Kelis Is Loving Life, and Creating New Music: ‘The Record Is Almost Done’

Ten long years have passed since Kelis last released an album of new material. That drought is nearing its conclusion.

“I’ve been recording my new record for a while now,” the “Milkshake” singer explains on a call from Nairobi, Kenya, a place she has admittedly fallen in love with.

“The issue is when I start, if I don’t continue momentum, then it’s like I’m a new person by the time I start up again and then I’m not interested in what I had already done,” she tells Rolling Stone AU/NZ. Feeling new, improved, “I start again. That happened a few times over the past years.”

That won’t happen again. The R&B star admits she kept momentum going and she’s now “in a space where I’m the closest to being done that I’ve been, which is very good.”

How close? “The record is almost done. I would say I’m like a good 75-80% there.”

The followup to 2014’s Food, recorded with Dave Sitek from TV On The Radio, her latest dish was mostly recorded on her farm, a 26 acre spot in Temecula, CA where she lives with her family.

That experience was “just so comfortable and it really made me feel like myself,” she explains. “I didn’t feel like I was having to step out of myself to create, which was really good.”

As a creative, “I’m an extremist,” she says with a laugh. “Either I’m traveling as far away as humanly possible or I don’t want to go absolutely anywhere and I want everything to be on the farm.”

In the days ahead, she’ll tick the first box. Kelis will deliver a keynote presentation at BIGSOUND 2024, the annual music industry conference and showcase extravaganza, presented in Brisbane, Australia.

“It’s a very Kelis record. I don’t know how, but it sounds like me. It’s right in line with who I am, and where I’ve been. I love this record because it feels like the honest progression of who I’ve been this whole time.” She continues, “that’s also sometimes why it takes me so long. I have to step away and live my life. Then I come back and I have something to say.”

Kelis had something to say in 2022 with the release of “Midnight Snacks,” continuing a foodie theme that has woven through her recording career and flourished when the Harlem-born artist completed training as a Le Corden Blue chef.

Those talents took Kelis into the celebrity chef world, with multiple television cooking specials across Netflix, Cooking Channel, and Food Network, and the cookbook My Life on a Plate, inspired by her travels.

Kelis has landed seven songs on the Billboard Hot 100, with a career-best No. 3 for 2003’s “Milkshake”. Also, five of her albums have landed on the Billboard 200, including a top 10 appearance for 2006’s Kelis Was Here, won Brit, Q, and NME Awards, and been nominated for two Grammys.

A mother to three kids, Kelis, 45, feels “really content,” she tells this reporter. “Even in the midst of all the things that have happened. I’m really grateful. I’ve had a really great career and I’ve enjoyed every second of it and I’m kind of in that next phase of my life right now and it’s fantastic. I feel really good.”

Don’t expect “a bunch of singles” from her next collection. “You’ve gotta put the thing on and let it play. It’s like kind of that vibe.” If it had to be pigeonholed, imagine “if Wu-Tang and Sade had a baby, that’s kind of where we’re at,” she reveals. “It’s not like how things are right now either, right?”

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Jelly Roll Surprises Utah Kids with $700 Lemonade Stand Donation

During a recent stop in Salt Lake City for his Beautifully Broken tour, Nashville native Jelly Roll (real name (real name Jason DeFord) turned an ordinary lemonade stand visit into an unforgettable experience for three young vendors.

Instead of just purchasing a drink from the trio, the country star handed over nearly $700. Wendy Gardunio, the mother of one of the children, shared the experience on Facebook.

“My kid and her cousins wanted to do a lemonade stand. And they had a famous singer come and buy some lemonade. Who would have thought that we would run into Jelly Roll in West Valley? And for him to be so generous with giving them almost $700,” Gardunio wrote alongside photographs of the “Need a Favor” singer.

This isn’t an isolated event—Jelly Roll frequently supports the communities he visits during his tours.

The rocker announced on Friday (Aug. 23) that Beautifully Broken, the follow-up to his hit album Whitsitt Chapel, is coming Oct. 11. All revenue from pre-sales through his website will go to several charities, including Wounded Warriors Project, Folds of Honor, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Shatterproof.

Though a tracklist has not been revealed, according to the press release, his latest song, “I Am Not OK” (which he debuted on The Howard Stern Show) as well as “Liar,” “Winning Streak” and “Get By” — which serves as the 2024 college football season’s anthem — will all be included on the upcoming album, which is named after his headlining tour kicking off Aug. 27.

