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Drake Wants Lebron Sized Check For Historic 75 Billion Streams On Spotify

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Drake says his label should cut him a lebron sized check for his historic streaming record on Spotify.

The streaming service recently announced that Drake had earned the distinguished title of being the first artist in Spotify history to surpass 75 billion streams. Drake has long had an unmatched record as one of the most streamed artists in the United States and the world. His unbeaten streak continues into 2023 as the artist racks up accolade after accolade, but it seems that the title means nothing to Drake as he shared a playful reaction to the news.

“We should get bonuses like athletes to motivate future artists to be consistent and competitive,” the ‘Her Loss’ rapper said.

Drake has earned hundreds of plaques, no doubt, and he directed his message to Spotify that he prefers a cheque.

“Feel free to send me a Lebron sized cheque I have enough dinner plates,” the rapper said with laughing emojis as he tagged Spotify.

via Drake Instagram

Drake has been a source of inspiration over the last decade, as his work ethic and music speak for itself.

On his Instagram account on Thursday night (Feb. 2), the rapper shared a series of photos from his recent Apollo Theatre performance showing him in the studio, setting up the stage, and working late.

He also shared a motivational message to fans as he pointed out that consistency and not dealing with complacency set him apart from others.

“Introduced myself to consistency &we fell in love. Ever since then we’ve been stuck & can’t get enough@ this rate the going rate to see the one they rate isn’t luck Easy to see your hard work just ain’t hard enough because look @ them & look at us,” he said.

He added, “I’m just an observer who has seen enough. My mouth is becoming like the doors I opened for you I should have kept it shut. Wish I could explain what happens in person to these guys acting tough. Basically I let them keep dreaming and make believing til I decide to wake them up.”

Drake’s musical legacy is still doubted by some who question his music, but many others have credited the rapper for his talent and hard work in maintaining the enviable position as the most streamed rapper and one of the top 5 most streamed artists globally across all credits.

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Grammy Nominated, Jamaican-Born Jazz Great Brings A ‘Love Note’ To West Palm Beach This Valentine’s Day

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Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Fri. Feb. 3, 20223:  On the heels of the release of his ‘Love Notes’ album and an Order of Jamaica from his native land, Grammy-nominated jazz great, Dr. Monty Alexander, is set to bring a Valentine’s Day performance to West Palm Beach, Florida this February 14th that will see the marriage of Jamaican rhythms and vibrations with the great American song book of love songs.

The world-renowned, international musician will perform ‘Love Notes’ at the Rinker’s playhouse at The Raymond F. Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, on Feb. 14th, for two shows only – at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The intimate and romantic evening, according to Dr. Alexander, will feature songs from the greats he grew up with as a child in Jamaica, such as Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday, as well as Jamaican musicians from the era of ska and reggae, including Sly and Robbie.

Alexander was blessed to not only grow up on the music of the American greats he listened to as a child in Jamaica, but later to play with some in his early musical career, including the legendary Sinatra.

The Feb. 14th Valentine Show will also feature international vocalist, Caterina Zapponi, as well as Cleveland-born American jazz trumpeter, composer, and big band leader, Dominick Farinacci; acoustic guitar and talented Jamaican-born electric bass player, Joshua Thomas; world renown drummer on the Jazz scene, Jason Brown, and New York City-based jazz bassist, composer and teacher, Luke Sellick.

Fans will also be able to meet Dr. Alexander after the last set at a special CD signing of his ‘Love Notes’ album that’s available for sale on Amazon. Songs on the latest album include: ‘These Love Notes,’ ‘Moon River,’ ‘Faith Can Move Mountains,’ ‘As Time Goes By,’ ‘The Nearness of You’ and ‘Island in the Sun,’ among other.

Alexander says the show is also a celebration of his recent award from the Jamaican government and a tribute to his roots. Tickets for each show range from $39.00 – $69.00 and are available for purchase HERE only or on the Kravis Center website.

ABOUT MONTY

Nearly sixty years after he moved to the United States from Kingston, Jamaica, his hometown, Alexander remains an American classic, touring the world relentlessly with various projects and delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. A perennial favorite at Jazz festivals and venues worldwide, including at the Montreux Jazz Festival where he has appeared 23 times since 1976, his spirited conception is one informed by the timeless verities: endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, sophisticated voicings, a romantic spirit, and a consistent predisposition. As Alexander accurately states: “to build up the heat and kick up a storm.”

In the course of any given performance, Alexander applies that aesthetics to a repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expressions in what can only be dubbed “the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae.” 

Documented on more than 75 recordings and cited as the fifth greatest jazz pianist ever in The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time (Hal Leonard Publishing), the Jamaican government designated Alexander Commander in the Order of Distinction in 2000 and conferred on him the national honor of the Order of Jamaica in 2022 for “Sterling Contributions to the Promotions of Jamaican Music and the Jazz Genre Interpretations Globally.” In further recognition of his accomplishments, the University of The West Indies bestowed him with an honorary doctorate, (DLitt).

Alexander’s latest album, released August 19, 2022, is titled, ‘Love Notes,’ and is his first recording featuring his vocals. Also, in the works is “The Monty Alexander Movie,” a documentary on Alexander’s life and music. Directed by Academy Award© winning cinematographer Jefferson Miller, and veteran filmmaker Arthur Gorson, the project is currently in production in Jamaica, the U.S. and Europe. 

For more visit Alexander on YouTube or at montyalexander.com. You can also like him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or keep up to date on his performances on Twitter at @montyHKE.

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Popcaan Wish Toni-Ann Singh Happy Birthday At UK Album Launch Party

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Popcaan is ensuring that Toni-Ann Singh has the best birthday ever as the couple spends some quality time together with friends and family in London, United Kingdom, where she has accompanied him for his Great Is He album launch.

On Wednesday night, Popcaan and Toni-Ann Singh’s chemistry was palpable as both individuals were on Instagram Live, where fans got to see their quirky and fun side. While on Toni-Ann’s Instagram Live, Popcaan revealed that he was blocked by Instagram from going live on his own Instagram account, so he “borrowed” Toni-Ann’s account to go live so he could wish her ‘Happy Birthday.’

“Dem nuh want me go live, them say me unruly,” he says while a playful Toni-Ann responds, “You gi too much trouble.”

Toni-Ann Singh also snuggles her face on the artist’s shoulders, and a very romantic Popcaan takes a piece of chocolate from her dessert and feeds it to Singh. The couple was out to dinner in London and were surrounded by a large group of friends and family.

“It’s love it’s life, it’s a breeze, you know what I am saying,” Popcaan said.

Toni-Ann Singh also shared gratitude for another year of life. “On my birthday I am happy to be surrounded by so much love, and support and hope and support and light and family and I just give God all the praise for so much to be grateful for,” she says.

She added, “I’m not a big birthday person if you know me so you have to know that like this is a good year. It’s the best. That is it,” she added.

Popcaan and Singh also break out into random singing as he tells her she wants him to climb up on his “Aboboyaa” (his song with Burna Boy) before he breaks out into a cuss word-laden sentence.

“Woah woah woah,” Toni-Ann says as he apologizes and says sorry, noting that he doesn’t want Toni-Ann to be blocked like him for cursing on Instagram.

Meanwhile, Toni-Ann also shared a beautiful message on Instagram dedicated to Popcaan.

“Andrae the GREAT. I didn’t plan to be sappy, but my heart is TOO full of joy To be loved and supported by this LEGEND gives me so much strength. I am beyond grateful to you for using your blessings to bless so many others (me). I don’t take this honor lightly. May God continue to bless you ABUNDANTLY @popcaanmusic. “Thank You” is an understatement. Mi Love Yuh @popcaanmusic,” Toni-Ann wrote.

Popcaan also responded, perhaps letting the cat out of the bag as he confirmed that Toni-Ann Singh would be recording solo music soon.

“Appreciate you Toss and you’re only getting greater, I am more than ready for your new music,” Popcaan said.

Meanwhile, Toni-Ann received love from many of her followers, including the likes of Bounty Killer, who wrote, “Adorable couple greatness.”

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Ne-Yo To Pay Ex-Wife Crystal Renay $2 Million In Divorce Settlement

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Ne-Yo and his ex-wife Crystal Smith’s divorce has been finalized with the court ruling that the R&B artist will keep three homes while Crystal gets one, but Ne-Yo will need to pay a lump sum of $1.6 million to buy out Crystal’s shares in the other properties.

The divorce ruling also dealt with Alimony, child support, and custody of their children and assets such as properties and the family car.

