Oakland, CA — Things are constantly changing in the music industry and it’s important to stay on top of trends and news updates, especially as an independent artist. We’ve got you covered with a weekly recap of the top stories you need to know.
SNOOP WORKING ON R&B FESTIVAL
Uncle Snoop is working on an R&B festival featuring all of your favorite new and old school artists. Brandy, Lauryn Hill, Summer Walker, Jhene Aiko, TLC and T-Pain are all said to be included in the festival lineup. However, there seems to be some miscommunication between the team that’s booking talent for the festival and the talents' representatives. Unfortunately, some artists that are listed on the lineup such as Lil Kim, say their teams haven't been contacted and they haven’t gotten deposits to be performing the day of the event. We are all crossing our fingers and hoping this will get resolved!
NEW THUNDERCAT SINGLE
“I have a Dragon Ball tattoo...it runs everything. There is a saying that Dragon Ball is life.” This is a direct quote from Thundercat, which is likely the inspiration for his latest single, titled “Dragon Ball Durag.” This is the second single from the artist/producer’s upcoming LP called "It Is What It Is." His first single off the project, “Black Qualls,” features Steve Lacy and Steve Arrington.
SZA, MEGAN THEE STALLION & NORMANI MAKE ROLLING STONE COVER
The talented and beautiful artists SZA, Megan Thee Stallion and Normani have landed the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. They are featured in the second annual "Women Shaping the Future" special edition of the magazine. We are happy to see these young queens getting the mainstream recognition they deserve. The magazine will be available on March 3rd.
UPCOMING RAPPER POP SMOKE MURDERED
Up-and-coming rapper Pop Smoke was murdered in the early morning hours of February 19th, 2020. According to TMZ, two men broke into Pop’s house and fired shots. He was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Pop Smoke was at the very beginning of what was looking like a promising musical career. RIP to the young talent.
ENTER TO WIN A PERFORMANCE ON NPR’S TINY DESK CONCERT
NPR is building on the success of its online music performance video series, "Tiny Desk," by turning it into a concert. They are now accepting entries for their 2020 Tiny Desk Concert Contest. NPR will be accepting video submissions through March 30th. Winners will get to perform at NPR's headquarters in Washington D.C., then will go on a national tour sponsored by State Farm.