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Sly Dunbar Dies at 73: Celebrating 73 Albums That Carry His Rhythm

Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar, one half of the most influential rhythm section in reggae history, has died at the age of 73. Alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Sly reshaped Jamaican music and global pop culture, becoming the rhythmic backbone of reggae, dub, rock, R&B, pop, and beyond. Brian Eno once said that if you bought a reggae record, there was a 90 percent chance Sly was on it. That wasn’t hyperbole – it was reality.

From Kingston studios to international sessions with Bob Dylan, Grace Jones, the Rolling Stones, and countless reggae giants, Sly Dunbar’s drumming was inventive, muscular, and unmistakably human. In his honor, here are 73 albums that carry his touch – a symbolic one-for-each-year salute to a life spent behind the kit.

73 Albums Featuring Sly Dunbar

  1. Dave and Ansell Collins – Double Barrel
  2. Peter Tosh – Equal Rights
  3. Peter Tosh – Bush Doctor
  4. Peter Tosh – Mystic Man
  5. Peter Tosh – Wanted Dread & Alive
  6. Peter Tosh – Mama Africa
  7. Black Uhuru – Anthem
  8. Black Uhuru – Brutal
  9. Sly & Robbie – Friends
  10. Sly & Robbie – Reggae Connection
  11. Sly & Robbie – Rhythm Doubles
  12. Sly & Robbie – Anniversary
  13. Sly & Robbie – Amazing
  14. Sly & Robbie – The Dub Revolutionaries
  15. Jimmy Cliff – Follow My Mind
  16. Jimmy Cliff – Give the People What They Want
  17. Jimmy Cliff – Special
  18. Jimmy Cliff – Cliff Hanger
  19. Jimmy Cliff – Humanitarian
  20. Grace Jones – Warm Leatherette
  21. Grace Jones – Nightclubbing
  22. Grace Jones – Living My Life
  23. Grace Jones – Hurricane
  24. Bob Dylan – Infidels
  25. Bob Dylan – Empire Burlesque
  26. Bob Dylan – Down in the Groove
  27. Joe Cocker – Sheffield Steel
  28. Mick Jagger – She’s the Boss
  29. The Rolling Stones – Undercover
  30. Yoko Ono – Starpeace
  31. Sinéad O’Connor – Throw Down Your Arms
  32. Carly Simon – Hello Big Man
  33. Joan Armatrading – Walk Under Ladders
  34. Ian Dury – Lord Upminster
  35. Gwen Guthrie – Gwen Guthrie
  36. Gwen Guthrie – Portrait
  37. Gwen Guthrie – Good to Go Lover
  38. Nona Hendryx – Nona
  39. Simply Red – Life
  40. Simply Red – Blue
  41. Garland Jeffreys – Don’t Call Me Buckwheat
  42. Garland Jeffreys – Wildlife Dictionary
  43. Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers – Hey World!
  44. Dennis Brown – Visions of Dennis Brown
  45. Dennis Brown – Words of Wisdom
  46. Dennis Brown – Joseph’s Coat
  47. Dennis Brown – Spellbound
  48. Dennis Brown – Foul Play
  49. Dennis Brown – More Dennis Brown
  50. Dennis Brown – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
  51. Dennis Brown – Love’s Got a Hold on Me
  52. Dennis Brown – Hold Tight
  53. Dennis Brown – Brown Sugar
  54. Dennis Brown – Good Vibrations
  55. Dennis Brown – Cosmic
  56. Dennis Brown – Limited Edition
  57. Dennis Brown – Give Praises
  58. Carlene Davis – At the Right Time
  59. Carlene Davis – Paradise
  60. Carlene Davis – Taking Control
  61. Carlene Davis – Yesterday Today Forever
  62. Carlene Davis – Christmas Reggae Rock
  63. Carlene Davis – Carlene Davis
  64. Jackson Browne – World in Motion
  65. Barry Reynolds – I Scare Myself
  66. Jenny Morris – Honeychild
  67. Bootsy Collins – Play with Bootsy
  68. Gary Barlow – Sing
  69. Serge Gainsbourg – Aux Armes Et Cætera
  70. Herbie Hancock – Future Shock
  71. Ini Kamoze – Ini Kamoze
  72. Chaka Demus and Pliers – Tease Me
  73. Larry McDonald – Drumquestra

Sly Dunbar didn’t just keep time. He changed time, bent it, doubled it, rim-clicked it into existence. His grooves powered protest songs, pop hits, dub experiments, and dance floors across generations and continents.

Seventy-three years. Seventy-three albums. One immortal pulse.

PEEKABOO Expands His World On New Album ‘Are We Dreaming?’

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Electronic producer PEEKABOO steps into his most fully realized chapter yet with the release of his sophomore album, ‘Are We Dreaming?’. Built during an intense stretch of touring and creative experimentation, the record widens his sonic scope well beyond bass music, weaving together dubstep, UK bass, grime, techno, and melodic elements into a cohesive, deeply personal statement. The album arrives as a bold evolution that still retains the weight and intensity that first defined his sound.