Jelly Roll released Whitsitt Chapel in June 2023. The album peaked at No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200, reached No. 2 on Top Country Albums and took the No. 1 spot on Top Rock Albums.

The star also nabbed 2024 Grammy nominations Best New Artist and Best Country duo/Group Performance for “Save Me,” his collaboration with Lainey Wilson, which peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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Neil Young Assures Fans: ‘Crazy Horse Will be Back, God Willing’

Neil Young has opened up about the cancellation of Crazy Horse’s Love Earth tour, citing health concerns as the primary reason.

During a recent Zoom call with followers of his Neil Young Archives, Young shared the challenges that led to the difficult decision.

“I was doing great, and we were moving right along. Everybody was loving the shows. Then I just woke up one morning on the bus and I said, ‘I can’t do this. I gotta stop.’ It was like I felt sick when I thought of going on stage,” Young explained in a video that was shared to Reddit on Aug. 28.

“My body was telling me, ‘You gotta stop.’ So I listened to my body.”

The cancellation, which was announced in late June, came after several band members, including Young, fell ill following their performance at Detroit’s Pine Knob.

The band had to press pause on their first tour together in a decade. “We are still not fully recovered, so sadly our great tour will have a big unplanned break,” the band shared in a statement on Young’s official website at the time.

Young acknowledged the complexities involved in cancelling a tour, including the legal and logistical challenges.

“Then it gets into all the legal matters: ‘You got this, you got that, people bought tickets, they did this, they did that.’ I understand that. What matters to me is the art of playing, and the music. That’s what matters. That’s what people loved. That’s what they come to see. But if that’s not there, me going is not happening,” Young continued.

Despite the setback, Young remains hopeful for the future. “I’m starting to feel like I could do it again and that’s a great feeling. Not all of Crazy Horse — this happened to a couple of us, and we’re not all the way back. Crazy Horse will be back, God willing. And we’ll play more.”

In the meantime, fans can look forward to Young’s upcoming performance at this year’s Farm Aid, scheduled for Sept. 21 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Looking ahead, Young hinted at the possibility of a more intimate tour, focusing on smaller venues where he’s played before.

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Metallica Honors Fan Who Died During Their Concert

Metallica is mourning the loss of a dedicated fan who passed away during their concert in Edmonton, Canada, on Aug. 23.

The band took to social media on Aug. 28 to share a heartfelt tribute, remembering the fan, affectionately known as “Viking,” and expressing their sorrow over his passing.

In their post, Metallica wrote: “Friday night, August 23rd, in Edmonton, we lost a Metallica family member at the show. He died due to health conditions. Leaving the earthly body and onto the next adventure. Very sad when death happens, but we’re touched that he spent some of his final, hopefully joyful, time with us.”

They continued, “Our condolences to the family and friends of Lorne ‘Viking.’ With Love and Respect, Metallica.”

A friend of Lorne’s shared more about the tragic event in a Metallica fan group on Facebook, describing how he was taken from the Snake Pit area on a stretcher and received urgent medical care. The friend remembered Lorne as “the kindest soul” and added, “We all called him Viking. He will be missed terribly! Please crank up a Metallica song, and raise a glass for the Viking.”

Metallica is currently in the midst of their M72 World Tour, which supports their 2023 album, 72 Seasons. The tour, featuring back-to-back performances in each city, includes opening acts like Mammoth WVH, Pantera, Ice Nine Kills, and Five Finger Death Punch. The band’s next performances are set for Aug. 28 and Sept. 1 in Seattle, Washington.

Metallica’s career has been marked by consistent success on the Billboard charts, with their latest album, 72 Seasons, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, their seventh leader.

The band has also made a lasting impact on the Billboard Hot 100 with iconic tracks like “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters,” and were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

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Kate Spade New York and imPRESS Launch $12.99 No-Glue Manicure Sets: Shop This Easy-to-Apply Nail Collection Now

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Elevate your end-of-summer nail game with imPress Press-On Manicure by Kiss Products Inc. and Kate Spade’s newest limited-edition ‘No Glue’ manicure collaboration. This cute nail collection features different press-on manicure kits with a wide range of options, including trendy colors, seasonal styles, and the classic French tip.

The different nail styles includes Flower Hour, Petal Pop, Lucky Stripes, Grass is Greener, Signature French, Cabana Chic, and Scene Stealer. This collection not only provides a safe and easy nail application, but also features vibrant colors. “We believe that this collection, by combining the playful and joyful nature of Kate Spade New York’s patterns that inspired the nail designs and the ease of imPRESS, will bring joy to all who wear them,” Kristin Giarusso, Global Marketing Director at KISS Products Inc., said.

