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USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Jermaine Dupri on the key to a hit record, Quincy Jones and his 'tribute of all tributes'
Jermaine Dupri on the key to a hit record, Quincy Jones and his 'tribute of all tributes' Show Caption Hide Caption Jermaine Dupri to pay tribute to music titan Quincy Jones at ESSENCE Rapper Jermaine Dupri gives a sneak peak into his Quincy Jones tribute set list that features Xscape, MC Lyte and many more. When the illustrious music titan Quincy Jones passed away at the age of 91 last November, Jermaine Dupri acknowledged him as someone who gave him "much more confidence about music and life." The two hit it off when they first met. "He called me his little brother, and I was always at his house," in Los Angeles, Dupri recalled. They chatted over homemade hamburgers, and Jones inspired him in his journey to become vegan. "A lot of the conversations we had, they'll stick with me for the rest of my life." For the esteemed producer, rapper, and So So Def founder, Jones's widely acclaimed career − which ranged from being a part of notable films, working on classic records with legends and his partnership with the King of Pop Michael Jackson − was his blueprint: "I patterned myself after him in my own way," he said. 'Tribute of all tributes' This July, Dupri is poised to honor Jones' influence and legendary catalog at this year's Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans. He intends to put his all on the stage. "This is the Blackest festival that we have in America, and I feel like Quincy is the greatest Black producer of American Black music," Dupri told USA TODAY. "I wanted something that translated to the generation of people that I feel like my music is made for and a younger audience." The panoramic performance will be an educational "tribute of all tributes," showing "the importance of Quincy and who he was to me and who I am as a producer standing across from him," he added. Essence Fest: Performers announced for 2025: Dates, tickets, hosts, what to know What to expect during Dupri's 'ESSENCE Flowers' tribute Included in Dupri's setlist is the late 90s gold-certified record "Keep On, Keepin' On" with MC Lyte and Xscape. It sampled Michael Jackson's "Liberian Girl," which was co-produced by Jones. The song was the perfect blend to create a radio smash for the rap pioneer and chart-topping girl group he discovered. "If you hear MC Lyte's version, you might not realize that it's 'Liberian Girl,'" Dupri stated. "That's what I'm going to do in my set; I'm going to make you realize that you might not even realize how much Quincy Jones you have listened to." Other additions to the tribute are the iconic R&B trio SWV, who added their twist to Jones' production on Jackson's "Human Nature" for their beloved debut hit "Right Here." Rap powerhouses The Pharcyde and Mobb Deep's contribution to the performance would underscore how Jones' work was heavily sampled in hip-hop culture. Singer Al B. Sure!, a feature on Jones' 1989 "The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)," and other vocalists like Tyrese and Robin Thicke, who were a part of the modern, up-tempo version with Dupri's magic touch decades later, will also take the stage. The 2010 remake came at a time when "Quincy gave young producers the opportunity to take one of his songs and remix it," Dupri stated. It was included on Jones' final album, "Q: Soul Bossa Nostra," made up of contemporary renditions of his classic hits from acts spanning multiple genres. Thicke also appeared in a reimagining of Jackson's "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" on the same project. Great modern artists do their homework, Dupri says Dupri is a force in his own right and has a prowess for creating timeless music, like Jones. He has worked with the greats, from Usher to Ludacris to Mariah Carey. In recent years, the Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has collaborated with rising stars like Dvsn on 2022's "If I Get Caught." Dupri announced that he had signed the Canadian R&B duo to his record label this week. Dupri also worked with singer Ari Lennox, co-producing one of her latest songs, "Soft Girl Era." He also caught a massive hit with Muni Long's ballad "Made For Me," which became a TikTok sensation and secured the vocalist a Grammy Award for the "Live On BET" version. He said their sole studio session was a breeze because Long was knowledgeable. "It's really about going in the studio with talented people that listen and pay attention to the elements that have created songs that are bigger than the songs that they make," Dupri said. Some of those elements to make a hit of that caliber that are missing from today's musical climate are a well-versed producer and a studied artist, according to Dupri. He recently initiated discourse online when he argued that the youth in the current state of R&B lack the traditional church influence. Dupri further clarified his point: "You can go in your room and make a song and get on the charts. That's amazing, but the simplicity of it at some point doesn't live up to the extraordinary space that I know I grew up listening to. People don't understand how important having these pieces in the studio with you are." Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Notorious B.I.G. Allegedly Apologized for Xscape Diss Before Death, Says Tiny Harris
