Congratulations to rapper Megan Thee Stallion are in order. Her latest single, “Savage”, featuring Beyonce, currently sits at No. 1 on the Billboard Rhythmic Songs Chart for the week ending May 30. The single ascends from the runner-up spot thanks to a 7% jump in plays during the week ending May 25, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. “Savage” dethrones Drake’s “Tootsie Slide” after the latter’s three week run. Before “Savage”, Megan Thee Stallion lead the Rhythmic Songs Chart with “Hot Girl Summer”, a collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign last October.
Tione Jayden Merritt, known professionally as Lil Tjay, is an American rapper/singer/songwriter from the Bronx, New York. Merritt began his music career by posting tracks to Soundcloud in 2017. He is best known for the singles “F.N.” and “Brothers.” He also collaborated with Polo G on the single “Pop Out”, which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album, “True 2 Myself”, peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Baltimore-based R&B trio Pink Elephants have released a single and video titled “Blame On Me.” The unique premise of the song tells the other side of a breakup. The side of the one taking the blame, and the group sings about the negative mental impact that results from begin told that you are to blame for something, although it takes two to tango. Pink Elephant blends pop, R&B, alt rock, and hip hop into a sound all their own. The visual for the single shows the group in the studio, passionately emoting over microphones and a keyboard. The dim, neon lights shinning through smoke will put viewers in the mood to listen to the reflective lyrics and electric beat. Fans will enjoy “Blame On Me.” R&B veteran Mario returns to the airwaves with the single “Closer”, an energetic, sensuous ballad that is relatable for the current times as many have had to figure out love in a different way due to the COVID -19 pandemic. The song expresses his desire to get “Closer” to his significant other. The accompanying music video represents the dark yet beautiful path in which an individual can draw a deeper connection to the one they’re attracted to. Mario highlights his creative style, combining silhouettes, eye-popping colors, and fast moving visual effects to get his point across. The imagery represents all the things we yearn for: attraction, intensity, and sensuality for a provocative, moody and visually striking unexpected experience. Mario first rose to prominence with the singles “Just A Friend” and “Let Me Love You”, both of which earned him two Billboard Music Awards. The Grammy-nominated singer has released five studio albums, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Music fans haven’t heard new music from R&B songstress SZA since 2017, when she released her debut album, “CTRL.” On Monday, the TDE signee teased fans with the idea of a “music dump”, which would consist of unreleased music over the last six years. The singer is even letting fans pick the songs they want to hear. In addition to a potential forthcoming “song dump”, SZA has shared new music. In February, she collaborated with Justin Timberlake on “The Other Side”, which peaked at No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100. Last year, she collaborated with The Weeknd and Travis Scott on “Power Is Power” as well as DJ Khaled on “Just Us.”
Peter Jones, known professionally as MC Shy D, is an American rapper/producer from the Bronx, New York. He was signed to Luke Skyywalker Records where he released the albums “Got To Be Tough” and “Comin’ Correct in 88” in 1987 and 1988 respectively. His third effort, “Don’t Sweat Me”, was released via On Top Records and Benz Records in 1990. His fourth album, “The Comeback”, was released via Wrap Records in 1993. In 1996, Jones released his fifth studio album, “Recordnize”, via Benz Records. His most recent album, “Against The Odds”, was also released via Benz Records.
Shalamar is an American Grammy winning R&B vocal group that has been active since the late 1970s. Shalamar’s classic lineup consisted of Howard Hewett, Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel. The trio began as a vehicle created by Soul Train booking agent Dick Griffey and Soul Train creator and producer Don Cornelius. The name Shalamar was picked by Griffey. They are regarded as fashion icons and trend setters, and helped to introduce “body-popping” to the United Kingdom. The group’s first hit was “Uptown Festival”, which was released via Soul Train Records in 1977. Their sophomore effort, “Disco Gardens”, was released in 1978. The group broke through in 1979 with the album “Big Fun.” The album’s first single, “The Second Time Around”, became a million seller. The group charted with such hits as “Take That To The Bank”, “I Owe You One”, “A Night To Remember”, “I Can Make You Feel Good”, and “Make That Move” among others. They released the albums “Uptown Festival” (1977), “Disco Gardens” (1978), “Big Fun” (1979), “Three For Love” (1980), “Go For It” (1981), “Friends” (1982), “The Look” (1983), “Heartbreak” (1984), “Circumstantial Evidence” (1987) and “Wake Up” (1990). Shalamar’s current lineup consists of Howard Hewett, Carolyn Griffey and Jeffrey Daniel.
Megan Thee Stallion started summer 2020 by earning a No. 1 single with her “Savage: Remix”, a collaboration with Beyonce. So the question remains, who should she collaborate with next? With Houston coming out on top, the rapper could collaborate with fellow Houston natives Travis Scott and Lizzo. However, after working with Rihanna on Savage x Fenty’s seasonal campaign, which was tagged #SavagexTheeStallion, fans want the artists to officially team up for a track. But last winter, SZA hinted on Twitter that their collaboration was already cut and recorded. Maybe the track will be released now that she’s been shifting through old songs. We’ll have to wait and see what transpires.
