Latest news with #R&B
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Walter Scott Jr. of The Whispers Dead at 81 After Battle With Cancer
Walter C. Scott Jr., whose buttery vocals alongside his identical twin Wallace were the hallmarks behind hitmaking R&B group The Whispers, died on Thursday (June 26) after a six-month battle with cancer. At the time of his death in Northridge, Calif., the 81-year-old was surrounded by his family. The Los Angeles-based quintet is best known for its spate of R&B hits in the '80s such as its first No. 1 with dance anthem 'And the Beat Goes On,' followed by the sensual ballad 'Lady,' the up-tempo groove 'It's a Love Thing' and the group's second No. 1 with another dance track 'Rock Steady,' which also reached No. 7 on the Hot 100. All told, The Whispers charted 15 top 10 R&B hits, beginning in 1970 with the group's No. 6 breakthrough ballad 'Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong.' The quintet also counts eight top 10 R&B albums in its catalog including two No. 1s: The Whispers and Love Is Where You Find It. More from Billboard Gone But Not Forgotten: Musicians We Lost in 2025 Benson Boone Scores First ARIA Albums Chart No. 1 With 'American Heart' KATESEYE Release New EP 'BEAUTIFUL CHAOS': Stream It Now Walter Scott Jr. was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1944, with the family later moving to Los Angeles. That's where he and his brother Wallace teamed up as The Whispers with Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Gordy Harmon in 1963. The group relocated briefly to San Francisco in 1966, playing gigs and honing their live act. Drafted to serve in the Vietnam War, Walter rejoined the group when he returned in 1969. Recording for various labels including Soul Clock, Janus and Soul Train, The Whispers began to hit its stride in 1978 after signing with Dick Griffey's Solar Records, scoring No. 10 on the R&B chart with '(Let's Go) All the Way' followed by the top 15 '(Olivia) Lost and Turned Out.' A year later came 'And the Beat Goes On.' In addition to their elegant vocals and scintillating harmonies, the group was heralded as well for its smooth dance routines onstage, making The Whispers a concert draw well into the 2000s. Following an injury to his larynx, Harmon — who died in 2023 — was replaced by Leaveil Degree in 1973. Fellow founding members Hutson and Caldwell died in 2000 and 2016, respectively. The Whispers were inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. Walter is survived by his wife, Jan, two sons, three grandchildren and brother Wallace. Information about funeral services will be announced at a later date. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyer mocks sex trafficking case in closing, calls charges 'badly exaggerated'
NEW YORK — Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyer implored a jury on Friday to acquit the hip-hop mogul, arguing overzealous federal prosecutors twisted his drug use and swinger lifestyle into a sex trafficking and racketeering case that could put him behind bars for life. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyer mocks sex trafficking case in closing, calls charges 'badly exaggerated' 'He is none of these things. He is innocent,' defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said, glancing at Combs during a four-hour closing argument. "He sits there innocent. Return him to his family who have been waiting for him.' Jurors are expected to begin deliberating Monday. Agnifilo repeatedly mocked the government's case, peppering his presentation with folksy quips and bawdy observations. He said prosecutors 'badly exaggerated' the charges, and he belittled federal agents who seized baby oil and lubricant in raids last year at Combs' Los Angeles and Miami-area homes. 'Way to go, fellas,' the defense lawyer said. Agnifilo accused the government of targeting Combs, irritating prosecutors and the judge, and questioned why no one else was charged in what the prosecution alleges was a racketeering conspiracy involving Combs' personal assistants, bodyguards and other employees. Judge Arun Subramanian instructed jurors not to consider why or how the government obtained an indictment. In a rebuttal, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey said Agnifilo spent 'a whole lot of energy' trying to distract from Combs' 'inexcusable criminal behavior.' 'Make no mistake," Comey told jurors, "this trial was about how in Sean Combs' world, 'no' was never an option.' Agnifilo called Combs' prosecution a 'fake trial" and ridiculed the notion that the 'I'll Be Missing You' singer engaged in racketeering. 