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Ohana Festival 2025 Brings Eddie Vedder, Green Day, Hozier, and Over 35 Artists to Doheny State Beach

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Ohana Festival is proud to announce its 2025 lineup featuring headliners Eddie Vedder and Earthlings, Green Day and Hozier, alongside performances by Kings of Leon, Cage The Elephant, Leon Bridges, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Garbage, Wet Leg, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Royel Otis, Stereophonics, Lukas Nelson and many more!

The oceanfront festival will bring fans another incredible weekend of world-class music featuring over 35 artists, three stages, passionately curated environmental programming from The Cove, a sprawling outdoor art gallery, and more at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA September 26-28.

VIP Tickets offer a dedicated entrance into the festival, a complimentary round-trip shuttle pass to and from the Ohana and with a VIP Express Lane at shuttle pick-up, a commemorative Ohana Festival beach bag with essentials, access into the VIP Lounge with special viewing of the Main Stage and access to VIP viewing bleachers, comfortable shaded cabanas, hammocks and lounge seating to relax beachside, private bars pouring a variety of beers, wines, cocktails for purchase, air-conditioned premium restrooms, and much more. Ultimate VIP offers a two-person package, including two 3-Day VIP wristbands, a 4-night stay at Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa, access to the Backstage Artist Guest Lounge, a dedicated shuttle service to and from the festival, credits for food and beverage concessions and merchandise, a limited-edition Ohana 2025 Poster autographed by Eddie Vedder and more.

Founded by Eddie Vedder in 2016, and a three-time Music Festival of the Year (Global, under 30K attendance) recipient by Pollstar, Ohana Festival is a leader in sustainability and conservation by combining the power of music and activism. The Cove, a one-of-a-kind area within the grounds, brings the festival’s core pillars to life: Oceans, Activism, Conservation, Indigenous Voices, Art, and Community Action. Leading the charge, the Storytellers Stage shines a light through its thought-provoking 3-Day panels led by renowned environmentalists, researchers, activists, professional surfers, and more. Fans can also immerse themselves in The Cove Gallery, where hundreds of curated art pieces, centered on the interlacing of music, street and board culture are on display and available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Ohana’s nonprofit partners through the Vitalogy Foundation. Programming will be announced soon.

Halestorm Announce Everest Album & Massive Tour with Lindsey Stirling, Apocalyptica, and Bloodywood

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Halestorm, the GRAMMY-winning band initially formed by siblings Lzzy and Arejay Hale with guitarist Joe Hottinger and bassist Josh Smith, have announced Everest, their sixth studio album out August 8 on Atlantic Records. Today the band also announced the “nEVEREST Duality tour,” a US/Canada tour this fall with Lindsey Stirling and supported by Apocalyptica.

Last week, the band offered a glimpse of Everest with “Darkness Always Wins,” the first song to be revealed from the upcoming collection. The song teases an album, produced by GRAMMY winner Dave Cobb (Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell), that dives deeply, both lyrically and sonically, into the band’s mountainous climb over the last couple decades.

“Our album Everest is a story of our journey as a band, full of beautiful endings and new beginnings,” says Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale. “We weave a tangled web of melancholy, frustration, anger and the vast purgatory of love and love lost. It is a rollercoaster of epic musical detours, great songwriting and completely unhinged twists and turns. Everest is an auditory representation of the 4 pillars of Halestorm. Let us reintroduce ourselves and invite you into our world…if you dare.”

Rolling Stone said of “Darkness Always Wins,” “What the song has going for is its catchy, brooding, and dramatic in all the ways we love Halestorm songs to be,” and Revolver noted “The arrangement remains lean even as the amps begin to crank into the red, though ‘Darkness Always Wins’ still sports some exquisite minor-key melodicism, a metal-chunked bridge, loud-as-hell requiem bells and a classically rippin’ rock guitar solo.”

