NEWS
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame officially announced its 2026 induction class on Monday night, featuring a diverse and influential group of artists including Phil Collins, Oasis, Billy Idol, Wu-Tang Clan, Luther Vandross, Sade, Joy Division/New Order, and Iron Maiden. The announcement was made by Ryan Seacrest and Lionel Richie during a special Rock Hall-themed episode of American Idol. Among the honorees, Collins, Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan earned induction on their first nominations, with Collins becoming a rare two-time inductee following his previous honor as a member of Genesis. In addition to performer inductees, several influential figures will be recognized in special categories. Queen Latifah, Gram Parsons, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, and MC Lyte will receive the Early Influence Award, while Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin are set to receive the Musical Excellence Award. Meanwhile, legendary television host Ed Sullivan will be posthumously honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award for his groundbreaking impact through The Ed Sullivan Show, which famously introduced acts like Elvis Presley and The Beatles to mass audiences. Despite the celebratory tone, notable omissions sparked conversation, particularly Mariah Carey, who was passed over again on her third nomination. Other artists not selected this year include Lauryn Hill, Pink, The Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, and INXS. The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater, with the event set to air on ABC and Disney+ in December.
King Harris, the 21-year-old son of T.I. and Tameka "Tiny" Cottle-Harris, was arrested early Sunday morning in Gwinnett County on multiple charges, according to reports. Authorities say Harris was pulled over around 1 a.m. for speeding, and officers subsequently discovered a firearm in the vehicle. He was taken into custody after allegedly refusing to exit the car. His booking included felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor obstruction of law enforcement, and traffic citations for speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt. Notably, his mugshot showed him wearing a bright yellow Pikachu onesie at the time of arrest. Police also reported finding a vape pen containing THC in the vehicle. The unusual circumstances surrounding the arrest quickly drew attention online, especially after Harris took to social media the following day. In a video set to his song “Made Man,” Harris appeared wearing the same onesie while riding street karts in Tokyo, mocking the situation and criticizing law enforcement in the caption. This latest incident adds to a pattern of legal troubles for Harris dating back to 2022. He was previously charged with speeding, driving on a suspended license, and driving under the influence of drugs. After failing to appear in court, a bench warrant was issued in 2024, leading to another arrest when he was pulled over and found in possession of marijuana and a firearm. Despite his high-profile family background, Harris’ repeated run-ins with the law continue to raise concerns about his trajectory.
Brandy Norwood has reached a new milestone in her decades-long career, earning her first No. 1 spot on The New York Times Best Sellers list with her memoir PHASES. The achievement follows a busy period for the star, who recently wrapped her 2025 arena run, The Boy Is Mine Tour, further cementing her legacy across music and entertainment. Brandy shared the news with fans on April 8 via Instagram, expressing gratitude and disbelief at the accomplishment. In her message, she reflected on the emotional journey of writing the book, describing it as both challenging and healing. Originally announced in early 2025, PHASES saw its release pushed to March 31, 2026, due to her touring commitments alongside Monica. In a 2026 interview with NPR, Brandy opened up about reclaiming her narrative through the memoir. She explained that telling her own story allowed her to confront past struggles, heal, and inspire others. Collaborating with co-writer Gerrick Kennedy, she crafted a deeply personal account aimed at helping readers find strength through their own challenges.
Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneering figure in hip-hop and electro music, has died at 68. According to reports, the influential DJ and producer passed away at a Pennsylvania hospital due to cancer complications. Born Lance Taylor in 1957, Bambaataa rose to prominence in New York City’s Bronx borough, where he helped shape early hip-hop culture through block parties and groundbreaking releases like “Planet Rock.” As the founder of the Universal Zulu Nation, Bambaataa played a central role in promoting hip-hop as a global movement rooted in unity and creativity. His work in the 1980s helped define the electro genre and left a lasting imprint on music history. However, his later years were marked by controversy, including multiple allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking dating back decades, all of which he denied. No criminal charges were filed. In response to his passing, the Hip-Hop Alliance, led by Kurtis Blow, acknowledged both his foundational contributions and the complexity of his legacy. The organization expressed condolences while emphasizing the importance of accountability and ongoing dialogue within the hip-hop community.
Gwendolyn “Blondy” Chisolm, a pioneering force in hip-hop and cofounder of the groundbreaking female trio The Sequence, has died at the age of 66. According to family members, the rapper, singer, and songwriter passed away following a brief illness on April 6 in Atlanta. Chisolm rose to prominence alongside Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and the late Angela Brown (known as Angie Stone), helping to carve out a space for women in a genre still in its infancy. In a statement, her sister Monica Scott described her as “a creative force who touched countless hearts,” adding that her music continues to bring joy to millions. As part of The Sequence, Chisolm helped make history as one of the first female hip-hop acts and the first signed to Sugar Hill Records. The group’s 1979 hit "Funk You Up" became a defining moment for early hip-hop, earning Gold certification and peaking at No. 15 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The track’s influence has endured for decades, sampled and re-imagined by artists such as Dr. Dre, En Vogue, Erykah Badu, and Katy Perry. Discovered after an impromptu audition for label founder Sylvia Robinson, the trio went on to release multiple albums and chart additional singles before disbanding in 1985. Beyond her work with The Sequence, Chisolm remained active in music and mentorship, collaborating with artists, producing shows, and speaking to students about the industry’s evolution. She also worked closely with Tyler Perry to help arrange memorial services for Stone following her death in 2025. At the time of her passing, Chisolm was completing her memoir and partnering with the National Museum of African American Music on an exhibit honoring The Sequence’s legacy. A private memorial service is planned, as loved ones and fans continue to celebrate a life that helped shape the sound and spirit of hip-hop’s early days.