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Dubai Premiere

On a similar topic, here's the song Jeff did with him last year.

https://rockthebells.com/articles/dj-jazzy-jeff-and-talib-kweli-join-bob-james-tiny-desk/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1Rao-_wnMAmqehVa0IKAxLcQfCwnvt-bucQCBl4DpRxwF3JcYZU-04uuM_aem_AbIrod5ZkO8HjRWfRjGzntPE0i8fG2GUlxyZib8DOE4aonTM6sevXTKFxSMea2D-C9FFah8eUyWziSXGGNOdCM85 DJ JAZZY JEFF AND TALIB KWELI JOIN BOB JAMES FOR A RENDITION OF 'NAUTILUS' FOR TINY DESK By Jay Quan Published Mon, May 20, 2024 at 2:45 PM EDT DJ Jazzy Jeff and Talib Kweli recently joined legendary Jazz pianist Bob James for a rendition of his heavily sampled classic "Nautilus". Debuting in 1974 on James' debut album, One, "Nautilus" became an instant favorite of Hip-Hop DJ's. It became the backing track for rap records as early as 1983 with Rock Master Scott & The Dynamic Three's "It's Life". In Hip-Hop's sample heavy "Golden Era" Run-DMC, Eric B. & Rakim, Ghostface Killah, King Sun, Onyx and dozens more would sample various portions of the record. In a recent exclusive interview with Rock The Bells, DJ Jazzy Jeff spoke of his musical relationship with Bob James, and shared that he would soon be performing with James for his Tiny Desk Concert. "Bob James actually sued us many years ago for sampling 'Winchester Lady' on 'Here We Go Again'," Jeff shares. "Hip-Hop was new and we were using ****, and people didn't know. During the pandemic, I was forced to shut down and spend a lotta time in the studio and I've never been more creative. During that time I got a call to remix some Bob James classics. I was excited initially then I thought, Bob James isn't dead. Instead of remixing something, I'd like to do something new with him. So we got on the phone and the first thing he said was 'Is this the DJ Jazzy Jeff that we had an issue with?' We laughed about it, and I explained to him why we sample in Hip-Hop. I explained to him that I was able to produce Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild because I went down the rabbit hole and discovered who played on his records, and he loved it!"

You can watch it here: https://www.npr.org/2024/05/20/1250056328/tiny-desk-concert-bob-james?utm_campaign=later-linkinbio-nprmusic&utm_content=later-43120603&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkin.bio He starts discussing Hip-Hop (and DJ Jazzy Jeff + Fresh Prince at 14:30). Tiny Desk Premiere: Bob James MAY 20, 20245:00 AM ET Bobby Carter Bob James' Tiny Desk concert is a manifestation of freedom and collaboration. "I have youth represented here," he says before introducing his band. "I don't have that myself, but I can hire it." The joke is tinged with a certain degree of truth. Still, curiosity and openness fuel his fresh spirit and keep his fanbase wide-ranging. The jazz pianist, composer and producer took his opportunity at the Desk to highlight his iconic discography, spanning over five decades. Quincy Jones discovered Bob James in the 1960s and signed him to a record deal. He then arranged for other jazz greats like Sarah Vaughan and Grover Washington Jr. before releasing his album One in 1974. That album featured "Feel Like Making Love" and "Nautilus," one of the most sampled records in hip-hop. While James has released dozens of projects with his contemporaries, hip-hop has been the bridge to younger generations. Before the new, improvised version of "Nautilus" with DJ Jazzy Jeff and Talib Kweli — seriously, they mapped it out and tried it once before we hit record — James played other highlights from his catalog, including "Westchester Lady," "Angela (Theme from Taxi)" and "The Secret Drawer" from his Grammy-nominated album, Jazz Hands. SET LIST "The Secret Drawer" "Westchester Lady" "Angela (Theme from Taxi)" "Nautilus (feat. DJ Jazzy Jeff and Talib Kweli)" MUSICIANS Bob James: piano James Adkins: drums Michael Palazzolo: bass Andrey Chmut: saxophone DJ Jazzy Jeff: DJ Talib Kweli: vocals TINY DESK TEAM Producer: Bobby Carter Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant Audio Technical Director: Neil Tevault Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Michael Zamora Audio Engineer: Carleigh Strange Photographer: Elizabeth Gillis Tiny Desk Team: Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins

https://rockthebells.com/articles/common-and-pete-rock-drop-wise-up/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0i9jJz_GjTVo_1FPkLjwOd6I1oqgRFgOoB2VsU0Q37M2XpN5oXuezu2DA_aem_AbLy-I_CwoqmXaK5bmHc9vkbD5ePL9IAKjrhI4bKoB6IEbgN2cre_FjU36Tv2HKXjYumD52LxZtCp3_7ygqfRKPi CHECK OUT THE VIDEO FOR COMMON AND PETE ROCK'S 'WISE UP', FROM THEIR UPCOMING COLLABORATIVE ALBUM By Jay Quan Published Wed, May 22, 2024 at 8:00 AM EDT Common and Pete Rock have released "Wise Up", the first video from their eagerly awaited upcoming collaborative project. The video was shot at several urban areas, including Allah School In Mecca at 2122 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd in New York City. "Wise Up" features Common spitting in classic form over a piano heavy Pete Rock track that contains an interpolation of MC Shan and Marley Marls 1986 classic "The Bridge". Common spoke about the upcoming project last year with MSNBC host Ari Melber. "I've been listening to a lot of '90s Hip-Hop recently because I'm working on a new album with Pete Rock," he said. "The energy of that music whether it's Brand Nubian, A Tribe Called Quest, or De La Soul, who just got their music on streaming, it's inspiring to hear. I'm creating music and I'm in a great space right now." “You ever miss that feeling of a good release in Hip Hop?” Pete captioned from a HipHopDX article’s screenshot on Instagram. “Remember how exciting that felt??? We both excited as a mafugga. I always feel like I got something to prove but its just fun to me to make music. Competing to make good music with all the different personalities involved today just gotten dry. We love hip hop and you will know just how much. Stay tuned!!!"

The album is coming!

After 20 years a new album is finally happening!!

It's coming.. https://x.com/Fandango/status/1792616472792936877

'Bel-Air' Season 3 arrives August 15 https://tvline.com/news/bel-air-season-3-release-date-peacock-1235243485/

‘Sugar Bandits’ Seals Big Deals Around The World Ahead Of Planned September Start https://deadline.com/2024/05/will-smith-movie-sugar-bandits-deals-september-start-date-1235923702/

Will says new music "in a month or so". He tells he has a project that is, without question, the most personal and powerful music that he's ever made. https://extratv.com/2024/05/19/will-smith-says-wife-jada-is-as-ride-or-die-as-they-come/

https://people.com/will-smith-bad-boys-4-had-to-shoot-around-pregnant-vanessa-hudgens-baby-bump-8650836?utm_campaign=peoplemagazine&utm_content=new&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1LrWzA3xZ0iEAcdDIlrjUI6vkiZogNfAZk5MOYqn12cgEnWm2O0PGbWq4_aem_AYG2qnM5Sbuk4oJWeZhWxvxjrVLMUtZeM4OmUhqj7jmsOk5WLrZObyIej_84Q1rjenatYhPtt3jCSRQFEcVkV-1J Will Smith Reveals How Bad Boys 4 Had to 'Shoot Around' Pregnant Vanessa Hudgens' Baby Bump Smith recalled that his words of encouragement to the actress when she struggled on set were, "You'll always be able to tell your child that they were in this scene" By Esme Mazzeo Published on May 18, 2024 09:12PM EDT Will Smith and Vanessa Hudgens. PHOTO: GETTY(2) Will Smith had sweet words of encouragement for his Bad Boys: Ride or Die costar Vanessa Hudgens when filming got complicated amid her pregnancy. Filming on the fourth installment of the action-comedy franchise began in March 2023, but was stalled during the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike, which lasted 118 days from July to November 2023. Hudgens, 35, debuted her baby bump at the 2024 Oscars in March, and Smith, 55, told Entertainment Tonight that when filming resumed on Ride or Die after the strike, her baby bump presented a bit of a challenge. Will Smith attends the photo call for Sony's 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' on May 17, 2024. KEVIN WINTER/GETTY The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! "So the strike happened [and] when she came back and we had to finish the movie, it was really [about] trying to figure out how to shoot around [the bump]," the Men in Black star said. Smith praised the High School Musical alum, who plays weapons expert Kelly in the franchise, as "a hard worker." Everything to Know About Bad Boys 4 He said he offered Hudgens words of encouragement when stunts proved to be a challenge because of her pregnancy. "I was like, 'No, don't worry. You'll always be able to tell your child that they were in this scene with you,' " Smith told ET. Vanessa Hudgens attends the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones. TAYLOR HILL/GETTY Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Hudgens is expecting her first child with her husband, baseball player Cole Tucker, whom she married in December 2023. The Princess Switch star recently told Bustle why she decided to skip Coachella for the second year in a row. "The walking is aggressive. It's a lot of walking," the mom-to-be admitted. Bad Boys: Ride or Die hits theaters June 7.