JULY
1 – Lausanne, Switzerland – Les Docks (headline date)
2 – Eindhoven – Effenaar (headline date)
5 – Birmingham, UK – Villa Park (supporting Black Sabbath)
17 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena (supporting Volbeat)
19 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)
21 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)
22 – Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)
24 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)
25 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum (supporting Volbeat)
26 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)
28 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (supporting Volbeat)
29 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall (supporting Volbeat)
31 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP (supporting Volbeat)

AUGUST
2 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater (supporting Volbeat)
3 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)
4 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)
6 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion (supporting Volbeat)
7 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live (supporting Volbeat)
9 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (supporting Volbeat)
10 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center (supporting Volbeat)
12 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater (supporting Volbeat)
13 – Gilford, NH – Bank NH Pavilion (supporting Volbeat)
14 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center (supporting Volbeat)
16 – Hershey, PA – GIANT Center (supporting Volbeat)
17 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center (supporting Volbeat)
19 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Center (supporting Volbeat)
21 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center (supporting Volbeat)
22 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)
23 – Marshfield, WI – Central Wisconsin State Fair (headline date)

SEPTEMBER
11 – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
12 – Cherokee, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
14 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
16 – Syracuse, NY – Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
18 – Laval, QC – Place Bell (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
19 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
21 – Madison, WI – Breese Stevens Field (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
23 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
24 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Alliant Energy PowerHouse (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
26 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
27 – Duluth, MN – AMSOIL Arena (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
29 – Bonner Springs, KS – Azura Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)

OCTOBER
1 – Sioux City, IA – Tyson Events Center (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
2 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
4 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
5 – Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
7 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
8 – Penticton, BC – South Okanagan Events Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
10 – Vancouver, BC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
11 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica)
22 – Wiesbaden, DE – Schlachthof (with Bloodywood)
23 – Oberhausen, DE – Turbinehalle 2 (with Bloodywood)
25 – Hamburg, DE – Inselpark Arena (with Bloodywood)
27 – Stockholm SE – Fållan (with Bloodywood)
28 – Copenhagen, DK – The Grey Hall (with Bloodywood)
30 – Warsaw, PL – COS Torwar (with Bloodywood)

NOVEMBER
1 – Berlin, DE – Columbiahalle (with Bloodywood)
3 – Prague, CZ – Lucerna Velky Sal (with Bloodywood)
5 – Vienna, AT – Gasometer (with Bloodywood)
6 – Budapest, HU – Barba Negra (with Bloodywood)
8 – Munich, DE – Zenith (with Bloodywood)
9 – Zurich, CH – Komplex457 (with Bloodywood)
11 – Milan, IT – Alcatraz (with Bloodywood)
12 – Barcelona, ES – Razzmatazz 1 (with Bloodywood)
14 – Pamplona, ES – Totem (with Bloodywood)
15 – Madrid, ES – La Riviera (with Bloodywood)
17 – Paris, FR – Olympia (with Bloodywood)
18 – Amsterdam, NL – AFAS Live (with Bloodywood)
20 – Cardiff, UK – Utilita Arena (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines)
21 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines)
23 – Birmingham, UK – bp pulse LIVE (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines)
24 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines)
26 – London, UK – O2 Arena (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines)

5 Surprising Facts About J. Dilla’s ‘Donuts’

On February 7, 2006—his 32nd birthday—J Dilla gifted the world Donuts, a radiant burst of creativity made with turntables, soul records, and pure heart. Three days later, he passed away, leaving behind an album that would ripple across genres and generations. Made with looped grooves, chopped soul, and hidden details tucked into every second, Donuts feels like a love letter written in beats. Here are 5 amazing facts that show just how magical this record really is.

1. The album plays in a circle—just like a donut.
Donuts opens with “Don’t Cry” flowing into “Workinonit” and ends with “Last Donut of the Night,” which loops back into the beginning. The cycle plays continuously, with no defined start or finish. The structure mirrors the shape of a donut: round, connected, and never quite finished.

