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Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Diana Ross" hosted by DJButterrock
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Dian Ross" hosted by DJButterrock Diana Ross (American English: /daɪˈænə ˈrɑːs/; UK: /ˈrɒs/; born March 26, 1944) is an American singer and actress. Known as the "Queen of Motown", she was the lead singer of the vocal group the Supremes, who became Motown's most successful act during the 1960s and one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. They remain the best-charting female group in history,[2] with a total of 12 number-one pop singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Following her departure from the Supremes in 1970, Ross embarked on a successful solo career with the release of her eponymous debut solo album. Between 1972 and 1980, Ross recorded four top ten albums with her most successful studio release being the album Diana. In a fifteen-year span, Ross recorded twelve top ten singles with six — "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Touch Me in the Morning", "Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)", "Love Hangover", "Upside Down" and "Endless Love" — topping the Billboard Hot 100, making her the female solo act with the most number-one songs in the United States at the time. Ross achieved international success with later songs such as "I'm Coming Out", "Chain Reaction", "If We Hold on Together", and "When You Tell Me That You Love Me".
Ross has also achieved mainstream success and recognition as an actress. Her first role was her Golden Globe Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated portrayal of Billie Holiday in the film Lady Sings the Blues (1972), which made her the first African-American actress to receive an Academy Award nomination for a debut film performance. The film's soundtrack became her only solo album to reach number-one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. She also starred in two other feature films, Mahogany (1975) and The Wiz (1978), and later appeared in the television films Out of Darkness (1994), for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, and Double Platinum (1999).
Ross was named the "Female Entertainer of the Century" by Billboard in 1976. Since her solo career began in 1970, Ross has sold over 100 million records worldwide.[3] Between 1964 and 1981, Ross sang on eighteen number one US singles. In 2021, Billboard ranked her the 30th greatest charting artist of all time on the Billboard Hot 100.[4][5] Her hits as a Supreme and a solo artist combined put Ross among the top-five artists on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart from 1955 to 2018.[6] She has scored a top 75 U.K. hit single for a record 33 consecutive years (1964–1996). In 1988, Ross was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Supremes, and is one of the rare performers to have two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is the recipient of a Special Tony Award in 1977, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and 2023 (becoming the first woman to win the award twice, the latter as a member of the Supremes), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Luther Vandross" hosted by DJButterrock Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr. (/ˈvændroʊs/ VAN-drohss; April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) was an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and record producer. Over his career, he achieved eleven consecutive RIAA-certified platinum albums and sold over 25 million records worldwide.[1] Vandross was recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the 200 greatest singers of all time (2023)[2] and was named one of the greatest R&B artists by Billboard.[3] NPR also included him among its 50 Great Voices. He won eight Grammy Awards,[4] including Song of the Year in 2004 for "Dance with My Father".[5] He has been inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[6][7]
Vandross began his music career in the late 1960s performing at the Apollo Theater in New York City as part of a local musical ensemble. The group later appeared on the television show Sesame Street in the early 1970s. He eventually established himself as a sought-after backing vocalist, contributing to albums by Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, Todd Rundgren, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Judy Collins, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Ben E. King, Stevie Wonder, Laura Branigan, Donna Summer, and Roxy Music. In 1980, he served as the lead vocalist for the post-disco group Change on their Gold-certified album The Glow of Love, released on Warner/RFC Records.
After Vandross left the group, he was signed to Epic Records as a solo artist and released his debut solo album, Never Too Much, in 1981. In 1982, he was credited as the primary producer on Aretha Franklin's album Jump to it, which topped the Billboard R&B Albums chart. His hit songs include "Never Too Much", "Here and Now", "Any Love", "Power of Love/Love Power", "I Can Make It Better", and "For You to Love". He also recorded several covers of songs originally performed by other artists, including "A House Is Not a Home", "Since I Lost My Baby", "Superstar", "I (Who Have Nothing)", and "Always and Forever".
Vandross collaborated on several notable duets, including "The Closer I Get to You" with Beyoncé, "Endless Love" with Mariah Carey, and "The Best Things in Life Are Free" with Janet Jackson of which the latter two were hit songs in his career. The tribute album So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross was released shortly after his death. In 2024, Kendrick Lamar and SZA released the chart-topping single "Luther", paying homage to Vandross and sampling his rendition of "If This World Were Mine", a duet with Cheryl Lynn.[8] In January of that same year, he was the subject of the documentary Luther: Never Too Much, which chronicles his life, career, and legacy. In 2026, Vandross was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[9][10]
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of T-Pain" hosted by DJButterrock Faheem Rashad Najm (born September 30, 1984),[1] known professionally as T-Pain, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, arranger, rapper, record producer and actor.
His first album, Rappa Ternt Sanga, was released in 2005. In 2007, T-Pain released his second album, Epiphany. It reached number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. His third album, Three Ringz, was released in 2008. The albums included a string of hit singles, including "I'm Sprung", "I'm 'n Luv (Wit a Stripper)", "Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin')", "Bartender", "Can't Believe It", "Chopped and Screwed" and "5 O'Clock". T-Pain has earned two Grammy Awards from 12 nominations, one with Kanye West for "Good Life" and the other with Jamie Foxx for "Blame It". He was the winner in season 1 of the Masked Singer as "Monster".
T-Pain is the founder of his record label Nappy Boy Entertainment, established in 2005. Throughout his career as a singer, T-Pain popularized the creative use of the Auto-Tune pitch correction effect, used with extreme parameter settings to create distinctive vocal sounds. From 2006 to 2010, T-Pain was featured on more than 50 chart topping singles. His most successful feature to date was on Flo Rida's first single "Low". The single has since been certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Migos" hosted by DJButterrock Migos (/ˈmiːɡoʊs/ MEE-gohss) was an American hip hop group founded in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in 2008.[2] The group was composed of rapper Quavo, his nephew Takeoff, and their friend Offset. Quavo was born in Athens, Georgia but grew up in Lawrenceville, Georgia, while Offset and Takeoff were born and raised in nearby Lawrenceville. As a group, they were managed by Coach K, the former manager of Gucci Mane and Jeezy,[3] and frequently collaborated with producers DJ Durel, Murda Beatz, Zaytoven, and Buddah Bless.[4][5] Recognized for their contribution to trap music in the 2010s, Billboard stated that the group "influenced pop culture and the entire English language by bringing their North Atlanta roots to the mainstream".[6]
Migos' 2013 debut single, "Versace" spawned from their third mixtape Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas), which was released in June of that year. The song was remixed by Canadian rapper Drake, leading to its entry on the Billboard Hot 100; it was followed by "Fight Night" and "Look at My Dab", which were released in the following two years. Their 2016 single, "Bad and Boujee" (featuring Lil Uzi Vert) peaked atop the chart, while their 2017 single, "MotorSport" (with Nicki Minaj and Cardi B) and 2018 singles, "Stir Fry" and "Walk It Talk It" (featuring Drake) each peaked within the top ten.
Migos signed with Quality Control Music and 300 Entertainment to release their debut studio album Yung Rich Nation (2015), which was met with positive critical reception and peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200. Their second album, Culture (2017), debuted atop the chart[7][8] and was supported by "Bad and Boujee". After departing 300 Entertainment in favor of a joint venture with Motown and Capitol Records in February 2017,[9] the trio saw their furthest commercial success with their third album, Culture II (2018), which became their second to peak the chart and sold an estimated 200,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[10] Their fourth album, Culture III (2021), peaked at number two on the Billboard 200.
In 2016, the group portrayed fictionalized versions of themselves in the first season of the Donald Glover comedy-drama television series Atlanta. On November 1, 2022, Takeoff was fatally shot outside of a bowling alley in Houston,[11] effectively causing its two remaining members to disband the following year.[12][13][14]
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Plies" hosted by DJButterrock
Algernod Lanier Washington (born July 1, 1976), better known by his stage name Plies, is an American rapper. Born in Fort Myers, Florida, Plies was a wide receiver on the Miami University (Ohio) football team from 1995 to 1997. After a brief transfer to University of Central Florida, he dropped out and embarked on a musical career. He signed with the South Florida-based record label Slip-n-Slide Records in 2004; after four mixtapes, he signed a joint venture with Atlantic Records in 2006.
