Sly Stone, the legendary funk musician who was regarded as one of the most renowned artists of all time, has passed away, Variety reported. He was 82.  Sly’s passing was confirmed by his family, who released an offcial statement. “After a prolonged battle with COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family,” a statement from his family reads. “While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.” “Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music. His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable. In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024.” Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, in 1943. The family relocated to California.  Sly found his love while singing in the church choir from the age of 4, alongside his siblings. Soon, he would gain local fame as a member of bands in high school before goint to study music theory at Solano Community College. After leaving school, he worked as a DJ for San Francisco’s KSOL. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) By the late 60s, Sly and the Family Stone was formed with his brother Freddie Stone, sister Rose Stone, trumpeter Cynthia Robinson, drummer Greg Errico, saxophonist Jerry Martini, and bassist Larry Graham. The trailblazing group was the first multi-gender, interracial band to hit the mainstream. Combining funk, rock, and psychedelic soul, they released their debut album, A Whole New Thing, in 1967. “Dance to the Music,” their first single, was also released in 1967  their album of the same name the next year. In 1969, Stand became their biggest success, featuring classics such as  “Everyday People,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”/”Everybody Is a Star.”  The same year, the band gave a legendary performance at Woodstock. Although the band would have some more hit songs and albums, such as the highly influential Greatest Hits in 1970 and There’s a Riot Goin’ On in 1971, Sly’s drug use caused the group to fracture. He became notorious for missing concert dates. They officially broke up in 1975. For their immense accomplishments, in 1993, Sly and the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Over the years, Sly stayed out of the public eye, rarely performing due to battling addiction. In 2023, he released his memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), named after the band’s classic 1970 single. Earlier this year by Grammy and Oscar-winning director Questlove documented his life and career in  Sly Lives: aka the Burden of Black Genius. The doc features commentary from various Black artists about how they cope with challenges with success.  We at HOT97 extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sly Stone.

Timbaland has doubled down on his plan to launch an AI artist through his company Stage Zero to bring forth a new music genre known as artificial pop, or A-pop. Now he is facing backlash. Taking to Instagram on Friday (June 6), the iconic producer addressed the controversy swirling around the announcement of his first AI-generated artist, TaTa. “I know I’m trolling, but let’s have a real conversation,” Timbaland wrote in his post. “I love my independent artists. This doesn’t mean I’m not working with real artists anymore.”  “And nah, I don’t train ai off y’all music,” he explained. “This just means more creativity for creators.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Timbo the King (@timbaland) Tim also posted a video of music executive Ray Daniels saying AI artists will be the new wave in the record industry.  “Why the fuck wouldn’t you?” Daniels said in the video. “Mickey Mouse is an AI character. Donald Dunk is an AI character. Bugs Bunny is an AI character.” “You guys are looking at it wrong,” Daniels continued. “He’s gonna make a character that he can have sing songs and sell products. That’s all these cartoonists and young kid TV shows are doing anyway, so why are y’all mad at him?” In the comments section, many disagreed with Timbaland and Daniel’s views on AI-generated music. “You call it trolling, but the moves you are making are not jokes,” British DJ Shy FX wrote in the comments. “They are choices, and they come at the cost of real artists who are already fighting to be seen and heard.” “You showed your colours when you attempted to make a song using Biggie’s AI-generated voice,” he added. “You made it even clearer by partnering with Suno, whose founder has been very vocal about wanting to replace musicians, not support them. And now this? This isn’t disruption. It’s a cash-in.” Rob Markman, a noted hip-hop journalist, took issue with Daniels’ point about the creation of the beloved Disney character.  “Mickey Mouse was created by a human, drawn by a human, written by a human, voiced by a human… not the same,” Markman wrote. “None of those things the guy mentioned (Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny) are AI characters; those are characters created, written, and animated by PEOPLE. Do you not see the resounding rejection you’re facing for this?” Markman added.