2. Dilla guarded it like treasure—even from his mom.
While working on the album, Dilla kept it private, crafting each track with intention. During one hospital stay, his mother listened to a draft while he was out for treatment. When he found out, he playfully scolded her—he wanted to share it only when every beat felt complete.

3. The track names came from someone else—with Dilla’s blessing.
The names of Donuts’ 31 tracks came from Stones Throw’s art director Jeff Jank. He arranged the running order and gave the tracks their titles, drawing inspiration from the feel of each beat. When Dilla saw the final list, he smiled and laughed at a few—perfectly in sync with the spirit of the album.

4. The beats traveled through time and space.
Some of Donuts came from hospital sessions, while other parts originated from demos Dilla made at home. Whether made on an MPC, Pro Tools, or a turntable on a hospital tray, every piece found its place. The result is a sonic patchwork of memory, energy, and endless invention.

5. “I just want to finish the album.”
As Dilla’s condition grew more intense, he stayed focused on creating. Nurses and doctors watched him make music while resting, always returning to his sampler and records. One doctor later recalled Dilla saying his only goal was to complete Donuts. And he did—with rhythm, soul, and clarity.

Donuts spins with warmth, joy, and something close to timelessness. Each beat feels personal, each loop purposeful, and every second carries the unmistakable sound of someone pouring their full self into the music. Press play again, and you’ll always find your way back to the beginning.

TikTok and MLS Renew Game-Changing Partnership to Bring Soccer Fans Even Closer

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TikTok and Major League Soccer (MLS) are excited to announce the renewal of their strategic partnership with an extended multiyear agreement. This renewed collaboration reinforces our ongoing commitment to enriching the soccer fan experience, providing fans with unparalleled access to the sport, and strengthening the connection between MLS, its players, and the global fan community.

Since kicking off the partnership in 2023, TikTok has become a go-to platform for soccer fans, offering everything from behind-the-scenes content to live match highlights, fan reactions, and creative edits. This extension builds on the success of initiatives like last year’s groundbreaking Player Spotlight: Messi, where TikTok, in partnership with Apple TV and MLS, exclusively streamed a live feed of Lionel Messi during his debut MLS Cup Playoff match for Inter Miami CF. This marked the first time TikTok streamed an entire live soccer match with a single player focus and was the largest live viewership for a U.S. sports league on the platform.

“We are excited to renew our partnership with Major League Soccer and continue bringing fans closer to the sport they love,” said Rollo Goldstaub, Head of Sports Partnerships, TikTok. “MLS has one of the most passionate and engaged fanbases in the world, and we look forward to offering even more unique and exciting opportunities for fans to connect in ways that only TikTok can offer.”

Millions of soccer fans are already thriving on TikTok: there are 14.8 million posts using #soccer, with nearly 9 million posts in 2024 alone. MLS’ growing international presence on TikTok, with 65% of its fanbase outside the US (TikTok internal data, 2024) reflects the league’s global appeal and engagement with fans around the world.

“Major League Soccer’s continued partnership with TikTok supports our commitment to reaching fans with dynamic content, driving global engagement and discovery,” said Jen Cramer, Executive Vice President of Partnership Marketing, Major League Soccer. “This collaboration helps us engage soccer enthusiasts while also evolving how we connect with the next generation of MLS fans and new audiences.”

This renewed partnership continues to keep TikTok at the heart of global soccer fandom, bringing fans exclusive access, creative content, and one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate the game we all love.

5 Surprising Facts About Radiohead’s ‘In Rainbows’

Radiohead didn’t announce their In Rainbows album with a press tour or a big reveal—it floated into inboxes like a quiet meteor in 2007, transforming the music industry in the process. With its pay-what-you-want release, radiant artwork, and some of the band’s most intimate songwriting, it became both a cultural moment and a creative reset. But behind the colorful splash of its cover and the haunting beauty of tracks like “Nude” and “Reckoner” are stories full of weird houses, surprise kids’ choirs, and a truly funky drum machine. Here are 5 facts about In Rainbows that might make you hear it all differently.

