Four years after the release of his 2016 album, Darkness and Light, John Legend has released his latest album, Bigger Love.
The album features previously released singles “Memories” and the title track, for a total of 16 tracks. Legend says the uplifting, soulful tracks were largely inspired by the singer’s love for his wife, Chrissy Teigen, and their children, Luna and Miles.
You can download Legend‘s new album off of iTunes here
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Beyoncé dropped her new song called “Black Parade” on Juneteenth (June 19), a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Along with the track, Beyoncé released an online directory that spotlights Black-owned artists and other businesses through her BeyGOOD charitable foundation. Proceeds from the song benefit BeyGOOD’s Black Business Impact Fund.
“Black Parade” is Beyoncé’s latest musical offering, following the remix of Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” in April. The remix was one of a few COVID-19 relief efforts from the singer, which also included $6 million in funds for community-based organizations and a testing campaign in Houston.
You can listen to “Black Parade” at the link here, and find the extended version of the track on Tidal.
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The U.S. Naval Academy has launched an investigation into tweets allegedly made by a midshipman in the wake of protests over the police custody death of George Floyd in Minnesota. The posts were allegedly made on a since-deleted Twitter account identified as belonging to Chase Standage, a Midshipman 1st Class from California. Screenshots posted online appear to show one tweet allegedly about a police officer firing tear gas at an unarmed protester demonstrating after the death of Floyd, and another post allegedly commented on a black woman’s fatal shooting by police in Kentucky.
The tweets surfaced on the same day academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck posted a video message condemning separate racial remarks made earlier this month by a retired captain and former Naval Academy trustee that disparaged admission by the academy of African Americans, Asian Americans and women. Depending on the results of the investigation, the midshipman could be disciplined under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or be dismissed from the academy.
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On Thursday, the Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants. Young immigrants will retain their protection from deportation and their authorization to work in the United States.
Chief Justice John Roberts and the four liberal justices were in the majority in 5-4 outcome. The justices rejected administration arguments that the 8-year-old Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program is illegal and that courts have no role to play in reviewing the decision to end DACA. The program covers people who have been in the United States since they were children and are in the country illegally. In some cases, they have no memory of any home other than the U.S.
After cancelling his 2020 Chillaxification Tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenny Chesney has announced 19 rescheduled stadium dates for 2021. The original lineup of special guests—Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion and Michael Franti & Spearhead—will serve as support.
Original tickets will e valid for the rescheduled show dates. Those unable to attend the rescheduled shows have 30 days from June 15 to request a refund at the point of purchase. The 2020 shows set for Houston and San Antonio were unable to be rescheduled for 2021. Patrons in those markets will also receive a refund.
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Jon Pardi has released the new video for his current single, “Ain’t Always the Cowboy.” Penned by Brandon Kinney and Josh Thompson, “Ain’t Always the Cowboy” is featured on Jon’s 2019 album, Heartache Medication.
The new video features a barrel racing cowgirl; and says Jon, “I feel like the topic of the song hasn’t been written about in this way, and I love songs that approach things differently and offer fresh perspectives.”
Watch Jon’s new video for Ain’t Always the Cowboy” at the link: here
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23-year-old Camila Cabello is starring in a new Cinderella live-action film, and it’s she will cover Beyonce‘s “Single Ladies” for the movie.
Reports are saying that Camila and Missy Elliott, who plays the Town Crier in the flick, will perform the song together.
Earlier this year, Camila posted a picture on Instagram behind the scenes working on the Cinderella film. The upcoming new movie is set to take on a modern feminist twist, and also stars Idina Menzel, Billy Porter, Nicholas Galitzine, Luke Latchman, Tallulah Greive, and Fra Fee.
Cinderella was in production in London earlier this year until the pandemic hit and caused filming to shut down. The movie was then pushed back from its original release date.
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John Legend and Alicia Keys will battle it out on Instagram Live in a special Juneteenth celebration from the musical battle series Verzuz The Instagram Live series will present a special musical duel between John Legend and Alicia Keys as a Juneteenth celebration today, Friday, June 19.
Legend’s seventh studio album, Bigger Love, is also set to drop today. Keys’ seventh album, Alicia, had been slated for release earlier this year, before being delayed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
WatchnLegend and Keys face off in a “battle of the pianos” tonight, June 19 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Instagram Live.
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On Wednesday, President Trump announced a new initiative to help veterans suffering from mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.
The Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide, or PREVENTS, was established by the president’s executive order last December and spearheaded by second lady Karen Pence. “They fought their battles overseas and now we must join them in fighting this new battle at home,” Trump said during a speech at the White House. “They face tremendous, tremendous trauma.”
The initiative put forth 10 recommendations for federal agencies and public organizations to take action in helping veterans in need, and also established a new public health campaign to improve veterans’ awareness of mental health resources available around the country. According to the 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 45,390 American adults died from suicide in 2017, including 6,139 U.S. veterans. Veterans’ advocacy groups earlier this year issued warnings that a surge in mental health needs is on the horizon as the coronavirus pandemic strains resources and increases social isolation.
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On Wednesday, prosecutors said that the Atlanta officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks in the back outside of a Wendy’s restaurant will be charged with felony murder and 10 other charges. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said at a news conference that officer Garrett Rolfe kicked Brooks while he lay on the ground and the officer with him, Devin Brosnan, stood on Brooks’ shoulder as he struggled for life after a confrontation. “Mr Brooks was running away at the time the shot was fired,” Howard said.
Brosnan is being charged with aggravated assault, but is cooperating with prosecutors in the case and has given testimony as a state’s witness. Howard said it’s the first time in 40 such cases where an officer has come forward to do this. Rolfe has been fired, and Brosnan, who will be charged with aggravated assault and other crimes, has been placed on administrative leave.
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