All results
Missy Elliott has officially become the third female rapper in U.S. history to gross over $2 million from a single concert. According to Touring Data, the legendary rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer joins the list with Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj. With her unique style, innovative sound, and powerful performances, Missy Elliott continues to break barriers and remains a vital force in Hip-Hop. In a separate post, the rap icon achieved her highest-grossing concert ever on Aug. 8, 2024, bringing in $2.05 million at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. during her “Out of This World Tour.” . @MissyElliott earned her highest grossing concert of all-time on August 8, 2024, with $2.050 million at Capital One Arena in Washington as part of the “Out of this World Tour”. — Touring Data (@touringdata) September 26, 2024 As AFROTECH™ reported, Missy Elliott made NASA history when lyrics from her song “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” were transmitted approximately 158 million miles to reach Venus...
R&B sensation Eric Bellinger isn’t afraid of artificial intelligence (AI) and the role it’s taking within the music industry. Instead, he’s embracing how it can enhance his work as an artist. As one of the first artists to appear on Hooky, a music startup specializing in artist-first solutions in voice AI, Bellinger is allowing creators to experiment with their songs using his AI voice model. “If you aren’t afraid of it, it could be your best friend,” he told AFROTECH™ about AI technology. “But I think if you’re afraid and thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to lose my job,’ it’s different in other fields. But for music, I definitely think it could be beneficial as a tool. I use it in all my sessions in different ways — whether it’s coming up with an idea for artwork, titles, or something else. There are so many different platforms, and I personally take advantage of all of them.” No stranger to using technology like social media to connect with his fans, affectionately known as the...
If the lyrics to “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” sound familiar, then it’s likely because of its connection to the 2005 film “Hustle and Flow,” starring veteran actor Terrence Howard. Critics and fans could argue that his portrayal in the Memphis, TN-based movie is one of Howard’s most recognizable roles. In it, he makes a solid effort to adapt to the culture and lingo of the mid-Southern city. “My ability to connect with an audience, I feel, was born in Memphis with ‘Hustle & Flow’ and what we shot,” Howard said ahead of the 2023 premiere of “Showdown at the Grand,” per The Daily Memphian. He continued, “Something about that city brings out the very best in me, and maybe it’s just because the city is no frills. It is what it is.” While “Hustle and Flow” may be a high point in his career, it is not the peak. Howard has starred in several films and television shows, including the drama series “Empire” (2015) and movies such as “The Best Man” (1999) and “Iron Man” (2008). The...
Berry Gordy became a music force thanks to an investment from his family. Before Becoming A Record Executive Before becoming a famed record executive, he pursued various other ventures, partly driven by his father’s influence as an entrepreneur. The Telegraph reports that Gordy’s father owned several businesses, involving his family in several endeavors, including a plastering and carpentry business, a general store, and a printing shop. As for Gordy, he would explore becoming an amateur boxer, which prompted his exit from high school to turn professional. However, this venture reached a dead end, per The Telegraph. He then switched gears and served in the U.S. Army in Korea but was discharged. Gordy managed to finance a record store with his earnings, but it would shut down after two years. His next move was working at a nearby Ford Motor Co. plant, earning $85 per week, according to the Orlando Sentinel. During this time, he also nurtured his love for songwriting. “I wanted to...
Rejection can be redirection, and this is the testimony of Grammy winner Coco Jones, who took home the win for 2024 Best R&B Performance. The South Carolina-born actress and singer claims music is her first priority, however acting would be her window of opportunity to make her mark in the music industry. With acting taking a front seat, she went on to land roles on Disney shows and movies, which included “So Random!” (2008-2011), “Good Luck, Charlie” (2009) and “Let It Shine (2011-2012), according to TV Insider. Jones showcased her musical talents by singing on multiple tracks for the “Let It Shine” movie, where she played Roxie and co-starred with “Abbott Elementary” actor Tyler James Williams. This elevated her visibility in the music realm and established a more secure position for her in the industry as an actor, she said during the 2024 Grammy In The Schools Fest (GITS Fest). “Acting would be something that I saw around music, especially on Disney Channel, when typically if...
If you’re of a particular age, the movie “Space Jam” brings on a bit of nostalgia. From seeing NBA legends in their prime on-court era to a multi-verse collision between reality and cartoon land, the 1996 film is considered a classic among many. Beyond the lead acting from NBA legend Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny, “Space Jam” also has an all-star-led soundtrack that gives life to pivotal moments in the film. One of the songs from that era was Seal’s “Fly Like an Eagle.” But Seal’s hit-making capabilities didn’t start or end with his contribution to the film’s soundtrack. Seal was born on the outskirts of London, England, and began performing in local clubs to escape his impoverished childhood. According to Britannica, Seal used those early moments of singing and songwriting to build his name, leading to a 1987 production deal. However, it was not until 1990, when his song “Killer” with Adamski (Adam Tinley) became a hit, that Seal would get his major break. The song received...
Most people know the famed Atlanta rapper Offset for one of two reasons. He was one-third of the popular rap group Migos before pursuing a solo career and is husband to Cardi B whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Cephus (2024 net worth is $80 million) who honestly needs no introduction — Grammy award-nominated American rapper, social media personality and former reality star . But the southern music artist has been in the entertainment industry for years — including as a backup dancer to Whitney Houston at one point. As part of Migos, Offset and his group members, Quavo and the late Takeoff, helped to bring Trap music further into the mainstream with iconic hits like “Bad and Boujee” and “Walk It Talk It.” He would go on as a solo artist to further establish himself as a fixture in the rap genre, earning a Best Rap Performance Grammy nomination for his song “Clout” which features his wife. With all the success and notoriety afforded Offset, exactly how much is the former Migos...
