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Tag: Missy Elliott

  • NYT Explains Beyoncé’s Songwriter List Snub

    The New York Times recently released its highly anticipated list of ‘The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters,’ and the absence of one particular music titan has sparked quite a debate: Beyoncé. While the list features an impressive array of talent, fans and critics alike are questioning why Queen Bey didn’t make the cut. The Times’ own critics have stepped in to explain their reasoning.

    Who Made The Cut?

    The unranked list, curated by The Times’ critics and informed by input from over 250 music industry insiders, includes legendary names. You’ll find artists like Stevie Wonder, JAY-Z, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar, and Bruce Springsteen. Other notable inclusions range from Missy Elliott and Outkast to Bad Bunny and Lana Del Rey, showcasing a broad spectrum of genres and eras.

    The process involved sending out hundreds of ballots to music professionals, who then voted for their favorites. The Times’ critics then used their own judgment to narrow down the selections to the final 30. It was a challenging task, described as both the ‘greatest’ and ‘worst’ assignment by one of the podcast hosts.

    The Beyoncé Factor: Curator, Producer, Performer

    So, why was Beyoncé, an artist celebrated for her musical genius, left off a list of great songwriters? According to the critics involved, the distinction lies in her primary role within the music-making process. They view her not primarily as a songwriter in the traditional sense, but rather as a masterful ‘curator, executive producer, and performer.’

    This perspective suggests that while Beyoncé is deeply involved in shaping her music, her strength is seen in her ability to bring together collaborators, guide the overall vision of her projects, and deliver unforgettable performances. The critics’ explanation emphasizes a specific definition of ‘songwriter’ for this particular list.

    Defending the List’s Curation

    During a discussion on The Times’ podcast, ‘Cannonball With Wesley Morris,’ critics Jon Caramanica, Joe Coscarelli, and deputy editor Sasha Weiss delved deeper into their choices. They acknowledged the difficulty of leaving off such influential figures and defended the criteria used to select the final 30. The conversation highlighted the nuances and subjective nature of ranking artistic contributions.

    While Beyoncé’s exclusion from this specific ‘songwriter’ list has raised eyebrows, it doesn’t diminish her immense impact on the music industry. Her artistry extends far beyond traditional songwriting, encompassing a holistic approach to music creation and presentation that has redefined superstardom.

    Do you agree with The New York Times’ assessment of Beyoncé’s role? Who would you have included on the ‘Greatest Living American Songwriters’ list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

  • Kehlani Drops Masterpiece: A Deep Dive into Her Self-Titled Album

    Kehlani is making a powerful statement in the R&B landscape with her latest offering, the self-titled masterpiece, “Kehlani.” As a longtime admirer and champion of the genre, the 30-year-old artist showcases her incredible range – vocally, lyrically, and emotionally – on this album, which also serves as a reflection of her personal growth in life and love.

    A Heart Reborn

    On the album’s intro, Kehlani declares, “You’re about to hear a heart that’s been stretched, healed, and reborn.” This sets the tone for an album that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Listeners are invited to connect with a voice that has found its truth, delivered with “no fear, no filter, and no apologies.”

    Nostalgia Meets Modernity

    Whether you’re an R&B aficionado or new to the genre, “Kehlani” offers something for everyone. The album is packed with nostalgic references that R&B lovers will instantly recognize, impressive vocal arrangements, pitch-perfect collaborations, and fresh perspectives on relationships. It’s a soundscape that bridges eras, making it a truly triumphant effort.

