NEWS
Legendary record label Uptown Records is making a comeback nearly four decades after helping shape the sound of hip-hop and R&B. The label, founded in 1986 by the late music executive Andre Harrell, has officially relaunched under the Republic Collective umbrella. Music industry veteran Danielle Price Sanders has been named president of Uptown Records and executive vice president of Republic Collective, while Natina Nimene will serve as executive vice president of Urban Audience and Artist Relations. Uptown Records played a major role in Black music history, launching the careers of artists including Heavy D, Al B. Sure!, Jodeci, and Mary J. Blige. The label also helped propel the early career of Sean Combs, who began as an intern before eventually founding Bad Boy Records. Price Sanders brings extensive experience from her previous executive roles within the Universal Music Group network, where she worked on artist development and cultural marketing initiatives. The relaunched label has already begun assembling its roster, signing G Herbo, Yung Miami, and Trap Dickey as its first artists. G Herbo described joining Uptown as an honor, noting the label's influence on rap music, while Yung Miami praised the female-led executive team guiding its revival. Under Price Sanders' leadership, Uptown Records aims to honor Harrell's legacy while developing the next generation of hip-hop and R&B talent.
Veteran Atlanta radio host and sports announcer Big Tigger has been released on bond following his arrest on aggravated assault and child cruelty charges. Big Tigger, whose legal name is Darian Morgan, was taken into custody on June 20 and later released from the Fulton County Jail after posting a $10,000 bond. The charges stem from allegations made by Morgan's wife, Alicia Brown, regarding a dispute that reportedly occurred in May. Brown alleges the couple argued over text messages Morgan exchanged with a coworker and that he tackled her after she took his phone during the confrontation. She further claims that during a separate altercation in the basement, Morgan restrained her arms as she attempted to unplug a computer before shoving her, causing her to fall headfirst into a door. Authorities also charged Morgan with third-degree child cruelty because the couple's teenage child was allegedly present in the home during the incident. A video posted on social media two weeks ago appeared to show Brown with a black eye and stitches above her eyebrow. Morgan has denied the allegations against him as the case moves through the legal process.
Lizzo's latest album, Bitch, has gotten off to a disappointing commercial start, failing to make the Billboard 200 chart after its June 5 release. According to music industry data service Luminate, the album sold 2,649 units during its first week and just 650 units in its second full week. The figures mark a sharp decline from her 2022 album Special, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with roughly 69,000 equivalent units. While Bitch did not reach Billboard's main albums chart, it debuted at No. 46 on the Top Album Sales chart. The album arrives nearly three years after Lizzo became embroiled in a legal battle involving allegations from former backup dancers, who accused the singer of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Lizzo strongly denied the claims, calling them "false allegations" and "sensationalized stories." Portions of the lawsuit were later dismissed by a judge, a development highlighted by Lizzo's representatives as evidence that several accusations lacked merit. The legal dispute generated significant public scrutiny and remains one of the most controversial periods of the Grammy-winning artist's career. Despite the underwhelming performance of Bitch, Lizzo remains one of the most successful pop stars of the past decade. The singer scored Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers with "Truth Hurts" and "About Damn Time," while hits such as "Good as Hell" and "Rumors" featuring Cardi B also reached the Top 10. In a recent interview discussing her new album, Lizzo reflected on the personal toll of public criticism and controversy, saying she has always presented her authentic self to fans and hopes to continue evolving both personally and professionally as she moves forward.
Jay-Z’s recent appearance at the Roots Picnic sparked widespread conversation, not only because it marked his first live performance in seven years, but also because of his striking new afro. Now, a behind-the-scenes video released by Beyoncé’s haircare brand Cécred has revealed the deeply personal story behind the hairstyle transformation. Narrated by Beyoncé, the video details the months-long process of removing Jay-Z’s locs and the family inspirations that influenced both his past and present looks. According to Beyoncé, Jay-Z originally began growing his locs nearly a decade ago to help his daughter, Blue Ivy, embrace her natural hair. She explained that he wanted Blue to see that her curls were beautiful and reflected his own hair texture. More recently, however, the rapper decided to transition to an afro as a tribute to his late father, Adnis Reeves, who famously wore the style. The decision added an emotional layer to what many fans initially viewed as a simple change in appearance. The video also highlights the extensive effort required to remove Jay-Z’s locs, a process that involved hairstylist Letisia “Lety” Ravelo, Beyoncé and Blue Ivy. Using Cécred products, the family spent hours carefully detangling each wick before trimming, washing and styling his hair. Although Beyoncé admitted she was reluctant to see the locs go, she ultimately praised the final result, saying Jay-Z’s afro looked “beautiful from start to finish” when he debuted it on stage at the Roots Picnic.
Clive Davis, the influential music executive who helped shape the careers of some of the biggest names in modern music, has died at the age of 94. Davis passed away Monday at his home in Manhattan, according to reports. No official cause of death was announced, although he had recently been hospitalized with respiratory issues. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Davis became one of the most recognizable and respected figures in the recording industry, guiding Columbia Records, Arista Records and J Records to major commercial success. Davis first rose to prominence in the late 1960s when he transformed Columbia Records into a powerhouse in the rock era, signing and developing artists including Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana and Bruce Springsteen. Although his tenure at Columbia ended amid controversy in 1973, he quickly rebuilt his reputation at Arista Records, where he oversaw a roster of successful pop, rock and R&B artists. His most celebrated discovery was Whitney Houston, whose career became one of the defining success stories of his tenure. Later, after departing Arista, Davis launched J Records, where he helped introduce Alicia Keys to a global audience and secured another chapter of industry success. Beyond his record-label achievements, Davis became known for his annual Grammy Week gala, one of the music industry's most prestigious events, attracting generations of artists, executives and cultural figures. He also founded the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University in 2003, helping bridge music education and business studies for future industry professionals. Remembered for his perseverance, vision and ability to identify talent, Davis leaves behind a legacy that influenced countless artists and helped define the modern music business.