Latest news with #DeepThoughts'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lil Durk's Lyrics ‘Now Being Used Against Him' in Murder-for-Hire Case
Lil Durk claims his lyrics are 'now being used against him' in the government's murder-for-hire case against the rapper. Durk (born Durk Banks) was charged last year for the attempted murder of rival Quando Rondo, allegedly having ordered his own 'OTF' crew to murder Rondo. While Rondo survived, his friend Lul Pab was killed in the crossfire. More from Rolling Stone Lil Durk's Lawyer Files Motion to Get Murder-for-Hire Case Dismissed Lil Durk's Sleepy Prison Opus 'Deep Thoughts' Lil Durk to Drop Album 'Deep Thoughts' From Prison: 'Streets Still Need Me' The rapper previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, while his lawyers attempted to have the case dismissed earlier this month, citing 'false evidence' provided to a grand jury. In a video statement posted on Instagram Wednesday, Lil Durk summarized those recent developments, as well as the government's attempts to weaponize his verse on Babyface Ray's song 'Wonderful Wayne & Jackie Boy.' 'The recent developments in Durk's legal case have brought a harsh truth to light: the government presented false evidence to a grand jury to indict him,' a statement said. 'This isn't justice. That's a violation of the very system that's supposed to protect all of us.' One of the government's key pieces of evidence against Lil Durk is the verse from 'Wonderful Wayne & Jackie Boy,' which they claim features Lil Durk 'rapping about his revenge.'; the song arrived three months after the Quando Rondo shooting in September 2022. 'Told me they got an addy (go, go)/ Got location (go, go)/ Green light (go, go, go, go, go),' Durk raps in the song. 'Look on the news and see your son/You screamin', 'No, no' (pu–y).' However, Lil Durk's legal team presented its own evidence that the verse actually predated the shooting, as it was recorded in January 2022. Just the fact that the government is (once again controversially) using rap lyrics as evidence drew the ire of the rapper and his family. 'Durk has always used music to tell stories, to express pain to heal — and yet those same lyrics are now being used against him. We refuse to stay silent as Black artists continue to be criminalized for their creativity. Rap is art,' the video continued. 'As a family, we are asking the public, the fans and the culture to stand with us. Stand for truth. Stand for fairness. Stand for The Voice.' 'The government told the grand jury that Mr. Banks, through specific lyrics in his music, celebrated and profited from a revenge murder that he had ordered,' David Findling, Durk's lawyer, said in a filing earlier this month. 'That claim is demonstrably false. Unless the government is prosecuting Banks on a theory of extra-sensory prescience, the lyrics could not have soundly informed the grand jury's finding of probable cause.' Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Yella Beezy Released on $750,000 Bond in Mo3 Murder-for-Hire Case: Report
Rapper Yella Beezy was released on bond Friday morning (March 28). According to The Dallas Morning News, Beezy (born Markies Conway) posted a $750,000 bond to secure his release after being reduced by a judge from $2 million on Thursday. After being indicted by a Dallas County grand jury on March 18, Beezy was arrested on a capital murder while remuneration charge in the shooting death of fellow Dallas rapper Mo3. The 'Errybody' rapper was gunned down in November 2020 in a highway shooting on I-35E in Texas. More from Billboard Yella Beezy Charged With Capital Murder in Shooting Death of Mo3 Ariana Grande Welcomes 'Brighter Days Ahead' With 'Eternal Sunshine' Deluxe Album: Stream It Now Lil Durk Releases 'Deep Thoughts' Album From Behind Bars: Stream It Now Beezy will reportedly be on strict bond conditions, including house arrest with an ankle monitor, random drug and alcohol testing and giving up his passport. He's barred from possessing weapons, contacting any witnesses, victims or co-defendants and must seek permission from the court to travel outside Dallas. In addition to Beezy, a pair of individuals, Kewon White and Devin Brown, were also indicted on murder charges in the death of Mo3. The indictment accuses Beezy of hiring White to shoot Mo3. Beezy was reportedly released around 10 a.m. local time on Friday morning after his bond was lowered from $2 million to $750,000 during Thursday's hearing. Footage of Mo3's murder was played during a court hearing earlier this week, which shows the rapper being shot by an assailant on foot after his car stopped on I-35E near the Dallas Zoo. Beezy was arrested in 2021 on charges of sexual assault and unlawful possession of a weapon, but they were ultimately dropped. He was the victim of a shooting in 2018. On the music side, Beezy teamed up with Lil Wayne for 'Hit' in 2024. His last album, Bad Azz Yella Boy, arrived in 2022. Billboard has reached out to reps for Yella Beezy and the Dallas County Sheriff's office. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grupo Firme Stays Firm, Set to Carry On With La Última Peda Tour in Mexico After Death Threats
Grupo Firme is set to kick off La Última Peda Tour on April 11 in Mexicali, following the cancellation of a performance in Mazatlán after a message on a banner with alleged death threats attributed to a drug cartel appeared in Tijuana. And the trek will proceed with reinforced security. 'People can come with confidence and have a good time,' Eduin Caz, the band's frontman, said during a press conference Thursday afternoon at Estadio Caliente in Tijuana, where the second show of the tour is scheduled for April 12. 'We have strengthened security for this tour in Mexico. The shows of Grupo Firme are meant to be enjoyed, and that's how it will be.' More from Billboard Grupo Firme Cancels Show in Mazatlán After Alleged Death Threats From Drug Cartel Ariana Grande Welcomes 'Brighter Days Ahead' With 'Eternal Sunshine' Deluxe Album: Stream It Now Lil Durk Releases 'Deep Thoughts' Album From Behind Bars: Stream It Now After a three-year absence from Mexico, La Última Peda Tour will take Grupo Firme to 23 stadiums across the country, including their eighth performance at Estadio GNP Seguros (formerly Foro Sol) on June 28. The tour will also mark their return to palenques, a more intimate type of show that allows for greater interaction with the audience. 'We need to relive that closeness with people that only these types of venues can provide,' said Jhonny Cazares, the group's third voice. 'Great artists we admire, like Alfredo Olivas and Julión Álvarez, do them. These [venues] are smaller, but they're no less important. Plus, they're part of our culture.' Meanwhile, the state government and the Baja California Prosecutor's Office are continuing their investigation into the threats against the band. The cancellation of the March 1 concert, which was part of the Mazatlán Carnival, was a result of the discovery of an alleged narcomanta and a human head in a box Feb. 25 in Tijuana — a fact confirmed to Billboard Español by the Baja California State Prosecutor's Office. So far, four arrests have been made in the case, Excelsior TV reported citing the prosecutor's office. 'We are grateful for the support of the authorities, who have been attentive from the very beginning,' Caz added. 'We can't share more details so as not to hinder the investigation.' Coming up, Grupo Firme will be releasing a new album in May. In an interview with Billboard Español, the singer shared some details about the project, which was helmed by renowned songwriter and producer Joss Favela along with Abraham Luna, the group's second voice and producer. 'The musical arrangements are different,' revealed Caz. 'We've incorporated piano, electric guitar, and saxophone with banda and norteño. Our musical roots remain the same. The lyrics are in my style, mostly about heartbreak — those are the ones that come most naturally to me.' He continued: 'We recorded 17 songs but will keep only 12; they're all very good. I don't want any of them to go unnoticed or not get the attention they deserve.' He also shared that it took them about a year to select and record the songs, with Caz contributing as a songwriter alongside Horacio Palencia, Nathan Galante, and Joss Favela — the same creator of 'El Beneficio de la Duda,' which led Grupo Firme to spend two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Regional Mexican Airplay chart in mid-2024. As for a potential collaboration with Don Omar — who recently expressed in press conference in Mexico City his desire to record with the band — Caz said: 'There's a great friendship. We haven't been able to align schedules, first due to health issues for both of us. The song has already been chosen; it's just a matter of timing. It would be amazing to make it happen.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How the Holy Month of Ramadan Became a Musical Phenomenon: The Rise of TV Intro Songs, Viral Ads & Pop Anthems