    Track-by-Track Exploration

    Let’s dive into the tracks that make up this R&B gem:

    • “Anotha Luva” (Feat. Lil Wayne): A perfect blend of classic and contemporary R&B, featuring Lil Wayne’s signature wordplay.
    • “No Such Thing” (Feat. Clipse): A honeymoon-ready love song with nods to Mya and The Pharcyde, featuring a smooth contribution from Clipse.
    • “Folded”: A two-time Grammy-winning smash praised for its pristine production and Kehlani’s masterful vocal performance.
    • “I Need You” (Feat. Brandy): A powerful duet produced by legends Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, showcasing a timeless R&B sound.
    • “Oooh”: A steamy, after-hours track co-written by Keri Hilson, highlighting Kehlani’s unapologetic sexuality.
    • “Back and Forth” (Feat. Missy Elliott): A boundary-setting anthem with Missy Elliott’s iconic swag, reminiscent of Aaliyah.
    • “Shoulda Never” (Feat. Usher): A collaboration with Usher, produced by Babyface, that flips a classic R&B spell-check and features rap-singing.
    • “You Got It”: A direct and honest track where Kehlani clearly states her needs from a partner.
    • “Out the Window”: An emotional track where Kehlani takes accountability and seeks repair.
    • “Still”: A poignant ballad exploring heartache and the lingering feelings for someone lost.
    • “Call Me Back” (Feat. Lil Jon): A Crunk&B tribute featuring Lil Jon and T-Pain, perfect for getting the party started.
    • “Pocket” (Feat. Cardi B): A reunion between labelmates Kehlani and Cardi B, offering a provocative collaboration.
    • “Lights On” (Feat. Big Sean): A bedroom heater produced by Jermaine Dupri, with Big Sean adding his rap prowess.
    • “Sweet Nuthins” (Feat. Leon Thomas): A smooth track with Leon Thomas about making love to make up for wrongs.
    • “Cruise Control”: A slow-burn jam where Kehlani reflects on a situationship with an open mind.
    • “Unlearn”: The album’s closing track, a vulnerable piano-driven melody about healing and personal growth in love.

    A Masterclass in R&B

    From the classic R&B references to the modern collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne, Clipse, Brandy, Missy Elliott, Usher, and Cardi B, “Kehlani” is a testament to the genre’s enduring power. Kehlani’s ability to weave together different sounds and lyrical themes creates an album that is both cohesive and diverse.

    The album’s closing track, “Unlearn,” featuring a piano-driven melody and a mature perspective on healing, serves as a powerful life mission statement. It encapsulates the album’s overarching themes of growth, vulnerability, and self-acceptance.

    What’s your favorite track from Kehlani’s new self-titled album? Let us know in the comments below!

  • New Music Friday: 50 Hip-Hop & R&B Releases

    Happy New Music Friday! If you’re looking to refresh your playlist for the weekend, you’ve come to the right place. Today is packed with incredible new tracks and albums from some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop, R&B, reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeats. Get ready to dive in!

    Featured Hip-Hop & R&B Drops

    This week’s releases are stacked with star power. Kehlani teams up with the legendary Missy Elliott for “Back and Forth,” promising a track that’s sure to be a vibe. Chris Brown is back with “Obvious,” and DJ Khaled enlists Future and Lil Baby for “One of Them.” Snoop Dogg is keeping the West Coast energy alive with his new project, “10 Til’ Midnight.”

    BossMan Dlow drops his album ‘Chicken Talkin Bastard,’ while Lady Gaga and Doechii join forces on “Runway.” Gucci Mane adds to the buzz with “CRASH DUMMY,” and Lupe Fiasco delivers “CRASH OUT.” Don’t miss Kelela’s “idea 1” and Destin Conrad’s new project, ‘wHIMSY!’.

    More Must-Hear Tracks

    Jack Harlow is back with “Say Hello,” and Skrilla features YoungBoy Never Broke Again on “Free 40.” DaBaby brings the energy with “Don Julio Lemonade,” while Dess Dior releases her project ‘Note To Self.’ PJ Morton offers “Mercy,” and AZ collaborates with Mumu Fresh on “So High.”

