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Tag: Future

  • Kelly Rowland Salutes Sylvia Rhone With Ultimate Icon Award at 2026 BET Awards: ‘Music Needs Us to Stand Up for It Like Never Before’

    Trailblazing record industry executive Sylvia Rhone has been recognized for her monumental impact on music, receiving the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2026 BET Awards. The special honor celebrates a career defined by groundbreaking achievement, including her recent six-year tenure as chairman and CEO of Epic Records. The presentation came from fellow artist Kelly Rowland, who shared her admiration for Rhone’s vision.

    Rowland recalled their first meeting, noting the powerful presence of an icon. “Sylvia has a particular aura that engulfs any room she walks in,” Rowland shared. She described Rhone’s drive and commitment to creating quality artists as something unique to a true icon.

    When accepting the award on stage, accompanied by a standing ovation and the tune of “Free Your Mind” by En Vogue—another act Rhone mentored to fame—Rhone shifted the focus from herself to the collective. She asserted that while the award honored her, “it really belongs to all of us who create culture.”

    Rhone emphasized the power of Black creativity in shaping the world and called for greater protection for artists. She reflected on her journey across various companies like Atlantic, Elektra, Motown, and Epic, noting how musical ideas often translate into powerful movements.

    In a timely reflection on the current climate, Rhone addressed the necessity of standing up for music amidst massive technological change. She argued that while exciting possibilities abound, the focus must remain balanced between innovation and soul. “We make the algorithm, but the algorithm doesn’t make us,” she stated. This perspective calls for honoring the musician, compensating creators, and ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to craft world-changing songs.

    Rhone’s tribute included a nod to the extraordinary artists who have inspired her career, shouting out a who’s who that encompassed figures like Busta Rhymes, Badu, Gerald Levert, Brandy, Future, Travis Scott, and Tyla. These names underscore a rich legacy built on diverse talent and shared artistic vision.

    The celebration extended beyond the awards ceremony. Earlier during BET Week on June 25, Grammy winner Missy Elliott hosted “The Sylvia Rhone Legacy Celebration,” showcasing music stars and creatives packed into The Sun Rose West Hollywood. The event featured a wide array of celebrated figures, including Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, songwriter-producers Jimmy Jam and Bryan-Michael Cox, and HYBE America president of music Ethiopia Habtemariam.

    The evening was curated by Grammy- and Emmy Award-winning producer/multi-instrumentalist Adam Blackstone. The musical salute encompassed the extensive scope of Rhone’s career and celebrated the diverse artists whose careers she helped develop and guide, featuring performances from talents like Jozzy and Flo.

    Credit: Billboard

  • Best Performances at the 2026 BET Awards, Ranked

    Los Angeles was the epicenter of celebration on Sunday night (June 28) as the annual BET Awards returned, once again delivering a stellar showcase of Black excellence and cultural dominance. Moving beyond previous years, this ceremony served as a dynamic platform honoring not only musical legends but also the rising stars who are currently defining the landscape of R&B and hip-hop.

    The event was a true reunion of titans, bringing together figures whose contributions have shaped modern music. While names like Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin have graced these stages in previous years, this installment focused on acknowledging the present-day powerhouses rallying the rap and R&B Avengers.

    The night featured a powerful blend of nostalgia and forward-looking recognition. Janet Jackson brought undeniable grace to the proceedings, notably presenting the Icon of the Year Award to Teyana Taylor. The celebration also paid tribute to the many Black luminaries who have passed, with six-time Grammy winner Erica Campbell offering a stirring performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Love the Lord.”

    The scope of the awards honored a rich tapestry of musical influence. Legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone was celebrated for her enduring impact on artists such as Missy Elliott, Future, and Brandy, underscoring the deep history embedded within the industry.

