American rapper Kendrick Lamar is producing his final album with music label Top Dawg Entertainment.&nbsp; 
In a cryptic post shared to his social media accounts.

 
On August 20, in a cryptic post shared on social media, Lamar linked to a folder titled 'nu thoughts', directing readers to a letter he has shared on a website called oklama.com. In the note, the rapper — who has remained relatively silent on social media since the release of his 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning album 'Damn' — reflected on his career as a musician and dropped clues about his final TDE album. Here's what we know about Lamar's fifth album so far. 
In a letter meant for fans, while reflecting on his time as an artiste and the impact he's had on pop culture, Lamar indicated that his fifth album will be a reflection of his personal ups and downs in the last 17 years in the music business.

 
&nbsp;"I spend most of my days with fleeting thoughts. Writing. Listening. And collecting old Beach cruisers. The morning rides keep me on a hill of silence. I go months without a phone. Love, loss, and grief have disturbed my comfort zone, but the glimmers of God speak through my music and family. While the world around me evolves, I reflect on what matters the most. The life in which my words will land next," he wrote.

 
Expressing gratitude for the last two decades, Lamar said that the future is uncertain but he would like to continue with his true calling in life. "As I produce my final TDE album, I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years. The Struggles. The Success. And most importantly, the Brotherhood. May the Most High continue to use Top Dawg as a vessel for candid creators. As I continue to pursue my life's calling. There's beauty in completion. And always faith in the unknown. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts. I've prayed for you all. See you soon enough. — oklama," Lamar wrote.

 
While the celebrated rapper did not mention whether this is his last album ever, it is definitely his final album with Top Dawg Entertainment, indicating than any future releases would be shared under a new label, if at all. 
Towards the end, Lamar declared that he would see us all 'soon enough' but did not specify a release date for his new album or even the name of it.&nbsp;

American rapper Kendrick Lamar is producing his final album with music label Top Dawg Entertainment. In a cryptic post shared to his social media accounts. On August 20, in a cryptic post shared on social media, Lamar linked to a folder titled 'nu thoughts', directing readers to a letter he has shared on a website called oklama.

American rapper Kendrick Lamar is producing his final album with music label Top Dawg Entertainment. In a cryptic post shared to his social media accounts. On August 20, in a cryptic post shared on social media, Lamar linked to a folder titled 'nu thoughts', directing readers to a letter he has shared on a website called oklama.com. In the note, the rapper — who has remained relatively silent on social media since the release of his 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning album 'Damn' — reflected on his career as a musician and dropped clues about his final TDE album. Here's what we know about Lamar's fifth album so far. In a letter meant for fans, while reflecting on his time as an artiste and the impact he's had on pop culture, Lamar indicated that his fifth album will be a reflection of his personal ups and downs in the last 17 years in the music business. "I spend most of my days with fleeting thoughts. Writing. Listening. And collecting old Beach cruisers. The morning rides keep me on a hill of silence. I go months without a phone. Love, loss, and grief have disturbed my comfort zone, but the glimmers of God speak through my music and family. While the world around me evolves, I reflect on what matters the most. The life in which my words will land next," he wrote. Expressing gratitude for the last two decades, Lamar said that the future is uncertain but he would like to continue with his true calling in life. "As I produce my final TDE album, I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years. The Struggles. The Success. And most importantly, the Brotherhood. May the Most High continue to use Top Dawg as a vessel for candid creators. As I continue to pursue my life's calling. There's beauty in completion. And always faith in the unknown. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts. I've prayed for you all. See you soon enough. — oklama," Lamar wrote. While the celebrated rapper did not mention whether this is his last album ever, it is definitely his final album with Top Dawg Entertainment, indicating than any future releases would be shared under a new label, if at all. Towards the end, Lamar declared that he would see us all 'soon enough' but did not specify a release date for his new album or even the name of it.

Kendrick Lamar announces 'final album' with label

Billie Eilish, Adele to Kendrick Lamar: Most awaited albums of 2021

April 16 in history: 'Cold War' term coined, Michael Jordan's last game and more

American singer-songwriter Beyonce will now be taking over your TV screens after she announced her documentary special with ABC network called 'Making The Gift' , ABC Network&nbsp;10 pm. 
 
The 38-year-old Emmy-nominated singer wrote on her Instagram, alongside a short clip of the documentary special. According to the teaser, which the network also shared on YouTube, fans can expect to see an 'intimate'&nbsp;look at the creation of every single song.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2cj9Eln22m/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2cj9Eln22m/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2cj9Eln22m/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2cj9Eln22m/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">ABC Network. 10pm.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beyonce/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Beyoncé</a> (@beyonce) on <time datetime="2019-09-15T21:07:38+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Sep 15, 2019 at 2:07pm PDT</time>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The album, which is described as a 'love letter to Africa',&nbsp;showcases some of the top musicians like Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, Childish Gambino, and many emerging African artists. 
 
The singer made sure that the album should feel more authentic as possible. "I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline," the Grammy winner said in July. "Each song was written to reflect the film's storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery while listening to a new contemporary interpretation."She continued. 
 
"It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me." According to the press release, as reported by E-News. 
 
The album is steeped in African influences from various corners of the Continent, with unexpected collaborations, pulsating rhythms and crisp production that celebrate the African diaspora. This love letter to Africa highlights the setting of the film, rooted in African culture and wondrous narratives.

American singer-songwriter Beyonce will now be taking over your TV screens after she announced her documentary special with ABC network called 'Making The Gift' , ABC Network 10 pm.

American singer-songwriter Beyonce will now be taking over your TV screens after she announced her documentary special with ABC network called 'Making The Gift' , ABC Network 10 pm. The 38-year-old Emmy-nominated singer wrote on her Instagram, alongside a short clip of the documentary special. According to the teaser, which the network also shared on YouTube, fans can expect to see an 'intimate' look at the creation of every single song. View this post on Instagram ABC Network. 10pm. A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Sep 15, 2019 at 2:07pm PDT × The album, which is described as a 'love letter to Africa', showcases some of the top musicians like Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, Childish Gambino, and many emerging African artists. The singer made sure that the album should feel more authentic as possible. "I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline," the Grammy winner said in July. "Each song was written to reflect the film's storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery while listening to a new contemporary interpretation."She continued. "It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me." According to the press release, as reported by E-News. The album is steeped in African influences from various corners of the Continent, with unexpected collaborations, pulsating rhythms and crisp production that celebrate the African diaspora. This love letter to Africa highlights the setting of the film, rooted in African culture and wondrous narratives.

Beyonce announces 'Making The Gift' TV special on ABC

Meet the 2019 Grammy Awards nominees: Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Cardi B & more

Rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake may lead the nominations, but Sunday's Grammy Awards looks set to be a showcase for girl power.

