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How Tracy Chapman Wrote Fast Car

February 9, 2024

Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" is not just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon that transcends its initial release. Its ascent to global acclaim was catalyzed by a pivotal moment: Nelson Mandela's 70th...

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How Tyla's "Water" is Making a Splash in the U.S. African Music Craze

January 29, 2024

‍The U.S. music scene has been captivated by the African music craze, and at the forefront is Tyla, a young South African singer whose song "Water" has taken the world by storm...

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Understanding Music Publishing for Music Creators

January 28, 2024

Understanding music publishing is crucial for artists looking to make their music a viable long-term career. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of music publishing and how it can...

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Maximize Your Music Royalty Earnings With Songtrust

January 28, 2024

Navigating the world of music royalties can be daunting, especially for independent artists and newcomers. Songtrust has emerged as a popular solution, favored by a range of artists from beginners...

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Rick Rubin's Tips for Creative Growth

January 27, 2024

Rick Rubin, a legendary music producer, is known not just for his exceptional work in the music industry but also for his profound insights into creativity and personal growth...

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Sonical.ly Masterclass Review: Nas Teaches Hip Hop Storytelling

January 23, 2024

ntroductionIn the ever-evolving landscape of music education, Nas' Masterclass emerges as a beacon for those intrigued by the art of hip-hop. Nas, a figure synonymous with lyrical finesse...

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Post Malone's Successful Songwriting Techniques

January 22, 2024

Songwriting and Inspiration: Post Malone often draws inspiration from his personal experiences, emotions, and the world around him. His songwriting process can start with a concept, a feeling...

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The Making of Michael Jackson's "Thriller": A Blueprint for Music Creators

January 18, 2024

Released on November 29, 1982, by Epic Records, "Thriller," the sixth studio album by American singer Michael Jackson, stands as a monumental achievement in music history. Produced by Quincy Jones...

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Meet RIIZE: The Rising Stars of K-Pop

January 18, 2024

Unveiling the Members of SM Entertainment's Latest Sensation RIIZE, an acronym for RISE&REALIZE, is a dynamic 7-member boy group that has been taking the K-Pop world by storm since their debut...

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Who Are the Next GEN K-Pop Group Debut's To Anticipate in 2024?

January 18, 2024

Also known as NCT Tokyo, this group is the latest sub-unit of NCT, managed by SM Entertainment. The six-member group includes Sion, Riku, Yushi, Daeyoung, Ryo, and Sakuya...

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"In Harmony with H.E.R.: A Deep Dive into Stripped-Down Songwriting"

January 17, 2024

In the world of songwriting, H.E.R. stands as a beacon of authentic storytelling and melodic mastery. Her class on Studio.com, "Stripped-Down Songwriting: Write Songs That Tell Stories,"...

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"A Symphony of Insight: A Sonical.ly Review of Hans Zimmer's MasterClass"

January 17, 2024

Hans Zimmer: a name synonymous with cinematic grandeur. From the intense beats of "The Dark Knight" to the adventurous tunes of "Pirates of the Caribbean," his music has defined a generation...

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Howard University Revokes Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Honorary Degree Following Release of Cassie Assault Video

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Howard University announced on Friday that it would revoke Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree, originally conferred in 2014, in light of recent revelations concerning the disgraced rapper and music mogul. The university’s board of trustees unanimously voted to rescind the degree following the release of a 2016 video showing Combs attacking his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. “Mr. Combs’ behavior as captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor,” the board’s statement read. “The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence.”

The disturbing video, which surfaced last month, depicts Combs running out of a hotel room in a towel and chasing Ventura toward the elevator. He is seen grabbing her by the neck, throwing her to the floor, kicking, shoving, and dragging her by her sweatshirt. Later, he returns to kick her again and throws an object from a nearby table at her. In addition to revoking his honorary degree, Howard University has also terminated a 2016 gift agreement with Combs, disbanding the scholarship established in his name, returning his $1 million contribution, and canceling a 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation. The statement clarified that no payments had been made toward the 2023 pledge, so no funds needed to be returned. Combs attended Howard from 1987 to 1989.

Following the video’s release, Combs issued an apology via Instagram. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” he said. “I was fucked up — I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.” Combs and Ventura were romantically involved for over a decade. Last November, she accused him of repeated rape and physical abuse throughout their relationship. The lawsuit, which also implicated Combs’ label, Bad Boy Records, and Sony Music, alleged that Ventura was “trapped by Mr. Combs in a cycle of abuse, violence and sex trafficking.” Though the case was settled shortly after filing, Combs faces multiple new lawsuits this year, accusing him of rape, sexual assault, and sex trafficking, which he denies. In March, his homes in Miami and Los Angeles were raided by Homeland Security.