According to TMZ, Ne-Yo will get to keep the family car, a 2022 Bentley Bentayga, 3 of their 4 homes, with Crystal keeping one of the houses in Georgia. Ne-Yo will have to pay $20,000 in moving expenses as well as balance out the division of their real estate holdings. Instead of dividing the properties, the couple agreed on a lump sum payment from Ne-Yo.

While he gets to keep the Bentley, Ne-Yo will also have to fund his wife $150,000 to buy her new car. Ne-Yo is also on the hook for child support and Alimony. The court ordered that he pay his ex-wife Crystal $12,000 per month in child support for their children Shaffer, 6, Roman, 4, and Isabella, 17 months old.

The former couple will also share joint custody, but Ne-Yo will also have to pay for their school expenses.

As for Alimony, Ne-Yo is to pay $5,000 in monthly Alimony for the next three years. The couple also agreed that they won’t have new romantic partners around the minor children unless they are married or engaged to that partner or otherwise get permission from each other.

Crystal Renay filed for divorce from Ne-Yo last August after slamming the “So Sick” artist for cheating on her repeatedly over the eight years they were together. At the time of her divorce petition, she claimed that Ne-Yo had fathered a child with another woman. Ne-Yo recently shared that child with the world. There are reports that the mother of that child is also pregnant again for Ne-Yo.“8 years. 8 years of lies and deception. 8 years of unknowingly sharing my life and my husband with numerous women who sell their bodies to him unprotected…every last one of them!” Crystal shared in a lengthy Instagram Story.

“To say I’m heartbroken and disgusted is a understatement. To ask me to stay and accept it is absolutely insane. The mentality of a narcissist. I will no longer lie to the public or pretend that this is something it isn’t. I choose me, I choose my happiness and health and my respect I gained 3 beautiful children out of this but nothing else but wasted years and heartache,” she said.

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Future Honors Bob Marley With A New Tattoo On His Leg

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Future is paying homage to Bob Marley as he shared on Tuesday that he tattooed an image of the late great reggae artist on his foot. Future has long declared himself a fan of Reggae music and named Bob Marley as his favorite artist in all genres.

In a video shared on Instagram, the Atlanta rapper shared the process of getting the tattoo, noting that his tattoo artist, Steve, was going to add the image of Marley on his leg.

Bob Marley died on May 11, 1981, at the age of 36. The king of reggae is loved and respected by generations of people who recognized the impact of his music on the world during times of hatred and oppression against black people across the world. Future’s video showed the tattoo artist preparing to draw the image of Marley printing the close-up image of Marley’s face with his dreadlocks prominently spread out.

The rapper appeared calm as the tattoo artist placed the drawing on his left leg. It appears that Future also has tattoos of other historical figures on his leg, with a large image of Martin Luther King covering his calf below the Bob Marley Tattoo.

Bob Marley is well known for songs like “No Woman No Cry,” “Three Little Birds,” and “Could You Be Loved,” among others. Marley’s birthday is on February 6, which is widely celebrated by his family and Jamaicans during Reggae Month.

For Future, the tattoo might have a different significance as February is celebrated as Black History Month. Fans of Bob Marley reacted to the rapper paying homage to Marley.

“A real legend in music and spirituality, Jah Bless,” one fan wrote. “The Greatest To Ever Grace The Mic,” another said.

“Sun is Shining The weather is sweet,” another added.

Future, in 2017, shared that he loved Reggae music and that Marley is his all-time favorite artist.

“Bob Marley is my favorite artist of all time and I am a major reggae fan. His music has inspired me in so many ways and I am truly grateful to have been able to experience it. Thank you, Bob Marley, for everything,” the rapper had said in a US Magazine interview.

Future is widely regarded as one of the the most influential rapper of his generation and is credited for pioneering widespread drug use in hip hop. While the Atlanta rapper is undeniably great, Bob Marley is on a whole other level influentially. The Jamaican singer’s timeless music has captivate fans worldwide for close to half a century.

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Rihanna Planning An Epic Super Bowl Show Says Director Adam Blackstone

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Rihanna’s Super Bowl Half Time show is just under two weeks away, and the countdown has begun with Adam Blackstone returning as the show’s musical director.

Blackstone returns following his first Emmy award win for Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show, starred by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent. The show took home three awards, including Variety Special (live), Outstanding Music Direction, and Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special.

