Latest news with #2Pac
Otago Daily Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Obituary: Roy Ayers, musician
Roy Ayers, US funk, soul and jazz composer and vibraphone player, during a live concert performance at the Kool Jazz Festival, at the Riverfront Stadium in Cincinatti, Ohio, USA, in July 1976. Photo: Getty Imaes Jazz composer Roy Ayers was as known for the music his songs ended up in as he was for his own work. Mary J. Blige, N.W.A., Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Mos Def and Ice Cube all sampled the vibraphonist, keyboardist, composer and vocalist's 1976 Everybody Loves the Sunshine, and Ayers believed that he had more sampled hits than anyone, even the much re-utilised James Brown. The Los Angeles-born Ayers started out as a session player in the 1960s but found fame after striking out on his own. His blend of jazz and funk struck a chord just as disco was emerging and songs like Running Away and You Send Me were hits. Ever in demand as a musical collaborator, Ayers worked with artists as diverse as Rick James and Tyler the Creator. Roy Ayers died on March 4 aged 84. — APL/agencies
Black America Web
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
10 Spooky, Scary & Superstitious Songs For Friday the 13th
Friday the 13th has long been viewed as a day of misfortune and mystery. The superstition surrounding this date can be traced back to Norse mythology and Christian tradition, where the number 13 was considered unlucky when paired with Fridays. Over time, it has become an emblem of all things eerie, inspiring countless cultural works like films, literature, and, of course, music. For Rap and R&B artists, Friday the 13th provides fertile ground for exploring fear, paranoia, and spirituality. RELATED: Christmas Horror Movies To Watch On Friday The 13th RELATED: Top Ten Scariest Horror Characters According To ChatGPT Dive into eerie vibes and mystique this Friday the 13th with a soundtrack of Rap and R&B songs steeped in superstition. These genres, known for their storytelling and emotional depth, offer some of the most haunting tracks to match the day's ominous themes. Whether it's paranoia, fate, or symbols of bad luck, these songs explore the strange pull that superstition has over us. These tracks, set against the backdrop of Friday the 13th lore, perfectly intertwine superstition and creativity. They're the ultimate soundtrack for blending chills with groove-filled vibes. 1. 'Superstition' – Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder's iconic track showcases the dangers of believing blindly in superstitions. With groovy rhythms, he warns of omens, like broken mirrors and ladders, that hold sway over lives. Its combination of funk and meaningful lyrics make it a timeless masterpiece. 2. 'Crossroads' – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony A solemn meditation on mortality, 'Crossroads' reflects on fate and spirituality, subtly touching on superstitions surrounding death and the unknown. Its haunting harmonies make it a somber yet captivating piece. 3. '13th Floor/Growing Old' – OutKast OutKast explores the symbolism of the unlucky number 13 in this introspective track. Using the metaphor of the 13th floor, the duo vividly delves into fears, aging, and existential dread, creating a deeply thought-provoking rap. 4. 'Voodoo' – D'Angelo The title track of D'Angelo's iconic album, 'Voodoo' immerses listeners in soulful rhythms and raw emotion. It represents a spiritual connection, channeling themes of love, desire, and otherworldly pull. 5. 'Hail Mary' – 2Pac This commanding track feels like a dark invocation, pairing its ominous beat with lyrics of vengeance and spiritual reckoning. 2Pac's delivery is menacing, creating a song that's both powerful and unnerving. 6. 'Thriller' – Michael Jackson The ultimate blend of spooky and iconic, 'Thriller' dives headfirst into eerie storytelling with werewolves, zombies, and an unforgettable supernatural vibe. Its legendary video and funky beat make it the quintessential Halloween-season anthem. 7. 'Devil's Pie' – D'Angelo D'Angelo offers a raw, introspective take on greed and the darker side of human desire. With soulful melodies, the track alludes to the temptations and superstitions that accompany life's moral dilemmas. 8. 'Mind Playing Tricks On Me' – The Geto Boys A masterpiece in storytelling rap, 'Mind Playing Tricks On Me' unravels psychological struggles through the lens of paranoia and fear. The haunting beat complements the vivid verses, which detail eerie feelings of being watched and losing grip on reality. It dives deep into the superstitious side of mental unease, making it a chillingly relatable track for Friday the 13th. 9. 'Somebody's Watching Me' – Rockwell Rockwell's paranoid anthem captures the unsettling feeling of being constantly watched. With its eerie lyrics and iconic chorus featuring Michael Jackson's unmistakable vocals, 'Somebody's Watching Me' leans into themes of surveillance, paranoia, and the supernatural. The track's haunting vibe and funky rhythm make it an essential addition to any Friday the 13th playlist. 10. 'I Put a Spell on You' – Screamin' Jay Hawkins 'I Put a Spell on You' by Screamin' Jay Hawkins is a haunting Blues classic renowned for its eerie theatrics and unrestrained vocal intensity. Originally recorded in 1956, the song transformed from a smooth ballad into a dramatic and almost supernatural performance. Its spellbinding lyrics convey obsession and unrequited love, with Hawkins growling and screaming his way into a mad, otherworldly character.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Vinyl Vault: A look into 'Me Against the World' by 2Pac