While I can't deny Puffy was a part of many songs I liked in the mid-90's to early 2000's, I never liked the guy. His claim to fame as a producer was jackin' beats or leaning on the Bad Boy producers who actually had talent. He sucked as an emcee. Those opinions are all throughout old posts on this board. And we know from how he treated his artists, among other things, he sucks as a human being. This video, should be the last nail in the coffin of his career. May he suffer every deserved consequence that comes his way. https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/17/entertainment/sean-combs-cassie-ventura/index.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1uXkLF4geMlUtr7u5ohKttdOhcsMLg-nEpPN_hJsTe45nAreVbw146aPA_aem_AaQAtHXHCCkhZWBmdgUrJ__n_862d_a7QenD0wMw3R7qDu158PtR9RmQeIr0V_O8Pwb5y0_LiU0bH7jhPuEFBs2E Exclusive: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs seen physically assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016 surveillance video obtained by CNN By Sandra Gonzalez and Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN 5 minute read Updated 1:00 PM EDT, Fri May 17, 2024 Surveillance video shows Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting former girlfriend in 2016 02:46/02:46 Surveillance video shows Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting former girlfriend in 2016 Video Ad Feedback Surveillance video shows Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting former girlfriend in 2016 02:46 - Source: CNN CNN — A 2016 surveillance video obtained exclusively by CNN shows Sean “Diddy” Combs grab, shove, drag and kick his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during an altercation that matches allegations in a now-settled federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November. The footage, compiled from multiple camera angles dated March 5, 2016, appears to show the rapper, producer and business mogul during an incident that, according to Ventura’s complaint, occurred at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. CNN verified the location based on publicly available photos of the former hotel’s interior. In the video, Ventura exits a hotel room and walks to a bank of elevators. Combs, holding a towel around his waist, runs down a hall after Ventura. He grabs her by the back of the neck and throws her to the floor. Still holding his towel closed with one hand, he then turns to kick her, the video shows. As Ventura is on the ground, Combs retrieves a purse and suitcase from the floor near the elevators. He turns around and kicks Ventura again as she lies motionless on the floor. About four seconds transpire between the two kicks, according to the video. He then briefly drags Ventura by her sweatshirt toward a room before walking away. Ventura is then seen slowly standing up. She gathers items from the floor and moves to pick up a phone on the hallway wall near the elevators. Combs, still in a towel and socks, returns. A mirror directly across from the security camera shows Combs appearing to shove Ventura. Seconds later, he sits down on a chair, grabs an object off a table and forcefully throws it toward Ventura. Combs is seen walking away, then turns toward Ventura once again when an elevator door opens and someone appears to exit. Ventura, who reached an undisclosed settlement with Combs, declined to comment on the video obtained by CNN. Ventura’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, said: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.” CNN has reached out to representatives for Combs and InterContinental Hotels for comment. Combs has previously denied Ventura’s allegations. Ventura’s lawsuit Combs and Ventura, a model and singer known for songs like “Me & U,” were in an off-and-on relationship from 2007 – 2018. The two were photographed together at the Los Angeles premiere of the film “A Perfect Match” on March 7, 2016. According to Ventura’s complaint, which cited the altercation as occurring “around March 2016,” Combs became “extremely intoxicated and punched Ms. Ventura in the face, giving her a black eye.” After Combs fell asleep, Ventura attempted to leave the hotel room, but he woke up and “followed her into the hallway of the hotel while yelling at her,” the complaint said. “He grabbed at her, and then took glass vases in the hallway and threw them at her, causing glass to crash around them as she ran to the elevator to escape,” the complaint alleged. After Ventura got in the elevator, her complaint states that she took a cab to her apartment. “Upon realizing that her running away would cause Mr. Combs to be even angrier with her, and completely stuck in his vicious cycle of abuse, Ms. Ventura returned to the hotel with the intention of apologizing for running away from her abuser,” the complaint claims. “When she returned, hotel security staff urged her to get back into a cab and go to her apartment, suggesting that they had seen the security footage showing Mr. Combs beating Ms. Ventura and throwing glass at her in the hotel hallway.” The complaint alleges Combs paid the InterContinental Century City $50,000 for the hallway security footage from that. The incident was part of a number of allegations made in the November lawsuit in which Ventura claimed she was raped in 2018 and subjected to years of repeated physical and other abuses by Combs. Sean "Diddy" Combs with Cassie Ventura attend the premiere of 'The Perfect Match' in Los Angeles on March 7, 2016. Chris Delmas/AFP/Getty Images/File Ventura, who was formally signed to Combs’ label, claimed in her suit that he “exerted his power and influence” over her throughout the course of their professional and romantic relationship. According to the complaint, she was 19 when they met and Combs was 37, and their business relationship lasted until 2019. It detailed claims that Combs was physically violent toward Ventura and forced her to engage in various sex acts with other men during that time. Ben Brafman, an attorney for Combs, said in a statement to CNN on the day it was filed, “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations.” The suit was resolved the following day. “A decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing,” Brafman told CNN in a statement at the time. “Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.” Details of the settlement were not disclosed. Ongoing legal issues Since November, Combs has faced five other civil lawsuits accusing him of a range of sexual misconduct and other illegal activity. He has denied the allegations, and the cases remain active. Authorities searched Combs’ homes in California and Florida in April as part of a federal investigation carried out by a Department of Homeland Security team that handles human trafficking crimes, according to a senior federal law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. The investigation stems from many of the same sexual assault allegations put forth in the civil lawsuits, according to a second law enforcement source familiar with the searches. Aaron Dyer, an attorney for Combs, issued a statement at the time, calling the searches a “gross overuse of military-level force.” “This unprecedented ambush – paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence – leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits,” he said. “There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.” CNN’s Kevin Flower and Megan Thomas contributed to this story. Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with intimate partner violence, there are resources available, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Woahhh!

