Mister Cee, a famed hip-hop DJ and key figure behind Notorious B.I.G.’s debut album, dies at 57

LOS ANGELES — Mister Cee, one of hip-hop’s pioneering DJs and a New York City radio personality who played an instrumental role in the Notorious B.I.G.‘s debut album, has died. He was 57. The famed disk jockey’s death was confirmed Wednesday by Skip Dillard, the brand manager at 94.7 The Block NYC, where Cee had … Read more

Inside Missy Elliott’s first headlining tour, with Busta Rhymes, Ciara and Timbaland

LOS ANGELES — At a 24,000-square-foot studio near downtown Los Angeles, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes and Ciara are preparing to film the video announcement for a tour no one saw coming. This summer, the trio — along with legendary producer Timbaland — will hit the road for Elliott’s first headlining arena tour, appropriately titled “Out … Read more

Celebrity birthdays for the week of April 7-13

Celebrity birthdays for the week of April 7-13: April 7: Country singer Bobby Bare is 89. Movie director Francis Ford Coppola is 86. Actor Roberta Shore (“The Virginian”) is 81. Singer Patricia Bennett of The Chiffons is 77. Singer-guitarist John Oates of Hall and Oates is 76. Drummer John Dittrich of Restless Heart is 73. … Read more

One month out, New Orleans Jazz Fest begins preparations for 2024 event

NEW ORLEANS — The Fair Grounds Race Course, which plays host to the 2024 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, begins its annual transformation in earnest Tuesday as organizers prepare to take over the field this spring for two weekends of music, food and fun. “Jazz Fest is back starting today!,” exclaimed festival producer Quint … Read more

Flo Milli’s new album proves the ‘Never Lose Me’ rising artist’s dreams of greatness are coming true

NEW YORK — Flo Milli always felt different from her peers growing up, believing she was destined for greatness. For her, the writing was always on the walls — and in the stalls. “In high school, I used to have a lot of girls that used to hate on me. And as a child, I … Read more

Celebrity birthdays for the week of March 31-April 6

Celebrity birthdays for the week of March 31-April 6: March 31: Actor William Daniels (“St. Elsewhere,” ″Boy Meets World”) is 97. Actor Richard Chamberlain is 90. Actor Shirley Jones is 90. Musician Herb Alpert is 89. Actor Christopher Walken is 81. Comedian Gabe Kaplan (“Welcome Back Kotter”) is 80. Guitarist Mick Ralphs of Bad Company … Read more

Feds search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ properties as part of sex trafficking probe, AP sources say

NEW YORK — Two properties belonging to rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami were searched Monday by federal Homeland Security Investigations agents and other law enforcement as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities in New York, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. It’s not clear whether … Read more

Karol G becomes first Latina named woman of the year at Billboard ceremony honoring global musicians

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Karol G made history at Wednesday night’s Billboard Women in Music awards ceremony. “This is the first time, ever, a Latina is named woman of the year,” Karol G began her acceptance speech after a fiery performance of her reggaetón hit, “Amargura.” And so, in honor of that incredible feat, she delivered … Read more

Music Review: Faye Webster’s indie ‘Underdressed at the Symphony’ journeys through a lifetime

Faye Webster, known for her thoughtful blend of indie rock, folk and country, has a new album titled “Underdressed at the Symphony.” The release journeys through a lifetime — looking back at childhood and ahead to adult relationships — without ever sounding rushed. The Atlanta-based singer-songwriter’s new record retains the warm, relaxed tone of her … Read more

What to stream this week: Adam Sandler is in space, ‘Elsbeth’ sleuths and Japan shines in ‘Shogun’

Adam Sandler playing an astronaut on a solo mission to the edge of the solar system in the sci-fi drama “Spaceman,” and Disney+’s animated coming-of-age story “Iwájú” set in the future in Lagos, Nigeria, are some of the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings … Read more