1. The album was born in a crumbling mansion full of “strange vibes.”
Radiohead recorded part of In Rainbows at Tottenham House, a derelict country estate with holes in the floors, broken windows, and rain leaking through the ceilings. The band lived in caravans on the property while recording inside the spooky building. Thom Yorke later said the place had an eerie energy that crept into the music. Apparently, a haunted vibe pairs well with strings and falsetto.

2. One song took four versions—and a few “sonic babies.”
“All I Need” wasn’t recorded in one clean take. Instead, it was pieced together from four different versions. Producer Nigel Godrich blended elements of each and made the band commit to their performances by locking in the rhythm track early. Colin Greenwood said the result created something beautifully unpredictable, like their sounds were “having little sonic babies.”

3. A group of schoolchildren helped open the album.
The cheer you hear at the start of “15 Step” isn’t sampled from a festival—it’s a real group of kids from Oxford’s Matrix Music School. Their joyful clapping and whooping offsets the song’s darker lyrics about disillusionment. The contrast was deliberate, and also kind of adorable: the band added the kids after hearing their excitement in the studio hallways.

4. One bassline saved a song ten years in the making.
“Nude” first appeared during the OK Computer sessions but never quite worked. Years later, Colin Greenwood came up with a new bassline that unlocked the song’s flow and finally brought it to life. The updated version—with lush strings and Yorke’s aching falsetto—became one of the album’s emotional high points. Sometimes, it takes a decade to find the right groove.

5. Radiohead’s final decision wasn’t about money—it was about freedom.
The pay-what-you-want release model for In Rainbows started as an idea from their managers during a long recording stretch. Radiohead wanted to reach fans directly, without rules or intermediaries. Fans could download the album for free—or pay whatever they felt it was worth. No catch, no email sign-up. Just music, straight from the source.

In Rainbows continues to glow brighter with time—sonically rich, emotionally open, and packed with details that reward careful listening. Whether you fell in love with the layered swirl of “Weird Fishes” or the whispered goodbye of “Videotape,” the album remains a triumph of feeling over flash. And now you know: sometimes it takes haunted mansions, string theory, and a room full of kids to make something timeless.

Dolly Parton’s God-Dog Billy Returns in New Picture Book Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out, Featuring New Song “Bella”

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On December 2, 2025, Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers will publish DOLLY PARTON’S BILLY THE KID DANCES HIS HEART OUT, the third standalone children’s picture book in Parton’s New York Times bestselling series featuring French bulldog, her god-dog, Billy the Kid. In this follow up to Billy the Kid Makes It Big and Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, French bulldog and musical superstar Billy the Kid faces one of his biggest fears: dancing in front of an audience. To prepare for his exciting gig opening for Dolly Parton’s Doggy Dance Pawty, Billy enrolls in dance lessons and is paw-struck by his teacher, Bella, who is as graceful as she is beautiful. But trying to win Bella’s attention causes Billy to stumble even more—can he nail the dance routine and catch Bella’s eye, all before the big dance pawty? Dolly Parton has written an original song “Bella” specifically for this book, available on December 2nd in tandem with the book release. The book will be available both in hardcover and as an audiobook narrated by Dolly herself.

“I am excited to introduce Bella into Billy’s life in our new book!” exclaims Parton. “Creating stories that are fun, real, and carry life lessons hopefully makes it meaningful for children and their parents to experience the joy of reading together.”

Parton’s previous children’s books include Coat Of Many Colors (1994) and I Am A Rainbow (2009). In 2023, Parton introduced the beloved new character Billy the Kid, inspired by her favorite god-dog, in Billy the Kid Makes It Big. The book was an instant New York Times bestseller and dubbed a “wholesome howl” by Kirkus Reviews. Her festive 2024 follow-up, Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, was called “heartfelt” and “adorable” by School Library Journal.

Francesco Sedita, President & Publisher, Penguin Workshop, said, “There is no greater joy than working with Dolly on a book about dogs, dancing, and love!  And to get a brand-new song from Dolly in the process has been a dream come true.  We’re so excited to give Dolly—and her god-dog Billy—a brand new stage.

