Artist Spotlight

Stephen A. Smith Shuts Down Controversy Over Alleged Social Media ‘Like’

Stephen A. Smith, the sports media titan, has never shied away from the spotlight, but this time, the heat came not from the world outside but from his own social media activity. A claim over the weekend from AF Post’s X (formerly Twitter) account said Smith had liked a video in which white supremacist Nick Fuentes likes spewing antisemitic rhetoric. Understandably, fans were blindsided. Could the revered commentator with a mind of her own have given such a blessing? Not quite.

Before the story had time to spiral any further, Smith made a strong move, making clear that he had nothing to do with Fuentes or his beliefs. “I don’t know who this is or whatever that video is. If it was ‘liked,’ it was unintended,” he wrote, killing speculation quickly. Fans in Smith’s replies were eager to protect him, with one user writing, “You had me working overtime. If you need a new social media manager, hit me up.” Another wrote, “It’s an app, sh*t happens, an accidental like happens real easily when you’re scrolling.” The incident underscores a common social media reality that one slip of the finger can lead to a whirlwind of controversy.

However, Smith’s swift and accurate answer confirmed what members of his audience already knew, and his record is proof of this. The First Take host has established a career, unapologetic honesty, and an unfettered personality, but aligning himself with extremist rhetoric has never been part of that playbook. Even simple actions can be misinterpreted with millions of eyes watching every public figure’s movements. Smith’s openness and trust with his audience saved this chapter from being anything more than a blip on the radar.

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Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

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Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

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