His 2007 single, "Shawty" (featuring T-Pain), peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and served as his mainstream breakthrough. It received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and preceded his debut studio album, The Real Testament (2007), which spawned the top 15-single "Hypnotized" (featuring Akon) and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. His second album, Definition of Real (2008), matched its chart position and yielded his second top ten single, "Bust It Baby Pt. 2" (featuring Ne-Yo). His third and fourth albums, Da REAList (2008) and Goon Affiliated (2010), were both met with mixed critical reception; the latter served as his final major label release.
Early life Plies was born Algernod Lanier Washington in Fort Myers, Florida, and grew up in the city's East Dunbar neighborhood.[2] While at Fort Myers Senior High School, he played wide receiver and defensive back on its football team, was crowned homecoming king, was the valedictorian of his high school class, and was named the "Best Dressed" student of his class.[3]
He attended Miami University under the name Nod Washington, and was a wide receiver on the Miami RedHawks football team from 1995 to 1997.[4] As a freshman in 1995, Washington had 9 receptions for 69 yards.[4] In 1996, his sophomore year, Washington had 25 receptions for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns. He had 5 receptions for 43 yards in his final season at Miami in 1997.[4] Washington then transferred to the University of Central Florida and subsequently dropped out.[3]
Music career In the late 1990s, Plies became involved with music when his stepbrother, Ronnell Lawrence Lavatte, established the record label Big Gates Records. Although Plies initially refused to rap, after a demonstration for one of his artists, Lavatte decided to keep Plies' verse on the 2003 song "Tell Dem Krackers Dat". Lavatte and Plies promoted the single and traveled many times to Miami; this led to his acquaintance with local record executive Ted Lucas, founder of Slip-n-Slide Records.[2] After signing with the label in 2004, Plies released several mixtapes until his contract entered a distribution deal with Atlantic Records two years later.[3]
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Roscoe Dash" hosted by DJButterrock Jeffery Lee Johnson Jr. (born April 2, 1990), better known by his stage name Roscoe Dash, is an American rapper and singer. He is best known for his guest appearance alongside Wale on Waka Flocka Flame's 2010 single "No Hands," which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[2] He signed with Zone 4, Geffen, and Interscope Records to release his debut single, "All the Way Turnt Up" (featuring Soulja Boy), in January of that year, which peaked within the top 50 of the chart and preceded his debut studio album, Ready Set Go! (2010). Due to erroneous circumstances regarding its release, it failed to chart and was admitted by Roscoe Dash himself to be unfinished.
Roscoe Dash guest appeared alongside Kanye West on Big Sean's 2011 single "Marvin & Chardonnay," which peaked at 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut extended play (EP), J.U.I.C.E. (2011), was released in December of that year and lukewarmly entered the Billboard 200.[3]
Career 2002–2009: Career beginnings Johnson started rapping at the age of 12, after his older brother introduced him to hip-hop.[4] While attending in Mill Creek High School, he, his brother, and two other rappers formed a rap group who went by the name Black Out Boiz, for which Johnson adopted the stage name "ATL". Though the group released one project to positive feedback, Johnson parted ways with the group in favor of pursuing solo work. His first project, My Turn, was resealed on MySpace.[5] In his basement, he continued recording mixtapes; this activity led him to connect with his cousin Torrey Hood, who was managing a local hip hop trio by the name of Travis Porter.[6]
2010–2013: Ready Set Go! and J.U.I.C.E. Shortly after its original release, Dash re-recorded "All the Way Turnt Up", and included a guest verse from fellow Atlanta-native Soulja Boy. After the version became a radio hit, Dash signed with Interscope Records before its commercial release on January 1, 2010. Dash then began recording for his debut studio album, titled Ready Set Go!, although it was leaked and shipped before the official release date. The following year, Dash guest featured on the single "No Hands" by fellow Atlanta native Waka Flocka Flame, alongside Washington D.C. rapper Wale. The song received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the "Club Banger of the Year" at the 2011's BET Hip Hop Awards; Johnson received a nomination at the ASCAP Music Awards in 2011.[12][13]
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of BDP" hosted by DJButterrock
Boogie Down Productions (BDP) was an American hip-hop group formed in the Bronx, New York City, in 1986. It originally consisted of KRS-One, D-Nice, and DJ Scott La Rock. DJ Scott La Rock was murdered on August 27, 1987. The name of the group, Boogie Down, derives from a nickname for the South Bronx.
The group pioneered the fusion of dancehall reggae and hip-hop music, and their debut LP Criminal Minded contains frank descriptions of life in the South Bronx during the late 1980s.
Members BDP's membership changed throughout its existence, the only constant being KRS-One.[1] The group was founded by KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock, with producer Lee Smith, who was essential in the production of the songs on Criminal Minded, being added as a member shortly after.[1]
From those beginnings, BDP members and collaborators included Ced Gee of Ultramagnetic MC's, Lee Smith, Scott La Rock, D-Nice, Henry Wilkerson PoppyDa, Kenny Parker (KRS-One's younger brother), Just-Ice, ICU, McBoo, Ms. Melodie, Heather B., Scottie Morris, Tony Rahsan, Willie D., RoboCop, Harmony, DJ Red Alert, Jay Kramer, D-Square, Rebekah Foster, Scott Whitehill, Scott King, Chris Tait and Sidney Mills.
BDP as a group essentially ended because KRS-One began recording and performing under his own name rather than the group name.[1] Lee Smith, who has co-producer credit on the original 12" "South Bronx" single, was the first to be jettisoned by KRS-One and the future new label after Scott's death.
In the liner notes on BDP's 1992 album Sex and Violence, KRS-One writes: "BDP in 1992 is KRS-One, Willie D, and Kenny Parker! BDP is not D-Nice, Jamal-Ski, Harmony, Ms. Melodie, and Scottie Morris. They are not down with BDP so stop frontin'." Steve "Flash" Juon of RapReviews.com claimed that this initiated the ultimate breakup of the group.[2]
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of 21 Savage" hosted by DJButterrock
Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph (born October 22, 1992), known professionally as 21 Savage, is a British-born rapper based in Atlanta, Georgia.[2] Born in London and raised in the US, he began his recording career in 2013 and released three independent mixtapes to regional acclaim. His breakout project—the collaborative extended play (EP) with record producer Metro Boomin titled Savage Mode (2016)—peaked at number 23 on the Billboard 200. Its lead singles, "X" (featuring Future) and "No Heart" both peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. Later that year, he saw further recognition for his guest appearance on Drake's single "Sneakin'".[3][4][5] He then signed a recording contract with Epic Records in January 2017.[6]
Cx1DJs Podcast Untold Stories of YKNiece hosted by DJButterrock Atlanta-based rapper who went viral in March 2025 for her feature on rapper BIG PLUTO's hit track, "WHIM WHAMIEE." She has amassed over 700,000 followers on TikTok, where she posts her music and lifestyle content under the handle ykniecepopshit. She also promotes upcoming appearances and performances.
Before fame She has been rapping for a while, but didn't release any music officially until her feature with BIG PLUTO was released, with people posting videos of themselves dancing along to the song and singing along to her verses. Pluto credited her for helping to punch up the track's energy as a guest rapper on the track.
Trivia One of her most popular posts is a dance video she made on TikTok to the song "Mad Again" by BunnaB, The video was watched over 3.5 million times.
Family life Her real name is Shanice Cameron, and she lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Associated with She posted a TikTok featuring the song "YAMS" by Bhad Bhabie on August 8, 2025.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Snoop Dogg" hosted by DJButterrock Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (/ˈbroʊdɪs/ BROH-dis; born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, songwriter, and actor. A key figure in West Coast hip-hop, he helped define G-funk and gangsta rap, and is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time.[5][6][7] Known for his signature drawled delivery and melodic flow, his lyrics frequently address social issues such as recreational drug use and gun violence.[8][9]
He rose to prominence in 1992 through his collaborations with Dr. Dre, first on the single "Deep Cover" and later on The Chronic, including "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang". Produced by Dr. Dre, his debut album Doggystyle (1993) debuted atop the Billboard 200 with 806,000 copies sold in its first week. The album spawned the hit singles "What's My Name?" and "Gin and Juice", later receiving quadruple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His second album, Tha Doggfather (1996), also debuted at number one.