Blackstone was previously nominated for Outstanding Music Direction for his production of the Justin Timberlake (2018) and Jennifer Lopez/Shakira (2020) Halftime shows.

In an ABC interview, Blackstone gave some insight into his discussions with Rihanna and how she wants the show to run off.

“I asked the artist what story do you want to tell?” he said as he shared the response from Rihanna.

“The story that she wants to tell is just ‘let’s be epic, let’s let this be a moment in time that people will never have had seen or heard before,” the musician said.

Blackstone also spoke about the preparation of the show, which will require a lot of rehearsing to ensure that the production is within the timeframe. The show is expected to last around 13 minutes.

“We’re forcing a concert in the middle of the biggest sporting event in the world… A lot of the preparation honestly comes before so when we hit the stage it’s like another day,” he said.

As for deciding what possible collaborations Rihanna will include, Blackstone said it’s not as easy as some fans speculate, as the Grammy-winning artist has a large catalog of number-one songs.

“It’s a gift and a curse because you have so many hits, almost like where do we start?” he said. “She’s had some great collabs, I cannot say I think that you’ll be in for a surprise,” he added when asked about who might grace the stage with her.

Blackstone is being supported by British director Hamish Hamilton who has been working with the Super Bowl Half Time show production since 2010, director Jesse Collins and Roc Nation under the direction of Jay-Z, who is named the NFL’s Live Music Entertainment Strategist.

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Chronic Law Confronts Disc Jockey Playing Alkaline Music At Boat Party

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Don’t ever play Alkaline music around Chronic Law.

The St. Thomas deejay was on a boat party recently enjoying himself with some friends when the resident disc jockey decided to commit the ultimate sin and play Alkaline song “Nah Fi Like.” Luckily for us, Chronic Law was on Instagram Live and captured the moment he confront the DJ and demanded he quit playing his opps music. In the clip below, the Law Boss quickly turned to the DJ and let him know none of that will be tolerated in his presence.

“None a that pon e bombocl*** boat ah mi deh yah enuh, yow tell him,” the deejay said as two of his friends seemingly went and informed the DJ, who complied with the request.

Back in 2019, Alkaline famously beefed with the 6ix crew comprising Chronic Law, Squash, and others, with several diss tracks recorded on both sides of the divide. The lyrical feud eventually ended with no clear winner but with several hits from the artists involved. Perhaps it’s safe to say that authentic dancehall won in the end. It seems that the Hill Top deejay is still keeping Alkaline at arm’s length since he doesn’t even want to hear his music play around him.

This is not uncommon in dancehall and hip hop parties where rival artists don’t want their opps music playing once they’re in the party or club. We saw that with Cardi B at a club last year where the deejay mistook her for Nicki Minaj and was playing Nicki’s music at the same time. The whole thing caused a stir, much to the dismay of the partygoers. The DJ later apologizes to Cardi B for the mishap.

As for Chronic Law, he went on to party and seemed to have a good time free of Alkaline music.

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Beyoncé Was Paid $45 Million For 1-Hour Dubai Show, Terrence J Says

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Terrence J has revealed the eyepopping figure that Beyoncé made from her recent performance in Dubai for the opening of resort Atlantis Dubai.

Beyoncé was criticized by some of her fans for performing in the middle east country mainly because of its Islamic stance that is conservative on many things like women’s rights and others like being anti-gay. Still, the country has held steadfast to its religious laws, and those who visit are bound by those rules.

Beyoncé performance saw her giving a very conservative show which didn’t contain the usual spontaneous dancing and other things she includes in her show, and there’s been much speculation as to the figure that Queen Bey earned for the brief performance with some ranging from $24 to $35 million, but now Terrence J claims that the total figure is around $45 million.

While on The Breakfast Club, Terrence J said that the artist walked away with a sizable sum that didn’t include such costs to put on the show, which included models wearing her Ivy Park line and other trimmings.

“The number was reflective of not just the payment to her but it was a whole production around it,” Terrence began.

T.I., also on the show, chimed in that he felt that the singer received $24 million for a day.

However, Terrence J offered, “I don’t even think that was the number. I think the number was actually more. I think like the bigger number was around $45 million. It’s the biggest launch. They wanted to outdo the original Atlantis launch which was the biggest one at the time.”

Beyoncé’s Atlantis performance signaled the return to the stage after four years since she had her twins. The wife of Jay-Z, Beyoncé, remains a powerhouse as an artist with her musical nominations and EGOT nominations for film and television awards over the past year.

