Entertainment

Whitney Houston, Notorious B.I.G. & More To Be Inducted Into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Whitney Houston, the Notorious B.I.G. and T. Rex’s Marc Bolan are all going to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame years after their deaths. …

Some late, great musical legends are set to be honored this year.

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty

Whitney Houston, the Notorious B.I.G. and T. Rex’s Marc Bolan are all going to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame years after their deaths. Joining them as part of the 2020 class are Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode and the Doobie Brothers. Houston, T. Rex, B.I.G. and the Doobie Brothers are all being inducted after being on the ballot for the very first time.

The annual induction ceremony for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was originally supposed to take place back in May at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, the city where the rock museum is located. Unsurprisingly, things changed because of the coronavirus pandemic, postponing the event.

Instead, HBO is going to air a taped special on Saturday at 8 p.m. EST, with artists like Bruce Springsteen, Diddy, and Alicia Keys making appearances alongside some of the inductees.

After she released her debut album in 1985, Whitney Houston became one of the greatest singers in music history. B.I.G. only released two albums before his untimely passing in 1997, but made a major impact in the world of hip-hop. Artists become eligible for induction to the Rock Hall 25 years after the release of their first record.

Others set to make appearances during the TV special include Dave Grohl, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Gwen Stefani, Charlize Theron, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Levine and Brad Paisley.

__ATA.cmd.push(function() { __ATA.initDynamicSlot({ id: ‘atatags-26942-5fa81bdd73f04’, location: 120, formFactor: ‘001’, label: { text: ‘Advertisements’, }, creative: { reportAd: { text: ‘Report this ad’, }, privacySettings: { text: ‘Privacy settings’, } } }); });

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 makes a stand for afrobeat against corruption on latest release Na Dem feat. Tom Morello.

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 deliver a powerful afrobeat statement with “Na Dem,” Featuring Tom Morello and produced by Femi Koleoso. The track has been a fan favourite even before its official release, and comes with the unmistakable spirit of protest, truth-telling, and social accountability that have long characterized Afrobeat’s most impactful moments.

The song’s heart is a direct challenge to corruption and the abuse of power. Instead of singling out one profession or institution for its critique, “Na Dem” identifies a larger culture of dishonesty, targeting bad lawyers, bad doctors, bad politicians, and anyone who would sell their integrity for personal gain. The message is sharp and uncompromising and delivered with the urgency that has become a hallmark of Seun Kuti’s artistry.

The inclusion of Tom Morello adds another level of intensity to the record. His presence adds to the song’s rebellious energy, creating a powerful intersection between the rhythmic activism of Afrobeat and the confrontational edge of rock. The result of the collaboration is a track that is both timeless and of the moment.

The song’s dedication to principle is what rings true. The moral center of the record is Seun’s statement that he would never prostitute his conscience for money. It turns “Na Dem” from a critique into a declaration of personal values, responsibility, and resistance.

Connect with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Marsha Bartenetti reinvents in her own style “New York Minute”

Marsha Bartenetti’s latest release, “New York Minute,” written by Don Henley, Danny Kortchmar, and Jai Winding, offers emotional depth, turning a timeless look at life’s fragility into a reflective, cinematic journey. Stephan Oberhoff’s arrangement perfectly frames Bartenetti’s voice, and Kevin Bate’s expressive cello adds a warm resonance that makes the track feel like a movie.

The way each instrument sounds makes it feel planned, which lets the listener stay in the fleeting moments the song so beautifully describes. Bartenetti’s singing is the best part of the song. She shows an openness that feels real, as if she has lost something and still fully embraces love and presence with complete honesty. Her choice of words and small changes in tone make the lyrics feel even closer.

“New York Minute,” is a new version that pays tribute to the original while showcasing Bartenetti’s own style. The movie-like instruments and heartfelt vocals make the song feel both personal and universal. It makes us think about how hard it is to let go and hold on.

Connect with Marsha Bartenetti on Spotify || Facebook