    Isaia Huron’s ‘Mr. Lovebomb,’ Joyner Lucas’s ‘ADHD 2 (Reloaded),’ and .idk.’s “C.O.P” featuring Eric André are also on the radar. REASON drops “Humble’Em,” DJ Muggs and T.F present ‘Don’t Call Me Lucky,’ and Blxst features Big Sad 1900 on “Day After Day.”

    A Diverse Mix of Sounds

    The list continues with Wesley Joseph featuring Jorja Smith on “July,” Isaiah Rashad’s “SAME SH!T,” and MARCO PLUS’s “Windows 98.” Tink’s new project is ‘Fuck, Marry, Kill,’ and Fergie Baby teams up with Cam’ron for the “Harlem River Drive (Remix).” Lemmy and Offset connect on “Where The Baddies,” and Buddy releases ‘Simmie Sims III.’

    HDBeenDope offers an extended version of “Figure Four,” TKandz presents “WORK OF ART,” and Maliibu Miitch features PC on “BBM.” Simone Ashley’s ‘Songs I Wrote In New York’ and Bay Swag’s “Dealership” are also worth checking out. Big Boogie and Kstylis collaborate on “Twerk It,” while Fetty P Franklin drops “Zelle Money” and Momo Boyd releases ‘Miss Michigan.’

    Brandy Haze questions if “If You See Me Out In Public Then It Might Be AI,” and Icewear Vezzo joins Mellow Buckzz on “I Like.” Kenyon Dixon shares “Talk You Through It,” PaperRoute Woo drops “Da Ghetto Part,” and Chase & Status feature Lancey Foux on “Homework.”

    JAE5 collaborates with Skepta, Skillibeng, and Lojay on “MINK SB.” Ovrkast. and Niontay present “Wata,” and Myles Smith releases ‘My Mess.’ DreamDoll drops the “Clockin It Freestyle,” Taj Mahal shares “Wild About My Lovin’,” and H3adband features DaBaby on “She Can Get It.” Deante Hitchcock’s “Electric Revival” and Denise Julia’s “2Good4U” round out this massive list.

    • Kehlani Feat. Missy Elliott – “Back and Forth”
    • Chris Brown – “Obvious”
    • DJ Khaled, Future, Lil Baby – “One of Them”
    • Snoop Dogg – ’10 Til’ Midnight’
    • BossMan Dlow – ‘Chicken Talkin Bastard’
    • Lady Gaga, Doechii – “Runway”
    • Gucci Mane – “CRASH DUMMY”
    • Lupe Fiasco – “CRASH OUT”
    • Kelela – “idea 1”
    • Destin Conrad – ‘wHIMSY!’
    • Jack Harlow – “Say Hello”
    • Skrilla Feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – “Free 40”
    • DaBaby – “Don Julio Lemonade”
    • Dess Dior – ‘Note To Self’
    • PJ Morton – “Mercy”
    • AZ Feat. Mumu Fresh – “So High”
    • Isaia Huron – ‘Mr. Lovebomb’
    • Joyner Lucas – ‘ADHD 2 (Reloaded)’
    • .idk. Feat. Eric André – “C.O.P”
    • REASON – “Humble’Em”
    • DJ Muggs, T.F – ‘Don’t Call Me Lucky’
    • Blxst Feat. Big Sad 1900 – “Day After Day”
    • Wesley Joseph Feat. Jorja Smith – “July”
    • Isaiah Rashad – “SAME SH!T”
    • MARCO PLUS – “Windows 98”
    • Tink – ‘Fuck, Marry, Kill’
    • Fergie Baby Feat. Cam’ron – “Harlem River Drive (Remix)”
    • Lemmy Feat. Offset – “Where The Baddies”
    • Buddy – ‘Simmie Sims III’
    • HDBeenDope – “Figure Four (Extended)”
    • TKandz – “WORK OF ART”
    • Maliibu Miitch Feat. PC – “BBM”
    • Simone Ashley – ‘Songs I Wrote In New York’
    • Bay Swag – “Dealership”
    • Big Boogie Feat. Kstylis – “Twerk It”
    • Fetty P Franklin – “Zelle Money”
    • Momo Boyd – ‘Miss Michigan’
    • Brandy Haze – “If You See Me Out In Public Then It Might Be AI”
    • Icewear Vezzo, Mellow Buckzz – “I Like”
    • Kenyon Dixon – “Talk You Through It”
    • PaperRoute Woo – “Da Ghetto Part”
    • Chase & Status Feat. Lancey Foux – “Homework”
    • JAE5 Feat. Skepta, Skillibeng, Lojay – “MINK SB”
    • Ovrkast., Niontay – “Wata”
    • Myles Smith – ‘My Mess’
    • DreamDoll – “Clockin It Freestyle”
    • Taj Mahal – “Wild About My Lovin’”
    • H3adband Feat. DaBaby – “She Can Get It”
    • Deante Hitchcock – “Electric Revival”
    • Denise Julia – “2Good4U”

