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The Soul Train Awards and Hip-Hop Awards, two cornerstone events celebrating Black music and culture, have been suspended by BET. The news was confirmed by BET CEO Scott Mills in an interview with...
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August 11, 2025
When Memphis rapper GloRilla's October 2024 debut album Glorious, one track left everyone talking; "Rain Down on Me," featuring gospel heavyweights Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra...
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August 11, 2025
When the Kansas City Chiefs' three-peat dreams collapsed at Super Bowl LIX, the real drama wasn't just on the field it was in Travis Kelce's VIP box where Taylor Swift and Machine Gun Kelly were...
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August 10, 2025
In a powerful fusion of music and philanthropy, some of today’s most celebrated artists are stepping onto the stage not just to perform, but to make a difference. Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) returns...
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August 10, 2025
The Juno Awards are officially recognizing the powerful rise of Latin music in Canada. Starting in 2026, the annual awards ceremony will feature a brand-new category: Latin Music Recording of the...
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August 7, 2025
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August 7, 2025
Guitarist, songwriter, and frontwoman of Covet, Yvette Young, is known for her intricate tapping technique, genre-bending sound, that creates a calm presence. But in a new interview, the math rock...
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August 7, 2025
A June 13, 2025, Baptist News Global article highlights the long-standing conflicts between traditional Black gospel music and contemporary Christian music (CCM), which are exacerbated by racial...
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August 7, 2025
In April 2025, The Who unexpectedly fired long‑time drummer Zak Starkey during a Royal Albert Hall show, reportedly over performance issues. Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, had been...
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August 7, 2025
The 2025 MTV Video Music Award nominations have been announced, boasting a diverse lineup with 33 first-time nominees. Pop icons Taylor Swift and Beyoncé even earned artist of the year nods without...
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August 7, 2025
From church pews in Northampton to crowds in Zimbabwe, DC3 is more than just a popular TikTok artist; he is a devout musician who is setting a new standard for UK rap. Through ingenious videos...
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August 7, 2025
Under the blazing Chicago sun, HYBE’s rising stars KATSEYE and BOYNEXTDOOR didn’t just perform at Lollapalooza—they owned it. From viral on-stage chemistry to career-defining sets, the two groups...
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The Impact of SZA's 'Ctrl' on the Music Industry
One year ago, SZA released her debut album, *Ctrl*, and its influence on music—particularly R&B—has only grown since. For many listeners, it was the soundtrack to the summer of 2017, and it’s safe to say that it’s still in heavy rotation. *Ctrl* wasn’t just a moment in music; it was a cultural shift.
The album's impact extended well beyond the music, resonating through striking visuals for fan favorites like "Doves In The Wind" and "Garden (Say It Like Dat)." But what really made *Ctrl* unforgettable was SZA’s openness—her willingness to share unfiltered vulnerability. Through her raw, confessional lyrics, she tapped into themes of love, self-doubt, and the challenges of being a twenty-something. Songs like "Normal Girl" and "20 Somethings" became anthems, offering a perspective that was refreshingly honest in a landscape where image often dominates over authenticity.
With each song, SZA became not just an artist but a friend, sharing life lessons learned from her mother and grandmother, and creating a sense of solidarity for listeners who saw themselves in her stories. *Ctrl* reminded people that it’s okay to be imperfect, to struggle, and to take control of your own life.
Upon release, *Ctrl* not only skyrocketed SZA’s fanbase but also earned her widespread acclaim and chart-topping success. She quickly emerged as one of R&B's leading voices, gaining accolades and Grammy nominations that underscored her impact. Her journey, however, wasn’t without obstacles. Before the album dropped, SZA nearly quit music due to delays and her own anxiety about the project. But with encouragement from her label, *Ctrl* finally saw the light of day, going on to achieve Platinum status and marking SZA as a formidable presence in music.
*Ctrl* proved that R&B still has a place in an industry dominated by rap and pop, showing that authenticity and introspection can resonate just as powerfully as any chart-topping trend. SZA’s debut was more than just an album; it was a statement—and for SZA, this is just the beginning.
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