Amerie made a triumphant return to the stage this Black Music Month, honoring the 20th anniversary of her beloved sophomore album Touch with a special Tiny Desk concert. The performance, which premiered June 6th, was a soulful celebration of her timeless sound and a reminder of the magic she brings to R&B. Backed by D.C.’s own Backyard Band, Amerie delivered a vibrant, live set that pulled from both All I Have and Touch. Her setlist included “Talkin’ to Me,” “Why Don’t We Fall in Love,” “Mine,” “I Just Died,” “Rolling Down My Face,” “Talkin’ About,” and of course, “1 Thing.” The mini-concert captured the essence of her signature style—blending go-go beats, jazzy horns, and silky vocals into something that still feels like summer. The performance was part of NPR’s month-long tribute to Black music, spotlighting albums that have reached milestone anniversaries. “This year feels like the perfect time to stop and revere some of the greatest albums in Black music,” said Tiny Desk host and producer Bobby Carter. “These artists might not be the first you hear in the pop culture conversation, but they are crown jewels in Black culture. These are our icons.” Carter credited last year’s Chaka Khan performance as the inspiration. “She reminded us that she’s been making music for 50 years,” he said. Amerie’s return comes after a seven-year hiatus. In March, she dropped her single “Mine,” produced by Grammy-winner Troy Taylor, and announced a 2025 album in the works. Fans can also catch her on the road with Keyshia Cole for The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour. With fresh music, a tour on the horizon, and a legacy worth celebrating, Amerie is showing the world her impact is far from over.

Vic Mensa recently opened up about the emotional weight artists carry in today’s streaming-driven music industry. On June 3rd, the Chicago rapper shared a vulnerable moment on social media, describing how the devaluation of music impacts mental health. “I just broke down in the shower. I was thinking about the weight of being an artist in a time when work is so devalued and appreciated,” he said, tears visible in his video. Vic discussed James Blake’s Vault platform, which allows artists to sell unreleased tracks directly to fans. He recalled reading a comment questioning why anyone would pay $10 for a single artist’s music when they could get access to “all artists ever” for the same price on streaming services. “At the time, I was like, you know, that’s so fried of a mentality,” he explained. But later, he realized how deeply that attitude hurts artists. “People feel like that s**t not worth $10. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s hilarious at the same time.” He was candid about the mental health challenges many artists face. “Artists are already people that are predisposed to suicide,” Vic said. The financial struggles only add another layer. “It’s not funny, but that’s real. To add into that a dimension of economic inequity so profound that not even the record labels know what to do about this. Like, they don’t even know how to get the money right now.” In his caption, Vic admitted he was nervous about sharing his feelings but felt it was necessary. “I was just feeling this way today, and I felt like, I’m feeling this way, and I’m blessed to have touched millions of people with my art. I have a wonderful life. If I’m feeling this way, then I know there are many smaller artists and larger dealing with the same things, man.” His message sheds light on the harsh realities behind the music industry’s glittering surface.

Questlove has offered an apology following a plethora of logistical issues and muddy conditions because of constant rain at the 18th annual Roots Picnic over the weekend. Taking to Instagram, Quest explained how the weather in his hometown of Philadelphia was the cause of an array of problems for the festival “Good People & The Attendees Of The Roots Picnic 2025. Aight— I know today wasn’t “ideal” for The Roots Picnic in this 18th year of 2025. This year has been particularly challenging to say the least,” his post began. “Transforming the Mann Center into our event takes about two weeks, but as many of you experienced, heavy rain from May 30th into the morning of the 31st caused significant damage (midnight to 7 am). We nearly canceled The Picnic because conditions were unsafe for everyone involved,” the post continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Questlove (@questlove) Quest then explained how he and the organizers sought to make the venue safe despite the inclement weather, which caused several delays and ticket holders to wait in lines for hours. “Ultimately, we chose to take extra time to repair the site to ensure safety for all ticket holders, which is why there was a 3-hour delay (Yes, I got numerous messages from attendees, family, everyone in the tristate). But we prioritized caution above all else,” Quest wrote. “After working hard to improve the site—factoring in the challenge of finding mulch to absorb excess water—we managed to revise the schedule so that all artists, including headliners Maxwell (whom we ALL owe an incredible amount of gratitude for doing us a solid with seconds on the clock) and Latto, could perform without violating city noise curfews.” Quest then expressed his appreciation to the staff who helped ensure the safety of concertgoers under difficult circumstances. “I’m personally thanking all the Live Nation Staff —led by Shawn Gee for moving at lightning speed in solving the many obstacles and puzzles it took to even make today happen.” This year’s Roots Picnic was headlined by Latto, GloRilla, Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, Miguel, Tems, KAYTRANADA, and Jeezy.