Each week in The Vinyl Vault, Ozarks First's Parker Padgett and Tony Nguyen dive into a featured album, highlight standout tracks, and explore what makes it truly unique. The vinyl of the week this time is 'Me Against the World' by 2Pac from 1995. It is the third studio album by 2Pac, which drew inspiration from his prison sentence, troubles with crime, police and poverty. Me Against the World featured three singles: 'Dear Mama', 'So Many Tears', and 'Temptations'. It was nominated for Best Rap Album and 'Dear Mama' was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance. Check out the video above to hear this week's episode. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paul Heyman Compares His New Stable To Iconic Death Row Records Lineup
Paul Heyman can see the future! Heyman has led some iconic pro wrestlers to the ring, including CM Punk, Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. He's also been responsible for some of the biggest factions of all time, including the Dangerous Alliance and The Bloodline. Advertisement Now, Heyman is backing the collective of Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, who joined the stable at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event this weekend. Heyman took some time to boast about the power of the lineup. He did it by using an image that recreated an iconic photo: Paul Heyman compares his stable to Death Row Records The image Heyman used successfully recreates the iconic Death Row Records promotional image featuring its biggest stars in the mid-90s. The original image features Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Snoop Dogg and Death Row owner Suge Knight. This time, the WWE version has Seth Rollins positioned as Dr. Dre, Bron Breakker as 2Pac, Bronson Reed as Snoop Dogg, and Heyman as Knight. Advertisement The WWE image was meant to highlight the power of Heyman's lineup. However, it might not be the best comparison to use. It seems like Breakker would have been a better pick for Snoop (because he's got that dog in him). Additionally, the label ultimately saw a steep decline, as 2Pac was murdered in 1996. Dre left Death Row that same year, and Snoop followed in 1998. The latter is now the owner of the label. Suge Knight has also had plenty of legal troubles over the years. Knight is currently in prison, serving a 28-year term after being convicted for his role in a 2015 hit-and-run accident. Rollins explained his motivation for forming a new stable (and teased his title plans) on this week's episode of RAW. Catch up on everything that went down here. Advertisement Read More: Seth Rollins Reveals How Much Time Is Left On His WWE Contract The post Paul Heyman Compares His New Stable To Iconic Death Row Records Lineup appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Joey Bada$$ Takes Aim at Kendrick Lamar, Ray Vaughn & More on Fiery ‘My Town' Diss Track: Listen
Update: Joey Bada$$ continues to empty the clip as he returns fire with 'Crash Dummy,' which finds him rhyming over 2Pac's 'Hit Em Up' instrumental. Joey Bada$$'s war of the words with the West Coast is heating up. The Brooklyn rapper returned fire on what was a busy Monday night (May 19) in hip-hop as Joey directed his attention at Ray Vaughn, Kendrick Lamar and more on his scintillating 'My Town' diss track. More from Billboard Carín León Nabs Fourth No. 1 on Latin Airplay Chart With 'Ahí Estabas Tú' Here's What Drake Has to Say About the Dreaded 'Drake Curse' in Sports Here's What 50 Cent Has to Say About People Allegedly Wearing 'Free Diddy' Shirts for $20/Hour Outside Court 'I'm the real boogeyman, y'all n—-s should be afraid/ Get the general, I'm killing his troops,' he raps while teasing Lamar. 'Don't make me Pulitzer, better be wise because/ I'm dottin T's and cross your eyes like Whitaker.' Joey had plenty of smoke for TDE's Ray Vaughn and sniped at AzChike, who threw his hat into the ring on Monday with his 'What Would You Do' diss track. 'Look, Ray Vaughn was so last week/ Now, I'm hearing s–t about some nigga named 'Ass Cheek'/ Who wanna be the next victim/ How many Top Dawgs will it take to sick 'em,' Joey spews. The 30-year-old pays homage to Cam'ron's 'Welcome to New York City' with his own spin on the Big Apple staple to close out the outro. Kendrick has yet to address Joey's shots, as the Brooklyn native previously taunted the Compton legend on 'The Finals' earlier in May. Ray Vaughn didn't waste any time in returning fire on Monday with 'Golden Eye,' which finds him rapping over 50 Cent's classic 'Back Down' instrumental. 'Vaughn Wick' jabbed at Joey Bada$$'s relationship with Diddy and claims that there's a video implicating Joey in crimes with the disgraced Bad Boy mogul. 'If you're standin' next to Diddy, then you shouldn't mention dick/ 'Cause if they ever show that footage, you gon' have to plead the fifth,' he raps. The explosives are still seemingly dropping out of the sky every hour as Daylyt returned on Tuesday (May 20), going after Joey on 'Ayo.' The Joey Bada$$ versus the West Coast battle began on New Year's Day when Joey gritted his teeth on 'The Ruler's Back.' He appeared to reignite the flame last week during the 'Red Bull Spiral Freestyle' alongside Ab-Soul and Big Sean. Monday brought about a barrage of lyrical missiles fired as AzChike, Daylyt, CJ Fly, Kai Ca$h, JaeWon, Joey Bada$$ and Ray Vaughn all exchanged diss tracks. Find a timeline to keep up with the entire battle below. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