Outspoken rapper Cardi B, whose music and personal life has dominated pop culture for the past two years, leads the charge on music's biggest night with a live performance and five Grammy nominations, including for album and record of the year.

R&amp;B singer Alicia Keys will host the Grammys for the first time, while Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monae, Camila Cabello and Kacey Musgraves are also among the performers at the Los Angeles ceremony.

Adding to the star power, Motown legend Diana Ross will take the stage to mark her 75th birthday in March, and hopes are high that Lady Gaga will perform her Grammy and Oscar-nominated song 'Shallow' from the movie 'A Star is Born.'

Yet Cardi B is likely to grab most of the attention. The 26-year-old New York artist is one of only a handful of female rappers and has captured attention with her message of female empowerment, on and off marriage to rapper Offset, and a string of hit records and collaborations, including 'I Like It,' 'Girls Like You' and 'Taki Taki.'

"Cardi B is a very strong woman who is in control of her career. She is really talented and has something to say and she is just fun. She is like a breath of fresh air," said Melinda Newman, West Coast editor for Billboard magazine.

"Between Alicia Keys and all the female nominees, I think we will have a very female-leading show. That's not necessarily by design, that's just how it's shaking out this year," Newman added.

It is a far cry from 2018, when the dearth of female nominees and performers caused a media uproar and prompted the Recording Academy, whose members choose the Grammy winners, to expand the number of nominees in the top four categories to eight from five.

This year five of the eight nominees for the coveted album of the year award are women - Cardi B's 'Invasion of Privacy,' Janelle Monae's 'Dirty Computer', folk singer Brandi Carlile's 'By the Way, I Forgive You,' country artist Kacey Musgraves' 'Golden Hour' and R&amp;B newcomer H.E.R.'s self-titled 'H.E.R.'

Six of the eight musicians competing for the&nbsp;best new artist are also women, including 'New Rules' British singer Dua Lipa, Chloe &amp; Halle, Bebe Rexha and H.E.R.

While the show may give the impression that girls run the world, there is no guarantee how many will take home a Grammy.

Lamar leads with eight nods, many of them for writing most of the 'Black Panther' movie soundtrack album, which is up for album of the year. Drake, the most commercially successful artist of 2018, follows with seven nominations, including for his album 'Scorpion' and single 'God's Plan.'

It is not yet known whether either of the rappers will perform on Sunday.

The Grammy Awards take place in Los Angeles on Feb. 10.

Rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake may lead the nominations, but Sunday's Grammy Awards looks set to be a showcase for girl power. Outspoken rapper Cardi B, whose music and personal life has dominated pop culture for the past two years, leads the charge on music's biggest night with a live performance and five Grammy nominations, including for album and record of the year.

Rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake may lead the nominations, but Sunday's Grammy Awards looks set to be a showcase for girl power. Outspoken rapper Cardi B, whose music and personal life has dominated pop culture for the past two years, leads the charge on music's biggest night with a live performance and five Grammy nominations, including for album and record of the year. R&B singer Alicia Keys will host the Grammys for the first time, while Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monae, Camila Cabello and Kacey Musgraves are also among the performers at the Los Angeles ceremony. Adding to the star power, Motown legend Diana Ross will take the stage to mark her 75th birthday in March, and hopes are high that Lady Gaga will perform her Grammy and Oscar-nominated song 'Shallow' from the movie 'A Star is Born.' Yet Cardi B is likely to grab most of the attention. The 26-year-old New York artist is one of only a handful of female rappers and has captured attention with her message of female empowerment, on and off marriage to rapper Offset, and a string of hit records and collaborations, including 'I Like It,' 'Girls Like You' and 'Taki Taki.' "Cardi B is a very strong woman who is in control of her career. She is really talented and has something to say and she is just fun. She is like a breath of fresh air," said Melinda Newman, West Coast editor for Billboard magazine. "Between Alicia Keys and all the female nominees, I think we will have a very female-leading show. That's not necessarily by design, that's just how it's shaking out this year," Newman added. It is a far cry from 2018, when the dearth of female nominees and performers caused a media uproar and prompted the Recording Academy, whose members choose the Grammy winners, to expand the number of nominees in the top four categories to eight from five. This year five of the eight nominees for the coveted album of the year award are women - Cardi B's 'Invasion of Privacy,' Janelle Monae's 'Dirty Computer', folk singer Brandi Carlile's 'By the Way, I Forgive You,' country artist Kacey Musgraves' 'Golden Hour' and R&B newcomer H.E.R.'s self-titled 'H.E.R.' Six of the eight musicians competing for the best new artist are also women, including 'New Rules' British singer Dua Lipa, Chloe & Halle, Bebe Rexha and H.E.R. While the show may give the impression that girls run the world, there is no guarantee how many will take home a Grammy. Lamar leads with eight nods, many of them for writing most of the 'Black Panther' movie soundtrack album, which is up for album of the year. Drake, the most commercially successful artist of 2018, follows with seven nominations, including for his album 'Scorpion' and single 'God's Plan.' It is not yet known whether either of the rappers will perform on Sunday. The Grammy Awards take place in Los Angeles on Feb. 10.

Cardi B to lead girl power charge at Grammy Awards 2019

Best Original Song Oscar nominees: Songs and the artists that are hot favourites this year

Rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake led Grammy Award nominations on Friday, with eight and seven nods, respectively. 
 
Drake was nominated in the top category - album of the year - along with rappers Cardi B and Post Malone, R&amp;B singer Janelle Monae, folk singer Brandi Carlile, country star Kacey Musgraves, R&amp;B artist H.E.R. and the 'Black Panther' movie soundtrack. 
 
The Grammy Awards, chosen by members of the Recording Academy, will be handed out at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Feb. 10.&nbsp; 
 
Grammy organizers said in June they would expand to eight from five the number of nominees in the top four categories - record, song and album of the year, and best new artist - to allow a more diverse line-up. Five artists had been nominated in each category since the Grammys were first awarded in 1959. 
 
Hip hop and R&amp;B surpassed rock for the first time in 2017 as the biggest music genre in the United States, according to a Nielsen Music report.

 
&nbsp;

Rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake led Grammy Award nominations on Friday, with eight and seven nods, respectively. Drake was nominated in the top category - album of the year - along with rappers Cardi B and Post Malone, R&B singer Janelle Monae, folk singer Brandi Carlile, country star Kacey Musgraves, R&B artist H.

Rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake led Grammy Award nominations on Friday, with eight and seven nods, respectively. Drake was nominated in the top category - album of the year - along with rappers Cardi B and Post Malone, R&B singer Janelle Monae, folk singer Brandi Carlile, country star Kacey Musgraves, R&B artist H.E.R. and the 'Black Panther' movie soundtrack. The Grammy Awards, chosen by members of the Recording Academy, will be handed out at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Feb. 10. Grammy organizers said in June they would expand to eight from five the number of nominees in the top four categories - record, song and album of the year, and best new artist - to allow a more diverse line-up. Five artists had been nominated in each category since the Grammys were first awarded in 1959. Hip hop and R&B surpassed rock for the first time in 2017 as the biggest music genre in the United States, according to a Nielsen Music report.

Grammy Awards 2019: Rappers Kendrick Lamar, Drake dominate nominations list

Singers DJ Khaled and Kendrick Lamar got themselves the highest number&nbsp;of nominations at this year’s BET Awards nominations with six and five respectively. It includes the Video Of The Year, Best Collaboration, and Album of The Year.&nbsp;

Lamar who charted on the Billboard top slot owing to his supremely successful albums “DAMN” and “Black Panther: The Album”, got two nominations in the album category for both. “Black Panther: The Album” was spearheaded by him.&nbsp;

DJ Khaled also entered the race with album “Grateful”. He got more nominations for his collaborative work with Rihanna, Bryson Tiller, Jay-Z, Future, and Beyonce, as well as his video for “Wild Thoughts.” Lamar was also recognized for his collaboration with Rihanna on “Loyalty” and the video for “Humble.” Both are also up for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.

Among others who are nominated, Migos got four, including Best Group and Album Of The Year and SZA with four nods as well, including Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Best New Artist.

Tiffany Haddish, Lupita Nyong’o, Taraji P. Henson, Chadwick Boseman, Donald Glover, and Sterling K. Brown are among the stars up for acting awards.

Here is the complete list of nominees:

Best Female R&B / Pop Artist Award 
Beyonce 
SZA 
H.E.R. 
Rihanna 
Kehlani

Best Male R&B / Pop Artist Award 
Bruno Mars 
Chris Brown 
The Weeknd 
Khalid 
Daniel Caesar

Best Group Award 
Migos 
A Tribe Called Quest 
N.E.R.D. 
Rae Sremmurd 
Chloe X Halle

Best Collaboration Award 
Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B – “Finesse (Remix)” 
DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts” 
DJ Khaled feat. Jay-Z, Future & Beyonce – “Top Off” 
Cardi B feat. 21 Savage – “Bartier Cardi” 
French Montana feat. Swae Lee – “Unforgettable” 
Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – “LOYALTY.”

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Award 
Drake 
Kendrick Lamar 
DJ Khaled 
Jay-Z 
J. Cole

Best Female Hip Hop Artist Award 
Cardi B 
Nicki Minaj 
Remy Ma 
DeJ Loaf 
Rapsody

Video of the Year Award 
Drake – “God’s Plan” 
Cardi B – “Bodak Yellow” 
Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B – “Finesse (Remix)” 
DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts” 
Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.” 
Migos feat. Drake – “Walk It Talk It”

Video Director of the Year Award 
Benny Boom 
Director X 
Ava Duvernay 
Chris Brown 
Dave Meyers

Best New Artist Award 
SZA 
H.E.R. 
Daniel Caesar 
GOLDLINK 
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award 
Lecrae feat. Tori Kelly – “I’ll Find You” 
Snoop Dogg feat. B. Slade – “Words Are Few” 
Ledisi & Kirk Franklin – “If You Don’t Mind” 
Marvin Sapp – “Close” 
Tasha Cobbs Leonard feat. Nicki Minaj – “I’m Getting Ready”

The Best International Act Award 
Booba (France) 
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) 
Dadju (France) 
Davido (Nigeria) 
Distruction Boyz (South Africa) 
Fally Ipupa (Congo) 
J Hus (U.K.) 
Niska (France) 
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) 
Stefflon Don (U.K.) 
Stormzy (U.K.)

Best Actress Award 
Tiffany Haddish 
Lupita Nyong’o 
Issa Rae 
Angela Bassett 
Letitia Wright 
Taraji P. Henson

Best Actor Award 
Chadwick Boseman 
Michael B. Jordan 
Donald Glover 
Sterling K. Brown 
Denzel Washington 
Daniel Kaluuya

Young Stars Award 
Yara Shahidi 
Ashton Tyler 
Caleb McLaughlin 
Lonnie Chavis 
Marsai Martin 
Miles Brown

Best Movie Award 
“Black Panther” 
“Girls Trip” 
“A Wrinkle in Time” 
“Detroit” 
“Mudbound”

Sportswoman of the Year Award 
Serena Williams 
Venus Williams 
Skylar Diggins-Smith 
Candace Parker 
Elana Meyers Taylor

Sportsman of the Year Award 
Stephen Curry 
LeBron James 
Kevin Durant 
Dwyane Wade 
Odell Beckham Jr.

Album of the Year Award 
“DAMN.” – Kendrick Lamar 
“Ctrl” – SZA 
“4:44” – Jay-Z 
“Culture II” – Migos 
“Black Panther: The Album” – Kendrick Lamar & Various Artists 
“Grateful” – DJ Khaled

BET Her Award 
Janelle Monae – “Django Jane” 
Lizzo – “Water Me” 
Mary J. Blige – “Strength of a Woman” 
Remy Ma feat. Chris Brown – “Melanin Magic (Pretty Brown)” 
Chloe X Halle – “The Kids Are Alright” 
Leikeli47 – “2nd Fiddle”

Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award 
SZA feat. Travis Scott – “Love Galore” 
Cardi B – “Bodak Yellow” 
Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.” 
Drake – “God’s Plan” 
Migos feat. Cardi B & Nicki Minaj – “Motor Sport” 
DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts”

The 2018 BET Awards will take place on June 24 at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater.

The two got six and five nominations respectively, including video of the year, best collaboration, and album of the year.