The Notorious B.I.G. allegedly made amends with Xscape before his death. In an interview with The Morning Hustle on Wednesday, April 30, Tameka "Tiny" Harris and Kandi Burruss of the R&B girl group recalled how the rapper — born Christopher George Latore Wallace and also known as Biggie Smalls — apologized to them before his death after previously insulting their looks on his 1994 single "Just Playing (Dreams)." On the track, Biggie hurled insults and named the sexual acts he wanted to engage in with several celebrities, including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Jasmine Guy and Xscape. Related: Who Killed the Notorious B.I.G.? Inside the Rapper's Shocking Murder 28 Years Ago "I'll f--- RuPaul before I f--- them ugly-a-- Xscape bitches," he raps on the track. According to Harris, 49, and Burruss, 48, Biggie allegedly apologized at a 1997 Soul Train Awards afterparty. 'Somebody came, I don't know if it was Diddy, somebody came and said, 'Biggie wanna speak to y'all,'' said Harris. 'I was just like, 'I'm going to see what he's talking about.'' She added: 'And you know, he was very nice, he was very apologetic and he basically said, 'I don't know what I was thinking. Look, I'm ugly as hell. Y'all is beautiful, and I just wanted to say I apologize for whatever.'' According to Harris, the most shocking part was that Biggie allegedly died 'probably 20, 30 minutes after that.' 'It was great to hear that he acknowledged that he was wrong," she concluded. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Related: Notorious B.I.G.'s Mom Voletta Wallace Declares She Wants to 'Slap the Daylights Out of Sean Combs' Biggie was killed when he was 24 years old, but he had already established himself as a rap legend. The Brooklyn-born musician released his debut album Ready to Die in 1994 and posthumously released Life After Death in 1997. The latter is one of the only hip-hop albums to sell 10 million copies and reach diamond status. On March 9, 1997, Biggie was leaving a Soul Train Awards afterparty when he was shot and killed by an assailant in a black Chevy Impala. His murder is closely linked to the killing of fellow '90s hip-hop superstar Tupac Shakur, as the two were involved in a battle where Biggie represented the East Coast and Tupac the West. Read the original article on People
Black America Web
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Tiny Reveals Biggie Apologized To Xscape Moments Before His Death
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Jeff Hahne / Getty During a recent interview on The Morning Hustle, Tameka 'Tiny' Harris revealed a powerful moment that took place just minutes before the tragic death of The Notorious B.I.G. According to Tiny, the legendary rapper took the opportunity to apologize for the controversial lyric he rapped about Xscape in his track 'Just Playin' (Dreams).' The infamous line, 'I'll f**k RuPaul before I f**k them ugly a** Xscape b**ches,' had long caused tension between Biggie and the R&B girl group. Tiny explained that Biggie approached them at an event and expressed his regret over the insult. 'He was like, 'I didn't mean it. I love y'all. Y'all beautiful,'' Tiny recalled. Interestingly, Kandi Burruss, also a member of Xscape, revealed that she declined the chance to hear Biggie out at that moment, saying she didn't want to speak with him. Though this emotional story was first shared back in 2020, according to Revolt TV, it has recently gone viral again following Tiny's new recounting of the event during her appearance on *The Morning Hustle*. Fans have been reacting strongly online, with many expressing surprise and admiration for Biggie's willingness to make amends before his untimely passing. Biggie Smalls was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in March 1997. This anecdote adds a bittersweet layer to his legacy, showing a more human side of the rapper just moments before his death. Check out the full interview below: SEE ALSO Tiny Reveals Biggie Apologized To Xscape Moments Before His Death was originally published on
Black America Web
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
How Halle Bailey, Kash Doll, & Other Black Celebs Celebrated Easter 2025
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: MICHAEL TRAN / Getty Easter 2025 brought more than just egg hunts and jellybeans – and pictures from our favorities celebrities are proof. This year's holiday was a full celebration of love, family, faith, and fresh fashion. Our timelines were overflowing with stunning snapshots from some of our favorite Black celebs showing up and showing out for the holiday. How Black Celebrities Celebrated Easter 2025 Halle Bailey gave us a mother-son moment that we loved. She and baby Halo posed in matching soft green looks against a natural cherry blossom backdrop. Between their coordinating outfits and the dreamy scenery, Halle's pics were simply picture perfect. Tamron Hall shared a heartwarming post of her three-generation Easter crew. She, her mom, and her son Moses posed while walking into church. All were dressed in their Sunday best. Tamron wore a sleeveless cream tweed dress with a sophisticated black bow and floral embellishment at the neckline. Her look gave classy, polished, and Easter-perfect. Back in ATL, Kandi Burruss gave us a fun twist. She posted a playful photo of her, Blaze, and Ace Tucker lying in a bed of bright Easter eggs. The three were obviously all smiles. New Real Housewives of Atlanta star Shamea Morton also brought the coordination game with her family. They wore stunning yellow and black African-inspired looks in a polished family studio portrait. ATL royalty Porsha Williams also celebrated the day with her daughter, Pilar. The mommy-daughter duo posed with the Easter bunny at fellow Atlanta socialite, Xscape star Tiny Harris' home, giving us all the adorable vibes. Kash Doll took it to the mall for her Easter memories. The Detroit native and mother of two posted photos of herself and her kids with the Easter bunny. Kash kept it sleek in all black while her little ones rocked a cute mix of tan and black fits and Fendi prints. The captures were adorable, fashionable, festive, and family-focused. Former Vice President Kamala Harris also joined in on the joy. She posted a beautiful photo with her great-nieces, looking radiant in pale yellow. The image radiated peace, elegance, and family pride—true Easter energy. Gallery: Celebrities Spent Time With Family, Friends, Food, & Bunnies This Easter Whether it was about Jesus, joy, or jellybeans, Black celebs gave us all something to smile about this Easter. Scroll to see our full gallery. How Halle Bailey, Kash Doll, & Other Black Celebs Celebrated Easter 2025 was originally published on
