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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Artist Spotlight

Cali Tucker Unwraps Christmas Magic With Her New EP “Santa Baby”

Cali Tucker is back in the spotlight this season with “Santa Baby,” a beautifully made holiday EP that captures the heart, warmth, and timeless glow of Christmas classics. Cali is known for singing the National Anthem at NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400 in front of 80,000 fans and more than three million people at home. She brings the same powerful presence and emotional depth to this holiday project.

“Santa Baby” is a great holiday release for music lovers, bloggers, and new artist discovery sites. It has six tracks and lasts 20 minutes. It mixes nostalgia with Cali’s signature smooth vocals. Each song shows off her talent, but “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song” are two that stand out as favorites. Both performances show off her range, control, and ability to bring classic songs into modern emotional spaces without losing their original charm.

“O Holy Night” stands out as the EP’s spiritual center, with a glowing performance full of dynamics, warmth, and a cinematic stillness that draws people in. Cali gives the song both respect and a unique touch, breathing new life into a well-known hymn. “The Christmas Song,” on the other hand, makes you feel like you’re sitting next to a fire. It’s soft, heartfelt, and full of stories that make you feel nostalgic. Cali’s voice flows effortlessly through every note, making it impossible not to feel the magic of the season.

The whole EP flows easily and has a mix of fun sparkle, soulful warmth, and classic Christmas music. “Santa Baby” is the perfect song for the season, whether people are making holiday playlists, looking for new Christmas music, or discovering new vocal talents. This EP adds a new but familiar sound to today’s holiday music scene. It has a comforting feel and is easy to listen to repeatedly.

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Artist Spotlight

Kalpee Honors Heritage and Heart on His Emotion-Rich New EP Dougla Boi

Kalpee is back with Dougla Boi, a beautiful new EP that is both personal and powerful. It gives listeners a close look at the layers of identity, heritage, and emotion that make him who he is. The Trinidad and Tobago artist is confident in his own space, which is rooted in New Calypso and polished with hints of dancehall, R&B, and afrobeats. In this space, genre bends, but emotion leads.

Named after the Trinidadian word for someone of mixed African and Indian heritage, Dougla Boi is honest, proud, and warm about the complexities of culture. Kalpee opens a window into the dualities that define him across six tracks, turning personal truth into universal resonance. The EP is just under 19 minutes long, but every second is carefully planned to take listeners on a journey through courage, joy, healing, and the quiet strength that comes from accepting all parts of yourself.

The first single, “Under,” stands out right away for its calming yet emotionally charged experience. Kalpee’s voice flows over a beat that sounds both new and old, fitting the EP’s theme of bringing cultures together. It’s one of the best examples of how he can mix soft and hard sounds, which is what makes his New Calypso sound so unique.

“Everybody,” which features Full Blown, is another excellent song that has already done very well. It has a happy vibe and an infectious bounce, making it one of the EP’s most replayable songs. “Everybody” captures the spirit of community and shared experience, which is what Kalpee means when he says that identity is not a box but a rhythm.

Connect with Kalpee: Instagram

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