She’s set to return on tour this year for her album Renaissance released last year.

Meanwhile, Terrence J also spoke about Beyoncé’s performance which also included her daughter Blue Ivy Carter joining her on stage.

“Beyoncé looked amazing. She looked impeccable. Voice, obviously. Blue Ivy came out. All the vibes were there. A very theatrical performance. So this wasn’t ‘Single Ladies’ dancing type Beyoncé. This was ‘Halo’ Beyoncé. Very classy. The outfits and the wardrobe was masterful. She came out, went on this little platform and had the wind and the water hitting her. It was amazing.”

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Latto’s Used Underwear Auction Bid Hit Almost $100K Before Problems

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

A day after a fan criticized Latto for appearing to wear the same underwear in two different outfits, the Atlanta rapper put her underwear on eBay for sale, and some fans are already trying to get their hands on it.

On Sunday, Latto was called out by a fan who shared two recent photos of her side by side where she asked if the rapper “can’t afford new underwear.” Latto replied, calling the woman the ‘Panty Police.’ On Monday, she sought to explain that she had many of the same underwear in the same style as she gave fans a “tour” of her panty drawer.

“In light of my panty discrepancy yesterday, I’ve decided to give you guys an inside look at my panty drawer,” Latto said as she shared that the Cheetah print underwear cost $5 from Target.

According to Latto, she has a number of the same underwear, which are the same color and styles, especially when she goes on tour, she buys them in bulk. Latto was dragged by many online, but the ingenious woman she is, Latto put up one of the Cheetah print underwear on eBay for auction.

“Auction live on eBay since I can’t wear them twice,” Latto wrote as she shared a screenshot of the listing, which started at $0.99 with free shipping.

Within minutes, many bids were driving the price up. By early evening the big stood at $60,000, and within a few hours, it went to $90,800.

The auction page was taken down twice by eBay, but still, it stood at $93.1k by mid-Monday evening. eBay also got involved after fans reported the page for the used draws.

“Hi there, thanks so much for bringing this to our attention. Please know we don’t allow used underwear to be listed on the site. Thanks for helping [to] keep eBay a safe place to buy and sell. We appreciate you,” an agent wrote.

Latto had a big year last year thanks in part to her “Big Energy” hit with Mariah Carey and featured on her 777 album. The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart giving the Atlanta rapper her first top 10 single. As if that wasn’t enough win for her, the song was also nominated for the Best Melodic Rap Performance Grammy category.

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Big Sean Thirsts Over Jhené Aiko’s Post Baby Photos

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Big Sean might have Jhené Aiko at home but still thirsting over her social media photos.

The hip hop couple recently welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Noah Hasani Anderson, born in November of 2022. On Sunday night, Aiko tapped into her Instagram to share her post baby body, where she shared some gorgeous selfies. “Nami & Noah’s mom checking in,” she wrote.

A clearly smitten Big Sean quickly slid into the comments to say, “Got damn big titties.”

Sean Don and Jhené Aiko also shared a Tik Tok video with their newborn over the weekend, singing their collaboration, “I Know.” They also shared a clip of themselves answering questions about their romantic relationship, like who loves hardest and who said I love you first.

Big Sean and Jhené Aiko are one of the most successful couples and duos in hip hop music. The couple has been together for almost a decade and has captured the hearts of fans around the world with their beautiful music and undeniable chemistry both in their love life and in their music.

Big Sean holding his baby 2022 / IG

Big Sean and Jhené Aiko first met in the early 2010s before they started dating and then forming a duo called Twenty88, where they released several songs, including “Beware” and “I Know.” They first started out as friends and then grew closer to each other and became a couple, making their relationship official around 2016. Since then, they have been inseparable, sharing a deep love and respect for one another.

Big Sean and Aiko’s relationship has been the subject of much speculation over the years following their brief breakup, which resulted in Aiko covering the tattoos she got of the Detroit rapper. The couple is known for their open and honest communication, which has helped them maintain a strong and healthy relationship, something that is not easy to do in the public eye.

In addition to their romantic relationship, Big Sean and Jhené Aiko have also collaborated on several projects together, including the joint album, Twenty88, which saw commercial success. The project was released in 2016 and was widely praised by fans and critics alike.

The pair are currently working on the follow-up to that album.

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