John Forté, the Grammy-nominated rapper, producer and composer closely associated with the Fugees, was found dead Monday at his home in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard. He was 50. Authorities said there was no readily apparent cause of death and no evidence of foul play. A neighbor found Forté unresponsive in his kitchen shortly before 2:30 p.m., according to local reports. The Massachusetts medical examiner’s office is investigating the death. Born Jan. 30, 1975, in Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood, Forté rose from a challenging upbringing to become a key contributor to the Fugees’ landmark 1996 album The Score, which sold more than 22 million copies worldwide and earned Grammy recognition. A classically trained violin prodigy, he attended Phillips Exeter Academy on scholarship and later studied music business at New York University. Forté worked as an A&R executive before joining Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel within the Refugee Camp collective at the height of the group’s success. In 1998, Forte would release his critically acclaimed debut album Poly Sci on Ruffhouse Records. Following news of his death, tributes poured in from across the music world. Lauryn Hill paid an emotional tribute on Instagram, calling the loss “surreal” and writing, “My heart aches. Rest in peace, gentle King,” in honor of her longtime friend and collaborator. Wyclef Jean also mourned Forté on social media, sharing a performance clip and calling him his “brother.” Forté, who served seven years of a 14-year sentence for a 2000 drug conviction before receiving clemency from President George W. Bush in 2008, later returned to music and criminal justice reform work, leaving behind a complicated but enduring legacy. 

Several trademark applications filed by Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, have reportedly been abandoned by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, including multiple filings for the name “Yews.” According to RadarOnline, Ye submitted roughly 20 applications seeking to trademark “Yews” across a wide range of categories, such as clothing, jewelry, food, beverages, household goods, and more. The filings followed his short-lived 2024 launch of Yews News, an alt-right website that shut down after only a few months. The applications were reportedly abandoned because Ye’s trademark firm, Ox Paha, failed to provide timely proof of how the trademarks would be used in commerce. RadarOnline notes that none of Ox Paha’s trademark applications have been approved by the USPTO over the past five years. In addition to “Yews,” other Ye-related trademarks that were abandoned include Ye, Yeezus, Yeezy Sound, Donda, and additional brand names tied to his business ventures. The trademark news arrives amid a period of transition for the Chicago rapper. Just months ago, Ye met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, expressing remorse for his past antisemitic remarks and signaling a desire for reconciliation. At the same time, Ye is preparing for the release of his upcoming album Bully, scheduled to drop January 30, 2026. The project has already generated major anticipation, with roughly 500,000 Spotify pre-saves, making it one of the platform’s most pre-saved albums currently.

From her forthcoming album November Scorpio, due out in mid-February, British singer Tiana Major9 unveils the visuals for “energy!”. The video, set against a lush soundscape featuring Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Keyon Harrold, captures Tiana in a sultry dance performance that acts as a coded expression of the “special thing” she expects from prospective partners. Written and produced by noted producer J.L.L., 'energy!" is the follow-up to Tiana's last single 'shook ones', which received lots of critical acclaim as she continues her musical journey.

Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos (2026) reunites French Montana and Max B, reviving their influential Coke Wave series following Max B’s release from incarceration in late 2025. The album taps into the legacy of the late-2000s “wavy” movement while updating it with modern polish. Max B delivers grizzled, gratitude-filled vocals, while French Montana remains smooth and melodic. Cinematic production, shared slang, and confident storytelling define highlights like “Make America Wavy Again,” “Whippin That Wave,” and the title track “Narcos.” With standout cuts, nostalgic touches, and strong collaborations, the project confirms Max and French's chemistry is still intact.

As they close in on the February release of their upcoming album Waves, Grammy-nominated trio Moonchild (Amber Navran, Andris Mattson, and Max Bryk) return with the uplifting new single “Up From Here,” featuring Grammy-winning pianist Robert Glasper and Grammy-nominated rapper D Smoke. The reassuring track blends jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, anchored by a mantra-like refrain reflecting on grief, surrender, and resilience. A companion visual brings the song’s optimism to life with vibrant, communal energy.

Los Angeles-based Christian artist Stephen Royal returns with the deeply moving single “Pray,” a faith-centered song about openness, quiet strength, and spiritual reflection. Built on a delicate piano lead that gradually swells, the track creates an intimate, worshipful atmosphere that encourages stillness beneath daily noise. Blending emotional storytelling with mindful pacing, “Pray” speaks to believers at any stage, offering comfort, hope, and renewal during moments of struggle or rediscovery.

Abigail Chams launches the year in fearless form with the official music video for “Your Loss,” an eclectic, high-energy visual that showcases her confidence and versatility. The Tanzanian star is seen relaxing in a swimming pool, dancing in a packed club, and playing pool, all while embodying the song’s unapologetic spirit. Blending Dancehall grooves with Afrobeats flair, the track flips heartbreak into empowerment, underscoring Abigail’s growing global presence and her rise as one of Tanzania’s most exciting musical exports.

Phoenix, AZ singer-songwriter Alemeda delivers raw emotion in the official music video for “I’m Over It,” a stripped-down visual that follows her wandering through New York City as she processes the end of a close friendship. Set against the city’s restless energy, the video traces a journey from heartbreak to quiet acceptance, underscoring the vulnerability of letting go.

Brymo demands attention with Shaitan: Àródan, a spiritually charged and lyrically rich project that showcases his vocal depth and artistic range. The release fuses two bodies of work—Telekinesis, featuring seven English-language tracks, and Àródan, seven Yoruba songs rooted in culture and introspection. Spellbinding in tone and execution, the EP underscores Brymo’s versatility and impact, climbing to No. 8 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart.