Quincy Jones, Legendary Producer Behind Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Dies at 91
Quincy Jones, the influential American musician and producer who collaborated with music giants like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles, passed away peacefully at his Bel Air home on Sunday night. He was 91.
Arnold Robinson, Jones' publicist, confirmed his passing, while Jones' family shared their grief and admiration in a heartfelt statement: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Best known for producing Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller album, Jones' career began in the 1950s as a jazz conductor and arranger. His talents bridged musical genres and generations, and he left an indelible mark on the industry through groundbreaking collaborations with legendary artists like Sinatra and Lesley Gore.
Jones' legacy will be remembered as one of the most influential in modern music history.
Lil Wayne Holds Back Tears as He Receives Huge Honors from Master P & New Orleans Mayor
Lil Wayne was visibly moved as he received significant honors from Master P and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell during his LilWeezyAna Festival on November 2. The rap icon was presented with the key to New Orleans, and Mayor Cantrell expressed gratitude for Wayne’s contributions to the city over the years, prompting an emotional response from the artist.
Fellow New Orleans native Master P joined the celebration on stage to announce the establishment of a New Orleans Walk of Fame, where Lil Wayne will be one of the inaugural honorees. Master P presented Wayne with a custom fleur-de-lis plaque, set to be unveiled on Canal Street in February. Additionally, February 6 and 7 will now be officially recognized as Lil Wayne Day in the city.
The LilWeezyAna Festival was also marked by a memorable reunion of the Hot Boys, as Wayne, Juvenile, B.G., and Turk performed together for the first time since 2000. They thrilled fans with classic hits such as “Get Your Roll On,” “I Need a Hot Girl,” and “Neighborhood Superstar,” alongside their solo tracks.
Tyler, the Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200
Tyler, the Creator has achieved another milestone in his career as his latest studio album, CHROMAKOPIA, debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart for the week dated November 9. The album earned an impressive 299,500 equivalent album units in the U.S. during the week ending October 31, marking his best performance to date in terms of album units sold. Notably, this debut is the sixth-largest of 2024, achieved despite the album’s release on an off-cycle Monday (October 28), giving it only four days of activity in its first tracking week. Most albums typically release on Fridays, allowing for a full seven days of sales and streams.
CHROMAKOPIA also set a record for Tyler, the Creator, as it garnered the highest streaming week ever for one of his albums and achieved his largest sales week, all within just four days. The album's robust performance was such that it would have reached No. 1 based solely on streaming or sales.
Drake Taunts DeMar DeRozan During Raptors Game in Toronto
TORONTO, ON - Drake received a pointed response from NBA star DeMar DeRozan after teasing him during a matchup between the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings. DeRozan, a former Raptors player now with the Kings, made his first return to Toronto since appearing in Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" music video and performing at the rapper’s recent Pop Out concert.
Throughout the game, Drake, watching courtside, locked eyes with DeRozan and made a series of playful, cutting comments about the Compton-born player. The Canadian rapper joked with TSN, saying, "If you ever put up a DeRozan banner, I’ll go up there and pull it down myself," adding, "Unfortunately, we’re playing this goof tonight, but it is what it is."
When DeRozan missed a crucial three-point attempt to tie the game, Drake was caught on camera, reportedly mouthing, "Get outta here, pussy," as he celebrated the Raptors' close 131-128 victory alongside OvO team member Chubbs.
Clips of Drake’s taunts quickly went viral on social media, with fans and sports personalities chiming in on the spirited exchange. Later, in response to Drake’s jab about a potential banner, DeRozan told reporters, "He’s gonna have a long way to climb, I’ll tell you that." DeRozan later added a playful note on Instagram, posting a clip from the movie Friday featuring Chris Tucker's character, hinting that Drake’s tough talk was all in fun.
The two share a connection through their affiliations with top rappers: DeRozan, deeply rooted in his hometown of Compton, explained in a recent Breakfast Club interview that his allegiance to Kendrick Lamar reflects his pride in his hometown. "My city, where I’m from, where I was born, where my family still lives—that comes first before anything," he said. "Toronto is like a second home, and Drake is one of the greatest to come from there."
DeRozan confirmed he hasn’t spoken to Drake since Kendrick's recent diss track that name-dropped DeRozan, fueling a friendly rivalry between the two stars and their respective cities.