After leaving Death Row Records, Snoop Dogg signed with Master P's No Limit Records, and saw continued success with his albums Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998), No Limit Top Dogg (1999), and Tha Last Meal (2000). His album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece (2004) spawned the single "Drop It Like It's Hot" (featuring Pharrell), his first Billboard Hot 100 number one. In later years, he adopted the alias Snoop Lion, under which he released a reggae album, Reincarnated (2013), and a namesake documentary film about his experience in Jamaica. The album was followed by the Pharrell-produced Bush (2015) and the gospel album Bible of Love (2018).[10] In 2022, he acquired Death Row Records from MNRK Music Group and released BODR (2022).
Snoop Dogg has sold over 35 million records worldwide.[11][12] In 2022, he co-headlined the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, earning a Primetime Emmy Award. He has received several accolades including seventeen Grammy Award nominations, two Sports Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[13] Outside of music, he has appeared in numerous films and media, including serving as a coach on The Voice.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Queen Latifah" hosted by DJButterrock "Latifah" redirects here. For other uses, see Latifa (disambiguation). For the 2024 Nigerian drama film, see Queen Lateefah. Queen Latifah
Latifah in 2025 BornDana Elaine Owens March 18, 1970 (age 56) Newark, New Jersey, U.S. Occupations Rappersongwriteractressfilm producertalk show host Years active1988–present Children1 AwardsFull list Musical career Origin East Orange, New Jersey, U.S. Irvington, New Jersey, U.S. Genres Hip-hopprogressive rap[1]R&Bsouljazzgospeldance InstrumentsVocals Labels VerveA&MInterscopeMotownPolyGramTommy BoyWarner Bros.Disney Signature
Dana Elaine Owens (born March 18, 1970), known professionally by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American rapper, songwriter, and actress. She has received various accolades, including a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards, in addition to a nomination for an Academy Award. In 2006, she became the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Latifah was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026 through the musical influence category.[2][3]
At age 19, Latifah released her debut album All Hail the Queen (1989), featuring the hit single "Ladies First". Her second album Nature of a Sista' (1991), was produced by Tommy Boy Records. Her third album, Black Reign (1993), became the first album by a solo female rapper to receive a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA),[4] and spawned the single "U.N.I.T.Y.", which was influential in raising awareness of violence against women and the objectification of Black female sexuality.[5] The track reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, and won a Grammy Award. Her fourth album Order in the Court (1998), was released with Motown Records. She has since released the albums The Dana Owens Album (2004), Trav'lin' Light (2007), and Persona (2009).
Latifah starred as Khadijah James on the Fox sitcom Living Single from 1993 to 1998 and landed a leading role in the action film Set It Off (1996). She created the daytime talk show The Queen Latifah Show, which ran from 1999 to 2001, and again from 2013 to 2015, in syndication. Her portrayal of Matron "Mama" Morton in the musical film Chicago (2002) received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has also starred or co-starred in the films Bringing Down the House (2003), Taxi (2004), Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2005), Beauty Shop (2005), Last Holiday (2006), Hairspray (2007), Joyful Noise (2012), 22 Jump Street (2014), and Girls Trip (2017); and provided voice work in the Ice Age film series since 2006.[6]
Latifah received critical acclaim for her portrayal of blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO film Bessie (2015), which she co-produced, winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie. From 2016 to 2019, she starred as Carlotta Brown in the musical drama series Star. In 2020, she portrayed Hattie McDaniel in the miniseries Hollywood. She portrayed the lead role on CBS's revival of the action drama The Equalizer, which aired five seasons from 2021 through 2025.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Michael Jackson" hosted by DJButterrock Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is widely regarded as one of the most culturally significant figures of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, his musical achievements broke American racial barriers and made him a dominant figure worldwide. Through his songs, concerts, and fashion, he proliferated visual performance for artists in popular music, popularizing street dance moves such as the moonwalk, the robot, and the anti-gravity lean. Jackson is often deemed the greatest entertainer of all time.[nb 1]
The eighth child of the Jackson family, Jackson made his public debut at age six as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, one of Motown's most successful acts. He rose to solo stardom with the album Off the Wall (1979) and achieved unprecedented global success with Thriller (1982), the best-selling album in history. Its short film-style music videos for "Thriller", "Beat It", and "Billie Jean" redefined the medium as an art form. Jackson followed it with Bad (1987), the first album to produce five US Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man in the Mirror", and "Dirty Diana". His albums Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995) spawned the respective US number-one singles "Black or White" and "You Are Not Alone"; the latter was the first song to debut atop the Hot 100. Jackson's final album, Invincible (2001), is the most expensive album ever made.
From the mid-1980s, Jackson came under public scrutiny due to changes in his appearance, relationships, behavior, and lifestyle. He was accused of sexually abusing the child of a family friend in 1993. In 2005, Jackson was tried and acquitted of further such allegations and other charges. In 2009, while preparing for This Is It, a series of comeback concerts, he died from an overdose of propofol administered by his personal physician Conrad Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011. Jackson's death triggered global reactions, creating unprecedented surges of internet traffic and a spike in his music sales. His televised memorial service, held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, is estimated to have been viewed by more than 2.5 billion people.
Jackson is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of over 500 million records as a solo artist.[nb 2] He is also—along with Paul McCartney and Phil Collins—one of three recording artists to have sold over 100 million records both as solo artists and separately as principal members of a band. He holds a joint-record for a male solo artist with 13 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles and is the only artist to have a top-ten single in six decades. One of the most-awarded music artists in history, Jackson received 13 Grammy Awards, the Grammy Legend Award, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; 26
Jay-Z served as president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007,[13] during which he helped launch the careers of successful artists including Kanye West, Rihanna, and Ne-Yo. He co-founded Rocawear, a clothing retailer, in 1999,[14] and founded the 40/40 Club, a luxury bar chain, in 2003. As both grew into multi-million-dollar businesses, he launched Roc Nation, a multi-disciplinary entertainment agency, in 2008. In 2015, he acquired the technology company Aspiro and led the expansion of its media streaming service Tidal.[15][16][17] Through his business ventures, Jay-Z became the first hip-hopbillionaire in 2019.[18][19] After Block, Inc. (then Square, Inc.) acquired a majority stake in Tidal in March 2021, Jay-Z joined its board of directors.[20][21]
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Aaliyah" hosted by DJButterrock Aaliyah Dana Haughton (/ɑːˈliːə/ ⓘah-LEE-ə; January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001) was an American singer, actress, dancer, and model. Known as the "Princess of R&B" and "Queen of Urban Pop", she is credited with helping to redefine contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop.[2] Aaliyah's accolades include three American Music Awards and two MTV VMAs, along with five Grammy Award nominations.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Detroit, she first gained recognition at the age of 10, when she appeared on the television show Star Search and performed in concert alongside Gladys Knight. At the age of 12, Aaliyah signed with Jive Records and her uncle Barry Hankerson's Blackground Records. Hankerson introduced her to R. Kelly, who became her mentor, as well as lead songwriter and producer of her debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1994). The album sold three million copies in the US and was certified double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her first single, "Back & Forth", rose to number five on the Billboard Hot 100. After allegations of an illegal marriage with Kelly, Aaliyah ended her contract with Jive and signed with Atlantic Records.
Aaliyah worked with record producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott for her second album, One in a Million (1996), which sold three million copies in the US and more than eight million copies worldwide. She made her acting debut in the action film Romeo Must Die. Its soundtrack was supported by her single "Try Again", the first song to top the Billboard Hot 100 solely through airplay. Aaliyah subsequently filmed her starring role in Queen of the Damned (2002; released posthumously) and released her third album, Aaliyah (2001), which topped the Billboard 200. The album spawned the singles "We Need a Resolution", "Rock the Boat", and "More Than a Woman".
