George Clinton Unveils New Mothership at Essence Festival of Culture Performance
George Clinton thrilled fans by unveiling a brand-new Mothership during Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, nearly 50 years after the original became a symbol of Parliament-Funkadelic's legendary live shows. Descending from the rafters amid lights, fog, and sci-fi effects during Mothership Connection (Star Child), Clinton emerged before launching into Flash Light. Built from the same blueprint as the 1976 original but upgraded with modern lighting and lighter materials, the new Mothership honors the band's iconic stage legacy. The original was eventually scrapped due to mounting costs, while a later replica now resides at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Beyoncé returns with “MORNING DEW (DONK),” her first new release in two years, officially unveiling a fan-favorite track that had circulated online for years. Written by Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream, and Darius Dixon, the song was produced by Beyoncé and Williams. Its release launches a 60-day countdown to Beyoncé’s 45th birthday and the 20th anniversary of B'DAY. Accompanied by a lyric video on her YouTube channel, “MORNING DEW (DONK)” celebrates the BeyHive while reviving a long-rumored recording.
Genia makes a heartfelt return with “Miss Your Touch,” a soulful new single and official video released via Def Jam Recordings. The emotionally charged track finds the West-coast R&B singer-songwriter embracing vulnerability as she reflects on the pain of missing a love that once consumed her. Paired with a cinematic, Brokenframes-directed visual debuting through Vevo, Genia delivers a moving performance filled with subtle choreography and raw emotion, perfectly complementing the song’s honest lyrics about heartbreak, longing, and loving without holding back.
South African singer Rowlene returns with “Hurts 2b Reminded,” the second single from her upcoming album, Some Strings Attached, due Aug. 12. The heartfelt R&B track explores the lingering emotions sparked by memories of relationships that have ended through life's natural changes. Blending intimate storytelling with subtle African influences, the song reflects themes of healing and self-discovery.
Young Nigerian singer/songwriter FOLA teams up with fellow countrywoman/superstar singer Ayra Straa for a new track called "Treat U Right", an Afro-fusion anthem celebrating love, trust, and emotional commitment. Blending heartfelt lyrics with infectious melodies, the pair display effortless chemistry throughout the single. The collaboration adds another standout release to both artists' catalogs while further establishing FOLA as one of Nigeria’s rising Afrobeats talents with a knack for creating memorable, relatable music.
Rylo Rodriguez returns with his new album S.K.A.T.E. (Silence Keeps All Targets Exposed), a 22-track project showcasing his signature blend of melodic street storytelling and blunt, personal lyricism. The Alabama rapper continues to assert his reputation as a strong southern lyricist, a quality often overlooked in the region’s scene, while reflecting on loyalty, struggle, and growth. The album features guest appearances from Lil Baby, Kevin Gates, and Veeze, adding further weight to a project many consider his most complete body of work yet.
Brianna Johnson, the 21-year-old influencer known online as DreamDoll Brii, has died after a targeted shooting in Miramar. Police said Johnson was riding in a lime green Lamborghini Urus when a white sedan pulled alongside and opened fire, fatally wounding her. Two other occupants were critically injured and taken to a hospital. Family members said the group had attended a large party before stopping at a Shell gas station, where a fight reportedly broke out. Surveillance footage showed a light-colored vehicle following the Lamborghini before the shooting. Investigators believe the SUV was deliberately targeted and are working to determine the motive behind the deadly holiday weekend attack.
André 3000 has unveiled the 12-minute music short film 7 Piano Sketches, directed by Graham Mason and produced by Object & Animal. The visually poetic film follows André through New York City carrying a piano on his back, using the instrument as a symbol of creativity inspired by ants carrying many times their own weight. With minimal dialogue, the project embraces curiosity, unfinished ideas, and everyday moments, reflecting the spirit of his latest piano compositions. Now streaming on Mubi, the film serves as a companion piece to André 3000’s intimate new musical collection.
During a candid appearance on the Angie Martinez IRL, Nia Long recalled unknowingly turning down Prince before she became famous, only realizing who he was after leaving the venue. She revealed they later crossed paths once she had achieved stardom, but the opportunity had passed. Long also opened up about the flood of direct messages she receives from admirers, including celebrities and even suitors sending signed NDAs. Discussing her current approach to dating, she emphasized self-growth, recognizing red flags early, and focusing on becoming her best self, adding that she's open to dating both older and younger partners if the connection feels right.
SZA has revealed that she has been formally diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and high-functioning autism, sharing the update directly with fans on Instagram. The Grammy-winning artist, born Solana Rowe, said she recently underwent a formal evaluation and posted clinical documents confirming her diagnosis, describing the moment as a personal realization about her behavior, communication style, and sensitivity to her environment. In her post, SZA reflected on traits associated with autism, including heightened pattern recognition, sensory sensitivity, and a tendency to be highly engaged in online interactions. She suggested the diagnosis helped explain aspects of her personality and emotional processing, including how she responds to social media discourse and creative thinking. Alongside her message, she shared excerpts from her evaluation paperwork. The assessment noted that she shows characteristics consistent with autism spectrum disorder, including sensory defensiveness and challenges in reciprocal social interaction, while also highlighting her linguistic giftedness and strong fluid reasoning skills. The report added that she has developed coping strategies for navigating social environments, though these require significant emotional energy. SZA has not made further public comments beyond her initial announcement.
Atlanta radio personality Big Tigger has announced that he is stepping away from V-103's The Big Tigger Morning Show with Jazzy McBee as he faces legal challenges stemming from an alleged domestic dispute with his wife. The longtime broadcaster, whose real name is Darian Morgan, was arrested on June 20 in Sandy Springs and charged with aggravated battery and third-degree cruelty to children. He was booked into the Fulton County Jail before being released the same day on a combined $10,000 surety bond. Morgan, who previously hosted BET's Rap City: The Basement and 106 & Park, has repeatedly denied all allegations against him. In a statement shared on Instagram, Morgan said he was stepping away from the microphone to focus on his family and allow his legal team to handle the case. He described being separated from his son as the most painful part of the situation and said the public attention surrounding his personal life has been fueled by speculation and misinformation. The Emmy Award-winning host maintained that the accusations are false and expressed confidence that he will ultimately clear his name. The case has continued to grow beyond the initial criminal charges. Morgan's V-103 co-host, Francesca Amiker, has filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Morgan's wife, Alicia Brown, after Brown allegedly referred to her publicly as a "homewrecker." Brown has since issued a statement through her legal team, saying more details will emerge through forthcoming testimony from both herself and her husband. According to police warrants, the incident allegedly began after Brown confronted Morgan over text messages with a female colleague, escalating into a heated argument that ultimately led to his arrest.