Singers DJ Khaled and Kendrick Lamar got themselves the highest number of nominations at this year’s BET Awards nominations with six and five respectively. It includes the Video Of The Year, Best Collaboration, and Album of The Year. Lamar who charted on the Billboard top slot owing to his supremely successful albums “DAMN” and “Black Panther: The Album”, got two nominations in the album category for both. “Black Panther: The Album” was spearheaded by him. DJ Khaled also entered the race with album “Grateful”. He got more nominations for his collaborative work with Rihanna, Bryson Tiller, Jay-Z, Future, and Beyonce, as well as his video for “Wild Thoughts.” Lamar was also recognized for his collaboration with Rihanna on “Loyalty” and the video for “Humble.” Both are also up for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist. Among others who are nominated, Migos got four, including Best Group and Album Of The Year and SZA with four nods as well, including Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Best New Artist. Tiffany Haddish, Lupita Nyong’o, Taraji P. Henson, Chadwick Boseman, Donald Glover, and Sterling K. Brown are among the stars up for acting awards. Here is the complete list of nominees: Best Female R&B / Pop Artist Award Beyonce SZA H.E.R. Rihanna Kehlani Best Male R&B / Pop Artist Award Bruno Mars Chris Brown The Weeknd Khalid Daniel Caesar Best Group Award Migos A Tribe Called Quest N.E.R.D. Rae Sremmurd Chloe X Halle Best Collaboration Award Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B – “Finesse (Remix)” DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts” DJ Khaled feat. Jay-Z, Future & Beyonce – “Top Off” Cardi B feat. 21 Savage – “Bartier Cardi” French Montana feat. Swae Lee – “Unforgettable” Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – “LOYALTY.” Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Award Drake Kendrick Lamar DJ Khaled Jay-Z J. Cole Best Female Hip Hop Artist Award Cardi B Nicki Minaj Remy Ma DeJ Loaf Rapsody Video of the Year Award Drake – “God’s Plan” Cardi B – “Bodak Yellow” Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B – “Finesse (Remix)” DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts” Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.” Migos feat. Drake – “Walk It Talk It” Video Director of the Year Award Benny Boom Director X Ava Duvernay Chris Brown Dave Meyers Best New Artist Award SZA H.E.R. Daniel Caesar GOLDLINK A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award Lecrae feat. Tori Kelly – “I’ll Find You” Snoop Dogg feat. B. Slade – “Words Are Few” Ledisi & Kirk Franklin – “If You Don’t Mind” Marvin Sapp – “Close” Tasha Cobbs Leonard feat. Nicki Minaj – “I’m Getting Ready” The Best International Act Award Booba (France) Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) Dadju (France) Davido (Nigeria) Distruction Boyz (South Africa) Fally Ipupa (Congo) J Hus (U.K.) Niska (France) Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) Stefflon Don (U.K.) Stormzy (U.K.) Best Actress Award Tiffany Haddish Lupita Nyong’o Issa Rae Angela Bassett Letitia Wright Taraji P. Henson Best Actor Award Chadwick Boseman Michael B. Jordan Donald Glover Sterling K. Brown Denzel Washington Daniel Kaluuya Young Stars Award Yara Shahidi Ashton Tyler Caleb McLaughlin Lonnie Chavis Marsai Martin Miles Brown Best Movie Award “Black Panther” “Girls Trip” “A Wrinkle in Time” “Detroit” “Mudbound” Sportswoman of the Year Award Serena Williams Venus Williams Skylar Diggins-Smith Candace Parker Elana Meyers Taylor Sportsman of the Year Award Stephen Curry LeBron James Kevin Durant Dwyane Wade Odell Beckham Jr. Album of the Year Award “DAMN.” – Kendrick Lamar “Ctrl” – SZA “4:44” – Jay-Z “Culture II” – Migos “Black Panther: The Album” – Kendrick Lamar & Various Artists “Grateful” – DJ Khaled BET Her Award Janelle Monae – “Django Jane” Lizzo – “Water Me” Mary J. Blige – “Strength of a Woman” Remy Ma feat. Chris Brown – “Melanin Magic (Pretty Brown)” Chloe X Halle – “The Kids Are Alright” Leikeli47 – “2nd Fiddle” Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award SZA feat. Travis Scott – “Love Galore” Cardi B – “Bodak Yellow” Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.” Drake – “God’s Plan” Migos feat. Cardi B & Nicki Minaj – “Motor Sport” DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts” The 2018 BET Awards will take place on June 24 at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater.

Singers DJ Khaled, Kendrick Lamar lead 2018 BET Awards nominations

Kendrick Lamar who recently won a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-kendrick-lamar-wins-pulitzer-prize-for-music-130903">Pulitzer Prize in music for 2017 album DAMN.</a> will now be headlining New York hip-hop station Hot 97’s Summer Jam stage for June event.&nbsp;

The “94 ‘Til Infinity” show, to be held June 10 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will also include performances by artists like Lil Wayne, A$AP Ferg, Rich Da Kid and Remy Ma. In addition, the station also announced that Don Q and Snoopy Deniro will receive the “Who’s Next” slots.

The Summer Jam celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The event is noted for having given breaking new acts a chance, including Cardi B and Grammy Award winner Childish Gambino.

This is the full lineup:&nbsp;

Stadium Stage:

Kendrick Lamar 
Lil Wayne and Friends 
A$AP Ferg 
Tory Lanez 
Swizz Beatz & Friends 
Remy Ma 
Rich The Kid 
Megan Ryte & Friends 
A Boogie 
Hood Celebrityy

Festival Stage:

Famous Dex 
Jay Critch 
Don Q 
Snoopy Deniro 
&nbsp;

Artists like Lil Wayne, A$AP Ferg, and Remy Ma will also perform at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on June 10

Kendrick Lamar who recently won a Pulitzer Prize in music for 2017 album DAMN. will now be headlining New York hip-hop station Hot 97’s Summer Jam stage for June event. The “94 ‘Til Infinity” show, to be held June 10 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will also include performances by artists like Lil Wayne, A$AP Ferg, Rich Da Kid and Remy Ma. In addition, the station also announced that Don Q and Snoopy Deniro will receive the “Who’s Next” slots. The Summer Jam celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The event is noted for having given breaking new acts a chance, including Cardi B and Grammy Award winner Childish Gambino. This is the full lineup: Stadium Stage: Kendrick Lamar Lil Wayne and Friends A$AP Ferg Tory Lanez Swizz Beatz & Friends Remy Ma Rich The Kid Megan Ryte & Friends A Boogie Hood Celebrityy Festival Stage: Famous Dex Jay Critch Don Q Snoopy Deniro

Kendrick Lamar to headline Hot 97’s Summer Jam 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-russia-blocking-international-inspectors-from-reaching-suspected-syria-chemical-attack-site-130912">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-russia-blocking-international-inspectors-from-reaching-suspected-syria-chemical-attack-site-130912"> says Russia blocking international inspectors from reaching suspected Syria chemical attack site</a>

The United States accused Russia on Monday of blocking international inspectors from reaching the site of a suspected poison gas attack in Syria and said Russians or Syrians may have tampered with evidence on the ground.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-sweden-for-india-nordic-summit-receives-ceremonial-reception-130899">Modi arrives in Sweden for India-Nordic Summit, met at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-sweden-for-india-nordic-summit-receives-ceremonial-reception-130899">airport</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-sweden-for-india-nordic-summit-receives-ceremonial-reception-130899"> by Swedish PM</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Sweden late night on Monday 9:30 pm (local time) as part of the first India-Nordic Summit. He was received by his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven at the Stolkhome Arlanda airport.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-struggles-to-contain-dissent-in-karnataka-congress-after-ticket-distribution-130902">Siddaramaiah struggles to contain dissent in Karnataka Congress after distribution of tickets</a>

