A rare video of a young Beyoncé speaking with Michael Jackson has resurfaced online, drawing renewed attention to a moment involving producer F. Marc Schaffel. The footage, reportedly filmed around 2001 while Beyoncé was still a member of Destiny’s Child, shows her taking a phone call from Jackson while sitting on Schaffel’s lap. The scene has prompted viewers to question the professional boundaries surrounding the young singer. The footage reportedly came from an unaired reality project filmed by Schaffel and was recorded during work connected to Jackson’s charity single “What More Can I Give.” Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child were among the artists associated with the project, which brought together major performers following the September 11 attacks. During the resurfaced clip, Beyoncé appears excited to learn that Jackson admired her work before speaking with him about the charity recording and expressing her appreciation for being involved. Schaffel’s presence has added further context because he served as an executive producer on “What More Can I Give” and previously worked closely with Jackson. Their professional relationship later became the subject of a legal dispute over money Schaffel claimed he was owed, with a 2006 jury awarding him $900,000 while ordering him to pay Jackson $200,000. However, that history does not establish anything improper about the Beyoncé footage. Online discussion has instead centered on the sight of Beyoncé sitting on Schaffel’s lap, while no verified public statement from Beyoncé explaining the interaction has emerged.

Baltimore-born vocalist Gabby Samone, an American Idol finalist, delivers “Safe,” an R&B-leaning single rooted in trust, vulnerability, gospel, classic soul, and emotive vocals. Written and produced by Selasi, Jeremy J Dot Jones, and Menardini Bridge Timothee, the song serves as the emotional heart of Soft Girl Era, embracing softness as strength while exploring healing, renewed trust, and finding peace in feeling loved.

Rising Nigerian singer Guchi returns with her upbeat new single “Call Me,” delivering a smooth, dance-driven track centered on love, attraction, and staying connected. The song combines catchy lyrics with infectious rhythms, creating an energetic sound designed to keep listeners moving. Blending Afropop influences with a lively, feel-good atmosphere, “Call Me” is well suited for club nights, house parties, and summer playlists as Guchi once again showcases her ability to create accessible, vibrant music that connects with audiences.

Long Island-bred singer, songwriter, and producer Ron E has released Private Nights Vol. 1, a five-track EP that comes out less than a year after his debut studio album Let Me Explain dropped in October 2025. Centered on intimacy, exclusivity, and living privately, the project blends smooth R&B with summer-ready energy. Tracks including “Risk It All,” “Private,” “Hit Different,” “What’s The Vibez” featuring Capella Grey, and “DOA” explore romance, commitment, luxury, and unapologetic confidence. With production support from Hitmaka, the EP captures Ron E’s irresistible, private-night aesthetic.

London-based French-Senegalese artist anaiis returns with her first new music of 2026, unveiling the official video for “Sunshine.” The recent release captures the giddy thrill of an encounter that makes the impossible feel possible. Directed by Jessica Madavo, the visualizer centers on sweet, intimate moments of closeness, tenderness and community joy, complementing the song’s uplifting spirit. With its warm, heartfelt presentation, “Sunshine” offers a vibrant introduction to anaiis’ latest musical chapter.

Jorja Smith unveils the video for “I Lied, You Lied,” from her forthcoming album What Are The Odds, due August 21. The emotive track, co-produced by P2J and Marco Bernardis, explores heartbreak, dishonesty and emotional exhaustion. Jorja delivers a clear-eyed reflection on a relationship caught in a cycle of mixed messages and control, balancing vulnerability with defiance. As she chooses to walk away, her graceful performance further cements her reputation as one of the UK’s finest soul vocalists. Directed by EphoExecutive, the visual aptly takes on the mental stress that often comes with a relationship.

Rihanna is making a bold fashion statement on the cover of Elle Magazine’s September 2026 issue. The singer and entrepreneur poses wearing nothing but a branded Dior headband, leaning against a plywood box while framing her face with her hands. The dramatic feathered headpiece comes from Jonathan Anderson’s Cruise 2027 collection, created in collaboration with legendary milliner Philip Treacy. A Dior High Jewelry ring provides an additional touch of glamour. Photographed by Inez and Vinoodh and styled by Jahleel Weaver, Rihanna wears Dior exclusively throughout the accompanying fashion shoot. The Fenty Beauty founder embraces an understated beauty look, appearing nearly makeup-free with softly bleached eyebrows that blend into her complexion. Other looks include a pale blue satin gown with faux floral details, a black bustier dress featuring pearl buttons and a chunky marled-knit cape wrapped around her body.

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris briefly woke from an induced coma and asked to leave the hospital before doctors were forced to sedate him again. According to an update shared by Shelly White, wife of Earth, Wind & Fire bassist Verdine White, Paris opened his eyes, looked around and asked for his wife, musician Kathy Merrick. After seeing her, he turned to a close friend named Eddie and jokingly said, “Get me outta here,” bringing an emotional moment of hope to those at his bedside. The encouraging development was short-lived, however, as Paris’ blood pressure began rising and he experienced difficulty breathing. Doctors subsequently placed him back under sedation to help stabilize his condition while allowing him to continue receiving critical medical care. Paris remains sedated as his medical team monitors his condition and determines the safest course of treatment. Shelly also said there have been small positive signs, noting that Paris appears to show slight responses when music is played.  Paris was hospitalized following a medical emergency before Earth, Wind & Fire’s scheduled August 6 concert with Lionel Richie at San Francisco’s Chase Center. The San Francisco Fire Department confirmed that emergency crews responded to a cardiac incident and transported one person to a local hospital in critical condition. The concert was postponed shortly before it was scheduled to begin. Supporters say Paris’ recovery journey is “far from over” and continue asking fans to keep the drummer and his family in their thoughts and prayers.

The legal dispute between Ronald Isley and the estate of his late brother Rudolph Isley over ownership of the The Isley Brothers trademark has come to an end. Attorneys for both sides filed a stipulation of dismissal in federal court in Chicago on Wednesday, August 12, bringing the case to a close. The filing states that the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice, with each side responsible for its own legal costs and attorneys’ fees. The dismissal means Rudolph’s estate cannot bring the same claims against Ronald again. No settlement details, ownership division or payment between the parties were disclosed in the court filing. The dispute began after Ronald Isley applied in November 2021 to register exclusive rights to the The Isley Brothers trademark in his name. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved the registration on August 16, 2022, covering visual and audiovisual recordings featuring music and animation. Rudolph filed suit in March 2023, arguing that the trademark should have been jointly owned by the brothers and seeking what he described as his rightful 50% share of proceeds. The complaint alleged that Ronald’s registration claims were made without Rudolph’s knowledge or approval and disputed Ronald’s assertion of exclusive ownership. The court never issued a ruling determining who legally owned the trademark, and Ronald’s registration remains in his name.  Rudolph, Ronald and their brother O’Kelly Isley Jr. formed The Isley Brothers in Cincinnati around 1954 and operated the group as a partnership, according to the lawsuit. O’Kelly died in 1986, leaving his interests to his two surviving brothers, while Rudolph stopped performing and recording with the group in 1989 but continued to participate in managing and benefiting from its assets. The complaint cited publishing, royalty and licensing arrangements as evidence of their continued shared interests, including a 2018 publishing deal and revenue from recordings and sampled music. With the dismissal, the long-running trademark dispute between the two brothers’ sides has officially ended without a court ruling on the underlying ownership claims.