Dolly Parton is the most honored and revered female singer-songwriter of all time. She has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, has a record-breaking 28 songs that have reached #1 on the Billboard charts, and hundreds of awards across her career. To date, Parton has donated over 270 million books to children around the world with her Imagination Library and has authored successful books for children and adults. From her “Coat of Many Colors” while working “9 to 5,” no dream is too big and no mountain too high for the country girl who turned the world into her stage.

Erica S. Perl is the author of more than forty popular and critically acclaimed books for children. She has also collaborated on books with Dolly Parton and R.J. Palacio. Erica teaches writing in the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program and lives in Washington, DC, with her family.  

MacKenzie Haley is an illustrator whose books include The Ninja Club SleepoverPegasisters Go to Camp, and Snitchy Witch, among others. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration from the University of Dayton and currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky.

Indie Rockers DICE Drop ‘Alter Ego’ and Announce Massive U.S. Tour Inspired by The Killers and Bloc Party

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West Australian indie rock outfit DICE are back in full force with the release of their infectious new single ‘Alter Ego’. Following the success of their 2025 single Chasing Hearts and their ARIA-charting debut album Midnight Zoo, the rising four-piece continue to build serious momentum with this dynamic new offering.

Blending the nostalgic energy of The Killers, Bloc Party, and Two Door Cinema Club, ‘Alter Ego’ is a fast-paced indie anthem built for long road trips and late-night adventures. Driven by tight guitar work, pulsating rhythms, and anthemic choruses, the track is the perfect addition to any summer playlist – especially as the northern hemisphere heads into festival season.

Lyrically, ‘Alter Ego’ explores the inner turmoil of identity and self-reflection, grappling with how past actions can feel disconnected from who we are today. It’s an introspective narrative wrapped in vibrant, high-energy instrumentation – a hallmark of DICE’s sound.

As they prepare for a massive USA run in October, DICE are firmly establishing themselves as one of Australia’s most exciting indie rock exports.

DICE Chasing Hearts Tour

USA
Tuesday, 30 September 2025 – 
Valley Bar – Phoenix, AZ
Wednesday, 1 October 2025 – Soda Bar – San Diego, CA
Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 
Constellation Room – Santa Ana, CA
Friday, 3 October 2025 – The Echo – Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, 4 October 2025  – Cafe du Nord – San Francisco, CA
Tuesday, 7 October 2025 – Barboza – Seattle, WA
Wednesday, 8 October 2025 – Polaris Hall – Portland, OR
Thursday, 9 October 2025 – Shrine Social Club- Boise, ID
Friday, 10 October 2025 – DLC –Salt Lake City, UT
Saturday, 11 October 2025 – Meow Wolf – Denver, CO
Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – Turf Club – St Paul, MIN
Wednesday, 15 October 2025 – Schabas Tavern – Chicago, IL
Thursday, 16 October 2025  – A&R Music Bar – Columbus, OH
Friday, 17 October 2025 – Magic Bag – Detroit, MI
Saturday, 18 October 2025 – The Velvet Underground – Toronto, ON
Tuesday, 21 October 2025 – Middle East Upstairs – Boston, MA
Thursday, 23 October 2025 – Baby’s All Right – Brooklyn, NYC
Friday, 24 October 2025 – Johnny Brenda’s- Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, 25 October 2025 – DC9 – Washington, DC
Sunday, 26 October 2025 – Motorco Music Hall – Durham, NC
Tuesday, 28 October 2025  – The Masquerade (Purgatory) – Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, 29 October 2025  – The Basement – Nashville, TN
Friday, 31 October 2025 – WOMH Upstairs – Houston, TX
Saturday, 1 November 2025 – 3Ten ACL Live – Austin, TX
Sunday, 2 November 2025 – Limbo Room at Ruins – Dallas, TX

5 Surprising Facts About Mariah Carey’s ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’

When The Emancipation of Mimi dropped in 2005, it marked a glittering celebration of Mariah Carey’s voice, vision, and boundless energy. With powerhouse ballads, slick club bangers, and playful lyrics, the album became a landmark moment—not only in her career but in 2000s music history. But behind the vocal runs and Billboard reign were moments of inspiration, spontaneity, and pure Mimi magic that don’t always make the headlines. Here are 5 little-known facts that make this album shimmer even brighter.

