Gladys Knight Responds After Son Raises Concerns Over Her Health and Husband
Music legend Gladys Knight says she is “healthy and happy” despite recent claims from her son, Shanga Hankerson, that her husband, William McDowell, has been mentally and financially abusive. Hankerson also alleged that his 81-year-old mother’s demanding touring schedule was harmful to her well-being and confirmed he filed a complaint with authorities in North Carolina earlier this month.
Knight, who has been recently performing on The Queens Tour alongside Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Stephanie Mills, pushed back on her son’s statements. In a message to fans, she insisted her health had been misrepresented, saying she has enjoyed time with loved ones and is eager to return to the stage. “I’m healthy and happy,” Knight said, adding that she was excited to continue the tour later this year.
Hankerson, meanwhile, told PEOPLE he remains concerned, citing instances where he believes Knight showed memory lapses and questioning why she continues to perform. In response, Knight’s publicist said she and her team were “greatly saddened by Shanga’s unfounded allegations,” noting he has had little contact with her in recent years. The Department of Human Services in Buncombe County, N.C. has not commented on the ongoing case.
Emerging singer-songwriter Chelsea Jordan embraces spontaneity on her latest single “worst case,” out now via Arista Records. Inspired by a true-life encounter with a man she met in Paris, the song recounts Jordan impulsively flying to New York after he invited her to visit. Blending youthful freedom with fearless curiosity, “worst case” celebrates trusting your intuition, taking chances, and discovering that sometimes the biggest risk is not saying yes.
Ghanaian-Nigerian artist Mr Eazi teams with Ghanaian-American singer MOLIY on “Comfort,” a buoyant new single produced by Nigerian hitmaker Ragee. Blending Eazi’s signature Banku Music sound with Afrobeats, dancehall and R&B, the track offers an updated take on his style. Recorded in London, “Comfort” pairs an infectious rhythm with a bass synth melody, while building on MOLIY’s growing international profile following “Shake It To The Max.”
Philadelphia-bred, platinum-certified rapper 2Rare teams with two-time GRAMMY®-nominated R&B star Amerie on “BussDown (1 Thing),” following its viral social media run. Produced by Hitmaka, the track samples Amerie’s classic “1 Thing” and arrives with a vibrant video directed by BAHSPOV. Set inside a neighborhood beauty supply store, the visual blends romance, dazzling choreography and Black beauty culture, pairing nostalgic energy with 2Rare’s charismatic style.
Styles P brings his signature Ghost energy to “Set of P’s,” a hard-hitting freestyle (accompanied by a video) over the instrumental of Fat Joe, Pusha T and Dre’s “Set of Keys.” The track previews his upcoming solo project, Ghost of the Past, Present and Future Vol. 1, due October 30. Indeed, with the single the LOX veteran continues his recent run of releases, following “Ghost Master” and “Compound Ghost” with another dose of gritty street rap.
Following three Grammy wins in 2024, Victoria Monét returns with Frequency of Love, a 22-track love letter to R&B and the many dimensions of love. Released Oct. 2 via Lovett Music and RCA Records, the album features SZA, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Leon Thomas, Chlöe, Lucky Daye and Monét’s five-year-old daughter, Hazel. Reuniting with producer D’Mile alongside Camper and Kaytranada, Monét blends angelic vocals, sweeping strings, pulsating synths, house, gospel and soulful production. Standouts include “All I Need,” which nods to Motown, and “See You In My Dreams,” featuring the aforementioned SZA. Only Monét’s sophomore studio album, the full-length showcases ger artistry while keeping R&B at its core.
Legendary R&B singer Freddie Jackson died Monday at age 70, his family announced Tuesday in an Instagram post. “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Freddie Jackson,” the family wrote. They remembered Jackson as a kind and generous soul whose music provided the soundtrack for countless love stories, celebrations and treasured memories. A cause of death has not been disclosed. Born Frederick Anthony Jackson in New York City, Jackson began his professional career in the late 1970s as a member of the California funk band Mystic Merlin. He launched his solo career in the 1980s and became one of R&B’s most recognizable voices, scoring hits including “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake),” “You Are My Lady,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” “Jam Tonight” and “Do Me Again.” Jackson’s family expressed gratitude to the fans who supported him throughout his decades-long career, saying they were like family to the singer. Beyond his recordings, Jackson contributed the song “Love Survives,” a duet with Irene Cara, to the 1989 animated film All Dogs Go to Heaven and appeared in the film King of New York. His family said details about funeral arrangements and plans to honor his legacy will be announced in the coming days.
Chicago R&B rising star BJRNCK turns up the heat with the official video for “Sex On The Beach,” released via Interscope/Geffen Records. Featured on the deluxe edition of her debut album A Girl Like Me, the sultry track captures her carefree “lover-girl era,” blending romance, desire and tropical escapism. The dreamy visual follows BJRNCK on an intimate tropical getaway with her partner. The video holds special meaning, however, as BJRNCK believed she was filming an anniversary-themed romance video, only for the shoot to culminate in a surprise engagement.
Birmingham, Alabama born, U.S. and Italy raised Dani Offline brings her analog R&B vision to life with “ouch!,” a funky, playful single accompanied by a colorful video inspired by classic 1960s and ’70s dating game shows. The songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist draws from jazz and Quiet Storm, blending sensuality, introspection and ethereal vocal improvisation. In the video, she plays the contestant, host and a lineup of potential lovers.
Rising Chicago-bred singer Mirian explores the emotional uncertainty of a troubled relationship on her new single “Wherever U Are.” Blending polished pop with an R&B feel, the singer delivers a vulnerable performance centered on longing, betrayal and the fear of opening up to love. Miriah's smooth vocals capture the confusion of feeling neglected while questioning whether a relationship was genuine. Written and produced by Re Lxuise, the track transforms romantic doubt and insecurity into an intimate, emotionally charged listen.
New Orleans bounce artist and rapper Papiana turns up the confidence on her new single “Lemme Get That". Over a lively, heavy, bass-driven and gritty backdrop, Papiana delivers bold bars about success, lifestyle and leaving fake energy behind. Indeed, Papiana's unapologetic energy matches her assertive lyrics with a flashy ode to luxury sports cars and sexual escapades, making “Lemme Get That” a confident statement of ambition and self-worth.