The AICC released the first list of 218 candidates on Sunday night for the Karnataka assembly elections, prompting a series of protests across the state. Protests were witnessed in Nelamangala, Siraguppa, Bengaluru, Ballari, Mandya, Chikkamagalur, Udupi, Tumkur, Bagalkote and Haveri. Supporters of ticket aspirants who were left disappointed took to the streets, shouted slogans against Siddaramaiah and burnt tyres as a mark of protest.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-kendrick-lamar-wins-pulitzer-prize-for-music-130903">Kendrick Lamar becomes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-kendrick-lamar-wins-pulitzer-prize-for-music-130903">first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-kendrick-lamar-wins-pulitzer-prize-for-music-130903"> rapper to win Pulitzer Prize for Music</a>

Kendrick Lamar has won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Music for his album ‘DAMN.’ which “captures the complexity of modern African-American life”. Lamar is the first rapper to win the prize, which is usually given to classical or jazz artists.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-air-defences-shoot-down-missiles-over-two-air-bases-state-tv-130910">Syrian air </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-air-defences-shoot-down-missiles-over-two-air-bases-state-tv-130910">defences</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-air-defences-shoot-down-missiles-over-two-air-bases-state-tv-130910"> shoot down missiles over two air bases in Homs: State TV</a>

Syrian anti-aircraft defences shot down missiles fired at the Syrian air base of Shayrat in Homs province late on Monday and another base northeast of the capital, Damascus, Syria's state television and pro-Iranian Hezbollah media said.

US says Russia blocking international inspectors from reaching suspected Syria chemical attack site The United States accused Russia on Monday of blocking international inspectors from reaching the site of a suspected poison gas attack in Syria and said Russians or Syrians may have tampered with evidence on the ground. Modi arrives in Sweden for India-Nordic Summit, met at airport by Swedish PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Sweden late night on Monday 9:30 pm (local time) as part of the first India-Nordic Summit. He was received by his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven at the Stolkhome Arlanda airport. Siddaramaiah struggles to contain dissent in Karnataka Congress after distribution of tickets The AICC released the first list of 218 candidates on Sunday night for the Karnataka assembly elections, prompting a series of protests across the state. Protests were witnessed in Nelamangala, Siraguppa, Bengaluru, Ballari, Mandya, Chikkamagalur, Udupi, Tumkur, Bagalkote and Haveri. Supporters of ticket aspirants who were left disappointed took to the streets, shouted slogans against Siddaramaiah and burnt tyres as a mark of protest. Kendrick Lamar becomes first rapper to win Pulitzer Prize for Music Kendrick Lamar has won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Music for his album ‘DAMN.’ which “captures the complexity of modern African-American life”. Lamar is the first rapper to win the prize, which is usually given to classical or jazz artists. Syrian air defences shoot down missiles over two air bases in Homs: State TV Syrian anti-aircraft defences shot down missiles fired at the Syrian air base of Shayrat in Homs province late on Monday and another base northeast of the capital, Damascus, Syria's state television and pro-Iranian Hezbollah media said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Kendrick Lamar has won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Music for his album ‘DAMN.’ which “captures the complexity of modern African-American life”. Lamar is the first rapper to win the prize, which is usually given to classical or jazz artists.&nbsp;

The prize listing describes Lamar’s record as “a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.”&nbsp;

It is seen as a more compact successor to Lamar’s experimental, often complex sophomore record, 2015’s 'To Pimp a Butterfly'&nbsp;that sold 353,000 copies its first week, according to Billboard (not including streams as in overall it collected 603,000 “album-equivalent units”). It went platinum earlier this month, the third of his records to do so.

His previous, 'Like Butterfly', got Lamar an Album of the Year nomination and the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-kendrick-lamar-gets-grammy-ovation-and-five-awards-31034">award for Best Rap Album at the 60th Grammy Awards</a>. He was also given a standing ovation for his performance that night.&nbsp;

'DAMN.'&nbsp;features credits from other popular singers like Rihanna, U2, James Blake and jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington.&nbsp;

The Pulitzer Prize founded in 1917, first established its Music category in 1943. Its recipients were exclusively reserved for classical artists until 1997 when trumpet player Wynton Marsalis became the first jazz musician to win the award. Marsalis was only the second African-American composer to win, following composer George Walker’s win with 'Lilacs'&nbsp;just a year before.

Lamar has released at least one album every year since 2015, including, most recently, the accompanying<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-black-panthers-album-tops-billboard-200-chart-33362"> soundtrack for Marvel’s Black Panther,</a> which he brought together.&nbsp;

He was last seen publicly at the much-talked-about <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-beyonce-becomes-the-first-black-woman-to-headline-coachella-130701">Coachella event headlined by Beyonce</a>, Eminem and The Weeknd. He did so during the sets of Black Panther collaborators SZA and Vince Staples.

He is now the first non-classical, non-jazz artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for music

Kendrick Lamar has won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Music for his album ‘DAMN.’ which “captures the complexity of modern African-American life”. Lamar is the first rapper to win the prize, which is usually given to classical or jazz artists. The prize listing describes Lamar’s record as “a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.” It is seen as a more compact successor to Lamar’s experimental, often complex sophomore record, 2015’s 'To Pimp a Butterfly' that sold 353,000 copies its first week, according to Billboard (not including streams as in overall it collected 603,000 “album-equivalent units”). It went platinum earlier this month, the third of his records to do so. His previous, 'Like Butterfly', got Lamar an Album of the Year nomination and the award for Best Rap Album at the 60th Grammy Awards. He was also given a standing ovation for his performance that night. 'DAMN.' features credits from other popular singers like Rihanna, U2, James Blake and jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington. The Pulitzer Prize founded in 1917, first established its Music category in 1943. Its recipients were exclusively reserved for classical artists until 1997 when trumpet player Wynton Marsalis became the first jazz musician to win the award. Marsalis was only the second African-American composer to win, following composer George Walker’s win with 'Lilacs' just a year before. Lamar has released at least one album every year since 2015, including, most recently, the accompanying soundtrack for Marvel’s Black Panther, which he brought together. He was last seen publicly at the much-talked-about Coachella event headlined by Beyonce, Eminem and The Weeknd. He did so during the sets of Black Panther collaborators SZA and Vince Staples.

