Latest news with #Akon
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Canadian singer Josh Ross apologizes, but stands ground, after calling U.S. ‘the best' country
TORONTO - Canadian country singer Josh Ross is apologizing after he drew jeers on social media for carrying a U.S. flag onstage at a music festival and calling the country the 'best' in the world. Ross posted a statement to TikTok on Monday afternoon saying he's 'sorry to anybody who's offended' by his comments, adding that he felt the video gaining attention was taken out of context. The Burlington, Ont., native faced scrutiny after footage posted on social media showed a brief clip of his set at the Tailgate N' Tallboys festival on June 13 in Bloomington, Ind., just weeks before he's set to perform Ottawa's Canada Day celebrations. In the video, Ross, who lives in Nashville, takes a moment to address his citizenship. 'Fun fact, real quick. I'm Canadian,' he says, gripping a flagpole in his hand. 'You want to know the best fun fact is I moved to the best ... country in the world and I love it very much.' Another video posted on Instagram showed the crowd chanting 'U.S.A! U.S.A!' and passing the flag to Ross. His comments drew criticism from some online commenters who said the pro-American stance ran against the 'Elbows Up' movement and the ongoing political conflict with U.S. president Donald Trump. 'I feel like I'm always representing Canada no matter where I go,' Ross said in his response, which was recorded from his vehicle in Nashville. 'Born and raised in Canada, but I've been living in Nashville for the last five plus years. Half my family lives in Canada, the other half is here in the U.S., and I'm as proud of establishing myself in the U.S. as I am being Canadian.' 'Both sides were not communicated in the clip that you guys are seeing and I'm sorry that that wasn't clear,' he added. The singer, who recently released 'Drunk Right Now (Na Na Na)' with Akon, is booked as one of the performers at Heritage Canada's Canada Day event in Ottawa. Organizers did not respond to requests for comment. Earlier this year at the Juno Awards, Ross seemed to take a political middle ground that was out of step with many of his fellow Canadians at the overtly patriotic show. While accepting the Juno win for country album of the year in March, he said he was proud of being Canadian, but suggested it was on his fellow citizens to find common ground with the U.S. 'I think it's time to get back to our Canadian roots and remember that friends are better than enemies,' he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 23, 2025. Note to readers:This is a corrected story. A previous version carried a headline with a typo in 'Josh.'
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Jeezy reflects on the legacy of his commercial debut
When Jeezy released his commercial debut two decades ago, he prepared a contingency plan in case his musical aspirations weren't achieved. 'You don't know if you're going to be around in 20 years,' said the drug dealer-turned-rap legend. 'The streets change fast. But it's also a safe haven, too, 'cause it was like, 'OK, well, if it doesn't work, maybe I can go back.'' But there would be no need: 'Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101' was met with monumental success. The album, deemed a classic by critics and fans, detailed the Atlanta rapper's navigation of the drug trade and street life. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with singles like 'Soul Survivor' featuring Akon — which reached No. 4 on the Hot 100 — and 'Go Crazy,' featuring a Jay-Z verse many consider one of his greatest. With distinctive ad-libs as memorable as his vivid storytelling, Jeezy displayed his gift of motivation, inspiring a vast cross-section of fans. 'The music and the words resonated so well because they came from a real place. I wasn't trying to entertain — I was trying to reach,' said the 'My President' rapper, who has built a business empire consisting of real estate and partnerships. In honour of the album's 20th anniversary, Jeezy is launching his 'TM:101 Live' tour on June 27 in Miami, encouraging fans to come sharply dressed for the upscale performances. The Color of Noize Orchestra will back him, along with guest DJ Drama from their acclaimed 'Trap or Die' mixtape. Jeezy spoke about the album's legacy, social media discourse surrounding him and ex-wife Jeannie Mai. It's hard to describe the magnitude of 'TM:101' when it dropped. What was that time like? I just had this feeling that — if I could just get it out — that it would be life-changing for me. So, there was a lot of things I was up against at that time and I must say personally, that was probably the most adversity I ever faced. ... I tore my vocal cords because I had polyps on my vocal cords and didn't know it. And then around the same time, I was hit with Bell's palsy. And around that time, the album got leaked. If you're doing something to change your life and you know that the only other avenues are prison or death, you're just like, 'This gotta work.' How have you managed your transition from street to corporate life? It's like a tree: It grows where it's soft at, not where it is hard. It's just like over time, leaves fall off, branches fall off but the tree continues to grow. Everybody don't have the same vision or goals. And if you allow them, they'll sink the ship — or they'll chop down the tree. You've been private about your relationships, so how have you dealt with