On August 25, 2001, at the age of 22, Aaliyah was killed in a plane crash along with eight other people on board, when the overloaded aircraft she was traveling in crashed shortly after takeoff. The pilot was later found to have traces of cocaine and alcohol in his body and was not qualified to fly the aircraft designated for the flight. Aaliyah's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the aircraft's operator, which was settled out of court. After her death, Aaliyah's music has continued to achieve commercial success, aided by several posthumous releases, including the compilation albums I Care 4 U (2002) and Ultimate Aaliyah (2005). She has sold 8.1 million albums in the US and an estimated 24 to 32 million albums worldwide.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of MC Hammer" hosted by DJButterrock Stanley Kirk Burrell (born March 30, 1962), better known by his stage name MC Hammer (or simply Hammer), is an American rapper and dancer. He is known for hit songs such as "U Can't Touch This", "Pray", "2 Legit 2 Quit" and "Pumps and a Bump", as well as flashy dance movements, extravagant choreography and his namesake Hammer pants.[2] Remembered for a rapid rise to fame, Hammer has also become an entrepreneur[3][4] and celebrity spokesperson.[5][6] A multi-award winner, he is considered a "forefather" and pioneering innovator[7] of pop rap (incorporating elements of freestyle music).
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Hammer served three years in the United States Navy before independently releasing his debut album Feel My Power in 1986. After signing a contract with Capitol Records, Hammer released his second album Let's Get It Started in 1988, which became his first multi-platinum hit. Hammer became the first hip hop artist to achieve diamond status with his next album Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990), helping him become one of the most prominent media celebrities of the early 1990s.[8][9][10] After being labeled a sellout by the changing landscape of hip hop music which led to declining record sales for his fourth album, Too Legit To Quit (1991), Hammer unsuccessfully attempted to appeal to the rise of gangsta rap with his next album, The Funky Headhunter (1994).[11] However, due to commercial overexposure,[12] Hammer's popularity waned by the mid-1990s, which led to a highly publicized bankruptcy beginning in 1996.[13] He has since released seven more albums, in addition to multiple songs after 2010.
Along with a Mattel doll and other merchandise, Hammer starred in a Saturday-morning cartoon called Hammerman in 1991. He became an ordained preacher during the late 1990s and hosted MC Hammer and Friends, a Christian ministry program on TBN. Hammer was also a dance judge on Dance Fever in 2003, was the co-creator of the dance website DanceJam.com,[14][15] and was executive producer of his own reality show titled Hammertime (which aired on the A&E Network during the summer of 2009).[16][17]
Throughout his career, Hammer has managed his own recording business as a record label CEO. As a result, Hammer has created and produced his own acts/music including Ho Frat Hoo!,[18] Oaktown's 3.5.7, Special Generation, Analise, DRS, B Angie B,[19] Gentry Kozia[20][21] and Oakland Fight Club.[22] A part of additional record labels, he has associated, collaborated and recorded with Psy,[23] VMF,[24] Tupac Shakur, Teddy Riley, Felton Pilate, Tha Dogg Pound, The Whole 9,[25] The Hines Brother,[26] Deion Sanders, Big Daddy Kane, BeBe & CeCe Winans and Jon Gibson. Hammer signed with Suge Knight's Death Row Records in 1995.[27]
BET ranked Hammer as the No. 7 "Best Dancer of All Time".[28] Vibe's "The Best Rapper Ever Tournament" declared him the 17th favorite of all-time during the first round. He continues to perform concerts at music venues and appears in television advertisements,[29][30][31] along with participating in social media and ministry/outreach functions.[32][33] Hammer is also active in community and sports activities,[34][35] being interviewed locally and nationally.[36][37]
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Mary J Blige" hosted by DJButterrock Mary Jane Blige (/blaɪdʒ/ BLYZHE; born January 11, 1971)[5] is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. Often referred to by the honorifics "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and "Queen of R&B", her accolades include nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, four American Music Awards, twelve NAACP Image Awards, and twelve Billboard Music Awards, including the Billboard Icon Award.
Blige signed to Uptown Records in 1988. Her debut album, What's the 411? (1992), is credited for introducing the mix of R&B and hip hop into mainstream pop culture. Its 1993 remix album became the first album by a singer to have a rapper on every song, popularizing rap as a featuring act.[6] Both What's the 411? and her 1994 album My Life ranked among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.[7] Throughout her career, Blige has released 15 studio albums, four of which―Share My World (1997), Love & Live (2003), The Breakthrough (2005) and Growing Pains (2007)―have topped the Billboard 200 chart. Her biggest hits include "Real Love", "You Remind Me", "I'm Goin' Down", "Not Gon' Cry", "Everything", "No More Drama", "Be Without You", "One" (with U2), "Just Fine" and the Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Family Affair".
Blige enhanced her popularity with an acting career. She was nominated for two Academy Awards for her supporting role as Florence Jackson in Mudbound (2017) and the film's song "Mighty River", becoming the first person nominated for acting and songwriting in the same year. Her other film roles include Prison Song (2001), Rock of Ages (2012), Betty and Coretta (2013), Black Nativity (2013), Trolls World Tour (2020), Body Cam (2020), The Violent Heart (2021), Respect (2021) and Rob Peace (2024). Her television work includes the series The Umbrella Academy (2019) and Power Book II: Ghost (2020–2024).
Blige received a Legends Award at the World Music Awards in 2006, the Voice of Music Award from ASCAP in 2007 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018. In 2010, Billboard ranked her as the most successful female R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the past 25 years.[8] In 2017, the magazine named "Be Without You" as the most successful R&B/hip-hop song of all time, as it spent a then-record 15 weeks atop the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and over 75 weeks on the chart overall.[9] Blige was featured in listicles such as VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time (2011), Time's 100 most influential people in the world (2022) and Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time (2023). In 2024, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Notorious B.I.G." hosted by DJButterrock Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), better known by his stage names the Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls, was an American rapper and songwriter. Rooted in the East Coast hip-hop and gangsta rap traditions, he is widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. Wallace became known for his distinctive, laidback lyrical delivery, offsetting his lyrics' often grim content. His music was semi-autobiographical, telling of hardship and criminality but also of debauchery and celebration.Wallace was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City. In 1993, he became the first artist to sign with Sean Combs's Bad Boy Records and gained recognition for his guest appearances on other artists' singles. His debut studio album, Ready to Die (1994), received acclaim and included the successful singles "Juicy", "Big Poppa", and "One More Chance". Ready to Die made Wallace the central figure of East Coast hip-hop and helped restore its prominence at a time when the West Coast was dominating the genre. In 1995, Wallace was named Rapper of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards, and with his protégé group, Junior M.A.F.I.A.—which included longtime friends like Lil' Kim—released the album Conspiracy.While working on his second album in 1995, Wallace became embroiled in the growing East Coast–West Coast hip-hop rivalry, including a feud with his former friend Tupac Shakur. After Shakur was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas in September 1996, rumors circulated suggesting that Wallace might have been involved, given the two artists' feud. In March 1997, six months after Shakur's death, Wallace was also killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles by an unknown assailant. Two weeks later, Life After Death (1997) was released as a posthumous double album; it debuted atop the Billboard 200, yielded the Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles "Hypnotize" and "Mo Money Mo Problems", and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).Two more posthumous albums followed, Duets: The Final Chapter (2005) and The King & I (with Faith Evans; 2017). Wallace's certified U.S. sales exceed 28 million copies, including 21 million albums. Rolling Stone called him the "greatest rapper that ever lived",[2] and Billboard named him the greatest rapper of all time in 2015.[3] The Source named him the greatest rapper of all time in its 150th issue. In 2006, MTV ranked him at No. 3 on their list of The Greatest MCs of All Time, calling him possibly "the most skillful ever on the mic".[4] In 2020, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Louie Vega" hosted by DJButterrock
He was born to a musician family, as his father, Luis F. Vega Sr., was a jazz saxophonist, and his uncle was singer Héctor Lavoe of the Fania All-Stars. Vega embarked on his music career as a disc jockey, spinning records at the age of 13.[2]
By 1985, Louie began playing house and block parties in his local Bronx. His first nightclub residency was at the Devil's Nest, in the Bronx, and later he moved to heartthrob (the old Funhouse), Roseland, Studio 54 and the Palladium in Manhattan.[3] During the 1990s, Vega was playing at one of the most influential nightclubs for house music, The Sound Factory Bar, at the Underground Network Parties with promoters Don Welch and Barbara Tucker (also singer). During this time, production team Masters at Work began a remixing team which consisted of young producers "Little Louie" Vega and partner Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez.[3]
Vega's uncle is salsa vocalist Héctor Lavoe, while Gonzalez's father, Hector Torres, also performs salsa.[4] Vega is also the cousin of Eric Vega, a popular event creator and promoter in New York City. Louie Vega is presently married to vocalist Ana Martins, also known as Anané Vega.