Across the tracklist, PEEKABOO moves confidently between worlds. The hypnotic pull of “Six Million” with Skrillex, Flowdan, and Fireboy DML contrasts with the UK-driven punch of “Pump It Up” alongside Flava D and Scrufizzer, while “No City Like Mine” featuring Xaelo leans into emotional depth and atmosphere. “Experimentation is the forefront motif of this album,” PEEKABOO says. “I wanted every single track to shine and give the listener that feeling that they have to run it back one more time.” The response has been strongly enthusiastic, with listeners praising the project’s range and replay value.

To bring the album to life on stage, PEEKABOO has announced his North American headlining Are We Dreaming? Tour. The run launches February 19 in Vancouver and stretches across the continent with stops in Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Chicago, Brooklyn, Boston, and Los Angeles before wrapping in May. The tour extends the album’s immersive world into a high-impact live setting built for both longtime fans and new audiences.

PEEKABOO Are We Dreaming? Tour Dates:
Feb 19 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
Feb 20 – Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre
Feb 21 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
Feb 27 – San Francisco, CA – 1015 Folsom
Mar 6 – Portland, OR – REALM
Mar 7 – Phoenix, AZ – Walter Where?House
Mar 13 – Denver, CO – ReelWorks
Mar 20 – Dallas, TX – SILO
Mar 21 – Austin, TX – Concourse Project
Apr 3 – Nashville, TN – Skydeck on Broadway
Apr 4 – Charlotte, NC – The Black Box
Apr 10 – Toronto, ON – DPRTMNT
Apr 11 – Detroit, MI – Russell Industrial Center
Apr 17 – Baltimore, MD – The Assembly Room
Apr 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Ave Live
Apr 24 – Minneapolis, MN – Uptown Theater
Apr 25 – Chicago, IL – Ramova Theatre
May 1 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live
May 2 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel
May 8 – Los Angeles, CA – Exchange LA

Family Day At Studio Bell Brings Music, Museums, And BETABOYS To The Forefront

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Spend Family Day at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC), with a full day of musical activities for all ages, and headlining sets from BETABOYS. Admission to Studio Bell is free on February 16.

Calgary’s BETABOYS embrace mid-1980s synth-pop nostalgia with open arms and full hearts. They don’t know how to dance, but that’s never stopped them, and they hope it doesn’t stop anyone on Family Day. Families are encouraged to dust off their best ’80s outfits and embrace their most awkward dance moves as BETABOYS sets the tone for a day of retro fun.

Family Day at Studio Bell has become a beloved tradition, bringing families together through the power of music. This year’s celebration features an array of all-ages activities, including an ‘80s costume contest; a kids jam on the main floor; an interactive scavenger hunt where families can explore the museum while completing creative challenges; awe-inspiring demonstrations of the Kimball Theatre Organ; and Sheldon Zandboer playing the songs of Oscar Peterson in tribute to NMC’s latest exhibition, Timeless: 100 Years of Oscar Peterson. In addition to five floors of exhibitions celebrating Canada’s musical legacy, visitors can explore an exhibition spotlighting the 2025 Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees Sum 41. Families can also discover Canada’s country music legends through an interactive exhibition featuring rare memorabilia and hands-on experiences that invite visitors to play alongside a Hall of Famer.

“Family Day at Studio Bell is about creating meaningful moments through music,” said Andrew Mosker, NMC President and CEO. “Every year, we bring generations together to explore, play, and celebrate Canada’s incredible musical story, and we’re excited to invite Calgarians back for another memorable day together.”

After exploring Studio Bell, families can head across the street to the King Eddy for more live music and a bite to eat. The venue will feature free, all-ages performances from acoustic ukulele duo The Crickettes. Studio Bell will be open with free admission from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for Family Day on Monday, February 16. Head to studiobell.ca/whats-on to explore the full Family Day schedule. All NMC Memberships, including Family Memberships, will be 50% off for one-day only in-person or online on February 16. Learn about membership perks at studiobell.ca/become-a-member.

Paul Cauthen Writes His Own Gospel On New Album ‘Book Of Paul’

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Paul Cauthen announces his fifth studio album, ‘Book Of Paul’, arriving April 3. The East Texas native leans fully into his roots, pairing classic-country grit, gospel power, and rhinestoned rock-and-roll swagger into a record that feels deeply personal and deliberately uncompromising. “I just wanted to write something that embodies me,” Cauthen says. “Roots, rock and roll, Texas gospel.” The album lands as a bold, cohesive statement that reflects exactly who he is right now.

Produced by Ryan Tyndell, Steve Rusch, Sam Martinez, Fustin, and Nate Ferraro, the album captures Cauthen’s unruly spirit with grit and conviction. He co-wrote 12 of the 13 tracks and plays bass and drums on select songs, reinforcing the record’s raw, hands-on approach. The response to the material has been strongly enthusiastic, highlighting its fearless confidence and lived-in honesty. Lead track “Texas Swagger” sets the tone with dark twang and barely contained menace, accompanied by a strutting video filmed at JB Mauney’s BuckTown compound.

Book of Paul Track Listing:
Book of Paul
Ain’t No Crime
Texas Swagger
Tossin’ Back Time (feat. Jake Worthington)
Blue Denim & Black Gold
Breakaway
Chain Smoking (feat. Delaney Ramsdell)
Bayou By You
Dark Horse
Cigarettes & Billy Graham
Road Dog
Texas Gravel Road
The Voice Inside (Silence)


See Cauthen on the road on his 2026 Tonkin’ N Tejas Tour:
Thurs., March 26 || Waco, TX || The Backyard
Fri., March 27 || Lubbock, TX || The Blue Light
Sat., March 28 || Fort Worth, TX || Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall
Mon., March 30 || Austin, TX || Antone’s
Wed., April 1 || Dallas, TX || The Kessler Theater
Thurs., April 2 || New Braunfels, TX || Gruene Hall
Fri., April 3 || Helotes, TX || Floore’s Country Store

Kid Cudi Returns In 2026 With ‘The Rebel Ragers Tour’ Featuring Special Guests M.I.A., Big Boi, A-Trak, me n ü, And Dot Da Genius

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Grammy-Award winning rapper and songwriter Kid Cudi has announced ‘The Rebel Ragers Tour’, hitting over 30 cities in North America featuring special guests M.I.A., Big Boi, A-Trak, me n ü, and Dot Da Genius presents GLKPRTY w/ Powers Pleasanton across select dates. Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on Tuesday, April 28 at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ and continues with stops in Atlanta, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, and more before wrapping up in Chula Vista, CA at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre on Saturday, June 27.

The Rebel Ragers Tour spans the full scope of Cudi’s discography, celebrating his evolution from early breakthrough records like “Day ’N’ Nite” and “Mr. Rager” to fan favorites that have shaped more than a decade of cultural impact. The tour also includes music from his latest release “Free”, alongside recent standouts like the viral track “Maui Wowie,” connecting longtime fans and new listeners through a powerful live experience.

Beyond music, Kid Cudi continues to expand his creative reach, celebrating New York Times Best Seller status for his memoir Cudi and stepping onto a different stage with his recent stand-up comedy debut at Mi’s Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica, CA. Furthering his multi-disciplinary artistry, Cudi is set to debut his first visual art exhibition, Echoes of the Past, in Paris showcasing original works.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with artist presale beginning Tuesday, January 27 at 10am local. Citi and Mastercard presales will follow on Tuesday, January 27 at 11am local (details below). Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, January 30 at 10am local time at LiveNation.com.

Citi is the official card of the ‘The Rebel Ragers Tour’. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning Tuesday, January 27 at 11am local time until Thursday, January 29 at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

American Express Card Members can purchase tickets for the Canada dates before the general public beginning Tuesday, January 27 at 11am local time through Thursday, January 29 at 10pm local time.

Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi) will donate $1 per ticket sold to The Big Bro Foundation. The Big Bro Foundation works to guide, uplift, and empower youth—especially Black youth—who are facing mental health challenges. No portion of the purchase price is tax‑deductible. For more information, visit BigBroFoundation.org.

VIP PACKAGES:

  • Kid Cudi: The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, Meet & Greet and individual photo with Kid Cudi, access to the pre-show VIP Lounge, specially designed VIP gift item & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit com.
  • Big Boi: The tour will also offer a VIP package and experience for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. The package includes a premium reserved ticket, Meet & Greet and individual photo with Big Boi, exclusive merch item selected by Big Boi, early entry into the venue & more. For more information, visit com.
  • I.A.: The tour will also offer a VIP package and experience for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. The package includes a premium reserved ticket, limited edition OHMNI Wear merchandise item designed by M.I.A, early entry into the venue & more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

THE REBEL RAGERS 2026 TOUR DATES:

Tue Apr 28 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre +#^

Wed Apr 29 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater+#^

Fri May 01 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater+#^

Sat May 02 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion#^

Tue May 05 – Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater+#^

Wed May 06 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre+#^

Fri May 08 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena+#^

Sat May 09 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre+#^

Tue May 12 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek+#^

Wed May 13 – Charlotte, NC – Truliant Amphitheater+#^

Fri May 15 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center+#^

Sat May 16 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center +# ^

Tue May 19 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater+#^

Fri May 22 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre+#^

Sat May 23 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre+#^

Tue May 26 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre+#^

Wed May 27 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater+#^

Fri May 29 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live+#^

Sat May 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden+#^

Tue Jun 02 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion+#^

Wed Jun 03 – Hartford, CT – The Meadows Music Theatre+#^

Fri Jun 05 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center+#%

Sat Jun 06 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater+#%
Mon Jun 08 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview+#%

Wed Jun 10 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center+#%

Fri Jun 12 – Denver, CO – JUNKYARD+#*

Sat Jun 13 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre+#*

Tue Jun 16 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre+#*

Fri Jun 19 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena+#*

Sat Jun 20 – Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater+#*

Tue Jun 23 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre+#*

Fri Jun 26 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena+#*

Sat Jun 27 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre+#*

+with special guest M.I.A

#with special guest Big Boi

^with special guest A-Trak

%with special guest me n ü

*with special guest Dot Da Genius presents GLKPRTY w/ Powers Pleasanton

Scott Mescudi, professionally known as Kid Cudi, is a Grammy Award–winning musician, actor, director, author, fashion founder, and visual artist whose work has reshaped modern culture. Since emerging in 2008, Cudi has built one of the most emotionally resonant catalogs in contemporary music, creating a blueprint for vulnerability, experimentation, and genre-defying expression that continues to influence artists across generations.

His debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, marked a cultural shift, introducing a new emotional language to mainstream music. Over the course of his career, Cudi has released ten studio albums, sold more than 23 million records worldwide, and maintained a rare longevity rooted in authenticity rather than trend. His influence remains active and visible, with early tracks such as “Maui Wowie” recently finding renewed life through viral momentum and reaching a new generation of listeners years after their initial release.

Cudi’s most recent album, Free, represents a confident and expansive chapter in his evolution. The project reflects an artist fully in command of his voice, balancing introspection with clarity and forward momentum while reinforcing his role as a creative who continues to grow rather than repeat himself.

Beyond music, Cudi has established a substantial career in film and television. His acting work spans HBO, Amazon, Disney, and major studios, with notable appearances in How to Make It in AmericaWestworldDon’t Look UpXHouse Party, and Bill & Ted Face the Music. He has collaborated with filmmakers across the industry, including projects with A24 and Warner Bros., and starred in films that range from large-scale studio releases to critically acclaimed independent work. His Amazon documentary A Man Named Scott further offered an intimate portrait of his personal journey and creative impact.

In 2020, Cudi founded Mad Solar, his production and creative company focused on developing music, film, and television projects. He has continued to expand his storytelling through narrative short films, animation, and cross-platform releases, most notably with Entergalactic, which launched alongside its Emmy-nominated animated companion on Netflix.

In recent years, Cudi has added author and visual artist to his creative portfolio. His memoir offers a deeply personal account of his life, mental health journey, and artistic evolution, further cementing his role as a voice of emotional honesty. As a visual artist, he has debuted original work in gallery settings, translating the same introspective themes that define his music into a new medium.

In fashion, Cudi continues to operate at the intersection of culture and design. His brand Members of the Rage (MOTR) debuted at Paris Fashion Week and reflects his long-standing influence on style, individuality, and self-expression.

Across music, film, literature, fashion, and art, Kid Cudi remains a singular creative force. His work consistently connects on a human level, not by chasing moments, but by building a body of work that endures.

Change precipitates growth. MIA exists in a constant state of change reflective of her own insatiable creativity, acute internal compass, and a perennial place ahead of the curve socially, aesthetically, and musically. As such, she consistently sets the pace for culture.

Catalyzed at the crossroads of art, activism, and fashion, her seminal breakthrough album KALA arrived with the force of a tsunami in 2007. An insurgent pastiche of hip-hop attitude, world music connectivity, high fashion disruption, and radicalized consciousness, Rolling Stone and NMEboth christened it one of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time, while Spin touted it among “The 300 Best Albums of the Past 30 Years. It earned a gold certification and spawned the quadruple-platinum generational anthem “Paper Planes.” Indicative of its impact, the mega-smash appeared in the Academy® Award-winning Slumdog Millionaire directed by iconic filmmaker Danny Boyle. Fellow revolutionaries Tom Morello and Boots Riley covered it as part of Street Sweeper Social Club, while Rihanna performed it in a popular live medley. Famously, T.I., JAY-Z, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne sampled it as the hook for the multiplatinum smash “Swagga Like Us,” taking home the GRAMMY® Award for “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.She parlayed this momentum into 2010’s MAYA, which marked her first Top 10 debut on the Billboard Top 200. Following the 2013 opus Matangi and the banger “Bad Girls,” AIM closed out 2016 on various year-end lists, and dubbed it “her best outing since 2007’s Kala.” Along the way, she collaborated with the likes of Madonna, Nicki Minaj, and Travis Scott, to name a few.

Casting just as wide of a shadow over fashion, Versace, Marc Jacobs, and more have sought her out for collaborations. Recognizing her impact, Vulture hailed her as “a precursor for the various fashion-rap acts (Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, and above all A$AP Rocky).” An outspoken humanitarian, she has supported various global causes to build schools, stand up for victims of atrocities, and support impoverished communities.

In 2022 M.I.A. released MATA, showing another side of herself altogether.

“This album was actually written in a very peaceful place,” she observes. “COVID happened, and I’m sure there were expectations for me to make a violent and aggressive record, but you already have that in my catalog. If you want to protest, if you want to speak up, or if you want to fight, all of those songs are there—and they always will be. MATA is about rising above any earthly problems and social problems. I took a step back and looked at it from a bigger perspective. No matter what religion you ascribe to, the message is ultimately the same. I create out of chaos. Everything that’s creative and created is god, and everything that’s destructive and destroys is god too. To me, this record is complete acceptance of the divine. Whatever happens is what happens. I approached this music as if I was meant to make it.”

