Rhona Bennett Exits En Vogue After Being Left Out of Hall of Fame Performance
Rhona Bennett has officially announced her departure from En Vogue, just five days after the group performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony without her. Bennett, 49, said she learned of the Nov. 8 performance at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater only after fans contacted her about her absence. The group appeared onstage with Salt-N-Pepa for “Whatta Man,” yet Bennett—who had a separate event scheduled that day—said she was never informed the performance was taking place.
Bennett described the experience as a moment of clarity and said it contributed to her decision to step into what she called a “new season of creativity, freedom, and contribution.” Her departure follows a year of shifting dynamics within the group, including the February return of founding member Maxine Jones, who reunited with Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, and Bennett for a four-member configuration earlier in 2025. Jones’ appearance at the Hall of Fame ceremony in Bennett’s absence drew additional attention, particularly given the group’s long history of lineup changes.
During her 22 years with En Vogue, Bennett contributed to the albums Soul Flower (2004) and Electric Café (2018), and performed with the group at major events including the 2020 Billboard Music Awards and the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She also maintained a thriving career outside the group, founding Personal Power University and releasing her second solo album, Instant Classic, in 2024. With Bennett’s exit, En Vogue continues as a trio of founding members Ellis and Herron alongside the recently returned Jones—reviving speculation about the possibility of a full reunion with original member Dawn Robinson.
Produced by actress/singer Cynthia Erivo and her longtime collaborator/composer Scott Alan, rising, independent R&B singer/songwriter Tamera Tyli returns with her new single, “Anything Worth Holding Onto.” The melodic yet emotionally charged track explores resilience in the face of life’s trials and tribulations, highlighting both vulnerability and strength. Blending soul, sensuality, and unwavering determination, Tamera’s powerful vocals anchor the song with striking conviction. With a release this compelling track, we’re eager to hear what she has in store for 2026.
Arizona-based pop/soul singer SheIsHerName joins forces with Kansas City rapper C,W, Da Youngblood for the remix of “Oh My God,” an airy, infectious single that pairs smooth melodies with brash, unapologetic lyrics about love, lust, and relationship goals. The track follows SheIsHerName's eclectic remix project, More Than A Vibe: The Remixes, released last year, and continues to showcase her versatility and growing artistic confidence. Indeed, if she keeps delivering bangers like this, 2026 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for the rising star
Jamaican reggae sensation Mavado returns to his “Gully Side” roots with “Bad & BBC Rich,” his first release of 2026 and a standout on the WYFL riddim produced by DJ Mac and CrashDummy. The hard-hitting track finds the dancehall star revisiting the wealth-and-status persona that defined his catalog. Directed by TopShootah, the official video marks Mavado's first shoot in over a decade in Cassava Piece, St. Andrew. The release follows his October 2025 return to Jamaica after years away.
Milwaukee rapper DC The Don brings high energy and melodic aggression to The Rumors Are True . The album blends rap, alternative textures and emotional confession, with vocals shifting between sharp flows and sing-song hooks effortlessly. Its charged, youthful production fuels relentless pacing, keeping the project bold and expressive. Now signed to Republic Records, he launches a refined era with “Lie2Me,” produced by LouieOTK and sampling Real Life by ear. From SoundCloud beginnings to genre-blurring ambition, he remains a chameleon in control.
Bruno Mars returns with his first album in a decade, The Romantic , available now, and celebrates with the new video for “Risk It All.” Directed by Mars and Daniel Ramos, the visual shows him fronting a mariachi band, getting married, and basking in domestic bliss. Backed by promises like “For just a chance to win your heart,” the clip captures romance and devotion, as Mars vows to do anything love asks. It follows his hit single “I Just Might” and continues his captivating return.
Oliver “Power” Grant, a pivotal force behind the rise of the Wu-Tang Clan and architect of its business empire, has died of unknown causes at 52. News of his passing was first reported by Okayplayer. The group paid tribute on Instagram, writing, “Rest in Power, Power,” while member Method Man added, “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! … Bruh I am not ok.” Grant grew up in Staten Island’s Park Hill projects alongside the future members of the Wu-Tang Clan. In 1992, he helped finance their debut single, “Protect Ya Neck,” and the following year served as executive producer on their landmark album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) . Describing himself as “more the financial guy,” Grant said much of their early success came through trial and error and relentless determination. Beyond music, Grant founded the Wu Wear clothing line, transforming the group’s logo into a global brand. Under his leadership, Wu Wear secured a deal with Macy's, opened four retail stores nationwide, and reportedly grossed $25 million annually at its peak. Grant was later portrayed by Marcus Callender in the Wu-Tang: An American Saga , cementing his legacy as a driving force behind one of hip-hop’s most influential dynasties.
The Estate of Michael Jackson says it is “deeply disappointed” by what it calls the unauthorized use of elements from the late pop icon’s 1982 hit “Beat It” in a newly released remix by rapper Sexyy Red. In a statement to Billboard, representatives said Jackson’s music “is protected by copyright and by a legacy that is carefully managed to honor his artistic vision,” adding that the sampling and alteration “undermines that legacy and violates the rights of the Estate.” The estate emphasized it has “zero tolerance” for unlicensed uses of Jackson’s recordings and is reviewing “all available legal remedies.” Representatives said they will “take appropriate action to protect Michael’s intellectual property and preserve the integrity of his work,” though it remains unclear whether a formal lawsuit or takedown notices have been filed. Clips of the remix, reportedly titled “Just Eat It,” began circulating online after Lil Yachty shared studio footage of Sexyy Red recording the track. The reworked version, featuring explicit lyrics, sparked backlash across social media, with some fans invoking Jackson’s own catalog (including “They Don’t Really Care About Us”) to criticize the remix. The estate reiterated that every decision it makes is guided by preserving Jackson’s artistry for future generations.
Dutch singer Natalie La Rose returns with her empowering new single “Not Nice,” featuring Benjamin Fayah and SHAYE. Dedicated to her motherland Suriname in celebration of 50 years of independence, the track reflects her journey of self-discovery and cultural pride. Heavily promoted across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, “Not Nice” marks a bold new chapter following her 2015 breakout hit “Somebody,” uniting listeners through heritage and strength.
Rising Nigerian singer Ayo Maff delivers inspiration on his new single “God Is Working,” a heartfelt anthem about faith, patience, and perseverance. Blending relatable storytelling with warm, uplifting production, the track reflects on the challenges he has faced while expressing gratitude for his growth. With confident vocals and hopeful lyrics, Ayo Maff reminds listeners that even in difficult seasons, progress is happening behind the scenes and, in time, everything will settle.
After a five-year wait following his last full-length project The Melodic Blue, West-coast rapper/producer Baby Keem returns with CA$INO, an 11-track statement defined by focus and emotional honesty. Shedding excess, he favors precision over sprawl, crafting tightly wound songs that each inhabit their own sonic universe, from glitchy 8-bit textures to smooth West Coast funk. The album dives deep into personal trauma, grief, poverty, racism, and fractured family ties, most strikingly on “I Am Not a Lyricist.” Yet it balances heaviness with charisma on “Circus Circus Free$tyle” and “$ex Appeal.” Standout cut “Good Flirts” pairs Keem with Kendrick Lamar and Momo Boyd of Infinity Song, blending razor-sharp bars with luminous harmonies for a dynamic, memorable collaboration.