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Lil Durk wins a court ruling separating racketeering charges from his murder trial. Stay updated on his legal journey.

R&B legend Patti LaBelle found herself at the center of online debate after performing the national anthem before the 2026 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park. The 82-year-old Grammy-winning singer, performing in her hometown, delivered a soulful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" ahead of the first pitch of the 96th Midsummer Classic, stretching out portions of the anthem and appearing to miss a few lyrics during the performance. The performance quickly sparked mixed reactions across social media. Some viewers criticized LaBelle for putting her own spin on the anthem, with several calling the rendition "disrespectful" and arguing that the patriotic song should be performed without vocal embellishments. Others expressed disappointment over the extended arrangement, while questioning whether a different performer should have been selected for the nationally televised event. Despite the backlash, many fans came to LaBelle's defense, pointing to her decades-long career and legendary status in R&B. Supporters praised her vocal ability at 82 years old and applauded her for taking on one of the most challenging songs to perform live. The anthem concluded with fireworks surrounding the ballpark, a military flyover, and a standing ovation from thousands of fans in attendance, underscoring the celebratory atmosphere despite the online criticism.

Teyana Taylor is celebrating a career-defining moment after joining Jay-Z on stage during the final night of his "Extra Innings" concert residency at Yankee Stadium. The singer, actress and director made a surprise appearance during Sunday's star-studded finale, performing the vocals on "Can't Knock the Hustle," the classic track from Jay-Z's 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Taylor sang the parts originally recorded by Mary J. Blige, calling the opportunity one of the biggest moments of her career.  Following the performance, Taylor shared an emotional Instagram post with her 18 million followers, expressing gratitude for the chance to perform alongside the rap icon. She acknowledged that technical issues affected the stage audio during the set, but said the experience itself overshadowed any setbacks. "The gratitude was louder than any mic could ever be," she wrote. "I got to see this lil Harlem girl stand beside the GOAT... in Yankee Stadium... in front of over 40,000 people who showed so much love." Taylor also reflected on how far she has come since the beginning of her career, saying her younger self could never have imagined sharing the stage with Jay-Z at one of the world's most famous venues. She credited her journey to faith, writing that "Father God has a funny way of reminding you just how far you've come." Taylor closed her message by thanking Jay-Z for inviting her to be part of what she called an "iconic" finale, adding that the unforgettable performance is a memory she will cherish forever.

Legendary songwriting and production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis continue to prove why they remain one of the most influential forces in music. After crafting timeless hits for Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Alexander O'Neal, Cherrelle, New Edition, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey and countless others, the pair are preparing for another run of their sold-out Las Vegas residency, Nothing But Hits. Despite decades of success, the Grammy-winning hitmakers say their passion for creating music remains as strong as ever.  In a recent interview with Vibe, Jimmy Jam revealed that one particular song stands above the rest in their catalog because of its emotional impact. "It's probably the song we're most happy to be involved with," he said, explaining that fans often tell them it helped them through difficult moments in life. The song also inspired Jam to reconnect with his father, legendary blues musician Cornbread Harris, ultimately leading to the pair collaborating on a book celebrating Harris' life and legacy. Looking back on repairing their relationship, Jam summed up his outlook simply: "Let's move forward." The duo also reflected on the remarkable chemistry that has kept their creative partnership thriving for more than five decades, noting they have never had an argument. "When you start arguing, somebody has to win, and somebody has to lose," Terry Lewis explained. "Why would I want my partner to lose?" Lewis added that music's true purpose is to evoke every emotion, saying, "If you laugh a little, dance a little, and cry a little, you've had a great day." With 16 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, 26 R&B chart-toppers, 100 Gold and Platinum records, five Grammy Awards, and inductions into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis continue to set the standard for creative longevity and innovation.