MATA certainly sounds meant to be. Writing throughout 2020 and 2021, M.I.A. still “used her four-track and old laptop” and personally produced various tracks. At the same time, she collaborated with the likes of Pharrell, Diplo, Rex Kudo, Switch, Troy Baker, T-Minus, and more. Beyond recording at home, she also worked out of Rick Rubin’s Malibu studio.

Ultimately, the album represents two halves of her vision.

“On some songs, I’m trying to escape and come back to my old style of writing and production,” she reveals. “50% of the album is me holding on to what I am. The other half of the record is joining a bigger discussion about what I am, because it’s not about the same comfort zone.”

That brings us to the first single “The One.” Co-produced by T-Minus and Kudo, the upbeat groove underlines bold and buoyant bars as she examines a moment of transformation. Leaning into the beat, she promises, “This time I’m gonna flip the whole thing. New era I’m gonna bring it.

“It’s about the challenge of making this record,” she muses. “It was raw ego versus embracing changes you have to embrace when it’s not about you. That happened to me. I had an awakening. It wasn’t something I was looking for. I was minding my own business. Boom, out of nowhere, I had this spiritual experience, and it turned my world upside down creatively. That’s where I’m at now.”

As always with M.I.A., MATA balances extremes. Pharrell made a Tamil beat for “Time Travel,” relying on graceful simplicity. “KTP,” short for “Keep The Peace,” brought together production from Skrillex with invaluable perspective from Rubin. “There are songs we made in half-an-hour with a coconut, and there are songs we made with a Tesla X on mars, she grins.

In the end, change has brought M.I.A. to the dawn of a new era unlike anything before it and, most likely, after it as well…

“This is the second coming,” she leaves off. “It’s very hard to tell what the world needs right now. I tried to get out of the game. I’ve done my best to escape, but I can’t. I’ve accepted it though. I’m really happy to be making music. I’m at peace with the fact I’m a musician. I’m truthful to my journey. When you listen to this record, you’ll get everything. You’ll hear the growing pains, but you’ll hear accessibility and relatability. It’s everything. It’s still me.”

Atlanta indisputably set the pace for modern hip-hop. However, Big Boi set the pace for Atlanta, and by proxy, the culture at large. If the genre of hip-hop ever gets its own “Rap Mount Rushmore,” a legacy as the region’s foremost wordsmith, funkiest gentleman, and resident ATLien certainly guarantees a place for the diamond selling artist, rapper, songwriter, record producer, actor, philanthropist born Antwan André Patton. Big made history as the preeminent spitter of the Dungeon Family and one-half of OutKast. The legendary duo sold 25 million albums and garnered seven GRAMMY Awards, becoming the first and only hip-hop artist in history to win the GRAMMY for “Album of the Year” upon release of their 2003 RIAA Diamond-certified Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year). Big Boi made his proper introduction as a solo artist in 2010 with Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. A modern classic, it captured #3 on the Billboard Top 200 and landed on Pitchfork’s”100 Best Albums of the Decade ‘So Far’.” Following a succession of high-profile album releases, Big Boi released his most recent album Boomiverse in 2017. The smash single “All Night” sound tracked a high-profile Apple Animoji commercial, blew up radio, and clocked 40 million streams within a year. The song also hit the Top 30 on the pop chart and Top 10 at Rhythmic. In addition to his music career, the Hip-Hop legend recently announced that he is starring in upcoming Hulu series, Big RV Remix, a renovation-based series in which he and business partner, Janice Faison, renovate, redo, and remodel trailers for small businesses some of the world’s biggest celebrities 125%

A-Trak, a.k.a. Alain Macklovitch, is the quintessential cultural connector. His 25-year career has seen him take turns as an internationally renowned DJ, World Champion turntablist, founder of New York’s celebrated Fool’s Gold Records, documentary filmmaker, and half of the Grammy nominated duo Duck Sauce as well as The Brothers Macklovitch (with his brother Dave 1 of Chromeo). He continues to reshape the very role of the DJ as tastemaker and storyteller.

Over the past year, me n ü have been touring nationally, performing at festivals and venues across the country and continuing to build their growing hope house movement both on and offline. The female DJ, production, and writing duo started their socials at the end of November 2023 and have built a fanbase of over 95K followers on TikTok and 226K on Instagram. After coining the term “hope house” to describe their style of music, their debut single “JUMP” has garnered over 150,000 creates on Instagram Reels and 9.2 million streams across all platforms. It has also received editorial support on Spotify’s Created by Women and Fresh Finds Dance, Apple Music’s Chill House and Breaking Dance, Pandora’s Pandora Chill, and more.

Their breakout year continued with singles such as “Superrich,” a collaboration with Alok and Ten Fé that has surpassed 9 million streams globally, and an official remix of Kid Cudi’s “Deep Diving,” blending their signature nostalgic energy with Cudi’s alt-electronic sound.

