A federal judge has dismissed the remaining claims brought by wardrobe stylist Asha Daniels, who alleged she experienced a hostile work environment while working on Lizzo’s 2023 European tour. U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha ruled that Daniels’ case against Lizzo’s touring company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., could not proceed. Lizzo had previously been dismissed as a defendant in December 2024. Daniels filed the lawsuit in September 2023, alleging racist and fat-phobic comments, sexual harassment and disability discrimination during the tour. She also claimed a wardrobe manager injured her by rolling a heavy clothing rack over her foot and pushing her. In his ruling, Aenlle-Rocha said Daniels failed to demonstrate that company employees showed general hostility toward women or treated men and women differently. He also determined that her alleged injuries did not meet the legal definition of a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Lizzo’s attorney, Melissa Y. Glass, called the ruling a “total victory” and described Daniels’ lawsuit as “ludicrous,” while saying the legal team was exploring options to protect its clients’ rights. Daniels’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, expressed disappointment and argued that the court improperly evaluated evidence that should have been considered by a jury. He specifically pointed to sexually charged comments and images involving managers, as well as Daniels’ physical injuries, saying the cumulative workplace environment should have been taken into account.

Two-time Grammy-winning jazz singer Cassandra Wilson has died at 70, passing away peacefully at her home in Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by family, close friends and her longtime manager, Robert Torre. Torre, who managed Wilson for more than two decades, announced her death in a statement to WBGO. No cause of death has been revealed. Wilson’s family has asked for privacy as they mourn her loss, with memorial service details expected to be announced later. Born in Jackson, Wilson became one of the most acclaimed female jazz vocalists of her generation, earning two Grammy Awards during a career that blended traditional jazz with blues, country and folk influences. Known for her distinctive voice and innovative approach, she was recognized by Time magazine as “America’s Best Singer” in 2001. Her ability to expand jazz’s boundaries helped establish her as an influential and widely respected artist. Wilson remained connected to the jazz community throughout her final year. In January 2026, she appeared at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where her life and contributions to music were celebrated alongside The Roots and other prominent American jazz artists. Her death marks the loss of a singular vocalist whose work helped broaden the possibilities of contemporary jazz while leaving a lasting influence on generations of musicians and listeners.

A Las Vegas jury has found Duane “Keffe D” Davis guilty of orchestrating the 1996 murder of rap icon Tupac Shakur, marking the first conviction in the decades-old case. The 63-year-old Davis was convicted Monday of murder with a deadly weapon following a weeks long trial. Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before reaching their verdict. Davis faces the possibility of life in prison, while Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, broke down and embraced prosecutors after the decision. Prosecutors argued Davis helped organize the fatal shooting as retaliation after Shakur and Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight were involved in a fight with Davis’ nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, earlier that night. Prosecutor Binu Palal told jurors that Davis obtained a firearm and joined others in a white Cadillac that pursued Shakur’s vehicle before opening fire at a Las Vegas intersection. Shakur was critically wounded and died six days later, while Knight survived. Davis’ own statements about the shooting became central to the prosecution’s case. Prosecutors highlighted his 2019 memoir and past interviews in which he acknowledged being inside the Cadillac and said he provided the gun to the men in the backseat. Although Davis’ accounts changed over the years, Palal argued that the key facts remained consistent. Under Nevada law, a person who assists in a murder can be held criminally responsible even if they did not fire the weapon. Davis is the only surviving person prosecutors say was inside the Cadillac.

Johnny Venus, best known as one-half of GRAMMY-nominated duo EARTHGANG, continues his solo evolution with “Nightmares”. Produced by Courtlin Jabrae and Poplord, the haunting track explores the anxiety, vulnerability and emotional unrest that accompany deep love and fear of loss. Johnny’s introspective songwriting captures the tension between devotion and obsession, offering another glimpse into his increasingly personal and emotionally exposed solo artistry.

Up-n-coming R&B soul artist Tanerélle opens a new musical chapter with “Here They Come II,” a sensual Afrobeat and R&B remix of Ugandan singer/songwriter Mauimøøn’s original. Produced by Soulchyld, the track blends hypnotic Afrobeat rhythms with slow-burning R&B, highlighting Tanerélle’s sultry vocals and themes of desire, trust and vulnerability. The song serves as the first preview of her upcoming album, following 2025’s The Burnout .

Philadelphia lyricist Young Chris returns with Brief Intermission, a new three-track EP. The State Property and Young Gunz veteran follows a standout year that included Made In Philly with MadeinTYO and a major State Property reunion at Roots Picnic alongside JAY-Z and others. The EP opens with the hard-hitting “Back In That Mode,” moves into the deeply personal “One Call Away,” and closes with the celebratory “Alo & Chanely.”

Nashville rapper Starlito returns with the new video for “Airways Blvd. Freestyle,” a track from his latest album, IT’S STRICT OVER HERE, released August 4. The laid-back visual follows Starlito cruising around town on an ordinary day, making stops at the cleaners and handling errands while delivering genoube lyrics in his smooth Southern drawl. Over the 1-minute, 9-second freestyle, Starlito touches on women, street-related legal issues, a difficult upbringing, personal trauma and money in an authentic manner that's sure to hold your attention, while leaving you craving for more.

British singer-songwriter Grace Carter is gearing up for her debut album When Saturn Returns with the release of “Party Baby,” an R&B and soul-infused pop track about the pressures of aging without settling down or starting a family. Directed by Mackenzie AJ Thomson, the colorful video captures Carter partying, enjoying her indepenece and celebrating herself, reflecting the song’s message about societal expectations and the physical pressures women face surrounding their biological clocks. Indeed, “Party Baby” offers a vibrant, personal perspective on modern adulthood.

More than two decades after Aaliyah’s tragic death, her family is embroiled in a new legal battle involving money, music rights and allegations surrounding the singer’s final trip to the Bahamas. According to court documents reported by TMZ, Aaliyah’s cousin Jomo Hankerson has sued his father, Barry Hankerson, and Blackground Records over a previous settlement involving valuable music assets. Barry, who was Aaliyah’s uncle and longtime manager, has responded with allegations involving Jomo’s role in coordinating travel for Aaliyah’s 2001 music video shoot. Barry claims Jomo was paid to arrange travel for Aaliyah and the team traveling to the Bahamas, where the singer was filming shortly before the fatal August 2001 plane crash that killed her and everyone else aboard. In court filings, Barry alleged that Jomo failed to fulfill his responsibility and claimed the tragedy “may have been avoided” had the arrangements been properly handled. Barry also said Aaliyah’s death permanently damaged his relationship with his son. Jomo has denied the allegations connected to the trip and has accused his father of violating an agreement concerning recording masters and music publishing rights involving Aaliyah, Toni Braxton, DMX and Timbaland. Jomo claims he was entitled to 12% of the revenue Barry generated from the disputed music assets and alleges that Blackground Records was used to conceal money and create expenses unrelated to those assets. He is seeking more than $1.2 million in damages. Barry has denied wrongdoing and contends that the settlement agreement is invalid because fraud was involved in its execution. He has also accused Jomo of threatening to release unreleased Aaliyah recordings if his financial demands were not met, an allegation Jomo denies. With both sides disputing the accusations, the court has yet to resolve the family’s ongoing legal fight.