Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj

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Nicki Minaj Reveals 'Queen' Album Cover Artwork

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Two months ahead of the release of her fourth studio album, the GRAMMY-nominated rapper gives fans a look at the album's cover
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 8, 2018 - 7:20 am

Nicki Minaj shared the cover artwork for her upcoming fourth studio album, Queen, via social media on June 7, promising in the post's caption this is her, "greatest work to date."

The cover photo is a portrait of Minaj taken by fashion photographers Mert Alaş and Marcus Piggott, showing the GRAMMY-nominated rapper adorned in Egyptian jewels posing on a tree branch in front of a fiery red background. The album's title glistens in the upper left-hand corner in elegant, gold-carved letters.

Due out Aug. 10, Queen will be Minaj's first full-length album since 2014's The Pinkprink. Minaj released two new singles from Queen simultaneously back in April, dropping videos for both "Barbie Tingz" and "Chun-Li" together in May. "Chun-Li" peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 10.

Minaj's Twitter account is filled with various countdown clock images created by fans, further proof Queen is one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year. While Minaj has teased a worldwide tour in support of the new album, she has yet to announce dates. But she is slated to headline the 2018 Made In America festival in Philadelphia Sept. 1–2.

According to the tweet revealing the Queen cover artwork, pre-order of the album will begin next week.

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Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj

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Nicki Minaj Announces New Album 'Queen' At Met Gala

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After dropping a pair of videos for her two latest singles last week, the GRAMMY nominee takes to the Met Gala's red carpet to announce details on her third album
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
May 8, 2018 - 7:33 am

When Nicki Minaj released a pair of singles on April 11 — "Barbie Tingz" and "Chun-Li" — speculation of a new album began to gain steam. At last night's Met Gala, Minaj put the rumors to rest, announcing her new album Queen will be released June 15.

"It's a big night for me because I just let the world know that my album is coming June 15 and it's called Queen, and I can't wait," Minaj said. 

Just this past Friday, Minaj dropped videos for each of her duo of singles, providing fans a myriad of distinctive new looks at her style, from a futuristic diva in a neon-lit bodysuit in "Chun-Li" to a Barbie puppet and Victorian-era dancer in "Barbie Tingz." Minaj's attire at the Met Gala was no less eye-catching, as she arrived in a ravishing red dress with an impressive train.

Known for its tendency to attract bold fashion statements, this year's Met Gala centered on the theme of "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," and featured appearances by some of music's biggest names, such as Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Grimes, Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monáe, Jennifer Lopez, Migos, Madonna, Mary J. Blige, Cardi B, and more.

Queen will be Minaj's third studio album, following 2014's The Pinkprint and her 2010 debut album, Pink Friday, both of which were certified platinum by the RIAA and hit No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

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SZA

SZA

Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

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BET Awards 2018: SZA, Migos, Jamie Foxx, Janelle Monáe, J. Cole & More

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Find out who turned up, who turned heads and who took home the prizes at this year's BET Awards
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 25, 2018 - 8:46 am

Los Angeles' Microsoft Theatre played host to the 2018 BET Awards on June 24, and the action was non-stop. Over the course of the evening, some of the biggest names in pop, rap, R&B, soul, gospel, and more were honored in between a barrage of blockbuster performances.

GRAMMY winner Jamie Foxx served as host of the festivities and opened the show by joining Jay Rock for a revved-up performance of Rock's new single, "Win." Foxx then delivered his monologue and invited Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan to the stage to recite some of the most powerful lines from the film.

DJ Khaled, Rihanna and Bryson Tiller took home the night's first award for Best Collaboration for "Wild Thoughts" from Khaled's 2017 album Grateful. Khaled brought his son Asahd to the stage to help him accept the award, and gave him a shoutout in his speech.

SZA received the Best New Artist award, further solidifying her arrival as one of her generation's sharpest talents. The singer expressed gratitude and encouragement in her acceptance speech, saying, "Believe in yourself, 'cause I didn't even believe in myself, and things like this happen to me, so it this can happen to anybody. God bless everyone."

The show's lineup of performances was full of surprises. Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, delivered an impromptu snippet of "This Is America." Meek Mill premiered a new song called "Stay Woke" featuring Miguel, and Migos recreated their "Soultrain"-inspired music video for "Walk It Talk It," with Foxx helping out in the roll of TV show host.

YG, 2 Chainz and Big Sean joined Nicki Minaj for a run of three songs, including "Chun-Li," "Rich Sex" and the crew's newly released single, "Big Bank." H.E.R., real name Gabi Wilson, made a splash with performances of "Focus" and, calling upon Daniel Caesar for help, the sweet and soulful love song, "Best Part." Janelle Monaé performed "Jango Jane" from her latest album, Dirty Computers, and turned heads on the red carpet with her vibrant rainbow pride dress.