Since the release of their first single, me n ü have received regular rotation and organic support on all releases from SiriusXM and SiriusXM Chill, with co-signs from Tiësto and Galantis, who collaborated with them on an official Galantis x me n ü remix released in August.

Dot Da Genius, 4x Grammy-Nominated, Multi-Platinum and Diamond-Certified Producer, responsible for “Day n’ Night” and WZRD, is presenting a brand-new project with longtime friend and collaborator, Powers Pleasant. The electric duo, who present themselves as GLKPRTY, will not only be behind the booth with fresh, new remixes on your favorites, but also coming equipped with energizing originals that are undeniable.

The Fray Announce Summer Of Light Tour With Special Guests Dashboard Confessional, Colony House & More

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Multi-Platinum band The Fray announces the Summer of Light Tour, featuring special guests Dashboard Confessional, Colony House, The Strumbellas and Brother Elsey on select dates. The North American tour, promoted by Live Nation, kicks off on May 11th in Moncton, New Brunswick, with stops across Canada and the U.S. in Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver, Kansas City, Minnesota, Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin, Atlanta, Boston, and more before wrapping up on August 29 in Chicago, IL.

TICKETS: Tickets will first be available via a Citi presale starting Tuesday, January 27, in select U.S. markets (details below). Fans can also sign up now at TheFray.com to access the Seated registration presale beginning on Wednesday, January 28, at 10 am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning on Friday, January 30, at 10 am local time

CITI PRESALE: Citi cardmembers in the U.S. will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 27, at 10 am local time through Thursday, January 29 at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details, visit www.citientertainment.com.

SUMMER OF LIGHT TOUR DATES

May 11 — Moncton, NB — Casino New Brunswick %

May 13 — Montreal, QC — MTELUS %

May 15 — London, ON — Centennial Hall %

May 16 — Ottawa, ON — Hard Rock Hotel and Casino %

May 19 — Winnipeg, MB — Centennial Concert Hall #

May 21 — Saskatoon, SK — TCU Place #

May 22 — Edmonton, AB — Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium #

May 24 — Calgary, AB — MacEwan Hall #

May 26 — Vancouver, BC — Orpheum #

July 10 — Indianapolis, IN — Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park *^

July 11 — Maryland Heights, MO — Saint Louis Music Park *^

July 14 — Kansas City, MO — Starlight Theatre *^

July 16 — Milwaukee, WI — Landmark Credit Union Live *^

July 19 — Great Falls, MT — Voyagers Stadium *^=

July 23 — Berkeley, CA — The Greek Theatre *=

July 24 — Los Angeles, CA — YouTube Theater *

July 25 — San Diego, CA — Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre *

July 27 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theatre *

July 29 — Austin, TX — Moody Amphitheater *

July 31 — Houston, TX — 713 Music Hall *

August 1 — Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory *

August 4 — Franklin, TN — FirstBank Amphitheater *

August 5 — Atlanta, GA — Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park *^

August 7 — Charlotte, NC — Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre *^

August 8 — St. Augustine, FL — St. Augustine Amphitheatre *^

August 10 — Selbyville, DE — Freeman Arts Pavilion *^=

August 12 — Cleveland, OH — Jacobs Pavilion *^=

August 14 — Columbia, MD — Merriweather Post Pavilion *^=

August 15 — Boston, MA — Leader Bank Pavilion *^

August 19 — Asbury Park, NJ — The Stone Pony Summer Stage *^

August 20 — Gilford, NH — BankNH Pavilion *^

August 22 — Wantagh, NY — Northwell at Jones Beach Theater *^

August 23 — Bridgeport, CT — Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater *^

August 26 — Toronto, ON — RBC Amphitheatre *^

August 28 — Detroit, MI — Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at *^

August 29 — Chicago, IL — Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island *^

Support Key

* Dashboard Confessional

^ Colony House

# The Strumbellas

% Brother Elsey

=Non-Live Nation Date

“We have such great memories of touring in the summer. The vibe for us and for the fans is something that we’ve all really connected with and had a good time with over the history of The Fray,” Wysocki says. “Getting these new songs in front of people is going to be exciting.

The tour supports The Fray’s upcoming album, A Light That Waits, arriving March 13. The record marks the band’s first full-length release in years and ushers in a renewed creative chapter defined by emotional clarity, cinematic songwriting, and the timeless sound that has connected The Fray to fans around the world for more than two decades. The album’s title track, “A Light That Waits,” is available now, offering a powerful first look at the band’s next era.  Listen to the title track and Pre-Save/Add the album HERE .

Written by Joe King (lead vocals), Ben Wysocki (drums), Dave Welsh (guitar), and producer Jason Suwito, the title track holds special significance as the first song born from a full collaboration between the three band members since their return.

“This was the first moment where the three of us were writing from scratch,” says King. “We were in Ben’s studio in Denver, just trying to discover something… All of a sudden, it was clear: this is a light that waits. But it took us being in the room, listening to ourselves and to one another, to really find the song. And that’s what’s beautiful about being a band.”