the social media coverage about your divorce? I just live my life, man. You know, joy, peace, and freedom, brother. I don't know these people, so I can't even feel no type of way. That's on them — I got better things to do. I've got goals, dreams, aspirations, so I don't get caught up in it, 'cause I don't go for the good, either. ... I'm not reading the comments to see what somebody said about me good, because none of it matters. You're leading community service initiatives. What is that important to you? I do want to shout out LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) which is my partner on my nonprofit space. They're amazing. We're actually focusing in on prostate cancer, and then also helping the inner city youth with education, entrepreneurship. ... I'd like to shout out the Urban League of Atlanta, and we have the Young CEOs program. It's great to put out projects, it's great to do tours. But it's also great to help your people in the process. Associated Press
Al Arabiya
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Arabiya
Jeezy Reflects on the Legacy of His Commercial Debut, the Classic 'Thug Motivation 101'
When Jeezy released his commercial debut two decades ago, he prepared a contingency plan in case his musical aspirations weren't achieved. 'You don't know if you're going to be around in 20 years,' said the drug dealer–turned–rap legend. 'The streets change fast. But it's also a safe haven too, cause it was like, 'OK, well if it doesn't work, maybe I can go back.' But there would be no need: Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 was met with monumental success. The album, deemed a classic by critics and fans, detailed the Atlanta rapper's navigation of the drug trade and street life. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with singles like 'Soul Survivor' featuring Akon–which reached No. 4 on the Hot 100–and 'Go Crazy' featuring a Jay-Z verse many consider one of his greatest. With distinctive ad-libs as memorable as his vivid storytelling, Jeezy displayed his gift of motivation, inspiring a vast cross-section of fans. 'The music and the words resonated so well because they came from a real place. I wasn't trying to entertain–I was trying to reach,' said the 'My President' rapper, who has built a business empire consisting of real estate and partnerships. In honor of the album's 20th anniversary, Jeezy is launching his TM:101 Live tour on June 27 in Miami, encouraging fans to come sharply dressed for the upscale performances. The Color of Noize Orchestra will back him along with guest DJ Drama from their acclaimed Trap or Die mixtape. Jeezy spoke with the Associated Press about the album's legacy, social media discourse surrounding him and ex-wife Jeannie Mai, and his infamous snowman shirts that were banned at schools over accusations of promoting drug culture. This conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: It's hard to describe the magnitude of TM:101 when it dropped. What was that time like? JEEZY: I just had this feeling that–if I could just get it out–that it would be life-changing for me. So there was a lot of things I was up against at that time, and I must say personally that was probably the most adversity I ever faced. … I tore my vocal cords because I had polyps on my vocal cords and didn't know it. And then around the same time I was hit with Bell's palsy. And around that time the album got leaked. If you're doing something to change your life and you know that the only other avenues are prison or death, you're just like, 'This gotta work.' AP: Schools across the country began banning your snowman shirts. What's the legacy of them? JEEZY: Samuel L. Jackson told me something a long time ago–a great friend of mine–he just said the snowman represents people that were demonized, and it was bigger than me. … It was this imagery of something that I was inspiring to be. And to know that they would suspend kids from school and keep them from wearing something that would represent that tells me that the message was loud and clear. … We got a people's champ. AP: How have you managed your transition from street to corporate life? JEEZY: It's like a tree: It grows where it's soft at, not where it is hard. It's just like over time leaves fall off, branches fall off, but the tree continues to grow. Everybody don't have the same vision or goals. And if you allow them, they'll sink the ship–or they'll chop down the tree. AP: You've been private about your relationships, so how have you dealt with the social media coverage about your divorce? JEEZY: I just live my life, man. You know, joy, peace, and freedom, brother. I don't know these people, so I can't even feel no type of way. That's on them–I got better things to do. I've got goals, dreams, aspirations, so I don't get caught up in it cause I don't go for the good either. … I'm not reading the comments to see what somebody said about me good because none of it matters. AP: You're leading community service initiatives. What is that important to you? JEEZY: I do want to shout out LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), which is my partner on my nonprofit space. They're amazing. We're actually focusing in on prostate cancer and then also helping the inner-city youth with education, entrepreneurship. ... I'd like to shout out the Urban League of Atlanta, and we have the Young CEOs program. It's great to put out projects, it's great to do tours. But it's also great to help your people in the process.