Once considered a quiet season for the music industry, Ramadan is now a full-blown musical phenomenon. As Firas Abou Fakher, the vp of audience growth and strategy at Universal Music Middle East, puts it, 'Ramadan is no longer a 'break period' for the music scene like it used to be.' In recent years, Ramadan has become a prime time for music releases, fueled by the rise of TV series, commercial campaigns and a growing appetite for nostalgia. But music has always been an essential part of Ramadan's artistic memory. From the golden voices of Ammar El Sherei and Sayed Mekawy to legendary lyricists like Salah Jaheen, Sayed Hegab and Abdelrahman El-Abnoudi, paired with artistic talents like Nelly and Sherihan, Ali Al Hajjar and Assala, music has long set the stage for unforgettable Ramadan moments. More from Billboard Ariana Grande Welcomes 'Brighter Days Ahead' With 'Eternal Sunshine' Deluxe Album: Stream It Now Lil Durk Releases 'Deep Thoughts' Album From Behind Bars: Stream It Now Bachman-Turner Overdrive Make a Grand Return With Neil Young Collab '60 Years Ago': 'There Was No Great Plan for This Song' However, nothing compares to today's musical boom, where TV series soundtracks and brand-backed anthems dominate streaming charts, transforming the Holy Month into a dynamic season for artists and production houses alike. So, how did we get here? Billboard Arabia sat down with top industry insiders and traced the evolution of Ramadan's soundscape since the '80s. More Than Just TV Soundtracks: Music as Part of the Storyline Lately, Ramadan has become a launchpad for hit songs, with artists strategically linking their releases to trending TV series. According to Wissam Chartouni, co-founder of Glava Holding (home to Watary and Music Is My Life), 'artists now have a higher chance of success when their songs are tied to popular TV shows. Additionally, old classics are getting a fresh revival when featured in pivotal scenes.' A perfect example? This year, Sherine Abdel Wahab's 2018 album Nassay saw a massive resurgence after its tracks were featured in the Ramadan series Ekhawati (My Sisters), propelling her back to the top of the Billboard Arabia Hot 100 chart. Karima Damir, the vp of artist development and repertoire growth at Universal Music Middle East, also notes a shift in how artists engage with Ramadan series: 'Singers are becoming integral to the storyline itself. We're even seeing rappers take on acting roles.' Take, for example, Abyusif, who joined Ahmed Mekky in El Ghaoui during the current season, or Shahin, who starred in Lunchbox last year. Arabic music and drama have never been more intertwined. From Fawazeer to Viral Ads For decades, Ramadan's 'fawazeer' (riddle-based variety shows) ruled the entertainment scene, with stars like Nelly and Sherihan leading the stage. Nelly dazzled audiences with standout performances in works like Al Khatba (The Matchmaker) and Arousati (My Doll), where she collaborated with iconic poet, lyricist and playwright Salah Jahin. Meanwhile, Samir Ghanem brought to life the beloved character Fatoota, accompanied by a long, comedic opening theme composed by Sayed Mekawy—one that still lingers in memory today. In the '90s, Sherihan reigned supreme with productions like 'Hagat W Mehtagat' (Needs and Wants), penned by Egyptian songwriter Sayed Hegab and set to music by composer Moudy El Imam, who blended fast-paced rhythms with vibrant orchestral arrangements. These productions were packed with elaborate song-and-dance numbers composed by musical giants. But as the 2000s rolled in, fawazeer faded, making room for a new powerhouse: Ramadan commercials. In recent years, brands have gone beyond simple jingles. Instead, they have invested in cinematic-style music videos with chart-topping stars, sometimes downplaying their product's presence to ensure the song has standalone appeal. Some of these ad songs have become cultural hits, such as 'Asmar Oyonoh Samrah' (Brown-skinned, brown-eyed) and 'Ramadan Fi Masr Haga Tanya' (Ramadan in Egypt is something else), performed by Hussein Al Jassmi, a staple on Billboard Arabia's charts. This year alone, A-list artists like Al Jassmi, Sherine, Elissa, Tamer Hosny, Angham, Wegz and Ahmed Saad (who led an impressive seven different ad campaigns) dominated Ramadan's musical space. Mohamed Jaber, vice president of Mazzika Group, explains this shift: 'Brands are now creating songs that can live beyond