Kendrick Lamar becomes first rapper to win Pulitzer Prize for Music

Marvel&#39;s latest release<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-black-panther-dream-run-at-the-box-office-continues-earns-a-whopping-108-million-in-the-second-weekend-34065" target="_blank"> &quot;Black Panther&quot;&nbsp;is not only ruling the worldwide box office </a>but has also now become the king of Twitter.&nbsp;

In a statement Tuesday, social media giant Twitter announced that the Marvel Studios blockbuster &quot;Black Panther&quot;&nbsp;is the most-tweeted-about movie of all time. In totality, the film has got more than 35 million tweets -- toppling the previous record-holders, &quot;Star Wars: The Force Awakens&quot; and &quot;Star Wars: The Last Jedi.&quot;

The film stars <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-sea-change-moment-chadwick-boseman-on-black-panther-success-33480" target="_blank">Chadwick Boseman</a> as Black Panther and is helmed by Ryan Coogler. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-black-panther-cbfc-reportedly-muted-hanuman-reference-from-the-film-33442" target="_blank">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-black-panther-cbfc-reportedly-muted-hanuman-reference-from-the-film-33442" target="_blank">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-black-panther-cbfc-reportedly-muted-hanuman-reference-from-the-film-33442" target="_blank">&nbsp;Black Panther: CBFC reportedly muted &#39;Hanuman&#39; reference in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-black-panther-cbfc-reportedly-muted-hanuman-reference-from-the-film-33442" target="_blank">film</a>

The songs of the movie&nbsp;curated and produced by the Grammy-winning rapper&nbsp;Kendrick Lamar have also been<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-black-panthers-album-tops-billboard-200-chart-33362" target="_blank"> successful at the Billboard with all songs topping the charts</a> since their release. Interestingly, the most re-tweeted &quot;Black Panther&quot;&nbsp;tweet was posted by Kendrick Lamar about the tracklist to the film&#39;s soundtrack. The tweet read:&nbsp;&quot;Black Panther The Album 2/9.&quot;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Black Panther The Album 2/9 <a href="https://t.co/MqhsEcj6iF">pic.twitter.com/MqhsEcj6iF</a>
&mdash; Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) <a href="https://twitter.com/kendricklamar/status/958788331420069888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

This is Marvel&#39;s first to&nbsp;be directed by an African-American, and it has already <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/black-panther-surpasses-tomb-raider-for-fifth-box-office-crown-36403" target="_blank">surpassed recently released Tomb Raider to gain the fifth box office crown</a> in the United States.

It was also appreciated the by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-michelle-obama-on-black-panther-people-will-finally-see-superheroes-that-look-like-them-33508" target="_blank">Michelle Obama who tweeted</a> in February:&nbsp;&quot;Congrats to the entire #blackpanther team! Because of you, young people will finally see superheroes that look like them on the big screen. I loved this movie and I know it will inspire people of all backgrounds to dig deep and find the courage to be heroes of their own stories.&quot;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Congrats to the entire <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blackpanther?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#blackpanther</a> team! Because of you, young people will finally see superheroes that look like them on the big screen. I loved this movie and I know it will inspire people of all backgrounds to dig deep and find the courage to be heroes of their own stories.
&mdash; Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleObama/status/965641575584935936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

Marvel's African-American superhero film is on its way to becoming one of the highest grossers of the year

Marvel's latest release "Black Panther" is not only ruling the worldwide box office but has also now become the king of Twitter. In a statement Tuesday, social media giant Twitter announced that the Marvel Studios blockbuster "Black Panther" is the most-tweeted-about movie of all time. In totality, the film has got more than 35 million tweets -- toppling the previous record-holders, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." The film stars Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther and is helmed by Ryan Coogler. Also Read: Black Panther: CBFC reportedly muted 'Hanuman' reference in film The songs of the movie curated and produced by the Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar have also been successful at the Billboard with all songs topping the charts since their release. Interestingly, the most re-tweeted "Black Panther" tweet was posted by Kendrick Lamar about the tracklist to the film's soundtrack. The tweet read: "Black Panther The Album 2/9." Black Panther The Album 2/9 pic.twitter.com/MqhsEcj6iF — Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) January 31, 2018 × This is Marvel's first to be directed by an African-American, and it has already surpassed recently released Tomb Raider to gain the fifth box office crown in the United States. It was also appreciated the by Michelle Obama who tweeted in February: "Congrats to the entire #blackpanther team! Because of you, young people will finally see superheroes that look like them on the big screen. I loved this movie and I know it will inspire people of all backgrounds to dig deep and find the courage to be heroes of their own stories." Congrats to the entire #blackpanther team! Because of you, young people will finally see superheroes that look like them on the big screen. I loved this movie and I know it will inspire people of all backgrounds to dig deep and find the courage to be heroes of their own stories. — Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) February 19, 2018 ×

Marvel's 'Black Panther' is most tweeted about movie of all time

Black Panther has been creating formidable impact at the Box Office ever since it released on Friday. The film, not only is being lapped up by the masses but has also been hailed as a game-changer for Hollywood. Not the just the movie, the album for the Black Panther, featuring songs by Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, SZA, Khalid and more, has also been doing well as it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The set, which features music from and inspired by the blockbuster Marvel Studios film, garnered the biggest week for a soundtrack - in terms of total units earned - in a year and a half, reports billboard.com.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the US, based on multi-metric consumption, which includes traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA).&nbsp;

The album includes a number of songs by Lamar, who curated and produced the hip-hop-heavy album with Top Dawg Entertainment`s founder/CEO Anthony &quot;Top Dawg&quot; Tiffith.&nbsp;

Among the 14 songs from the Black Panther: The Album, only three are heard in the film.&nbsp; 
 
Incidentally, this is the first time in Marvel Cinematic Universe history that Marvel Studios has integrated multiple original recordings specifically for a film.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, the film has been doing well at the box office as well as it earned nearly $218 million in the first four days in North America.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Much like the film, Black Panther Album is also doing well.

Black Panther has been creating formidable impact at the Box Office ever since it released on Friday. The film, not only is being lapped up by the masses but has also been hailed as a game-changer for Hollywood. Not the just the movie, the album for the Black Panther, featuring songs by Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, SZA, Khalid and more, has also been doing well as it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The set, which features music from and inspired by the blockbuster Marvel Studios film, garnered the biggest week for a soundtrack - in terms of total units earned - in a year and a half, reports billboard.com. The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the US, based on multi-metric consumption, which includes traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). The album includes a number of songs by Lamar, who curated and produced the hip-hop-heavy album with Top Dawg Entertainment`s founder/CEO Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith. Among the 14 songs from the Black Panther: The Album, only three are heard in the film. Incidentally, this is the first time in Marvel Cinematic Universe history that Marvel Studios has integrated multiple original recordings specifically for a film. Meanwhile, the film has been doing well at the box office as well as it earned nearly $218 million in the first four days in North America.