'Are you kidding me?' Agnifilo asked. 'Did any witness get on that witness stand and say, 'Yes, I was part of a racketeering enterprise — I engaged in racketeering?'' No, those accusations were a figment of the prosecution's imagination, he argued. Combs, in a sweater and khakis, watched Agnifilo with rapt attention after looking down and slouching during Thursday's prosecution closing. He didn't testify during the seven-week trial, and his lawyers called no witnesses of their own. Combs' family, including six of his children and his mother, sat behind him. When the day was finished, Combs hugged one of his lawyers and smiled as he conversed with others. As the jury filed out of the courtroom for the last time this week, Combs watched them, but the jurors didn't look his way. Combs' ex-girlfriends R&B singer Cassie and a woman testifying under the pseudonym 'Jane' told jurors that Combs coerced them into participating in 'freak-offs' or 'hotel nights' — drug-fueled sex marathons with male sex workers while Combs watched, directed, masturbated and sometimes filmed them. Agnifilo argued prosecutors had invaded Combs' most intimate personal affairs, warning jurors: 'Where's the crime scene? The crime scene is your private sex life." He also mocked the prosecution's assertion that Combs and his underlings engaged in hundreds of racketeering acts, as well as the government's suggestion that many of the sex marathons at the heart of the case were crimes. If that's so, he said, 'we need a bigger roll of crime scene tape,' a reference to a famous line from the movie 'Jaws.' Agnifilo argued there's another factor at play in the allegations that women have lobbed against him: the prospect of draining him of his wealth through lawsuits. 'This isn't about a crime. This is about money. It's about money," Agnifilo said. Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, sued Combs in November 2023 over abuse allegations. He settled with her the next day for $20 million, but the allegations prompted federal law enforcement to open the criminal investigation that led to his arrest. Dozens of other lawsuits followed. 'If you had to pick a winner in this whole thing, it's hard not to pick Cassie,' Agnifilo said. Agnifilo reiterated that the defense 'owns' the fact that Combs was violent but argued that behavior does not justify the grave charges against him. Combs and Cassie had a 'loving, beautiful relationship,' albeit a 'complicated' one, Agnifilo said. 'If racketeering conspiracy had an opposite, it would be their relationship." Agnifilo said. "They were truly, deeply in love with each other, for real." Echoing prosecutor Christy Slavik's closing argument on Thursday, Agnifilo showed jurors part of the now-infamous security camera footage of Combs attacking Cassie at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. Agnifilo acknowledged that the video clearly shows domestic violence, but he disputed the prosecution's theory that the assault was evidence of sex trafficking by force. He insisted Combs may have been angry not that Cassie was trying to flee a 'freak-off,' but that she was taking his cellphone. In her rebuttal, Comey said: 'Being a domestic abuser is not a defense to sex trafficking.' This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Globe and Mail
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Multi-Platinum Hitmaker Sean Garrett Releases Bold New Single 'Girlfriend' Featuring Plies and Hunxho
""Creating super songs means making records that feel different from what's expected—giving people what they truly deserve. 'Girlfriend' blends R&B and hip-hop to explore love, loyalty, heartbreak, and understanding. I brought together three artists from different worlds to share their truth. Whether you agree or not, it's a reflection of love in 2025.' – Sean Garrett" Grammy-winning hitmaker, greatest songwriter ever alive Sean Garrett, also known as 'The Pen,' returns with "Girlfriend', a steamy new summer single featuring Southern rap icon Plies and rising Atlanta star Hunxho. The track drops Friday, June 27 on all major streaming platforms. Expanding the impact of the song, Garrett is premiering the 'Girlfriend Series + Live Streams' — a 4-episode visual experience on YouTube, airing weekly on July 3, 10, 17, and 24. The series dives deeper into the themes behind the music and will be followed by interactive Q&A sessions each night at 7 PM ET on Instagram and YouTube, giving fans a candid look at the stories, emotions, and relationships that inspired the track. Meet Sean Garrett: A Legacy in Motion