The Independent
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Jeezy reflects on the legacy of his commercial debut, the classic 'Thug Motivation 101'
When Jeezy released his commercial debut two decades ago, he prepared a contingency plan in case his musical aspirations weren't achieved. 'You don't know if you're going to be around in 20 years,' said the drug dealer-turned-rap legend. 'The streets change fast. But it's also a safe haven, too, 'cause it was like, 'OK, well, if it doesn't work, maybe I can go back.'' But there would be no need: 'Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101' was met with monumental success. The album, deemed a classic by critics and fans, detailed the Atlanta rapper's navigation of the drug trade and street life. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with singles like 'Soul Survivor' featuring Akon — which reached No. 4 on the Hot 100 — and 'Go Crazy,' featuring a Jay-Z verse many consider one of his greatest. With distinctive ad-libs as memorable as his vivid storytelling, Jeezy displayed his gift of motivation, inspiring a vast cross-section of fans. 'The music and the words resonated so well because they came from a real place. I wasn't trying to entertain — I was trying to reach," said the 'My President' rapper, who has built a business empire consisting of real estate and partnerships. In honor of the album's 20th anniversary, Jeezy is launching his 'TM:101 Live' tour on June 27 in Miami, encouraging fans to come sharply dressed for the upscale performances. The Color of Noize Orchestra will back him, along with guest DJ Drama from their acclaimed 'Trap or Die' mixtape. Jeezy spoke with the Associated Press about the album's legacy, social media discourse surrounding him and ex-wife Jeannie Mai, and his infamous snowman shirts that were banned at schools over accusations of promoting drug culture. This conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: It's hard to describe the magnitude of 'TM:101' when it dropped. What was that time like? JEEZY: I just had this feeling that — if I could just get it out — that it would be life-changing for me. So, there was a lot of things I was up against at that time and I must say personally, that was probably the most adversity I ever faced. … I tore my vocal cords because I had polyps on my vocal cords and didn't know it. And then around the same time, I was hit with Bell's palsy. And around that time, the album got leaked. If you're doing something to change your life and you know that the only other avenues are prison or death, you're just like, 'This gotta work.' AP: Schools across the country began banning your snowman shirts. What's the legacy of them? JEEZY: Samuel L. Jackson told me something a long time ago — a great friend of mine — he just said the snowman represents people that were demonized, and it was bigger than me. … It was this imagery of something that I was inspiring to be. And to know that they would suspend kids from school and keep them from wearing something that would represent that tells me that the message was loud and clear. … 'We got a people's champ.' AP: How have you managed your transition from street to corporate life? JEEZY: It's like a tree: It grows where it's soft at, not where it is hard. It's just like over time, leaves fall off, branches fall off but the tree continues to grow. Everybody don't have the same vision or goals. And if you allow them, they'll sink the ship — or they'll chop down the tree. AP: You've been private about your relationships, so how have you dealt with the social media coverage about your divorce? JEEZY: I just live my life, man. You know, joy, peace, and freedom, brother. I don't know these people, so I can't even feel no type of way. That's on them — I got better things to do. I've got goals, dreams, aspirations, so I don't get caught up in it, 'cause I don't go for the good, either. … I'm not reading the comments to see what somebody said about me good, because none of it matters. AP: You're leading community service initiatives. What is that important to you? JEEZY: I do want to shout out LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) which is my partner on my nonprofit space. They're amazing. We're actually focusing in on prostate cancer, and then also helping the inner city youth with education, entrepreneurship. ... I'd like to shout out the Urban League of Atlanta, and we have the Young CEOs program. It's great to put out projects, it's great to do tours. But it's also great to help your people in the process. ___ Follow Associated Press entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton at @GaryGHamilton on all his social media platforms.