Black Panther's album tops Billboard 200 Chart

The US&nbsp;television audience for Sunday&#39;s Grammy Awards show on CBS Corp. television fell sharply to 17.6 million, early Nielsen ratings data seen by Variety showed on Monday.

That was a more than 30 percent drop from 2017 when some 26.1 million television viewers tuned in for the live television broadcast in the biggest audience in two years, Variety reported.

Sunday&#39;s 60th anniversary Grammy Awards, staged in New York over three and a half hours, saw R&amp;B singer Bruno Mars win six statuettes, while rapper Kendrick Lamar won five. Jay-Z, who had gone into the show with eight nominations, won nothing.

Final, official audience data for the show will be released later on Monday. 
&nbsp;

The US television audience for Sunday's Grammy Awards show on CBS Corp. television fell sharply to 17.6 million, early Nielsen ratings data seen by Variety showed on Monday

The US television audience for Sunday's Grammy Awards show on CBS Corp. television fell sharply to 17.6 million, early Nielsen ratings data seen by Variety showed on Monday. That was a more than 30 percent drop from 2017 when some 26.1 million television viewers tuned in for the live television broadcast in the biggest audience in two years, Variety reported. Sunday's 60th anniversary Grammy Awards, staged in New York over three and a half hours, saw R&B singer Bruno Mars win six statuettes, while rapper Kendrick Lamar won five. Jay-Z, who had gone into the show with eight nominations, won nothing. Final, official audience data for the show will be released later on Monday.

Grammy Awards TV audience falls sharply

It was a night when Rap and R&amp;B ruled and stars Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars took home the maximum awards. Mars, the big winner of the night, won Song Of The Year, Record Of The Year and Album of The Year for his album 24k Magic.&nbsp; 
 
Lamar won the Best Rap Album and Best Rap artists award among others.&nbsp; 
 
Here is the complete list of winners. 
 
Album of the Year: 24K Magic -Bruno Mars 
 
Record of the Year: &quot;24K Magic&quot; -Bruno Mars 
 
Song of the Year: That&#39;s What I Like&quot; - Bruno Mars 
 
Best New Artist: Alessia Cara 
 
Best Pop Solo Performance: Shape Of You- Ed Sheeran 
 
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: &quot;Feel It Still&quot; - Portugal. The Man 
 
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Tony Bennett Celebrates 90&nbsp; 
 
Best Pop Vocal Album: Divide- Ed Sheeran 
 
Best Dance Recording: &quot;Tonite&quot; 
 
Best Dance/Electronic Album: 3-D The Catalogue&nbsp; 
 
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: Prototype -Jeff Lorber Fusion 
 
Best Rock Performance: &quot;You Want It Darker&quot;-Leonard Cohen

Best Metal Performance: Sultan&#39;s Curse&quot; - Mastodon

Best Rock Song: &quot;Run&quot; - Foo Fighters

Best Rock Album: A Deeper Understanding- The War On Drugs

Best Alternative Music Album: Sleep Well Beast - The National

Best R&amp;B Performance: &quot;That&#39;s What I Like&quot; - Bruno Mars

Best Traditional R&amp;B Performance: &quot;Redbone&quot; - Childish Gambino

Best R&amp;B Song: &quot;That&#39;s What I Like&quot;- Bruno Mars

Best Urban Contemporary Album: &nbsp;Starboy -The Weeknd

Best R&amp;B Album: 24k Magic -Bruno Mars

Best Rap Performance: &quot;HUMBLE.&quot; - Kendrick Lamar

Best Rap/Sung Performance: &quot; LOYALTY.&quot; - Kendrick Lamar Featuring Rihanna

Best Rap Song: &quot;HUMBLE.&quot; Kendrick Lamar

Best Rap Album: DAMN - Kendrick Lamar

Best Country Solo Performance: &quot;Either Way&quot;- Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo/Group Performance: &quot;Better Man&quot;- Little Big Town

Best Country Song: &quot;Broken Halos&quot; - Chris Stapleton

Best Country Album: From A Room: Volume 1 - Chris Stapleton

Best Latin Pop Album: El Dorado - Shakira

Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album: Residente - Residente

Best Reggae Album: Stony Hill - Damian &quot;Jr. Gong&quot; Marley

Best Children&#39;s Album: Feel What U Feel - Lisa Loeb

Best Spoken Word Album : The Princess Diarist - Carrie Fisher

Best Comedy Album: The Age Of Spin &amp; Deep In The Heart Of Texas&nbsp;

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: La La Land

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media: La La Land

Best Song Written for Visual Media: &quot;How Far I&#39;ll Go&quot;- Moana

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: 24K Magic

Best Opera Recording: &quot;Berg: Wozzeck&quot;

Best Music Video: &quot;HUMBLE.&quot; - Kendrick Lamar

Best Music Film: The Defiant Ones&nbsp;

It was a night when Rap and R&B ruled and stars Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars took home the maximum awards. Mars, the big winner of the night, won Song Of The Year, Record Of The Year and Album of The Year for his album 24k Magic. Lamar won the Best Rap Album and Best Rap artists award among others. Here is the complete list of winners. Album of the Year: 24K Magic -Bruno Mars Record of the Year: "24K Magic" -Bruno Mars Song of the Year: That's What I Like" - Bruno Mars Best New Artist: Alessia Cara Best Pop Solo Performance: Shape Of You- Ed Sheeran Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: "Feel It Still" - Portugal. The Man Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Tony Bennett Celebrates 90 Best Pop Vocal Album: Divide- Ed Sheeran Best Dance Recording: "Tonite" Best Dance/Electronic Album: 3-D The Catalogue Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: Prototype -Jeff Lorber Fusion Best Rock Performance: "You Want It Darker"-Leonard Cohen Best Metal Performance: Sultan's Curse" - Mastodon Best Rock Song: "Run" - Foo Fighters Best Rock Album: A Deeper Understanding- The War On Drugs Best Alternative Music Album: Sleep Well Beast - The National Best R&B Performance: "That's What I Like" - Bruno Mars Best Traditional R&B Performance: "Redbone" - Childish Gambino Best R&B Song: "That's What I Like"- Bruno Mars Best Urban Contemporary Album: Starboy -The Weeknd Best R&B Album: 24k Magic -Bruno Mars Best Rap Performance: "HUMBLE." - Kendrick Lamar Best Rap/Sung Performance: " LOYALTY." - Kendrick Lamar Featuring Rihanna Best Rap Song: "HUMBLE." Kendrick Lamar Best Rap Album: DAMN - Kendrick Lamar Best Country Solo Performance: "Either Way"- Chris Stapleton Best Country Duo/Group Performance: "Better Man"- Little Big Town Best Country Song: "Broken Halos" - Chris Stapleton Best Country Album: From A Room: Volume 1 - Chris Stapleton Best Latin Pop Album: El Dorado - Shakira Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album: Residente - Residente Best Reggae Album: Stony Hill - Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley Best Children's Album: Feel What U Feel - Lisa Loeb Best Spoken Word Album : The Princess Diarist - Carrie Fisher Best Comedy Album: The Age Of Spin & Deep In The Heart Of Texas Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: La La Land Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media: La La Land Best Song Written for Visual Media: "How Far I'll Go"- Moana Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: 24K Magic Best Opera Recording: "Berg: Wozzeck" Best Music Video: "HUMBLE." - Kendrick Lamar Best Music Film: The Defiant Ones

Grammys 2018: The complete list of winners

Kendrick Lamar took the Grammy Awards by storm on Sunday, winning five early awards and opening the show with a politically charged performance that brought the audience to its feet. 
 