The album follows the 2025 releases “My Heart’s a Crowded Room,” “Emerald,” and “Songs I’d Rather Not Sing,”and features 11 tracks in total, produced by Jason Suwito, Ryan Linvill & The Fray.

A Light That Waits Track List:

  1. “A Light That Waits” *
  2. “Still Got You” *
  3. “Ice Cold Lakes” *
  4. “Emerald” *
  5. “My Heart’s A Crowded Room” *
  6. “Wherever You Reach For Me” *
  7. “Let Me Go First” *
  8. “Songs I’d Rather Not Sing” *
  9. “Tasted Glory” #
  10. “After You, Only God” *
  11. “Sea Level Drive” #

* produced by The Fray & Jason Suwito

# produced by The Fray & Ryan Linvill

“We could have hung it up, and I think we all contemplated that, but we have more stories about life to tell,” adds Welsh. “And we had to respect what we had earned from fans. I heard it phrased once by somebody that plays tennis, that you have to respect the spirit of the player. We’ve earned a seat at the table with a lot of people, and to not do it just because you’re tired wasn’t an option. We owe it to both the life that happens in us and to the people that have listened to us and asked for more. And so, A Light That Waits is more.”

Rising to prominence in the early 2000s, The Fray introduced a soul-searching alt-rock sound that was both expansive and intimate. Over the course of their career, the band has earned four GRAMMY Award nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, multiple Billboard Top 10 hits, and a devoted global fanbase. Their breakout single, “How to Save a Life,” is RIAA Diamond-certified, spent 58 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and became a defining anthem through its association with ABC’s Emmy-winning series Grey’s Anatomy.

For more information on A Light That Waits, tour dates, and ticket details, visit thefray.com.

Billy Talent Marks 20 Years Of ‘Billy Talent II’ With Special International Shows

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Iconic Canadian rock group Billy Talent has announced a limited run of tour dates to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their masterpiece sophomore album, Billy Talent II, released via Warner Music Canada. The band will perform the multi-platinum album in its entirety, front-to-back, giving fans a rare opportunity to experience the record that catapulted them to international superstardom.  The run of dates includes shows in three international markets (Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna) along with a massive homecoming in Toronto.  Tickets will be available for purchase on January 30th, at 10:00am local – check billytalent.com for all the details.   In addition to these shows, Billy Talent will be headlining Hurricane and Southside Festivals in Germany, and Summerside Festival in Switzerland, which will feature special Billy Talent II performances. Shows in additional cities are expected to be announced soon.

Released in 2006, Billy Talent II stands not only as a defining moment in rock music, but also as the band’s most commercially successful album to date. Upon its release, it debuted at #1 on the Canadian Albums Chart and #1 on the German Albums Chart, and showcasing the band’s status as a true force in global rock music. The album was certified 4x Platinum in Canada and 2x Platinum in Germany, selling over one million copies worldwide. Along with the certifications, the album produced a non-stop string of smash hits including “Devil in a Midnight Mass,” “Fallen Leaves,” “Surrender,” and “This Suffering” that remain rock radio staples to this day. The track “Red Flag” not only was featured on the soundtrack to several video games, but also brought the band their American television debut with a Late Night with Conan O’Brien performance.  Billy Talent II garnered critical acclaim and major award wins, including the JUNO Award for Rock Album of the Year and multiple MuchMusic Video Awards.

This year, Billy Talent will be recognized at the 2026 JUNO Awards with the prestigious Humanitarian Award, honouring the band’s long standing commitment to philanthropy and community impact.  Since their first high school food drive, Billy Talent has championed humanitarian causes for the entirety of their three decade long career. Through sustained partnerships with Make Music Matter, War Child, and MS Canada, the band supports communities affected by conflict and youth living with Multiple Sclerosis. Their advocacy has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and generated global awareness.

Also appearing on the Toronto show are special guests Death From Above 1979 and opener Hollerado. Support acts for the European dates will be announced shortly.

BILLY TALENT II – 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR DATES

Friday, June 12, 2026 Paris, France – L’Olympia

Saturday, June 13, 2026 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg

Monday, June 15, 2026 Vienna, Austria – Arena Open Air

Saturday, July 18, 2026 Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre (Budweiser Stage)

Lionel Richie And Earth, Wind & Fire Announce Massive 2026 North American Tour

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Legendary singer, songwriter and producer Lionel Richie and one of the best-selling bands of all time, Earth, Wind & Fire announced their 2026 North American Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the 26-city tour kicks off on Wednesday, June 24 at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul making stops across North America in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and more before wrapping up in Austin at Moody Center on Friday, August 14.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with Citi presale (details below) beginning Tuesday, January 27 at 10am. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, January 30 at 10am local time at LiveNation.com.

PRESALE: Citi is the official card of Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire 2026 Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 27 at 10am local time until Thursday, January 29 at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

VIP:  The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, access to the pre-show VIP Lounge, limited edition tour poster, specially designed VIP gift item & more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

Lionel Richie’s show is created in partnership with Brian Burke Creative.