Economic Times
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Ed Sheeran just recorded a Hindi song for Shah Rukh Khan. Watch this clip. Is it for SRK's new movie, King?
Ed Sheeran's cultural crossover continues with the release of 'Sapphire,' featuring Shah Rukh Khan. Sheeran revealed he's recording a Hindi track for an upcoming Bollywood movie, sparking speculation it's for SRK's 'King,' directed by Siddharth Anand. Fans are excited about the potential collaboration and Suhana Khan's debut in the high-octane action drama. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Is the song for SRK's King? Reddit goes into a frenzy Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads About King From stadium tours to studio sessions with Indian legends, Ed Sheeran seems to be on a full-fledged cultural crossover spree—and fans are here for it. After winning hearts with his recent tour across India, the British pop sensation has now dropped a surprise that's bigger than a new single. His latest release Sapphire is more than just a musical collaboration with Arijit Singh—it features none other than Shah Rukh Khan in a delightful cameo. And as if that wasn't enough, Ed has dropped yet another bomb: he's working on a Hindi track for an upcoming Bollywood movie. Yes, you read that a behind-the-scenes video shared on Tuesday, Ed gave fans a peek into the making of Sapphire. The clip showed him casually recording lines in Punjabi, talking about singing in Hindi, and sharing how he convinced SRK to join the music video. But things really blew up when a fan page speculated about multiple versions of the track—Punjabi or Hindi? Ed stepped in to clarify: Sapphire is the Punjabi version, while the Hindi song is a completely separate project for a Shah Rukh Khan film. That revelation set the internet speculation took off. Was the Hindi track meant for King, SRK's upcoming movie that also stars Suhana Khan? Fans certainly think so. Ed's casual response stirred wild excitement, with people scrambling to decode hints from the video and previous sightings. The fan frenzy grew when a video of Ed and SRK recreating the superstar's signature pose surfaced, only fuelling the Bollywood Reddit has been busy connecting the dots. A post quoting Ed's comment went viral, claiming he recorded the Hindi song for King, and pointing out his appearance with director Siddharth Anand in the BTS footage. Fans believe Arijit Singh 's vocals can be heard toward the end of Sapphire, suggesting a seamless blend of East and West in both for netizens? They're having a field day. Many see this as classic SRK—roping in international stars, splurging on production, and delivering crossover moments that make global headlines. Some believe this will be a defining debut for Suhana Khan if the movie delivers, while others see it as a continuation of SRK's long-standing pattern of working with Western artists, from Akon in to Diplo in Jab Harry Met Rukh Khan's upcoming film King is being helmed by Siddharth Anand, who previously collaborated with the superstar on the blockbuster Pathaan. This time, the duo returns with a high-octane action drama that centres around a mentor-disciple dynamic. The plot follows their harrowing journey through unforgiving terrains, where survival becomes a test of will, strength, and to IMDb, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Arshad Warsi, and Rani Mukerji, among others.