Louie Vega was ranked number 5 at the Top House Artists of 2020 by Traxsource.[5]
Louie Vega was ranked number 1 at the Top Artists of 2021 by Traxsource. Albums Elements of Life (2004) Elements of Life Extensions (2005) Elements of Life Eclipse (2013) Louie Vega Starring...XXVIII (2016) NYC Disco (2018) Expansions In The NYC (2022) Singles Louie Vega/"Little" Louie Vega 1991 "Ride on the Rhythm", with Marc Anthony 1996 "Hip Hop Jazz EP", with Jeffrey Collins 2000 "Elements of Life", with Blaze 2000 "Life Goes On", with Arnold Jarvis 2002 "Diamond Life", with Jay 'Sinister' Sealee and Julie McKnight 2002 "Brand New Day", with Blaze 2003 "Cerca De Mi", with Raul Midon and Albert Menendez 2003 "Africa/Brasil" 2004 "Thousand Fingered Man" 2004 "Mozalounge", with Anané, Raul Midon and Albert Menendez 2004 "Journey's Prelude", with Ursula Rucker 2004 "Love is on the Way", with Blaze 2004 "Steel Congo", with House of Rhumba 2005 "V Gets Jazzy", with Mr. V 2006 "Joshua's Jam", with Blaze 2007 "Here to Stay", with Soni 2016 "A New Day", with Caron Wheeler and Jazzie B Sole Fusion 1992 "We Can Make It" 1994 "Bass Tone" 1995 "The Chosen Path", with Kenny Dope 1
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Latin Quarters NYC" hosted by DJButterrock fter 1985, the space returned to nightclub use and focused on hip hop music. Boogie Down Productions referenced the club in their 1987 song "Super Ho". Ice-T also referenced the club in his songs 6 in the Mornin' (1987) and "Heartbeat" (1988). Also, Slick Rick made referenced to the club in his song "The Moment I feared" (1988) from the album The Great Adventures of Slick Rick. Public Enemy also references 'the LQ' in their 1988 song "Don't Believe the Hype". In 1987, three patrons were shot as they left the club after a performance by Roxanne Shante.[17]
Later, the club was renamed the Penguin Club and became infamous for stabbings and fights. The building was eventually torn down in 1989 and replaced by a 22-story Ramada Renaissance Hotel. 48th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue now bears the honorary name "Lou Walters Way."
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Big Daddy Kane" hosted by DJButterrock Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968), better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper, producer and actor who began his career in 1986 as a member of the Juice Crew. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs in hip-hop. Rolling Stone ranked his song "Ain't No Half-Steppin'" 25th on its list of The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time, calling him "a master wordsmith of rap's ... golden age and a huge influence on a generation of MCs."In high school, Kane met Mister Cee, who later played an integral role in Kane's career as his DJ.[3] In 1984, Kane became friends with Biz Markie, and he co-wrote some of Biz's best-known lyrics.[4][5] Both became members of the Queens-based Juice Crew, a collective headed by producer Marley Marl. Kane signed with Tyrone Williams's and Len Fichtelberg's Cold Chillin' Records label in 1987 and debuted the same year with the 12" single "Raw". The name Big Daddy Kane came from a variation on Caine, David Carradine's character on the TV show Kung Fu, and the character Big Daddy played by Vincent Price in the 1963 film Beach Party.[6]
Kane is known for his ability to syncopate over fast beats. Despite his asthma,[4] he is a pioneer of fast rhyming. His sense of style is renowned and set a number of late-1980s and early-1990s hip hop trends (high-top fades hairstyles, velour suits, and four-finger rings). The backronym "King Asiatic Nobody's Equal" is often applied to his moniker.
In 1988, Kane released his debut album, Long Live the Kane, which featured the hit "Ain't No Half Steppin'". In 1989, he released his second album and biggest hit to date, It's a Big Daddy Thing, which included 1970s sample throwbacks like "Smooth Operator" and the Teddy Riley-produced track "I Get the Job Done". He also had a verse on the Marley Marl-produced track "The Symphony" (1988), which included Juice Crew members Craig G, Masta Ace, and Kool G Rap.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Tupac" hosted by DJButterrock Tupac Amaru Shakur (/ˈtuːpɑːk ʃəˈkʊər/ ⓘ TOO-pahk shə-KOOR; born Lesane Parish Crooks; June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. He was one of the most influential musical artists of the 20th century, and a prominent political activist for Black America.[1] He is among the best-selling music artists, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide.[2] Some of Shakur's music addressed social injustice, political issues, and the marginalization of African Americans,[3][4] but he was also synonymous with gangsta rap and violent lyrics.[5]
Shakur was born in New York City to parents who were Black Panther Party members. Raised by his mother, Afeni Shakur, he relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1988. His debut album 2Pacalypse Now (1991) cemented him as a central figure in West Coast hip-hop for his political rap lyrics.[6][7] Shakur achieved further critical and commercial success with his subsequent albums Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... (1993) and Me Against the World (1995).[8] His Diamond-certified album All Eyez on Me (1996), the first hip-hop double album, abandoned introspective lyrics for volatile gangsta rap.[9] It yielded two Billboard Hot 100-number one singles, "California Love" and "How Do U Want It". Alongside his solo career, Shakur formed the group Thug Life and collaborated with artists like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and the Outlawz. As an actor, Shakur starred in the films Juice (1992), Poetic Justice (1993), Above the Rim (1994), Bullet (1996), Gridlock'd (1997), and Gang Related (1997).
During his later career, Shakur was shot five times in the lobby of a New York recording studio and experienced legal troubles, including incarceration. He served eight months in prison on sexual abuse charges, but was released pending appeal in 1995.[10] Following his release, he signed to Marion "Suge" Knight's label Death Row Records and became embroiled in the East Coast–West Coast hip-hop rivalry,[11] which included a high-profile feud with his former friend the Notorious B.I.G. On September 7, 1996, Shakur was shot four times by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Paradise, Nevada; he died six days later. Rumors circulated suggesting that the Notorious B.I.G. was involved; he was murdered in another drive-by shooting six months later in March 1997, while visiting Los Angeles.[12][13]
Shakur's double-length posthumous album Greatest Hits (1998) is one of his two releases—and one of only nine hip-hop albums—to have been certified Diamond in the United States.[14] Five more albums have been released since Shakur's death, including the acclaimed The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (1996)[15] under the stage name Makaveli, all of which have been certified multi-platinum in the United States.[16] In 2002, Shakur was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame.[17] In 2017, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.[18] Rolling Stone ranked Shakur among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.[19] In 2023, he was awarded a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[20] His influence in music, activism, songwriting, and other areas of culture has been the subject of academic studies
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Keith Sweat" hosted by DJButterrock
Keith Sweat (born July 22, 1961) is an American singer, producer and songwriter. An early figure in the new jack swing musical movement, he is known for his collection of hits including "I Want Her," "Make It Last Forever," "I'll Give All My Love to You," "Make You Sweat," "Get Up on It," "Twisted," "Nobody." He has released 13 solo albums (two as a part of the R&B supergroup LSG) and discovered the groups Silk and Kut Klose. Sweat's sound reportedly was influenced by Slave front man Steve Arrington and go-go music.[1]
Early life Keith Sweat was born in Harlem, New York City to Juanita Thompson, a hairdresser, and Charles Sweat, a factory worker.[2]: 206 [3] After Charles Sweat's passing in 1973, Juanita raised their five children by herself.[4] As a youth, Sweat performed at the famous Apollo Theater, which was near his home.[5]
Before releasing his solo album, Sweat worked as a night stock worker at Macy's Department Store, and then a mail room clerk at Paine Webber, a brokerage firm. Additionally, he earned a degree in communications from City College of New York.[6] “I think everyone should have an alternative plan. In my case, I went to the City College of New York and got my degree in communications. So I had a backup plan so that I didn’t lose out on a decent future,” Sweat once said.[7]
Within just four years, he worked his way up to a lucrative brokerage assistant job on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.[8] Sweat also worked as a supervisor for the New York Mercantile Exchange.[ On November 24, 1987, Sweat released Make It Last Forever, which sold three million copies. He and Riley co-wrote six songs; and the biggest hit was "I Want Her"[13] (No. 1 R&B & No. 5 Pop), which was nominated for the 1989 Soul Train Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Song of the Year award, while the title track from the album hit No. 2 on the R&B charts.
