Few jazz recordings have crossed into popular culture quite like "Take Five" by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Composed by Paul Desmond and released in 1959 on the landmark album Time Out, the song broke new ground with its unconventional 5/4 time signature, blues-infused melody, and unforgettable groove. Inspired by drummer Joe Morello's fascination with odd time signatures, the tune transformed an ambitious musical experiment into one of the most recognizable jazz recordings ever made. The road to recording "Take Five" was anything but easy. An early session produced more than 20 unsuccessful takes before producer Teo Macero called it quits for the day as the quartet struggled to master the unusual rhythm. Returning to the studio a few days later, the group captured the now-iconic version in just two takes. Though Desmond reportedly viewed the composition as little more than a "throwaway," its hypnotic saxophone melody, memorable piano vamp, and Morello's dazzling drum solo proved to be an irresistible combination. Initially released as a promotional single, "Take Five" slowly gained momentum before becoming an international hit in 1961, eventually earning the distinction of the best-selling jazz single of all time. Decades later, it remains a cornerstone of jazz radio, a favorite of musicians across genres, and a permanent fixture in live performances. Honored with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and recently named by CBS News as one of the 250 essential American songs of the past 250 years, "Take Five" continues to stand as a timeless reminder that taking risks can produce unforgettable music.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker and Questlove offers an intimate look at the legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire in his new HBO documentary, Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World). Premiering at the Tribeca Festival, the film chronicles the group's rise from humble beginnings to global superstardom while celebrating its groundbreaking music, unforgettable live performances, and lasting cultural influence. Through rare archival footage and interviews with family, friends, and notable figures including Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Lionel Richie, and Flea, the documentary paints a sweeping portrait of one of music's most influential acts. Beyond the band's celebrated achievements, the documentary explores the complicated personal life of founder Maurice White, who died in 2016. Family members candidly discuss his multiple relationships and children born outside his longtime partnership with Marilyn White, whose emotional recollections reveal the personal cost of life on the road. Maurice's son, Eden White, also reflects on his father's emotional distance, describing how childhood trauma appeared to shape their relationship while suggesting that music was one of the few places where Maurice was able to fully express love and vulnerability. The film also examines tensions within Earth, Wind & Fire itself, with former members recalling financial disputes and what they viewed as Maurice White's tightly controlled leadership style. Guitarist Johnny Graham says the band's public image of unity and positivity often contrasted with its internal reality, alleging that members felt creatively restricted and underpaid. By balancing the band's extraordinary artistic accomplishments with its personal and professional struggles, Questlove delivers a nuanced portrait of the visionary whose ambition forever changed the sound of popular music.

Chicago rapper Twista has pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor counts of willfully failing to pay federal income taxes after prosecutors alleged he failed to pay more than $440,000 owed to the IRS. Twista, whose legal name is Carl Mitchell, entered the guilty plea Tuesday in federal court. According to prosecutors, he did not pay income taxes between 2019 and 2023 despite earning income from performances, album sales, streaming, and royalties. Federal authorities said Mitchell was repeatedly notified by both the IRS and his accountants about his growing tax debt and his legal obligation to pay. Instead, prosecutors alleged that he entered into agreements with a third-party company to receive advances on future royalty payments, knowing those funds would be beyond the IRS's immediate reach. They also claim he continued to finance a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of at least four luxury vehicles, rather than satisfying his tax obligations. Officials said Mitchell's unpaid federal tax liabilities date back to 2011 and exceed $440,000. Each misdemeanor count carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, although his final punishment will be determined by a federal judge after considering federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Twista is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22.

Gossip blogger Tasha K has agreed to pay Cardi B $60,000 to resolve the latest chapter in their long-running legal battle over alleged violations of a previous court order. According to court documents filed Tuesday, the agreement was reached to avoid further litigation stemming from Cardi B's $4 million defamation victory against the blogger, whose legal name is Latasha Kebe, in 2022. Under the earlier judgment, Kebe was required to refrain from making disparaging remarks about the Grammy-winning rapper and her family. Cardi B, born Belcalis Almánzar, returned to court in April after alleging that Kebe continued to violate the non-disparagement agreement through social media posts involving the rapper's estranged husband, Offset, and NFL player Stefon Diggs, the father of her youngest child. Her attorneys claimed they documented more than two dozen violations over the past year, describing the situation as an ongoing "cat and mouse" game. The filing also alleged that Kebe had publicly indicated she intended to resume criticizing the rapper once her financial obligations were fulfilled. Under the new agreement, Kebe will pay Cardi B $30,000 within 28 days of the court order, with the remaining $30,000 due by Dec. 31. If she misses either payment, Cardi B may issue a notice of default, giving Kebe five days to pay before seeking the full $110,115 allowed under the settlement terms. Representatives for both Cardi B and Kebe had not commented on the agreement at the time of publication.

Nigerian-based singer Solana reunites with longtime collaborator Killertunes on the powerful new single "Okunkun," a soulful Afro-fusion anthem that explores faith, perseverance, and emotional resilience. Named after the Yoruba word for "darkness," the song traces a journey from uncertainty to hope, reflecting an intimate conversation with both herself and God. Killertunes' atmospheric production gives Solana's heartfelt vocals room to shine, blending '80s-inspired grandeur with a modern touch to create one of the singer's most compelling and uplifting releases to date.

Compton-born, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and guitarist Steve Lacy teams up with SZA for the emotionally charged new single "Is It Cool?," the latest preview of his upcoming third album, Oh Yeah?, arriving July 17. The R&B duet explores self-sabotage, vulnerability, and the complexities of modern relationships as the two artists trade candid verses about commitment and emotional walls. Their effortless chemistry and honest songwriting make "Is It Cool?" a standout collaboration and an exciting glimpse into Lacy's next musical chapter.

British singer/songwriter Sekou continues his deeply personal musical journey with the release of In A World We Don't Belong Pt. 2, accompanied by the official video for "Does She Know." The five-track mixtape explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, shifting from the romance of its predecessor to the emotional realities that often follow. Anchored by heartfelt storytelling and soulful vocals, the project reflects Sekou's experiences as a 21-year-old navigating life while embracing the perspective of someone who has often felt like an outsider.

FKA twigs celebrates the spirit of street dance, freestyle, and battle culture in the official video for "On Your Mind" featuring Lil Yachty. Directed by Jordan Hemingway, the visual follows the pair as they host a rooftop dance battle before taking the movement through city streets. Inspired by recent tour and festival rehearsal delays caused by visa complications, the energetic clip serves as a tribute to resilience and the power of never standing still.

Jorja Smith has unveiled the dreamy visual for her new single "Alive," featuring Wizkid, as she announces her upcoming album, What Are the Odds, arriving Aug. 21. Set against the romantic backdrop of Paris, the video captures the love-struck bliss of a blossoming relationship, perfectly complementing the song's euphoric lyrics and club-ready production. "Alive" offers another glimpse into what Smith describes as her most dancefloor-inspired project to date.