Rapper J. Cole chose to perform the lead-off cut from his latest album, KOD. His rendition of "Friends" featured cameos from Wale and Caesar as well as a dynamic performance from Cole, dramatic lighting and even a memorable dance sequence from a group of children. Snoop Dogg closed the show with a set of his classics mixed in with tunes from his new gospel project.

Additional notable awards went to Beyoncé for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Kendrick Lamar for Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Cardi B for Best Female Hip Hop Artist, and Lecrae and Tori Kelly for the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for their duet "I'll Find You." BET also honored two legends in their own right as GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Anita Baker and the company's influential president Debra Lee each received a lifetime achievement award.

With a captivating mix of bold social statements, reverent award presentations, lively and heartfelt performances, up-and-coming stars, and musical icons, the 2018 BET Awards honored the best-of-the-best from both today and the past while also providing illuminating insight into the future of music.

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Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande

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Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj's "The Light Is Coming" Arrives

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The new Pharrell-produced single from Grande's upcoming album 'Sweetener' is her latest in a string of collaborations with Minaj
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 20, 2018 - 7:37 am

Just one day after Ariana Grande revealed the full artwork for her upcoming album Sweetener, the pop superstar drops her new single, "The Light Is Coming," featuring Nicki Minaj.

Produced by none other than Pharrell Williams, the song's frantic beat, quirky effects and stair-step melody are right in line with the producer's signature style. Minaj bursts out of the gate, delivering her bars up front before Grande enters with the promising chorus, singing "the light is coming to give back everything the darkness stole."

The latest Grande/Minaj collaboration follows "Bed," which dropped on June 14 and showed a more sultry side of both artists. "Bed" is set to be included on Minaj's new album, Queen, out Aug. 10. Grande and Minaj have joined forces several times in the past, teaming up for  "Side To Side" on Grande's 2016 album Dangerous Woman, "Band Bang" with Jessie J from her 2014 album Sweet Talker, and "Get On Your Knees" from Minaj's 2014 LP The Pinkprint. 

"The Light Is Coming" also follows Grande's first single from Sweetener, "No Tears Left To Cry," which has fought its way into contention for song of the summer and has climbed its way to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Sweetener is due out Aug. 17 an available for pre-order now via Grande's website.

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Queen

Queen

Photo: Richard E. Aaron/Getty Images

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Queen, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond Among "GRAMMY Salute ..." TV Special Honorees

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Emmylou Harris, the Meters, John Williams, and more will also be honored at the third annual awards and tribute concert to air as part of the "Great Performances" series on PBS
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Jun 12, 2018 - 7:22 am

The Recording Academy has unveiled plans to honor its 2018 class of Special Merit Awards recipients with the upcoming "GRAMMY Salute To Music Legends" television special. The third annual awards ceremony and tribute concert will take place in Los Angeles at Dolby Theatre on July 14, and is set to be broadcast as part of the "Great Performances" series on PBS.

Shirley Caesar Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

The Academy's Special Merit Awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award, Trustees Award and Technical GRAMMY Award, all of which recognize music's most impactful creators and innovators. This year's Lifetime Achievement Award honorees are Hal Blaine, Neil Diamond, Emmylou Harris, Louis Jordan, the Meters, Queen, and Tina Turner. Trustees Award recipients include Bill Graham, Seymour Stein and John Williams.

The Technical GRAMMY Award is being presented to Tony Agnello and Richard Factor while the 2018 Music Educator Award recipient is Melissa Salguero.

"GRAMMY Salute To Music Legends" will feature rare performances by select honorees and never-seen renditions of their discographies performed by those they've inspired. GRAMMY-nominated industry icon Greg Phillinganes will serve as musical director, and scheduled appearances include GRAMMY winner Herb Alpert, who will honor Blaine, and GRAMMY nominee Micky Dolenz, who will be honoring Diamond. GRAMMY winner Sammy Hagar will pay tribute to Graham, while GRAMMY nominee Ledisi who will salute Jordan. GRAMMY winner Trisha Yearwood will pay tribute to Harris.

Presenters for the evening include actress Angela Bassett and GRAMMY winner Henry Rollins.

The special will be produced by the Recording Academy in partnership with Thirteen Productions and is set to air on PBS later this year. In addition to the tribute concert, guests will enjoy never-before-seen video packages celebrating each of the honorees' contributions to the music industry and our cultural heritage.

"We are thrilled to once again partner with Thirteen Productions and PBS to bring our 'GRAMMY Salute To Music Legends' awards show and tribute concert to life at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. "We look forward to celebrating the tremendous contributions of our Special Merit Awards recipients and honoring their outstanding accomplishments."

Additional performers and presenters will be announced shortly. Tickets for the event will be on sale via Ticketmaster beginning June 12.

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