1990-1991: I'll Give All My Love to You, and Keep It Comin Sweat reached the charts again with his second album I'll Give All My Love to You (1990) which hit No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart. He released his third album, Keep It Comin' in 1991, which debuted in the Top 20 of the album chart. He produced soul singer Omar Chandler.
1992–2001: Get Up on It, Keith Sweat/LSG In 1992, Sweat discovered the group Silk, and helped craft their debut album, Lose Control, which hit No. 7 on the Billboard 200 album chart.[14]
The album's single "Freak Me" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 1, 1993. In 1993, Sweat discovered the Atlanta-based female R&B group Kut Klose. Sweat also produced the group's debut album Surrender, which produced their biggest hit single "I Like", peaking to No. 8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
In the fall of 1994, Sweat appeared in the group Black Men United (BMU) reuniting with Silk, Gerald Levert, Al B. Sure!, Brian McKnight, El DeBarge and others for the single "U Will Know", which was written by R&B musician D'Angelo for the soundtrack the film Jason's Lyric.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Madonna" hosted by DJButterrock
Madonna Louise Ciccone[a] (/tʃɪˈkoʊni/ chih-KOH-nee; born August 16, 1958) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Dubbed the "Queen of Pop", she is known for her continual reinvention and versatility in music production, songwriting, and visual presentation. Her works incorporate social, political, sexual, and religious themes and have generated both controversy and critical acclaim. Madonna has had a significant socio-cultural impact across both the 20th and 21st centuries and is often deemed one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Madonna moved to New York City in 1978 to pursue a career in dance. After performing as a drummer, guitarist, and vocalist in the rock bands Breakfast Club and Emmy, she rose to solo stardom with her debut studio album, Madonna (1983). She has since earned eighteen multi-platinum albums globally, including Like a Virgin (1984), True Blue (1986), and The Immaculate Collection (1990)—some of the best-selling albums of all time—and Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005), her 21st-century bestseller. Like a Prayer (1989), Ray of Light (1998), and Music (2000) were ranked among Rolling Stone's greatest albums of all time. Madonna's top-charting singles include "Like a Virgin", "Material Girl", "La Isla Bonita", "Like a Prayer", "Vogue", "Take a Bow", "Frozen", "Music", "Hung Up", and "4 Minutes".
Madonna has starred in films such as Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), Dick Tracy (1990), A League of Their Own (1992), and Evita (1996), with the lattermost winning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Many of her other films were not well-received. Her business endeavors encompass the entertainment company Maverick (1992–2009), which included Maverick Records—one of the most successful artist-run labels. Madonna has also pursued fashion brands, written works, health clubs, and filmmaking. She contributes to various charities, having founded the Ray of Light Foundation in 1998 and Raising Malawi in 2006, and advocates for gender equality and LGBT rights.
Madonna is the best-selling female music artist of all time and the first female performer to accumulate US$1 billion from her concerts. She is the most successful solo artist on the US Billboard Hot 100 and has twelve number-one singles on the chart. Her accolades include seven Grammy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, twenty MTV Video Music Awards, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility. Madonna was the world's highest-paid female musician for a record eleven years across four decades (1980s–2010s). She has become the subject of various scholarly, literary, and artistic works, as well as a mini-academic sub-discipline called Madonna studies.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of NBA YoungBoy" hosted by DJButterrock Kentrell DeSean Gaulden (born October 20, 1999), known professionally as YoungBoy Never Broke Again[1][2] or NBA YoungBoy, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Gaulden released eight mixtapes from 2015 to 2017, and garnered a regional following for his work. He signed with Atlantic Records and Artist Partner Group in the latter year to release the singles "Untouchable" and "No Smoke", both of which marked his first entries on the Billboard Hot 100. Released in January of the following year, his single "Outside Today" became his first to peak within the chart's top 40, and received quadruple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[3][4] It served as both his mainstream breakthrough and the lead single for his debut studio album, Until Death Call My Name (2018), which peaked at number seven on the US Billboard 200 despite mixed critical reception.
His 2019 single, "Bandit" (with Juice Wrld), became his first song to reach the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.[4] Released the following week, his commercial mixtape, AI YoungBoy 2 (2019), debuted atop the Billboard 200 and received 18 gold certifications by the RIAA for each of its tracks.[5] The release of its follow-up, 38 Baby 2 (2020), and his second studio album, Top (2020), made Gaulden the second hip hop act to peak the chart thrice within a single year.[a][6] His third album, Sincerely, Kentrell (2021), was released during an incarceration, and became the third project—behind Tupac Shakur's Me Against the World (1995) and Lil Wayne's I Am Not a Human Being (2010)—by an imprisoned artist to debut atop the Billboard 200.[7][8][9] His fourth album, The Last Slimeto (2022), peaked at number two on the chart and served as his final release with Atlantic.[10][11] Gaulden then signed with Motown to release his fifth and sixth albums: I Rest My Case[12] and Don't Try This at Home (both 2023),[13] both of which peaked within the top-ten of the Billboard 200 despite trailing critical reception. Gaulden's seventh studio album I Just Got a Lot on My Shoulders (2024), witnessed a steep commercial decline,[14] while his eighth and ninth albums, MASA (2025) and Slime Cry (2026), both peaked within the chart's top ten.[15]
Gaulden has sold over 109 million digital copies in the United States, ranking him among the highest certified artists in the United States. He has garnered 15 billion views on his YouTube channel, also ranking him among the highest-viewed rappers on the site.[16] He is the youngest artist in Billboard history to chart 100 singles on the Billboard Hot 100,[17] while also being the rapper with the most RIAA platinum certified albums from 2015 to 2025,[18] and the most certified rapper in RIAA history with 126 certified titles.[19] Gaulden has 34 albums that have charted on the Billboard 200 chart, the most of any rapper,[15] and has been nominated for three BET Hip Hop Awards and a Grammy Award while being the recipient of one ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Award and one BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Award. He founded the record label Never Broke Again in 2015, which has signed artists including NoCap and Quando Rondo.
