT #nftcollectors $TVK pic.twitter.com/dzZhkBpHVG

— Terra Virtua $TVK | Collecting. Reinvented. (@terra_virtua) September 3, 2021

The purpose of an NFT or a non-fungible token is to store data, the NFT is a unit of data that is then stored on a digital ledger. The ledger is often called a blockchain and exists to certify the digital asset (files and information that is in a digital format and includes the right to use) to enable the asset to be distinctive and thus non-interchangeable.
Terra Virtua is often regarded as a new and exciting format in which fans can boost their passion and own un-breakable collectables of their favourite artists and interests.

The CEO at Terra Virtua, Gary Bracey has given the following statement regarding the new collection and the platforms new alliance with Migiotto. “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for us. Our collaboration with Lyons Gallery provides another exciting platform for us to showcase the breadth and quality of Terra Virtua’s digital collectables. It’s fascinating to see how this collection of images, of icons from past and present, have been brought to life by L.A. Migiotto and we look forward to building on this partnership in future.”

The complete collection was made accessible on 2nd September 2021 at 5 PM via the Terra Virtua marketplace. The full collection includes a list of iconic figures from various genres of music including David Bowie, Sir Mick Jagger, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Madonna, Amy Winehouse, Mariah Carey, Jay Z, Iggy Pop and Sir Elton John. The website has affixed the collection’s piece staring Sir John with this description. “With his ‘dressing-up box’ the envy of the world, Elton has taken on many guises from Louis XIV to Rocket Man with as much added glitter as you can handle. In real life existing in a bubble of success – outside the chaos of reality – but still feeling the itch of the universe calling for more. Are the successful ever satisfied as they battle against the insatiability of the ‘id’.”

A press release provides the following statement concerning the new series: “the relationship society as an audience has with these figures”. The statement describes the collection’s representation of Bowie. (The piece) “draws on images from NASA expeditions in an ode to Starman, Major Tom and Ziggy Stardust.”

This is not Terra Virtua’s only exciting project, the pioneering digital platform recently made headlines with a historical venture. The app acquired the exclusive rights to the popular film ‘Godzilla Vs. Kong‘, making it the first NFT to be released in accordance with a major motion picture.

Click here to see the full collection.

The lineup includes British urban powerhouses, such as Skepta, Bugzy Malone and Not3s. A host of performers from across the Atlantic, most notably Tyga, Rae Sremmurd and Rich the Kid, makeup the rest of the seventy-act-strong lineup. Wireless Connect will be streamed through the organiser’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.  It is also to be shown through the Melody VR app which, through the use of a headset, converts live music into a 360 degree interactive virtual reality experience. The use of VR is a progressive step into the new normal for the festival, as many other mass-gatherings struggle with cancellation following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The event’s coordinators believe the virtual festival will be special. The official announcement, published on the Wireless website, bemoaned that they did not get a chance ‘to vibe’ this summer, and that this ‘didn’t sit right’ with festival organisers. Therefore they have ‘stacked‘ the weekend with ‘unseen performances, exclusive footage and much more‘. ‘Get hyped‘, the announcement signed off,  ‘for a banging show from some of the hottest US and UK talent‘.

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Our rap goddess @iamddb is ready to turn up at #WirelessConnect this weekend Catch her interview with us on our Youtube channel now Wireless Connect is available to stream for free on the @melodyvirtual app, Wireless Youtube channel and Facebok live

A post shared by Wireless Festival (@wirelessfest) on Jul 1, 2020 at 5:32am PDT

Wireless Festival has always provided fans with the opportunity to experience the very best acts in Grime, Hip Hop and R ‘n’ B. It was founded in 2005 and initially was considered a Pop Rock Festival. The London-based event, under the ownership of global entertainment company Live Nation, has since asserted itself as a pilgrimage for fans of Urban music. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Stormzy and Drake have all headlined the festival since 2010. Wireless Connect appears as a heartening gesture, from the organisers at Live Nation to the festival’s die-hard fans that have propelled its popularity since the turn of the last decade. Whilst their yearly hullabaloo of urban music has been postponed, they thought it only right that Wireless should adapt to the circumstances. Wireless Connect may not be the mud-coated, mosh-filled, cider-soaked festival experience the British public yearn for. However, it ensures fans that Wireless will continue to entertain, no matter the circumstance.

 

 

 

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Your Wireless Connect line up has officially landed Download the @melodyvirtual app for the full 360º interactive experience Also available to stream on the Wireless Youtube channel and Facebook Live Link in bio

 

A post shared by Wireless Festival (@wirelessfest) on Jun 29, 2020 at 2:01am PDT

The album, simply named “The Carters”, marks their first full-length joint effort. They have however collaborated many times before, namely on singles such as “Drunk In Love”, “Crazy In Love” and “Bonnie & Clyde”.

Though the release was not announced or even teased officially, eagle-eyed fans believe that Beyonce may have dropped one subtle hint. During her set at Coachella festival, she posed on stage while signing the numbers six and three. The album’s release marks 63 days since the show.

“The Carters” may be a collaboration between the husband and wife team, but many other musicians have lent their skills to the project. Pharell Williams can be heard singing on “NICE”, while TV On The Radio frontman Dave Sitek appears on “LOVEHAPPY”. Ty Dolla $ign also contributed, specifically on the track “BOSS”, and Quavo of Migos fame appeared on “APES**T”, the first single released.

The full album is available to stream on Jay-Z’s own streaming service Tidal, and also includes a bonus track called “SALUD!”. The full tracklist can be seen below:

01. SUMMER
02. APES**T
03. BOSS
04. NICE
05. 713
06. FRIENDS
07. HEARD ABOUT US
08. BLACK EFFECT
09. LOVEHAPPY

pic.twitter.com/ofx7ykSQ3K

— LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) August 22, 2017

The band thanked all their fans across the world for their “tremendous outpouring of love” and added that they are grateful for everyone’s support during this difficult time. They plan to announce the details of the event soon.

Bennington committed suicide by hanging in his home and was discovered by his housekeeper on 20th July. The 41-year-old had battled with drugs and alcohol through his life and was also a victim of child sexual abuse. Mike Shinoda had confirmed the news in a distraught Twitter post later that day, describing himself as “shocked” and “heartbroken.”

A few months prior to his death, he had spoken to BBC 1’s Newsbeat about the issue of suicide, stating that “sometimes, it just feels like life is testing you.”

A private funeral service was held for him in Palo Verdes, California on July 29th, attended by an estimated 200 people. His wife Talinda issued a moving statement to Rolling Stone a day before, saying that he was a “bright, loving soul with an angel’s voice […] Rest in Peace, my love.”

Since his death, devoted fans everywhere have paid tribute to Linkin Park, through events and memorials. Many celebrities and musicians have also done the same – Jay-Z finished his set at V Festival last weekend with a performance of ‘Numb/Encore,’ a song from 2004 collaborative EP Collision Course between the rapper and the band. Watch fan-shot footage of this below.

Jay Z x Linkin Park #vfestival #westonpark pic.twitter.com/QXSLYbHmwk

— Frankie Ion (@LDNFrank) August 19, 2017

Here's the 4:44 ad pic.twitter.com/Jv0DBX6FoR

— Wig:WigWig (@BergsRB5) June 8, 2017

The album and film are both slated for release on June 30 exclusively to Tidal customers as well as prepaid members of US telecoms network Sprint. It’s currently not fully clear if 4:44 will be a visual album, or if the film is merely a companion piece for the project (it is worth noting that the inconclusive ending of the video suggests more visual material is to follow).

Fans of Jay Z have long speculated whether a new LP might be on the way following his announcement of a string of summer festival dates which include Made in America, Austin City Limits and Meadows festivals. Currently, Jay Z has one UK appearance scheduled this summer at V-Festival in Chelmsford but it is yet unclear if more dates will be announced alongside the project.

In other news, multiple reports last nights have suggested that Jay Z’s wife Beyoncé has welcomed twins; Matthew Knowles, Beyoncé’s grandfather has seemingly confirmed such reports with a Father’s Day post reading “They’re here!” and “Happy Birthday to the twins!”.

They're here!#beyonce #twins #jayz #happybirthday pic.twitter.com/woFRKoL7eO

— Mathew Knowles (@MathewKnowles) June 18, 2017

The twins would join sister, Blue Ivy, who was spotted at a Los Angeles hospital with her father, according to E! News. It is as yet unknown when the signer gave birth, but Jay Z was notably absent from his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, instead penning a series of tweets thanking those who have inspired him including former president Barack Obama.

And the greatest rapper of all time OBAMA . Thank you 44 https://t.co/CueS0BynCj

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) June 16, 2017

NME reports that the only Jay-Z tracks remaining on the service are In My Lifetime Vol. 1 and Reasonable Doubt, as well as 1998’s Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life. Also still available is 2004’s cult collaboration with Linkin Park, Collision Course, featuring the famous mash-up of ‘Numb/Encore,’ as well as lead single from Watch the Throne, his co-release with Kanye West ‘N***as in Paris’.

Spotify have confirmed to Billboard that “some” of Jay-Z’s music has been removed “at the request of the artist.” Jay-Z recently made his return to music, featuring on the surprise single from Frank Ocean ‘Biking’ which also features Tyler, the Creator. The single debuted on Oean’s ‘Blonded’ show on Apple Music, proving that for now, it’s only Spotify that threatens Hova as a competitor to Tidal.

Jay-Z hasn’t released a full project since Magna Carta Holy Grail in 2013, instead preferring to focus on his business ventures, but fans may be encouraged by this new feature as a positive sign of things to come, especially given that Ocean previously collaborated with Jay on Watch the Throne.