1. Mimi had always been there—she just got a title.
Mariah’s inner circle had long called her “Mimi,” but the public had never been properly introduced. That changed when Island Records’ L.A. Reid heard the record and suggested she put Mimi in the spotlight. Mariah loved the idea—it felt like inviting fans closer, as if the velvet rope had finally lifted. “Mimi” became the voice of freedom, fun, and high notes for days.

2. The biggest hit came from a two-day dash in Atlanta.
“We Belong Together” and “It’s Like That” weren’t part of the original album plan. After hearing early tracks, Reid sent Mariah to Atlanta to cook up something extra with Jermaine Dupri. In just two days, they created both songs—one would become a global smash and the other a party anthem. Mariah knew something special happened; even the plane ride home felt electric.

3. That “ash and lotion” line? Total studio silliness.
In “It’s Like That,” Mariah sings, “Them chickens is ash and I’m lotion”—a line that raised many eyebrows and inspired even more memes. Turns out it came from a moment of pure fun in the studio with Jermaine Dupri. They were joking around, tossing playful phrases back and forth, when the image stuck. It became a lasting reminder that Mimi knows how to moisturize… lyrically.

4. Gospel made a grand appearance on track 14.
“Fly Like a Bird,” the album’s closer, stands as one of Mariah’s most powerful vocal performances. Inspired by faith and written with longtime collaborator James “Big Jim” Wright, the song even features a spoken Bible verse from her pastor. It became a live show-stopper, especially at the Grammys where it earned a standing ovation. Mimi saved the heavenly moment for last.

5. The album title nearly stayed a secret.
Mariah teased the phrase “The Emancipation of Mimi” on her website months before the album dropped—but without any explanation. Fans speculated wildly about its meaning, from alter egos to secret mixtapes. When the official announcement came, the title became a bold statement of creative freedom and personal joy. Mimi had arrived, and the world was ready.

Nearly two decades later, The Emancipation of Mimi continues to sparkle as one of Mariah Carey’s most defining albums. It brought together playful energy, heartfelt emotion, and bold vocal power in a way that still feels fresh today. Whether you’re dancing to the handclaps of “It’s Like That” or singing along to “We Belong Together,” Mimi’s world is one worth revisiting—full of freedom, flair, and unforgettable moments.

5 Surprising Facts About The Who’s ‘Quadrophenia’

There’s no question Quadrophenia is one of The Who’s most ambitious works—an epic rock opera, a deep dive into mod culture, and the sound of Pete Townshend pouring his soul through a synthesizer. But behind the teenage angst and tidal waves lies a storm of fascinating details that even diehard fans might’ve missed. Here are five little-known facts that’ll have you cranking up “The Real Me” all over again.

1. Pete Townshend Played Cello… After Learning It in Two Weeks
That string section you hear? Not some hired orchestra—Pete Townshend bought a cello, taught himself to play, and recorded the parts in just two weeks. Because why hire someone when you can become a one-man string section with a deadline and a grudge against mediocrity?

2. Jimmy’s Personality Is Literally the Band
The moody mod main character, Jimmy is made up of four personalities, each representing a member of the Who. There’s “Bell Boy” (Moon), “Is It Me?” (Entwistle), “Helpless Dancer” (Daltrey), and “Love Reign O’er Me” (Townshend). It’s basically The Who: The Musical, filtered through one very confused teenager.

3. The Album Was a Sound Design Feat Worthy of Sci-Fi Cinema
Forget your favorite movie soundtrack—Quadrophenia had nine tape machines running simultaneously for its sound effects. Townshend recorded waves in Cornwall, a train near his house, and even a marching band in Regent’s Park to create the sonic world Jimmy lives in. The album isn’t just music—it’s a 90-minute soundscape.

