Clipse Makes History as First Rap Act to Perform at the Vatican
History was made in Vatican City this weekend when Clipse, the iconic hip-hop duo of brothers Pusha T and No Malice, became the first rap act ever to perform at St. Peter’s Square. The performance took place on September 13 as part of the Grace for the World concert, an unprecedented event co-directed by Pharrell Williams and staged as a message of unity and peace during the World Meeting on Human Fraternity.
Dressed in sharp suits, Clipse delivered a powerful rendition of “The Birds Don’t Sing” from their project Let God Sort Em Out, joined onstage by John Legend. The concert lineup was stacked with global stars including Jennifer Hudson, BamBam, Jelly Roll, Karol G, Teddy Swims, Andrea Bocelli, and Legend himself. Pharrell, a longtime friend and collaborator of the Thornton brothers, helped orchestrate the moment as co-director and executive producer through his company Something in the Water.
Beyond the music, audiences were treated to a stunning aerial drone and light show by Nova Sky Stories, which illuminated Vatican City with visuals inspired by the Sistine Chapel. “This is a rare cultural moment where the world stops and collectively tunes in,” Pharrell said ahead of the event. The evening not only marked the Vatican’s first-ever concert, but also cemented Clipse’s place in history as they carried hip-hop into one of the most sacred spaces in the world.
Keri Hilson makes a powerful return with We Need to Talk: Drama , the second installment in her ambitious trilogy that unfolds like a film. Following April’s We Need to Talk: Love , this new chapter dives into betrayal, heartbreak, and emotional growth, capturing the turbulence of a broken romance. To build anticipation, Hilson joined the viral “Put a finger down” trend, hinting at her own story of a love gone wrong. Released through Audible Art Club/Create Music Group, her first independent venture, Drama cements Hilson’s evolution as an artist, reclaiming her voice after a 15-year hiatus.
Jermaine Dupri, GRAMMY-winning producer and Songwriters Hall of Famer, has dropped his full-length album Magic City alongside the powerful video for its focus track, “Atlanna” featuring CeeLo Green. A true Atlanta anthem, the record embodies the city’s pride, grit, and soul through Dupri’s signature production and CeeLo’s commanding vocals. Released in tandem with the finale of STARZ’s Magic City: An American Fantasy , which Dupri executive produced, “Atlanna” honors Atlanta’s past, present, and future while further cementing his legendary legacy.
Grammy-winning R&B star Ella Mai brings her latest single “Tell Her” to life with a stylish new video directed by Cole Santiago. Backing verses that pay homage to Destiny’s Child, the visual finds Mai taking on playful office roles while confidently reminding her lover to keep his ex in check. With sharp lyrics and a commanding presence, she delivers a message of love, loyalty, and self-assurance. Blending empowerment with creativity, “Tell Her” builds momentum for Ella’s return, signaling the start of an exciting new chapter in her artistry.
Jeff “Mr. Trombone” Bradshaw teams up with Grammy winner Anthony Hamilton for the soulful new single “Nothing Else Matters,” from his upcoming sixth studio album The Cure . Written and produced by Vidal Davis with co-writes from Bradshaw, Hamilton, and Jarius Mozee, the track celebrates the power of love and devotion. Out now via Music Matters/SRG Jazz, The Cure is a 10-song collection featuring R&B and Jazz greats such as Dave Hollister and Jeff Coffin, offering Bradshaw’s signature blend of healing, uplifting music.
19-year-old Nigerian Afrobeats and R&B sensation Qing Madi has unveiled her new single “Scumbag.” First teased online as early as June 2025, the track weaves a tale of a troubled love story, brought to life through Madi’s distinctive sound and emotive delivery.
The legacy of Teena Marie, the Ivory Queen of Soul, is about to reach a new generation through film. During a recent appearance on The Clay Cane Show, Marie’s daughter, Alia Rose, revealed that a biopic about her mother’s life is officially in the works. “There’s a book coming out about her life and I’m working on a film as well,” Rose shared. While casting details have yet to be announced, Rose made it clear she will not be portraying her mother, stressing that the audition process will be taken very seriously to find the perfect fit for the role. Rose explained that this is her second attempt at bringing her mother’s story to the screen after shelving earlier efforts nearly a decade ago. Now, working closely with a writer she admires, she feels the timing is right. “I do think there’s somebody out there one hundred percent,” Rose said, expressing her confidence that the right actress will emerge. For her, the project is about more than music—it’s about telling the story of an underdog who overcame odds and left an indelible mark on the world. Teena Marie’s career was as groundbreaking as it was inspiring. Before her untimely death in 2010 at the age of 54, she wrote, produced, arranged, and sang on 13 albums, selling more than 2.5 million copies in the SoundScan era. From her 1979 Rick James–produced debut Wild and Peaceful to hits like “Square Biz,” “I Need Your Lovin’,” “Lovergirl,” and “Ooo La La La” (later famously sampled by the Fugees) Marie cemented her place in music history. At the time of her passing, she was working on her album Beautiful, which her daughter completed, making the upcoming film yet another continuation of her enduring legacy.
Keith Sweat makes a powerful return with the video for his new single “Working,” featuring rising Nigerian star Qing Madi. The groovy track blends classic R&B with Afro-soul, exploring love’s persistence and the struggle of proving yourself to someone you cherish. Sweat’s smooth, seasoned delivery pairs seamlessly with Qing Madi’s youthful, soulful tone, creating a cross-generational dialogue that feels both global and deeply personal. Together, they craft a heartfelt anthem about devotion, vulnerability, and the relentless effort to keep love alive.
Neo-soul singer Isis Chanel unveils the video for her heartfelt single “Missing Piece,” a tender reflection on love and connection. Born in Detroit, Isis draws from the city’s Motown and Techno legacy, blending R&B, funk, pop, and house into her signature sound. Directed by Isis herself with co-director Meaghan Sutton, the visual captures her poetic storytelling as she contemplates life and love, declaring her partner the true “missing piece” that completes her journey.
Rising UK R&B trio FLO (Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer) have unveiled The Mood (Remixes) EP, reimagining their signature sound for the dancefloor. Known for their viral debut “Cardboard Box,” the London group now embraces club-ready energy with four dynamic remixes. The project features contributions from Jayda G, p-rallel, Berlin-London collective Bees & Honey, and rising talent GEE LEE, each bringing fresh textures to FLO’s silky, perfume-like vocals. Out now, the EP highlights the group’s versatility and global ambition as they continue redefining UK music.
FALLON, formerly of Cherish, unleashes raw emotion on her new single “Hate You,” produced by Harv (Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber). With pillow-soft vocals delivering razor-sharp lyrics to a deceitful ex, the track marks the first glimpse of her upcoming EP Both Sides. Poised as her debut solo project, it reveals a vulnerable yet fierce new chapter.