Mase recently revealed that he sent Cam’ron to approach Diddy over his publishing. During a recent episode of It Is What It Is, Mase asked what took place between Cam and Diddy when they were together on the boat. According to Cam, Diddy wanted to buy their podcast, and Mase was open to hearing the offer. But the “Feel So Good” rapper wanted to get to the bottom of his publisher, which had been an ongoing issue. “Word to everything I love you said, tell the n***a I want my publishing,” said Cam. “Puff wanted to make an offer for It Is What It Is and you told me to go see how much he was talking about […] Then when I tell the n***a I’m on the boat, he pull up on his boat, ‘Listen, what’s the business, what’s happening,’ this that and the third […] but you sent me to do something and I did it and that was that. Got your publishing back, though; I ain’t taking credit or nothing.” Several years ago, Mase claimed Diddy “offered him only $20,000 for his publishing rights” although he generated millions for Bad Boy Records. Mase has since demanded the release of his publishing and criticized Diddy for preaching about empowering Black artists while allegedly taking advantage of them. In September 2023, Diddy returned the publishing rights to Mase along with Faith Evans, 112, The Lox, and the estate of The Notorious B.I.G.  Taking to Instagram, Cam’ron expressed his excitement about the news at the time in a post on Instagram. “My n***a murder had to sit this one out,” Cam wrote. “He just got his publishing back from Puff. Just finished the paperwork for that yesterday,” he wrote in the caption. “Congrats @rsvpmasewhile he getting his music back in order, I’m dumping my hard drive pause. The lost files vol 1. Sept 8.”

After trying to keep pace with a hectic touring schedule, Tyler, the Creator recently admitted that he’s mentally drained due to constant live performing. During a conversation with Converse in London on Wednesday (May 28), Tyler shared a glimpse of reality as touring artists. “The unfamiliarity, a different bed every night, the food—I’m not from this side of the world, so as much time as I spend on thinking about where I’m going to eat, bro it’s draining,” Tyler said. He added that it’s “so much stuff outside the clothes that you bring and, hopefully, the people around you.” “It’s just brand new every day, and after a while it gets a bit stressful. My temperament is Los Angeles, so wide streets, low buildings, you see the sky all the time,” Tyler explained. “A lot of places out here in Europe … it feels claustrophobic. It’s people on the street all the time, it’s a lot. And it feels heavy; I can’t go anywhere without a bunch of security.” As he continued, Tyler said that the “stress” impacts his body, and it is difficult to find “solitude.” “What makes up for it is that these shows are incredible, and the people are excited,” he explained. Tyler also shared that it takes a bit of delusion to be a successful artist. “To make stuff, you gotta be delusional,” he said around the 26-minute mark. “And when you’re delusional, you need people around you that trust you. Because what the f–k they gon’ trust? You say some normal stuff like, ‘The sky is blue.’ Yeah, you don’t need people to trust you to say that. I’m delusional, but I knew what I wanted to do since I was five years old.” Currently, Tyler is headlining his Chromakopia World Tour that wraps up in September.

