Japanese-Korean-American indie pop artist Tiger La Flor releases her highly anticipated HOLLYWOODLAND EP via Arista Records, introducing her “Laurel Canyon Western” sound. The project blends vintage orchestration, shimmering pop harmonies, western guitars, and mariachi influences while exploring the glamour, humor, heartbreak, and illusions of Los Angeles dating. The title track offers cinematic storytelling, while the hit single “KODACHROMATIC” has gone viral, inspiring posts about La Flor’s parents’ love story that have surpassed 37 million social media views.

South African R&B artist Lordkez is set to release her new single “4SHO,” featuring acclaimed South Africa rapper Kwesta, following her Best R&B/Soul Album win at the 2026 South African Music Awards. The track follows her breakout hit “Aweh,” which was the country’s most-played song on radio between September and December 2025 and has since earned Gold certification. “4SHO” blends lordkez’s contemporary R&B style with Kwesta’s hip-hop influence, drawing from her “Neo Nostalgia” concept of classic R&B and modern African sounds.

At just 18 years old, rising R&B sensation PRAXTON continues his artistic growth with the release of his new single, “Certified".. Showcasing smooth melodies, contemporary production, and confident songwriting, the track celebrates self-worth, authenticity, and earning respect. Produced by Grammy-nominated producers Kyle Bynoe, Marquis Brown, Gene Lennon, and J Wade, “Certified” not only blends infectious production but memorable hooks and timeless R&B storytelling.

Busta Rhymes unveils the music video for “This Woman,” featuring an unreleased collaboration between legendary producer J Dilla and D’Angelo. The track appears on Dillagence II, an upcoming album from Busta created from nearly 300 previously unheard beats Dilla gave Rhymes before his 2006 passing. Featuring D’Angelo’s archival scratch vocals inspired by Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam,” the song pairs his soulful falsetto with Dilla’s intricate groove, textured guitars, and shimmering marimbas for a timeless collaboration.

Dawn Richard continues exploring her New Orleans roots with “chuuuuurch,” the third single from her upcoming album Creole Culture, due October 9. Featuring New Orleans singer Jelly Joseph, the track is an energetic dancefloor anthem driven by an early-’90s-inspired house bassline and powerful affirmations drawn from Richard’s decaVdes in music. Directed by Zebretta Johnson, the video blends animation inspired by Robert Rodriguez’s films as Richard addresses a congregation about life’s highs, lows, and her determination to rebuild herself.

Michael Wright, the actor best known for roles in The Five Heartbeats , Streamers, The Principal and V, has died at 70. His wife, Susan Wright, announced his death on Instagram, saying he passed away in Los Angeles on Aug. 19 after heart failure and complications from the degenerative neurological disease Marchiafava-Bignami. Born April 30, 1956, in New York City, Wright appeared in more than 50 films and television productions, including The Wanderers, Sugar Hill and HBO’s Oz . His memorable performance as Eddie King Jr. in The Five Heartbeats showcased his ability to portray a talented singer battling addiction. Wright’s family remembered him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and extraordinary artist whose work touched generations. In a 2021 interview, he said his goal was always to make his characters interesting and unforgettable.

The first trailer for The Varnell Hill Show, a spinoff of Martin Lawrence’s hit sitcom Martin, has arrived ahead of its Paramount+ premiere on September 1. The eight-episode comedy stars Tommy Davidson as Varnell Hill, whose long-running talk show struggles with declining ratings and an evolving television landscape. Set behind the scenes, the series blends workplace comedy, satire and fourth-wall breaks as Varnell fights to keep his show relevant. Guest stars include Martin Lawrence, Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps and Omarion.

Target has removed a Halloween costume from its online marketplace after critics said its design resembled racist minstrel imagery from the 19th century. The “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume” drew criticism after social media users compared its enlarged smile, clothing and hand gestures with historical racist depictions. In a statement on Monday, Target apologized, calling the costume offensive and acknowledging that it should never have been sold. The retailer said it would investigate how the costume reached its storefront and determine what changes are needed to prevent a similar incident.

Actress Serayah has ended her engagement to rapper Joey Bada$$, accusing her former fiancé of repeated infidelity throughout their relationship. The 31-year-old Empire alum announced the split Monday in a lengthy Instagram statement, describing the decision as painful but necessary for herself and their family. Serayah said she “loved deeply” and believed in the life they were building, but ultimately chose to walk away after alleging that her partner had been unfaithful, including during vulnerable and meaningful periods of her life. Serayah said she was sharing her experience not for sympathy or retaliation, but to encourage women to trust their instincts and recognize their self-worth. She urged her followers not to compromise their values or make themselves smaller to preserve a relationship. The actress also emphasized that her priority is protecting the privacy and well-being of the couple’s 1-year-old son, whose name has not been publicly revealed. She said she would not discuss additional intimate details of their relationship.  Following the announcement, Serayah appeared to celebrate the end of the relationship with friends, writing “Anyways thank you next!” on her Instagram Story. She also briefly shared and deleted a video that allegedly captured a conversation involving Joey speaking negatively about her with another woman. Serayah and Joey, whose real name is Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, met in 2021 at a mutual friend’s birthday party and began dating the following year. Joey’s representative had not responded to requests for comment.