Each manicure kit comes with 30 press-on nails, a prep pad, an instruction sheet, a mini nail file, and cuticle stick pre-glued, providing everything you need for a salon-quality finish look at home. With imPress manicure, you can achieve a quick and easy application that’s also gentle and safe on your nails. These press-on nails are designed to be non-damaging and do not require glue, which helps your natural nails from potential harm.

Impress Manicure x Kate Spade New York is available for $12.99 online at Kate Spade, Kate Spade Outlet, Impress Beauty, Ulta Beauty, and select Ulta stores.

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With these easy-to-use press-on nails, you’ll be sure to bring a pop of color to your outfit. For a self-care boost, this collection features a Kate Spade New York ‘Self-Care Starter Kit.’ This is a great way to pamper yourself after a long day. This limited-edition collection is sold separately. To complete your kit, you can add the Five Minute Journal to practice gratitude, Bala Bangles to add an extra challenge to your workout routine, and a press-on impress manicure kit.

With a whole lot of variety, colors, and designs, you’ll want to get them all before they run out. One Ulta Beauty customer said, “These are so cute and fun! And they stay wonderfully…Will definitely be buying more!”

For more product recommendations, check out these alternative TikTok-favorite press-on nails, these easy-to-apply nail polish sets, and these Amazon skincare and beauty finds for all your self-care needs.

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Deal in the Sky: Journey Bandmates Agree to Court-Appointed Neutral to Resolve Endless Deadlock

The most recent legal battle between Journey members Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon appears to be over after Schon conceded to the appointment of a neutral third party to resolve the “deadlock” that Cain has claimed is crippling the band’s operations.

In an order issued Wednesday (Aug. 28), a Delaware judge appointed a so-called custodian to break ties between the two longtime bandmates. The ruling came a month after Cain sued Schon seeking such an umpire, claiming their endless disputes pose “a severe threat of harm” to the band’s “storied history of musical greatness.”

Related

Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon of Journey perform onstage during the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival on Sept. 18, 2021 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Don’t Stop Litigatin’: Journey Bandmates Are Battling in Court Yet Again

The order comes after Schon agreed to the appointment of such a neutral. In his written ruling, the judge wrote: “Schon does not oppose the court’s appointment of a custodian with the power to act as a third, deadlock breaking director.”

In a statement, a spokesman for Cain said he was “elated with the outcome and looks forward to moving beyond this matter so that Journey can continue the band’s 50th Anniversary Freedom Tour.” An attorney for Schon did not immediately return a request for comment.

Legal battles are nothing new for Cain and Schon, the two key remaining members of an iconic rock band that’s still printing money decades after its “Don’t Stop Believin’” heyday. The two have repeatedly fought in court over the band’s finances over the past two years.

Filed by Cain last month in Delaware’s Chancery Court, the new case largely rehashed those same disagreements over spending — like Cain claiming that Schon unilaterally charts private jets and lavishly spends band funds on personal expenses.

But in technical terms, the case focused narrowly on the governance of Freedom 2020 Inc., a Delaware-based corporate entity they created to operate Journey’s touring. Since Cain and Schon each control exactly 50% of the company, the lawsuit says the two have reached an impasse that has spilled into many aspects of the band’s operations.

Related

Arnel Pineda, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Todd Jensen, Deen Castronovo and Jason Derlatka of Journey

‘Don’t Stop Believin”: Journey Marks 50 Years With Summer Stadium Tour

“The deadlock between the company’s directors is now interfering with the company’s ability to take even the most basic actions and is causing significant disruptions in the smooth operation of the company,” Cain’s lawyers wrote.

Wednesday’s order aims to resolve that situation by naming Joseph R. Slights, a former Chancery Court judge, as a custodian — a court-appointed official who can cast tie-breaking votes in corporate disputes.

To carry out those duties, the judge said that Slights will be able to “retain advisors or professionals, including music-industry advisors, attorneys, accountants and other professionals,” in order to decide how to resolve disputes between Cain and Schon.

Slights will have his work cut out for him. The complaint lodged last month painted a picture of extreme dysfunction within Journey, ranging from spending decisions to managing employees.

“Petitioner and respondent are deadlocked with regard to issues concerning the hiring and firing of company employees and Band crew members,” Cain’s lawyers wrote in the lawsuit. “It is common that one director will terminate an employee or crew member, and hours or days later, the other director will rehire that same individual.”