Despite his success, Gaulden's career has been marked by a long history of legal issues that began in 2016. He has maintained a largely prolific output notwithstanding his incarcerations.[20] Gaulden has infamously spent several years on house arrest from 2021 to 2024. He was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2020 alongside sixteen others on various federal charges, including distribution and manufacturing of drugs and possession of stolen firearms.[21] The following year, he was arrested in Los Angeles, Cal
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast Live with DJButterrock Episode 1. For all artist that want to be featured and have one song played, the admission is $25. You can send it to my CashApp to $cx1djscoalitionllc with the message saying your song title phone number and email address.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Nipsey Hussle" hosted by DJButterrock Ermias Joseph Asghedom (born Airmiess Joseph Asghedom; August 15, 1985 – March 31, 2019), known professionally as Nipsey Hussle, was an American rapper, activist and entrepreneur. Emerging from the West Coast hip-hop scene in the mid-2000s, Hussle self-released his debut mixtape, Slauson Boy Volume 1, to moderate local success, leading him to sign with Cinematic Music Group and Epic Records.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Hussle gained a regional following for his Bullets Ain't Got No Name mixtape series, as well as The Marathon, The Marathon Continues, and Crenshaw, the latter of which was purchased 100 times by American rapper Jay-Z for US$100 each. After multiple delays, his debut studio album Victory Lap (2018), peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200, received critical acclaim, and was nominated for the Best Rap Album at the 61st Grammy Awards. His 2019 single, "Racks in the Middle" (featuring Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy), and guest appearance alongside John Legend on DJ Khaled's song "Higher", won Best Rap Performance and Best Rap/Sung Performance, respectively at the 62nd Grammy Awards.[1]
Outside of music, Hussle inaugurated the Marathon Clothing store, which he founded along with partners Carless, the head of the agency, Karen Civil, and his brother Samiel Asghedom in 2017, and started a co-working environment which he named "Vector 90". On March 31, 2019, Hussle was fatally shot outside his store in South Central Los Angeles.[2] Eric Holder, a 29-year-old man who confronted Hussle earlier that day, was arrested and charged with murder two days later.[3] Holder was found guilty of first-degree murder on July 6, 2022.[4] On February 22, 2023, Holder was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison.[5]
Early life Airmiess Joseph Asghedom[6][7] was born on August 15, 1985, and raised in the Crenshaw District of South Central Los Angeles[8] by his mother Angelique Smith (née Boutte), an African-American, and Dawit Asghedom, an Eritrean who came to Los Angeles in the 1970s.[9][10][11] He was raised with his brother Samiel,[11] also known as Blacc Sam, and his sister Samantha.[12] Asghedom attended Alexander Hamilton High School in the nearby Castle Heights neighborhood, and dropped out before graduating.[13]
At age 14, Asghedom left home and joined the local Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips, a sub-group of the larger Crips gang primarily based in his home neighborhood of Crenshaw.[14][15] In 2002, at the age of 17, Hussle joined Buttervision, a creative multimedia Digital Guerrilla movement led by Dexter Browne where he was part of the BV Boys Sampler, Beats & Babes Vol. 1 DVD, and Shades of Butter Vol. 1 DVD. During that time, he completed the recording for his debut mixtape Slauson Boy Volume 1, and adopted his stage name "Nipsey Hussle".[16]
His stage name, a play on the name of comedian and game show panelist Nipsey Russell, originated as a nickname given to Asghedom by a childhood acquaintance who respected his work ethic.[17] In 2004, when Asghedom was 19, his father took him and his brother Samiel on a three-month trip to Eritrea.[18] Asghedom credited the trip with inspiring him to become a community activist with an "entrepreneurial spirit".[9][19][20][14]
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Teena Marie" hosted by DJButterrock
Mary Christine Brockert (March 5, 1956 – December 26, 2010), known professionally as Teena Marie, was an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and producer. She was known by her childhood nickname Tina[2] before taking the stage name Teena Marie and later acquired the nickname Lady T,[3] given to her by her collaborator and friend Rick James.
She was known for her distinctive and soulful soprano vocals,[4][5][6] which caused many listeners to believe she was black.[7] Her success in R&B and soul music, and loyalty to these genres earned her the title Ivory Queen of Soul. She played rhythm guitar, keyboards, and congas. Teena Marie was a four-time Grammy Award nominee, winning posthumously in 2023 for Best R&B Song for co-writing "Cuff It".
Early life Mary Christine Brockert was born on March 5, 1956, in Santa Monica, California,[8] the daughter of construction worker Thomas Leslie Brockert and home renovator Mary Anne.[9][10] She spent her early childhood in Mission Hills, California. She said that her ethnic heritage was Belgian, Portuguese, Italian, Irish, and Native American.[11] In 2005, while visiting Louisiana, she discovered that her paternal ancestors once lived in New Orleans.[12][13][14] She took to singing naturally, performing Harry Belafonte's "Banana Boat Song" by age 2.
When she was eight years old, her parents began sending Tina on auditions which, among other things, netted her an acting role on The Beverly Hillbillies, in season 3 episode “Dr. Jed Clampett,” credited as Tina Marie Brockert.[citation needed] She later taught herself the guitar, bass, and congas. She formed a semi-professional R&B band with her younger brother Anthony and their cousin.
In the early 1970s, after the family moved to Venice, California, Brockert spent her adolescent years in the historically black Venice enclave of Oakwood, nicknamed "Venice Harlem". There, she acquired a strong spiritual influence from neighborhood matriarch Berthalynn Jackson, a black woman who became her godmother.[13][14][15]
While attending Venice High School, Brockert joined the Summer Dance Production and was the female lead in the school's production of The Music Man.[16] She also fronted a local Venice rock band "Truvair" in 1974–1975. The band's members were her high school classmates. Following graduation, Brockert juggled auditioning for record companies while studying English literature at Santa Monica College.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Jeezy" hosted by DJButterrock
Jay Wayne Jenkins (born September 28, 1977), known by his stage name Jeezy (or Young Jeezy), is an American rapper. He is credited, alongside fellow Georgia-based rappers T.I. and Gucci Mane, with pioneering the hip hop subgenre trap music for mainstream audiences.[2][3] Jenkins began his career in 2001, releasing two independent albums until signing with Def Jam Recordings to release his major label debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005). The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, sold 172,000 copies in its first week, and received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA); its lead single, "Soul Survivor" (featuring Akon), peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song.[4][5]
His second and third albums, Thug Motivation 102: The Inspiration (2006) and The Recession (2008) were met with continued success as both peaked atop the Billboard 200; the latter earned a Grammy Award nomination for its lead single, "Put On" (featuring Kanye West). After three follow-up albums, his ninth, Trap or Die 3 (2016) peaked the chart once more. His other platinum-certified singles include "I Luv It", "Go Getta" (featuring R. Kelly), "My President" (featuring Nas), "Lose My Mind" (featuring Plies), and "Leave You Alone" (featuring Ne-Yo), among others. In addition, Jenkins has guest featured on numerous R&B singles, including "Say I" by Christina Milian, "I'm So Paid" by Akon, "Hard" by Rihanna, and "Love in This Club" by Usher; the latter peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008.
Along with his solo career, Jenkins is the de facto leader of the Southern hip hop group United Streets Dopeboyz of America (U.S.D.A.), and a former member of the Bad Boy Records group Boyz n da Hood. His record label, CTE World was founded in 2001 and has signed artists including YG and Freddie Gibbs.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Run DMC" hosted by DJButterrock Run-D.M.C. is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Run-D.M.C., released on March 27, 1984, by Profile Records, and re-issued by Arista Records. The album was primarily produced by Russell Simmons and Larry Smith.
The album was considered groundbreaking for its time, presenting a tougher, more hardcore form of rap. The album's sparse beats and aggressive rhymes were in sharp contrast with the light, party-oriented sound that was popular in contemporary hip hop. With the album, Run-D.M.C. came to be regarded by music critics as pioneering the movement of new school hip hop of the mid-1980s.[1] Five singles were released in support of it: "It's Like That", "Hard Times", "Rock Box", "30 Days" and "Hollis Crew". The first single from the album, "It's Like That", released on August 10, 1983, expanded lyrical boundaries in rap with its tone of social protest (unemployment, inflation). "It's Like That" is considered by many to be the first hardcore hip hop song,[2][3] and the first new-school hip hop recording.[4] "Sucker M.C.'s" is one of the first diss tracks,[5] and "Rock Box" is the first song in the rap rock genre.[3]
Run-D.M.C. peaked at number 53 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 14 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. The album became the first rap album to achieve a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) (December 17, 1984).[6][7][8] It was released to critical acclaim, and continues to be highly regarded as a seminal hip hop album. In 1989, it was ranked number 51 on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s".[9] In 2003, the album was ranked number 240 on the same magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time", with the ranking changing to numbers 242 and 378 in the 2012 and 2020 updates of the list, respectively.[10] The album was reissued by Arista Records in 1999 and 2003. An expanded and remastered edition was released in 2005 and contained 4 previously unreleased songs.[11]
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Ice Spice" hosted by DJButterrock
Isis Naija Gaston (born January 1, 2000), known professionally as Ice Spice, is an American rapper and songwriter. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, she began her musical career during college in 2020, after meeting record producer RiotUSA. Her rapping style has been noted by music journalists, who have described her as a "breakout star".[3]
Ice Spice gained major recognition in late 2022 with her song "Munch (Feelin' U)", which went viral on TikTok. After signing with 10K Projects in a joint venture with Capitol Records, she released the singles "Bikini Bottom" and "In Ha Mood" to promote her debut extended play (EP), Like..? (2023). The EP spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top ten single "Princess Diana" (with Nicki Minaj), and peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200. She saw continued success with her collaborative singles released that same year: "Boy's a Liar Pt. 2" (with PinkPantheress), "Karma" (with Taylor Swift), and "Barbie World" (with Nicki Minaj and Aqua), all of which peaked within the top-ten of the Billboard Hot 100. This made Ice Spice the only rapper to release four songs that achieved top-ten status in 2023. Her 2024 single, "Think U the Shit (Fart)" preceded the release of her debut studio album, Y2K! (2024).