LIONEL RICHIE AND EARTH, WIND & FIRE 2026 TOUR DATES:

Wed Jun 24 – Saint Paul, MN – Grand Casino Arena
Fri Jun 26 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Jun 27 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Tue Jun 30 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Wed Jul 01 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Sat Jul 04 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sun Jul 05 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Wed Jul 08 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Fri Jul 10 – Hartford, CT – PeoplesBank Arena
Sat Jul 11 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Tue Jul 14 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena
Thu Jul 16 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena
Sat Jul 18 – Greensboro, NC – First Horizon Coliseum
Sun Jul 19 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Wed Jul 22 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena
Fri Jul 24 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Sat Jul 25 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
Tue Jul 28 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Wed Jul 29 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Fri Jul 31 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Mon Aug 03 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Thu Aug 06 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
Sat Aug 08 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena
Sun Aug 09 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome
Tues Aug 11 – Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center
Fri Aug 14 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

International superstar Lionel Richie boasts a discography of albums and singles that is second to none. With more than 125 million albums sold worldwide, an Oscar, Golden Globe®, and four Grammy Awards, Richie has been honored with distinctions including 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year, and the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors. In March 2018, Richie cemented his iconic legacy as he imprinted his hand and footprints at Hollywood’s storied TCL Chinese Theatre. In 2022, he was both inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received the 2022 American Music Awards Icon Award, his 18th AMA award. He also received the 2022 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress. Richie debuted and served as producer on the documentary The Greatest Night in Pop, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. The Greatest Night in Pop quickly became a cultural phenomenon as the most watched music documentary of 2024 with a staggering 1.3 billion minutes viewed. Richie has served as a judge on ABC’s “American Idol” for the past eight seasons and is back for its 9th season. He also served as executive producer on AppleTV+’s “KPOPPED,” which hit #1 in South Korea and the top 10 in 99 countries. Most recently, Richie offered an intimate and candid reflection on his journey through music, fame, and personal transformation in his New York Times bestselling memoir Truly, released on September 30, 2025.

Earth, Wind & Fire are a music institution. In 1969, music legend Maurice White birthed the music force named after the elements from his very own astrological charts. With soul as deep as the plant, Earth, Wind & Fire charted a history that will live on forever. They’ve scored eight number one hits and have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. They’ve released 23 albums; eight of those albums went Double Platinum and hit the Top 10, making them one of the best-selling artists of all time. They’ve won an impressive nine GRAMMY Awards including one for Lifetime Achievement (2012). In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their lasting impact on popular music and, in 2019, their contributions to arts and culture were acknowledged in Washington DC with the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors.

The music of Earth, Wind & Fire is more alive than ever as they continue to inspire new audiences and thrill those who have been with them from the beginning. Like the elements in their name, Earth, Wind & Fire’s music has withstood ever-changing trends in the world and shows no sign of vanishing as they continue to create joy and uplifting music that will forever reach a sacred universal atmosphere. From the funky and infectious “Let’s Groove” to the timeless dance classic “September” to the heartfelt “Reasons,” Earth, Wind & Fire’s catalog of hits has become the soundtrack to many lives; now, then and forever.

Folk Americana Roots Hall Of Fame Sets Star-Studded 2026 Induction Celebration In Boston

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The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame has announced performers and presenters for its second annual Induction Celebration, set for March 24, 2026 at the historic Boch Center Wang Theatre. The exclusive evening honors a landmark class of artists and industry leaders whose work has shaped Folk, Americana, and Roots music, while advancing FARHOF’s nonprofit mission to honor the past, celebrate the present, and nurture the future of American music.

Living inductees Judy Collins, Tom Rush, and Tom Paxton will attend and perform, anchoring a night filled with intimate tributes, live performances, and special presentations. Additional performers and presenters include Brad and Graham Whitford, Paula Cole, Maggie Rose, Bobby Rush, Lizz Wright, Dom Flemons, Noel Paul Stookey, John Oates, and many more. The evening’s music will be supported by a specially assembled FARHOF House Band led by Scott Sharrard, featuring members associated with Little Feat, Jackson Browne, and George Clinton.

The 2026 induction class includes Living Artists Jackson Browne, Judy Collins, Tom Paxton, Tom Rush, and Neil Young, alongside Legacy Artists Leonard Cohen, Aretha Franklin, Mississippi John Hurt, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Muddy Waters, plus Industry honorees John Hammond and Alan Lomax. Tickets, including limited VIP options with reception and dinner, go on sale Friday, January 23, 2026 at FARHOF.org, with proceeds supporting education, preservation, and future programming.

Norah Jones Welcomes Nathaniel Rateliff For Reflective New Podcast Episode

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Norah Jones is joined by Nathaniel Rateliff on a new episode of Norah Jones Is Playing Along, continuing the podcast’s second season with an intimate and thoughtful conversation. The Grammy Award–winning artists trace the personal and creative paths that shaped Rateliff’s journey, reflecting on patience, self-discovery, and the discipline of singing from a truthful place.