    The focus remained firmly on contemporary creativity. The ceremony recognized an R&B superteam featuring Ari Lennox and Durand Bernarr for honoring the legacy of D’Angelo. Doja Cat, Doechii, and others were celebrated alongside the incomparable Lauryn Hill, while the spotlight shone on emerging talents like Kwn and Kenny Iko, who made their official BET Awards debuts.

    Beyond the legends, the night was a vibrant testament to ongoing artistic innovation. Stars like Tems and RAYE delivered standout performances, proving that Black creativity remains as energetic and vibrant as ever, setting new benchmarks for contemporary music.

    Credit: Billboard

  • ‘Real’ Deal: Future’s New Album Due July 10

    Future performs in Atlanta in August 2025 (photo: Prince Williams / WireImage).

    Future is preparing to pull back the curtain just a little bit, offering a sneak peek into his next artistic chapter. The Atlanta rap titan has announced that his tenth solo studio album, The Real Me, is set to arrive on July 10 via Freebandz/Epic. To give fans an early glimpse into the mood and mindset of the upcoming project, he is releasing the new single and video, “Radio.”

    Despite the casual title, “Radio,” Future makes it clear that this track is not intended for mass consumption. Throughout the hypnotic chorus of the song, Future repeats the mantra, “This not for the radio,” emphasizing an exclusive, internal experience. The track floats over a ghostly, melodic production crafted by Wheezy, Taurus, and Dez Wright, setting a distinct, atmospheric tone that promises something deeper than typical mainstream hits.

    The creative landscape surrounding The Real Me is already rich with history. This album represents one of Future’s most personal efforts yet, following successful full-length projects in 2024, including the Metro Boomin collaborations We Don’t Trust You and We Still Don’t Trust You, as well as his highly acclaimed solo effort Mixtape Pluto, which secured a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 chart and earned platinum certification.

    Future’s influence extends far beyond his own studio output. His impact on rap culture is undeniable, highlighted by collaborations that reshaped the industry. His work with Metro Boomin on “Like That” sparked a major feud when Kendrick Lamar launched his opening salvo against Drake over the track. More recently, Future has demonstrated his versatility through high-profile reunions and features, collaborating with artists like LISA, Young Thug, and The Weeknd on tracks such as “Ran To Atlanta,” and appearing on J. Cole’s long-awaited The Fall-Off.

    This blend of deep, personal storytelling and massive cultural reach defines Future’s trajectory. As he steps into the realm of The Real Me, fans are eager to witness how this decade-long reign navigates new territory, blending his signature luxury aesthetic with increasingly intimate musical expression. The forthcoming release promises not just music, but a transparent look at the mind of an artist who continues to define the sound of modern rap.

    Credit: Spin

  • Future Announces New Album The Real Me: Hear “Radio”

    Future is more than just a rapper; he is a monumental figure whose influence on popular music spans a generation. A true hedonist and sonic architect, his career trajectory has been defined by massive cultural impact long before the mainstream fully embraced his sound.

    His journey to the top of the charts is staggering, cementing his status as a generational star. With a track record that includes over 125 hits on the Hot 100, Future has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to shape the landscape of contemporary music.

    The buzz surrounding Future often intersects with some of the most explosive moments in recent musical history. A few years ago, he played a pivotal role in igniting the high-stakes friction between Drake and Kendrick Lamar when he contributed to the massively impactful collaboration “Like That.</em>,” which set the stage for a cultural showdown.

    Yet, despite these high-profile conflicts, Future has maintained his position as an effortlessly cool force in the industry. He continues to float above the fray, weaving complex sonic narratives that resonate with millions of listeners.

    Recent history also features exciting reunions with contemporaries. In a move that brought back a shared moment for fans, Future recently collaborated with Drake on their hit “Ran To Atlanta</em>,” reminding audiences of the enduring chemistry between these musical giants.

    Now, as he continues his ascent, anticipation is mounting for his next creative endeavor. Future has announced a new album titled “The Real Me</em>”: Hear “Radio””, promising fresh sounds that build upon his established legacy.

    Credit: Stereogum