She is the recipient of several accolades, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist, the People's Choice Award for New Artist of the Year, and the Impact Award from the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards. She has received four Grammy Award nominations, including Best New Artist. Outside of music, she had roles in the films Highest 2 Lowest and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (both 2025).
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Chris Brown" hosted by DJButterrock Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, and actor. A hip-hop and pop-influenced R&B musician who works in a variety of genres,[2][3][4][5][6][7] he has been called the "King of R&B" by some contemporaries.[8][9][10] His lyrics often address emotional and hedonistic themes.[11][12][13][14] His singing and dancing skills have often been compared favorably to those of Michael Jackson.[15]
In 2004, Brown signed with Jive Records. The following year, he released his first album, Chris Brown, which reached double Platinum certification by the end of 2006.[16][17] Brown topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart with his debut single, "Run It!", making him the first male artist since 1995 to do so. His second album, Exclusive (2007), was commercially successful worldwide and spawned his second Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, "Kiss Kiss".[18]
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of P Diddy hosted by DJButterrock"
"Diddy" redirects here. For other uses, see Diddy (disambiguation). Sean Combs
Combs at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival Born Sean John Combs November 4, 1969 (age 56) New York City, U.S. Other names PuffyPuffPuff DaddyP. DiddyDiddyPDLoveBrother Love Occupations Rappersongwriterrecord producerentrepreneurrecord executivetelevision produceractordancer Years active 1989–2024[1] Works Discographyfilmographyproduction Criminal charges Transportation to engage in prostitution (2 counts) Criminal penalty 50 months incarceration (with time served) and $500,000 fine Criminal status Incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix Partners Kimberly Porter (1994–2007)[2] Jennifer Lopez (1999–2001) Cassie Ventura (2007–2018) Yung Miami (2021–2024)[3] Children 7, including Quincy, Justin, and King Combs Awards Full list Musical career Genres East Coast hip-hopR&B Labels AristaAtlanticBad BoyBMGEpicInterscopeLoveMotownUniversalUptown Member of The Hitmen Formerly of Diddy – Dirty Money Signature
Sean John Combs[4] (born November 4, 1969), also known professionally as Diddy (formerly Puff Daddy and P. Diddy), is an American former rapper, record producer, record executive, and actor. Born in Harlem, Combs worked as a talent director at Uptown Records before founding his own record label, Bad Boy Records, in 1993. He is credited with the discovery and development of musical artists such as the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and Usher, among others.
Combs's debut studio album, No Way Out (1997), peaked atop the Billboard 200 and sold over 7 million copies in the US. Two of its singles, "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" (featuring Mase) and "I'll Be Missing You" (with Faith Evans featuring 112), topped the Billboard Hot 100—the latter was the first hip-hop song to debut atop the chart. With his guest appearance on "Mo Money Mo Problems", Combs became the first solo artist to replace himself atop the chart. His second and third albums, Forever (1999) and The Saga Continues... (2001), both peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. The collaborative singles "Bump, Bump, Bump" (2002) and "Shake Ya Tailfeather" (2003) made him the first rapper with five US number-one singles. Following the release of his US chart-topping fourth album Press Play (2006), Combs formed the musical trio Diddy – Dirty Money with R&B singers Kalenna Harper and Dawn Richard to release the collaborative album Last Train to Paris (2010) — supported by the single "Coming Home" (featuring Skylar Grey). His fifth album, The Love Album: Off the Grid (2023), was his first to be self-released.
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Tears For Fears" hosted by DJButterrock Tears for Fears are an English pop rock band formed in Bath in 1981 by Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal. Founded after the dissolution of their first band, the mod-influenced Graduate, Tears for Fears were associated with the synth-pop bands of the 1980s, and attained international chart success as part of the Second British Invasion.[8]
The band's debut album, The Hurting (1983), reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, and their first three hit singles – "Mad World", "Change", and "Pale Shelter" – all reached the top five in the UK Singles Chart. Their second album, Songs from the Big Chair (1985), reached number one on the US Billboard 200, achieving multi-platinum status in both the US and the UK.[9][10] The album contained two US Billboard Hot 100 number one hits: "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"; both songs reached the top five in the UK, and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" won the Brit Award for Best British Single in 1986.[11] Their third album, The Seeds of Love (1989), entered the UK chart at number one and yielded the transatlantic top five hit "Sowing the Seeds of Love".
After touring The Seeds of Love in 1990, Orzabal and Smith had an acrimonious split. Orzabal retained the Tears for Fears name as a solo project, releasing the albums Elemental (1993) – which produced the international hit "Break It Down Again" – and Raoul and the Kings of Spain (1995). Orzabal and Smith reconciled in 2000 and released an album of new material, Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, in 2004. The duo have toured on a semi-regular basis since then. After being in development for almost a decade, the band's seventh album, The Tipping Point, was released in 2022,[12] giving the band their sixth UK top five album and their highest chart peak in thirty years and reaching the Top 10 in numerous other countries, including the US.
In 2021, Orzabal and Smith were honoured with the Ivor Novello Award for 'Outstanding Song Collection' recognising their "era-defining Tears for Fears albums" and "critically acclaimed, innovative hit singles".[13]
Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Lil Wayne" hosted by DJButterrock
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. (born September 27, 1982),[2] known professionally as Lil Wayne, is an American rapper, singer and record producer. He is often regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation, as well as one of the greatest rappers of all time.[3] Born and raised in New Orleans, he was discovered by hometown rapper Birdman in 1993 and signed with his record label, Cash Money Records, at age eleven.[4][5] He emerged as the label's flagship artist until his departure in 2018.[6]
Carter was first placed in a duo with Cash Money labelmate B.G. in 1994—known collectively as the B.G.'z—and they released the album True Story that year, although Carter (at the time known as Baby D) appeared on only three of its tracks.[7] Carter and B.G. then formed the Southern hip-hop group Hot Boys with labelmates Juvenile and Turk in 1997, and released their debut album, Get It How U Live! that year. The Hot Boys gained mainstream success after the release of their second album Guerrilla Warfare (1999) and their appearance on B.G.'s single, "Bling Bling."[8] The group briefly disbanded after the album due to each member (besides Carter) parting ways with the label, although one further album—Let 'Em Burn (2003)—was released.[9]
Carter's debut studio album, Tha Block Is Hot (1999), was his breakthrough as a solo artist, quickly achieving commercial success. It was followed by Lights Out (2000) and 500 Degreez (2003). Carter is credited with revolutionizing the mixtape scene with his innovative approach in the 2000s.[10][11][12] His fourth and fifth albums, Tha Carter (2004) and Tha Carter II (2005), both debuted within the top five of the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim. His sixth album, Tha Carter III (2008), yielded the pinnacle of Wayne's career, with first-week sales of over one million units domestically. It won the Best Rap Album at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards and was supported by his first Billboard Hot 100-number one single "Lollipop" (featuring Static Major), and the top-ten singles "A Milli" and "Got Money" (featuring T-Pain).
Carter's seventh studio album, Rebirth (2010), experimented with rap rock and was released to generally negative critical reception. A month after its release, he began serving an 8-month jail sentence for criminal possession of a weapon stemming from an incident in 2007. His eighth album, I Am Not a Human Being (2010), was released during his incarceration, while his ninth album, Tha Carter IV (2011), followed months after his release from prison. Despite mixed reviews, Tha Carter IV sold 964,000 units in its first-week in the U.S.[13] His twelfth studio album, Tha Carter V (2018)—preceded by I Am Not a Human Being II (2013) and Free Weezy Album (2015)—was released following long-term delays and label disputes, and was met with 480,000 in first-week sales. His thirteenth album, Funeral (2020), became his fifth non-consecutive number one album. He released his fourteenth album, Tha Carter VI, in June 2025.[14]