If male artists want to work with Latto, they must respect her relationship with her man. During a conversation on Speedy Morman’s 360 With Speedy, the  Atlanta rapper spoke highly about her man, whose identity is a mystery to her fans. “They gon’ test the water, but for the most part, everybody respect what I got going on,” she told Speedy. “They know don’t play with me. Don’t play with him. They respect that belt.” Latto also said that because she’s a Capricorn, her boyfriend is constantly on her mind. Even when she’s had to use the bathroom. View this post on Instagram A post shared by speedy (@speedymorman) “Eat, my man. Shit, my man. Bathe, my man. Sleep, my man,” she said. Elsewhere in the interview, Latto said it was  “a blessing to have somebody that you just want to just devour,” noting that she still gets “butterflies” after five years of being together. “I think it’s just meant to be for real. And then I think because we don’t got everybody in our business, like, y’all want to know so bad,” Latto explained. “You’re not.” The “Somebody” rapper said that by taking care of herself, she “attracted that energy” to make a connection with her secret lover. “I made myself a boss, then I got with a boss,” she added. Along with loving her relationships, Latto is preparing to hit the road on her Big Mama Takes Europe tour. Latto will be performing at festivals “DLT Malta in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta, Tinderbox in Odense, Denmark, Yardland Festival in Paris, France, and Les Ardentes in Liège, Belgium, as well as shows in London, Berlin, and Amsterdam.”

As the war on women’s reproductive rights continues, Planned Parenthood with the support of over 250 high-profile celebrities —with one being Grammy-Award winning rapper, Megan Thee Stallion— is fighting back. The Houston native was just one of the hundreds of celebrities, activists, and entertainers who signed their names to a statement that reads, “I’m for Planned Parenthood,” in a letter published as a full-page ad in The New York Times and shared on the nonprofit’s website. “Over 250 artists, activists, athletes, and business leaders support Planned Parenthood’s mission. All across the country, nearly 600 nonprofit health centers provide the care communities need and deserve,” the statement reads. Other high-profile signees included Lin-Manuel Miranda, Billy Porter, Danielle Brooks, Gabrielle Union, George Lopez, Jack Antonoff, Jimmy Kimmel, Kerry Washington, Roxane Gay, Shonda Rhimes, and Tatyana Ali. NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2024 Planned Parenthood Gala on April 16, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Marleen Moise/WireImage) Megan Thee Stallion Teams Up With Walmart For Swimwear Brand In other news, Megan Thee Stallion isn’t just an award-winning rapper she’s also a savvy businesswoman. A few weeks back, the rapper unveiled her latest business endeavor, Hot Girl Swim. In partnership with Walmart, Megan is bringing the hotties some pool-side attire complete with a bright and colorful assortment of bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, and more. “Everyone knows I love being near a pool or a beach, so I finally decided to turn my passion into a business and create my own swimwear brand,” the rapper said in a press release. The initial collection became available on May 19 and is being sold at nearly 500 Walmart stores across the U.S. The collection includes 18 unique, size-inclusive pieces ranging from $16 to $28. The swimwear line will also be available on Walmart.com and the rapper’s website. Hot Girl Swim is just one of the rapper’s latest business ventures. Back in February, Megan Thee Stallion launched a tequila brand, Chicas Divertidas. “As someone who values good vibes and great memories, I knew I wanted to create a tequila that was designed to be shared and savored with my Hotties,” Megan told PEOPLE. “Smooth, sultry, and premium. This process has been years in the making, and I’m so proud to take this next step in my journey as an entrepreneur and launch this brand.”

Detroit rapper Skilla Baby, born Trevon Gardner, was reportedly shot multiple times on Thursday evening, May 22, 2025, while traveling eastbound on 8 Mile Road near Telegraph Road in Detroit.  According to reports, he sustained a graze wound to the head and a gunshot injury to the leg. Following the shooting, the vehicle he was in crashed into a building. Photos circulating online show a bullet-riddled black car allegedly connected to the incident. Despite the severity of the attack, Skilla Baby is expected to survive his injuries. Authorities have not yet released information about any suspects or a possible motive, and the investigation is ongoing. Skilla Baby is known for his contributions to the Detroit rap scene, with notable projects like We Eat The Most (2022) and The Coldest (2024). He has a significant following on social media and streaming platforms, and in April 2024, he was named BET’s Amplified Artist. Fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to express their support and wishes for his speedy recovery. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOT 97 (@hot97) We are praying for a speedy recovery for Skilla Baby. Story still developing.