With 56 #1 singles and 18 Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers, Sean Garrett's pen has powered hits for icons like Beyoncé, Usher, Chris Brown, Fergie, Nicki Minaj , Summer Walker and many more. A trailblazer in fusing R&B, pop, and crunk, Garrett is recognized not only for his chart-topping success, but also for shaping the sound of an entire generation. In addition to his work in the studio, Garrett leads " Amplify Your Music", a philanthropic initiative dedicated to increasing access to instruments and music education for underserved youth nationwide. Released Under Blackground Records 2.0 Garrett's new single marks another milestone in his collaboration with Blackground Records 2.0, the revitalized label known for championing game-changing artists like Aaliyah, Timbaland, and JoJo. Now entering a new era, Blackground 2.0 continues its mission of innovation and empowerment — with Garrett at the forefront. 'Girlfriend' by Sean Garrett ft. Plies & Hunxho Available Friday, June 27 on all streaming platforms Follow @seangarrettthepen | YouTube: Sean Garrett Media Contact Company Name: Upscale PR Media, LLC Contact Person: Dr. Lesley Logan Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
Japan Today
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Combs' lawyer mocks sex trafficking case in closing, says charges 'badly exaggerated'
FILE - This courtroom sketch depicts Sean "Diddy" Combs sitting at the defense table during his bail hearing in New York on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (Elizabeth Williams via AP, File) By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyer portrayed the hip-hop mogul on Friday as the victim of an overzealous prosecution that twisted his recreational drug use and swinger lifestyle into a racketeering conspiracy charge that could put him behind bars for life. In a closing argument, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo mocked the government's case and belittled the agents who seized hundreds of bottles of Astroglide lubricant and baby oil at his properties as he began a presentation expected to last several hours. 'Way to go, fellas,' Agnifilo said of the agents. The lawyer said prosecutors had 'badly exaggerated' evidence of the swinger lifestyle and threesomes to combine it with recreational drug use and call it a racketeering conspiracy. 'He did not do the things he's charged with. He didn't do racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking,' the lawyer said. Agnifilo also called Combs' prosecution a 'fake trial' and ridiculed the notion that he engaged in racketeering. 'Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me?' Agnifilo asked. 'Did any witness get on that witness stand and say yes, I was part of a racketeering enterprise — I engaged in racketeering?' No, Agnifilo argued, telling jurors that those accusations were a figment of the prosecution's imagination. Combs' family, including six of his children and his mother, were in the audience for the closing. As it was happening, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West released a song with Combs' son, Christian 'King' Combs, titled 'DIDDY FREE.' West, who now goes by the name Ye, showed up to court two weeks ago to support Combs. All his life Combs has taken care of people, Agnifilo said, including the ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym Jane, whose rent he is paying. 'I don't know what Jane is doing today,' Agnifilo said. 'But she's doing it in a house he's paying for.' Referring to lawsuits filed by Combs' accusers, he said: 'This isn't about crime. It's about money. This is about money.' Agnifilo noted that Combs' former longtime girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie, sued him in November 2023. Combs settled with her the next day for $20 million, but the allegations in the lawsuit prompted federal law enforcement to open the criminal investigation that led to his arrest. 'If you had to pick a winner in this whole thing, it's hard not to pick Cassie,' Agnifilo said. Cassie and Jane both testified during the trial that they were coerced repeatedly by Combs to perform in drug-fueled dayslong sex marathons with male sex workers while Combs watched, directed, masturbated and sometimes filmed the encounters. Prosecutors, he argued, have invaded Combs' bedroom and his most intimate personal affairs. 