In a Facebook post last week, Schon said the accusations leveled by Cain were “slanderous” and that he “can’t stress enough how much it upset me and how wrong they are.” But he hinted that a deal was close to resolve the lawsuit by appointing a neutral third party like Slights.

“We’re going to bring in someone impartial to help us resolve our disputes, bring clarity to what we’re doing and allow us, as a band, to get back to what we should all focus on — making music and performing for our fans,” Schon wrote at the time.

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NCT’s Taeil Has Left the Group After a Sex Crime Accusation | Billboard News

Taeil from NCT has left the group after an accusation of an unspecified sex crime, label SM Entertainment said. Keep watching for the full story.

Tetris Kelly:
Taeil is leaving K-pop group NCT after being accused of an unspecified sexual crime. His exit has been confirmed by his label, SM, and we’re breaking down the shocking news.

NCT 127:
As you know, for obvious reasons, we’re not all together with nine members.

Tetris Kelly:
NCT 127 was just in our studio without Taeil, speaking on operating with fewer members and we learned today of a massive shakeup in the group’s lineup. SM Entertainment issued a statement saying that the NCT member will depart from the boy band after learning he has been “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual crime.” Adding, “We recognized the seriousness of the issue, and we have decided that Taeil could no longer continue team activities. We have discussed this matter with Tael and it has been decided he will leave the group.” The label added that he is fully cooperating with the police investigation.

Our interview came almost exactly a year after 30-year-old Taeil sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident that required him to have surgery and take a hiatus. Last October, SM Entertainment released an update saying that the performer still needed “sufficient treatment and stability” after the procedure. Taeil debuted as a member of NCT, having been active with the group since their pre-debut training team in 2015. We will keep you posted on any developments in the story. 

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Nick Cannon’s Son Golden Has Skipped Two Grades at Age 7: ‘Yes, He’s Advanced,’ Mom Says

Nick Cannon and Brittany Bell have good genes. According to the latter, her oldest child with the former — 7-year-old Golden Sagon — is one smart cookie, apparently skipping two levels to enter fourth grade on an advanced education path.

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Nick Cannon

12 Kids and Counting: A Full List of Nick Cannon’s Children

The influencer recently shared a photo of Golden, 3-year-old daughter Powerful Queen and 2-year-old Rise Messiah — all three of whom she shares with the Masked Singer host — in honor of their first day of school, showing off her two oldest children’s school uniforms and DIY chalkboards boasting the grades they’re entering this year: fourth and pre-kindergarten. “Back to school for all of us!! My bright babies!!” she wrote.

“Golden is 7 in 4th grade (yes he’s advanced and yes his emotional intelligence matches his cognitive intellect) and our Pretty Pow is already in Pre-K big kids class! Weee so proud!!” Bell continued in her caption. “last year Golden ran for and was elected as his class representative and Miss Pow is quite popular. so they are doing well- can’t wait for this year and what they will do!”

Cannon is also Dad to nine other kids with four other women: Mariah Carey, Abby De La Rosa, Bre Tiesi and LaNisha Cole. The Drumline star hasn’t shied away from jokes about his fertility gifts over the years, recently taking out a $10-million insurance policy on his testicles — which he intends to keep putting to good use.

“Haters say it’s time for me to stop having kids and put this super sperm to rest, but I’m doubling down on these valuable balls and my future kids,” he wrote on Instagram in June. “Shoutout to Dr. Squatch for giving my balls the credit they deserve and hooking me up with the protection I need to keep this family tree rolling!”

And though he has a dozen kids to juggle, Cannon is also open about how he makes an effort to spend time with each of them. On Valentine’s Day, for instance, he took 13-year-old Monroe — whom he shares with Carey — on a daddy-daughter date to a restaurant, meanwhile the “Obsessed” singer did the same with son Monroe. “My funny Valentine,” she captioned a post about the holiday, while Cannon shared a photo and wrote, “Best Valentines Date Ever!!!”

See Bell’s post below.

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Drew Barrymore’s TikTok-Viral Swivel Chair Has Reviewers Raving About ‘Comfort’ & ‘Softness’: Get Yours Now

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

If you’re aiming for a refined, demure style to enhance your living room or lounge space with a touch of elegance and comfort, consider adding this TikTok-viral Drew Chair by Drew Barrymore from her latest furniture collaboration with Made by Gather founder and CEO Shae Hong. “We’re on a mission to make everyone’s lives more beautiful at home by offering stylish products at attainable price points,” said Barrymore, Beautiful co-founder and creative director. 