4. John Entwistle’s Bass Line on “The Real Me” Was a One-Take Wonder
John Entwistle laid down that iconic, chaotic, bass-on-fire track to “The Real Me” in one take. According to him, he was just joking around. According to the rest of us, he casually dropped one of the greatest bass performances in rock history, then probably made a sandwich.

5. The Album Nearly Imploded the Band (and Their Manager)
While making Quadrophenia, the band built their own studio—but had to borrow Ronnie Lane’s mobile unit when it wasn’t ready. Manager Kit Lambert, once their creative guru, missed sessions and clashed with Daltrey so badly that he was ousted before the album dropped. Townshend ended up producing it all himself, proving once again: never underestimate a stressed-out genius with a vision and a synthesizer.

15 Punk Albums That Still Sound Dangerous

You ever put on a record and immediately feel like you should punch the air, quit your job, and spray-paint a truth bomb on a Starbucks window? Good. That means punk still works.

Danger in punk isn’t about volume—it’s about urgency, chaos, and the feeling that the next track might collapse under its own raw energy. Some albums age. These albums detonate.

So here are 15 punk records that still sound like they were banned in 12 countries yesterday. No apologies. No skipped tracks. Just bite.

1. The Stooges – Raw Power (1973)
Before punk had a name, Iggy Pop stripped rock to its bone marrow and screamed into the void. It still sounds like a riot at a thrift store.

2. Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks (1977)
Every sneer, every buzzsaw riff—it still pisses off the right people. And that’s the point.

3. Dead Kennedys – Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980)
Jello Biafra’s voice is the sonic version of throwing a Molotov cocktail at the DMV. Unhinged and perfect.

4. Black Flag – Damaged (1981)
You don’t listen to Henry Rollins—you endure him. “Rise Above” could punch through drywall.

5. Minor Threat – Out of Step (1983)
18 minutes of pure straight-edge fury. Blink and it’s over, but your heart’s still racing.

6. Crass – The Feeding of the 5000 (1978)
Anarcho-punk at its most radical. It’s less an album, more a manifesto read through a megaphone during a protest.

7. The Clash – Give ‘Em Enough Rope (1978)
Everyone talks about London Calling, but this one still feels volatile, jagged, and ready to explode.

8. Bad Brains – Bad Brains (1982)
Hardcore meets Rastafarian lightning bolt. Faster than you can form a mosh pit.

9. X-Ray Spex – Germfree Adolescents (1978)
Poly Styrene’s voice cuts like a neon dagger through consumer culture. Punk, but make it glitter and rage.

10. Bikini Kill – Pussy Whipped (1993)
Kathleen Hanna didn’t come to play. She came to dismantle patriarchy with a distortion pedal.

11. Refused – The Shape of Punk to Come (1998)
They predicted post-hardcore before it was cool and screamed about capitalism like they had stocks in chaos.

12. The Germs – GI (1979)
Produced by Joan Jett, fronted by the infamous Darby Crash. It’s a beautiful, sloppy, falling-apart masterpiece.

13. Fugazi – Repeater (1990)
If you can sit still through Repeater, check your pulse. It’s got groove, intellect, and the fury of a basement show in full swing.

14. The Misfits – Walk Among Us (1982)
If Halloween was a punk show and the devil had a pompadour, it would sound like this.

15. Against Me! – As the Eternal Cowboy (2003)
Country-tinged punk that still makes you want to scream your truth from a rooftop bar bathroom.

Punk’s not dead. It’s just wearing different jackets. These albums don’t ask for respect—they kick the door in and demand it. Whether you’re crowd-surfing in a club or side-eyeing your Spotify algorithm, throw one of these on and feel the static rise.

And if someone says punk doesn’t feel dangerous anymore… crank up Damaged, hand them a safety pin, and tell them to listen harder.