'Where's the crime scene? It's your sex life,' Agnifilo said. He also mocked the prosecution's assertion that Combs and his underlings had engaged in hundreds of racketeering acts and their suggestion that many of his so-called freak-offs and 'hotel nights' were crimes. If that's so, he said, 'we need a bigger roll of crime scene tape,' a reference to a famous line from the movie 'Jaws.' Agnifilo reiterated that the defense 'owns' the fact that Combs was violent, but he argued that behavior does not justify the grave charges he faces. He said Combs and Cassie had a 'loving, beautiful relationship,' albeit a 'complicated' one. 'If racketeering conspiracy had an opposite, it would be their relationship … they were deeply in love with each other,' Agnifilo said. Echoing the prosecution's closing argument on Thursday, the defense lawyer showed jurors part of the now-infamous security camera footage of Combs attacking Cassie at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. Agnifilo acknowledged that the video clearly shows domestic violence, but he disputed the prosecution's theory that the assault was evidence of sex trafficking by force. Pausing the tape several times, he insisted, Combs may have been angry not that Cassie was trying to flee a 'freak-off,' but that she was taking his cellphone. If convicted, Combs could face a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life. He did not testify during the trial, which is in its seventh week. After Agnifilo completes his closing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey was expected to deliver a rebuttal summation before the judge reads the law to the jury, which is not likely to begin deliberations until Monday. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Popular singer brutally mocked over disastrous acapella performance of her biggest hit
R&B star Amerie has been savaged online after performing an acapella version of her 2005 hit 1 Thing. The singer, 45, was performing at the AFRAM music festival in Baltimore when she told her band to stop playing so that she could sing acapella. Amerie, who has been under fire for her vocal abilities in recent weeks, seemed to be trying to prove her skills by performing the track completely live and unaccompanied. However, many fans on social media were left underwhelmed by her rendition of the iconic song. 'Is this a humiliation ritual?' asked one, while another wrote, 'You can tell she's tryna prove something here.' A third commented, 'Artists do have off days... They are human. It seems the band not playing in the right keys can throw off the artist as well.' Another wrote, 'Sounds like somebody singing in the shower but I'mma mind my business.' A fifth fan wrote, 'Internet got everybody trying to prove themselves smh. Amerie is a legend in her own right. Who truly cares if she off key?' Other claimed that it's the key of the song and not Amerie's actual vocal abilities that are the issue when it comes to singing 1 Thing live. 'All this could've been avoided by changing the key lol,' wrote one. 'Just change the key!' demanded another, while a third wrote, 'Omg why won't she change the key.' A fourth said, 'That song IS insanely hard to sing. It's so high and so fast.' Other fans jumped to the star's defense and said that she sounds the same live as she does on the recorded version. 'She sounds JUST like the song to me... I don't get the hate,' stated one. Another wrote, 'She sounds EXACTLY like she sound back in the day - if y'all don't know who Amerie is just say that.' It comes after Amerie was ridiculed online following a live performance she did for NPR's Tiny Desk Concert. The 18-minute set went viral online earlier this month, with many fans feeling underwhelmed by Amerie's vocals. 'I genuinely didn't expect her to sound as bad as she did. I think she makes wonderful music, but her background singers suck. She sounded like she couldn't hear herself,' wrote one. 'She's stunning and seems like she had fun. However she doesn't sound that good to be honest,' wrote another. Amerie first shot to fame in 2002 with her debut single Why Don't We Fall in Love. Her career ascended to new heights in 2005 with 1 Thing, which topped the R&B charts and became a major hit across Europe. She recently revealed that her record label almost gave 1 Thing to Jennifer Lopez instead of her, so she leaked her version to radio stations to prevent JLo from getting it. Shortly afterwards, producer Rich Harrison helped Lopez, now 55, record and release Get Right, a track with a similar sound and nearly identical elements. After her success on the music charts, Amerie reinvented herself as a book influencer on YouTube. After building a following in the literary space, Amerie published a children's book in 2017 and released her first novel earlier this month.