This Drew chair is also a bestseller and features a 360-degree metal swivel base, so you can effortlessly rotate and adjust your seating position whenever needed. Whether you’re watching TV or simply relaxing, this chair provides ultimate comfort and support with its plush padded seat cushion and soft padding. With this chair, you’ll be able to wind down and relax for extended periods without feeling discomfort.

You can get the Beautiful Drew Chair in three different colors: Charcoal, Cream, and Sage.

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If that’s not enough, according to the brand, this chair is built to be sturdy and durable. Whether you’re upgrading your lounging area or adding a touch of luxury to your living room, this chair combines style and functionality. One Walmart customer said, “These are amazing chairs. Wow! Get these. Fabric is beautiful. Assembly super easy. Less than 10 minutes. I purchased two for my bedroom. The seat cushion is wide enough to sit criss cross. Back is tall enough to sit supported and comfortable. Swivels so easy.” Another Walmart customer described it as “comfy” and “so soft.”

So, hurry, add this chic piece to your space and create an environment where you’ll feel comfortable every day.

For more product recommendations, check out check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best accent pillows, Wayfair’s Labor Day Furniture Sale, and dorm essentials.

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‘Live Forever’: Oasis’s Career By the Numbers

Oasis are reuniting in 2025 for a tour that promises to make dreams come true for hordes of fans around the globe.

If you lived in the U.K. in the 1990s, a time when rave culture collided with indie and Britpop, Oasis was a force to be reckoned with. Record and ticket sales, newspaper column inches, Oasis hogged all of it.

When Noel and Liam Gallagher, the combative Manchester siblings, called time on their band in 2009, they walked away with an impeccable chart record.

All seven of Oasis’ studio albums went to No. 1 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, from their 1994 debut Definitely Maybe through to 2005’s Don’t Believe The Truth. A year after the split, in 2010, the compilation Time Flies – 1994-2009 hit the summit, giving Oasis eight leaders.

The manner in which the group dominated the national tally is worth exploring.

Definitely Maybe became the fastest-selling debut album in British history – and has passed 5 million sales in the U.K., where it’s 17-times platinum certified, according to the Official Charts Company.

Their sophomore effort from 1995, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, is the fifth best-selling album of all time in the U.K.

And their third record, 1997’s Be Here Now, was a weapon. To this day, it’s the fastest-selling album of all time, shifting 696,000 copies in just three days of its first chart week.

It’s a similar tale on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, on which Oasis landed eight No. 1s.

“Wonderwall,” their signature song, is not one of them. The most-streamed song in Oasis’ catalog in the U.K., with 397,100,000 plays, according to the OCC, “Wonderwall” peaked at No. 2 on the weekly chart back in 1995.

That domination extended to awards ceremonies, as Oasis snagged six BRIT Awards, including the Outstanding Contribution to British Music, two Ivor Novellos, and 17 NME Awards.

The group enjoyed success around the globe, including Australia, where “Wonderwall” came in at No. 1 on triple j’s Hottest 100 songs of the past 20 years, which counted down in 2013, and was voted No. 1 on the “Hottest 100” for 1995.

“Wonderwall” spent 11 consecutive weeks in the ARIA Top 10, and is certified 12-times platinum in these parts, ARIA reports.

(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is certified eight-times platinum in Australia, having clocked up four consecutive weeks at No. 1 and 24 consecutive weeks in the top 10.

Be Here Now is platinum certified, and one of the band’s six top 10 efforts on the ARIA Chart.

Oasis’s blockbuster success didn’t translate in the United States. Just three Oasis songs impacted the Billboard Hot 100, including a single top 10 for “Wonderwall” (peaking at No. 8 in 1996).

On the Billboard 200 albums chart, 11 Oasis titles have made their mark, including three top 10s, with a No. 2 best for Be Here Now in 1997.

Oasis will make their long-overdue comeback in 2025, when the band performs a run of concerts in the U.K. and Ireland, their first dates there in 16 years.

The OASIS LIVE ’25 world tour will stretch out. “Plans are underway for OASIS LIVE ’25 to go to other continents outside of Europe later next year,” reads a statement, issued Tuesday morning.

The news has lit the fuse with Oasis’ long-suffering fans in the U.K., proof of which can be seen on the midweek albums chart.

Oasis will “no doubt see a huge surge in sales this week,” according to the charts compiler, as three records get set to blast into the top 40: Time Flies… (1994-2009) (at No. 14), (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (at No. 26) and Definitely Maybe (No. 31), which celebrates its 30th anniversary this week.

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