    Which of these new releases are you adding to your playlist first? Let us know your top picks in the comments below!

  • Salt-N-Pepa Blast Industry at Hall of Fame Induction

    The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a night of celebration for hip-hop icons, including Outkast and the legendary Salt-N-Pepa. While the night honored their immense contributions, Salt-N-Pepa used their moment to shine a spotlight on the ongoing struggles artists face within the music industry, particularly women.

    Honoring Legacy, Calling Out Injustice

    Hip-hop pioneers Salt-N-Pepa, alongside fellow inductees Outkast and Sly and The Family Stone, were celebrated for their groundbreaking work. Rapper and actor Donald Glover delivered a heartfelt induction speech for Outkast, emphasizing their profound influence on his own career and the music scene. The musical tribute featured performances by Tyler, The Creator, Janelle Monáe, and Big Boi himself, celebrating Outkast’s iconic sound.

    Missy Elliott, who herself was inducted in 2023, took the stage to honor Salt-N-Pepa, acknowledging their foundational role in hip-hop. “The reason that you even know Missy Elliott’s name is because of Salt, Pepa, and Spinderella,” she declared, highlighting how they paved the way for future generations of female artists.

    Reunited and Ready to Fight

    Fans were thrilled to see Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and DJ Deidra “Spinderella” Roper reunited for the ceremony, putting aside past estrangement for this significant milestone. Spinderella, who became the first female DJ inducted into the Hall of Fame, even had a solo moment during a performance with En Vogue. However, the celebration was tempered by Salt-N-Pepa’s candid remarks about the music industry.

    Salt revealed that their music is currently unavailable on streaming platforms due to an ongoing battle for ownership. “As we celebrate this moment, fans can’t even stream our music,” she stated. “It’s been taken down from all streaming platforms because the industry still doesn’t want to play fair.”

    A Call for Fairness and Respect

    Salt-N-Pepa used their platform to advocate for fair treatment of artists, especially women. “This is for every woman who picked up a mic when they told her her she couldn’t,” Salt said, emphasizing their ongoing fight. “We have to keep using our influence until the industry honors creativity the way the audience does — with love, respect and fairness — and that includes streaming platforms too.”

    Despite these challenges, Salt-N-Pepa’s legacy is undeniable. They hold numerous accolades, including being the first female rap act with gold and platinum records, the first female rappers to win a Grammy, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

    What are your thoughts on Salt-N-Pepa’s message to the music industry? Share your views in the comments below!

  • Salt-N-Pepa Enter Rock Hall; Spinderella Makes History

    The iconic female rap group Salt-N-Pepa has officially been inducted into the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking a monumental achievement not only for the group but also for DJ Spinderella, who made history as the first female DJ ever to receive this honor.

    A Foundation for Hip-Hop

    Missy Elliott, herself a Rock Hall inductee, presented the award, emphasizing Salt-N-Pepa’s foundational role in hip-hop. She passionately stated, ‘The reason that you even know Missy Elliott’s name is because of Salt, Pepa, and Spinderella… These three women are the bricklayers to the foundation that holds hip-hop together.’