Ramadan. The goal is for people to play these tracks at gatherings and celebrations, making them more than just an ad—they become part of our culture.' The Soundtrack Lives On Despite all these shifts, one thing remains unchanged—TV series intro songs still reign supreme. Since the 1980s, Ramadan drama intros have been a gateway for timeless hits. Legendary collaborations like Sayed Hegab and Ammar El Sherei set the foundation for this genre, creating unforgettable classics. This is evident in the iconic Layali El Helmeya (Al-Hilmiya Nights) theme song, written by Hegab, composed by Michel El Masry and performed by Mohamed El Helou in 1987. The 1990s ushered in the golden era of intro soundtracks in both Egyptian and Syrian drama. In Egypt, poets like Ahmed Fouad Negm in Zizinia and Abdelrahman El Abnoudi with Ze'ab El Gabal penned lyrics for TV dramas, while Ali El Haggar's performances of the songs 'Bawabat El Halawani' and 'El Mal wel Banoon' became iconic. Meanwhile, in Syria, the 1994 series Nihayat Rajol Shujaa (The End of a Brave Man) marked a turning point. Featuring a fully composed original score by Tarek Al Nasser, its theme, 'Ya Rouh La Tahzani,' became an integral part of the show's identity. Syrian drama also saw a flourishing partnership between director Hatem Ali and composer Taher Mamelli, who infused an epic musical approach into productions like 'Al Fosoul Al Arbaa,' 'Boqaat Daw' and 'Thikrayat Az Zaman Al Qaadem.' Mamelli often unearthed local voices, adding authenticity to his scores. The Rise of Pop Stars and the Evolution of Ramadan's TV Theme Songs TV series like Salah Ad Din Al Ayyubi (2002), Qasim Amin (2003) and Nizar Qabbani (2005) marked a turning point. Following their success, production companies began recruiting top pop stars for theme songs. Pop star Assala lent her voice to all three, bringing celebrated poets' words to life and leaving a deep impression on Arab audiences. These songs transcended their series, taking on national and emotional significance. During this era, Egypt's Ramadan TV season changed, with more channels and bigger productions. Some lyricists preserved the '90s spirit, like Ayman Bahgat Kamar's 'Abbas Al-Abyad fi Al-Yawm Al-Aswad' (2004), composed by Mahmoud Talaat and performed by Medhat Saleh. However, commercial pressures meant lyricists often wrote intros based solely on show titles, leading to more generic hooks, as seen in the show El Kaboos. New voices emerged in theme songs. Hisham Abbas performed 'Yetrebba Fi Ezo' (2007), composed by Talaat. In 2010, Ahmed Mekky broke new ground by writing and performing his own hip-hop intro, a massive success in rural Egyptian dialect. In the Gulf, Nawal Al Kuwaitia became a staple Ramadan drama voice, singing for Al Raha, Al Dereesha and Damat Omr, while Asma Lamnawar mastered Khaleeji music with Oyun Al Hob, Sara and Ahbabtak Mundhu Al Sighar. Meanwhile, historical Syrian dramas grew in popularity. The iconic show Bab Al Hara (2006–2017) featured a legendary theme song, 'Elli Beddo Yetahadda,' performed by Adnan Al Hallaq with lyrics by Osama Al Saud and music by Saad Al Husseini. Pop stars continue to shape TV intros, making them more like standalone hits designed for viral success. This year, Syrian dramas introduced fresh voices like Ziad Bourji, Nassif Zeytoun, Rahma Riad and Abir Nehme. Rising star Al Shami debuted with Taht Sabe' Ard, marking a strategic shift as producers capitalized on his recent fame. The Rise of Shaabi and Mahraganat Music By the mid-2010s, Ramadan's musical landscape had expanded beyond traditional soundtracks. Enter the street anthems: Mahraganat and traditional hip-hop-infused tracks became regulars in TV series intros, performed by artists such as Hassan Shakosh and Bousy. In 2020, Bi 100 Wish (With a Hundred Faces) became the first show to feature a Mahragan intro song, Millionaire, performed by El Madfaagya and famed actress Nelly Karim. Fast forward to Ramadan 2024 and 2025. Mahraganat star Essam Sasa achieved record-breaking success with his intro songs, ranking among the few to reach the Billboard Arabia charts. His track 'Etnen Be Maqam Malayin' (Two Are Worth Millions), from the series Massar Egbari, landed in the Hot 100's top 10 last year. With Ramadan now a season of cultural significance beyond religious observance, its musical phenomenon continues to evolve, marking a unique space where nostalgia, innovation and commercial success intersect. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