Will talks new music on the way in this interview: https://www.etonline.com/media/videos/will-smith-reacts-to-justin-bieber-having-a-baby-shares-his-best-fatherhood-advice

Will Smith recently teamed up with 10-year-old bass player Ellen Alaverdyan to deliver a heartwarming rendition of "Just the Two of Us." The iconic actor and rapper showcased his musical talent alongside the young prodigy in a delightful performance that captivated audiences. With Ellen's impressive skills on the bass and Will's charismatic presence, the duo delivered a memorable rendition of the beloved classic, showcasing the power of music to unite generations and create unforgettable moments.

Will Smith Talks 'Bad Boys 4' and Names His Real-Life Ride or Dies (Exclusive) https://www.etonline.com/will-smith-talks-bad-boys-4-and-names-his-real-life-ride-or-dies-exclusive-225561

https://foxync.com/5422030/mc-lyte-announces-album-release-after-nearly-a-decade/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3riJZHkvUj7w4V1S9Qa833nzE9g_p6rsY4u963QTLoP5JCeU9kmDWpibM_aem_AXYECK3xYY4rIeuh-tbMznVtL2L5L7PwBBVlxE4LkBviLchMwZ_7yXJwA2KQKIgCa0dgTWgSvx9nR5FXTT2pIhGr Source: Variety / Getty Renowned rapper MC Lyte is gearing up to make a comeback and solidify her status as a pioneer in female rap. The Brooklyn native recently revealed that she will be dropping her first album in nearly ten years this summer. During an appearance on the Rock The Bells show That’s The Joint with MC Sha-Rock and Grandmaster Caz, MC Lyte excitedly shared the news, saying, “I got a new record. I’m working on it right now. The new single is out. It’s ‘Woman.’ The new record is coming. We’ll have another single coming in June for Black Music Month, which is going to be spectacular.” The album, set to release on August 9th, promises to feature some notable collaborations. MC Lyte hinted at this, mentioning, “Of course, I’ve got some winning folks on this album, now I gotta talk to Major.” Fans have eagerly awaited new music from MC Lyte, as her last album, Legend, was released in 2015. Her latest single “Woman” featuring Big Daddy Kane, Raheem DeVaughn, and Cheryl “Salt” James, dropped in March and has been well-received. Related Article: MC Lyte On The Lack Of Successful Female Rappers In Hip Hop While MC Lyte has been relatively quiet on the album front, she hasn’t been absent from the music scene altogether. In recent years, she made guest appearances on tracks like Slimkid3’s “Roots, Love & Culture” in 2022, “Partners In Rhyme Unstoppable” with Precious Way and Xhaania in 2021, and “Hot” with DJ Shoni and Skales. Beyond her musical endeavors, MC Lyte was recognized for her impactful storytelling at the SEED Summit+ Awards in March. She expressed her gratitude for the honor in a heartfelt post, thanking the event organizers and congratulating her fellow honoree MC Lyte Announces Album Release After Nearly a Decade was originally published on rickeysmileymorningshow.com

Hi Saniah - thanks for checking in. I hope you & your grandfather, Ready Rock C are doing well. He is a pivotal part of hip-hop history. Hopefully you can see each other soon.

Well we have had nothing on that Will Smith phone number for a month so I am a little confused.. I'm hoping we find out more when Will starts promoting Bad Boys 4!

Stefano Sollima To Direct ‘Sugar Bandits’ https://deadline.com/2024/05/will-smith-movie-sugar-bandits-stefano-sollima-director-boston-1235913333/