    Cheryl ‘Salt’ James and Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton accepted the ‘Musical Influence Award’ alongside DJ Spinderella, acknowledging their collective journey and impact on the genre. Spinderella’s induction as the first female DJ in the Hall of Fame is a significant milestone, recognizing her crucial role in shaping hip-hop’s sound.

    Addressing the Fight for Masters

    During their acceptance speech, Salt-N-Pepa used their platform to publicly address their ongoing legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) over their master recordings. The group filed a lawsuit in May 2025, alleging that UMG violated the Copyright Act by refusing to return rights to their catalog after more than 35 years.

    James passionately called out the industry’s unfair practices, noting, ‘As we celebrate this moment, fans can’t even stream our music. It’s been taken down from all streaming platforms because the industry still doesn’t want to play fair.’ She stressed the importance of using their influence to advocate for artist compensation, streaming access, and cultural preservation, especially for historically undervalued women in hip-hop.

    A Night of Performances and Collaborations

    The celebration included a dynamic performance medley of Salt-N-Pepa’s greatest hits, starting with ‘My Mic Sounds Nice,’ moving into ‘Shoop,’ and ‘Let’s Talk About Sex.’ DJ Spinderella showcased her scratching skills, and En Vogue joined them for their collaboration ‘What Man.’ The original producer Hurby ‘Luv Bug’ Azor also joined for ‘Push It,’ with Cyndi Lauper and Avril Lavigne also making appearances.

    • Salt-N-Pepa inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
    • DJ Spinderella becomes the first female DJ inducted.
    • Missy Elliott presented the award, highlighting their foundational role in hip-hop.
    • The group publicly addressed their legal fight with Universal Music Group over master recordings.
    • A star-studded performance celebrated their iconic hits.

    Salt-N-Pepa’s induction is a powerful recognition of their enduring influence and a significant moment for female artists and DJs in the music industry. Their continued fight for fair treatment underscores the ongoing challenges artists face.

    What are your favorite Salt-N-Pepa songs? What do you think about their fight for their music masters? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Missy Elliott Settles 7-Year Songwriting Lawsuit

    After a legal battle spanning seven years, Grammy-winning artist Missy Elliott has officially settled a songwriting lawsuit concerning her early work with the R&B group Sista. This resolution brings an end to a lengthy dispute that began nearly a decade ago.

    The Sista Album Dispute

    The lawsuit was filed by Terry Williams, who claimed he was a co-writer on several tracks from Sista’s 1994 debut album, “All the Sistas Around Da World.” Although the album was shelved shortly after its release and had limited initial success, it has since gained a cult following among Missy Elliott fans. Williams alleged that he was unfairly excluded from the credits for four songs on the project.

    Missy Elliott has consistently denied these allegations, stating in legal documents that she didn’t even meet Williams until after the album was already recorded. The case involved multiple defendants and courts over the years.

    Legal Battles and Dismissals

    Williams initially filed his lawsuit in 2018, naming not only Elliott but also producer Timbaland, the estate of the late Aaliyah, and several record labels. He also alleged co-authorship of Aaliyah’s song “Heartbroken.” However, the claims against Timbaland and related to Aaliyah’s music were later dismissed by U.S. District Judge Nitza Quiñones Alejandro.

    The settlement was reached during a sidebar conversation with Judge Quiñones in Philadelphia federal court, just as the jury was about to be brought in for the trial. While the financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, Elliott’s attorney confirmed that a court order detailing the settlement will be issued soon.

    Moving Forward

    With this lawsuit now settled, the iconic artist can fully concentrate on her many ongoing projects, including her partnership with Adidas and, most importantly, the music that her dedicated fans eagerly await. This resolution allows Elliott to put the nearly seven-year legal ordeal behind her.

    What’s your favorite Missy Elliott track or Sista song? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below!