Lamar, 30, regarded as one of the most innovative rappers of his generation, kicked off the program in New York with dancers dressed in military fatigues against the backdrop of an American flag. 
 
He performed a medley of hits including &quot;XXX.&quot; featuring U2, &quot;DNA.&quot; and ending with &quot;King`s Dead,&quot; where dancers dressed in red hoodies mimicked being shot and falling to the floor. 
 
The performance earned cheers and a standing ovation from the audience at Madison Square Garden.&nbsp; 
 
Lamar won for best rap album, music video, rap song, rap performance and rap/sung performance, defeating fellow rapper Jay-Z and leaving him empty-handed despite going into the show with a leading eight nominations. 
 
&quot;It`s really about expressing yourself and putting that paint on the canvas for the next generation,&quot; Lamar said. &quot;Hip-hop has done that.&quot; 
 
He thanked Jay-Z, 48, and other veteran hip-hop artists for showing him the way, adding &quot;Jay for president!&quot; 
 
R&amp;B singer Bruno Mars also had a good night, winning three early Grammys for his album &quot;24K Magic&quot; and hit single &quot;That`s What I Like.&quot; 
 
Alessia Cara was named best new artist. &quot;I`ve been pretend-winning Grammys since I was a kid in my shower,&quot; she said, accepting the award. 
 
Jay-Z, who bared his soul on his &quot;4:44&quot; album, was not expected to perform on Sunday in a departure from Grammy tradition. 
 
The Los Angeles Times quoted Grammy organizers as saying that Jay-Z, who was in the audience on Sunday, had turned down an invitation to perform. 
 
He is competing against Lamar, Mars, Childish Gambino and New Zealand-born singer-songwriter Lorde for album of the year in a test of whether hip-hop can break a 14-year dry spell and win that top prize. 
 
On the red carpet, dozens of musicians wore or held white roses to signal support for women`s equality and freedom from sexual harassment. 
 
Inside the venue, pop singer Kesha, who has been battling her former record producer Dr. Luke for years in U.S. courts over allegations of emotional and sexual abuse, is to perform her defiant single &quot;Praying.&quot;&nbsp;Dr. Luke has repeatedly denied Kesha`s allegations. 
 
Cara, Khalid and Logic will take the stage with a group of suicide survivors to perform their song &quot;1-800-273-8255,&quot; the telephone number of the National Suicide Prevention hotline. 
 
And country artists Brothers Osborne, Eric Church and Maren Morris, who appeared at the Las Vegas country music festival where 58 people were killed and more than 500 were wounded inOctober, will mark victims of violence at music events.&nbsp; 
 
Mars, Jay-Z, Lamar and Gambino are also nominated for record of the year, but they faced strong competition from dance hit &quot;Despacito&quot; by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and featuring Justin Bieber. The single last summer broke records as the most-streamed global track of all time, with more than 4.6 billion plays across leading platforms. 
 
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who was snubbed in the top album, record and song of the year categories, won two Grammys for his 2017 best-seller &quot;Divide&quot; and single &quot;The Shape of You,&quot; but did not attend Sunday`s ceremony. 
 
Childish Gambino, the alter ego of actor Donald Glover, won his first-ever Grammy for &quot;Redbone&quot; which was named best traditional R&amp;B performance.&nbsp;

Kendrick Lamar took the Grammy Awards by storm on Sunday, winning five early awards and opening the show with a politically charged performance

Kendrick Lamar took the Grammy Awards by storm on Sunday, winning five early awards and opening the show with a politically charged performance that brought the audience to its feet. Lamar, 30, regarded as one of the most innovative rappers of his generation, kicked off the program in New York with dancers dressed in military fatigues against the backdrop of an American flag. He performed a medley of hits including "XXX." featuring U2, "DNA." and ending with "King`s Dead," where dancers dressed in red hoodies mimicked being shot and falling to the floor. The performance earned cheers and a standing ovation from the audience at Madison Square Garden. Lamar won for best rap album, music video, rap song, rap performance and rap/sung performance, defeating fellow rapper Jay-Z and leaving him empty-handed despite going into the show with a leading eight nominations. "It`s really about expressing yourself and putting that paint on the canvas for the next generation," Lamar said. "Hip-hop has done that." He thanked Jay-Z, 48, and other veteran hip-hop artists for showing him the way, adding "Jay for president!" R&B singer Bruno Mars also had a good night, winning three early Grammys for his album "24K Magic" and hit single "That`s What I Like." Alessia Cara was named best new artist. "I`ve been pretend-winning Grammys since I was a kid in my shower," she said, accepting the award. Jay-Z, who bared his soul on his "4:44" album, was not expected to perform on Sunday in a departure from Grammy tradition. The Los Angeles Times quoted Grammy organizers as saying that Jay-Z, who was in the audience on Sunday, had turned down an invitation to perform. He is competing against Lamar, Mars, Childish Gambino and New Zealand-born singer-songwriter Lorde for album of the year in a test of whether hip-hop can break a 14-year dry spell and win that top prize. On the red carpet, dozens of musicians wore or held white roses to signal support for women`s equality and freedom from sexual harassment. Inside the venue, pop singer Kesha, who has been battling her former record producer Dr. Luke for years in U.S. courts over allegations of emotional and sexual abuse, is to perform her defiant single "Praying." Dr. Luke has repeatedly denied Kesha`s allegations. Cara, Khalid and Logic will take the stage with a group of suicide survivors to perform their song "1-800-273-8255," the telephone number of the National Suicide Prevention hotline. And country artists Brothers Osborne, Eric Church and Maren Morris, who appeared at the Las Vegas country music festival where 58 people were killed and more than 500 were wounded inOctober, will mark victims of violence at music events. Mars, Jay-Z, Lamar and Gambino are also nominated for record of the year, but they faced strong competition from dance hit "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and featuring Justin Bieber. The single last summer broke records as the most-streamed global track of all time, with more than 4.6 billion plays across leading platforms. British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who was snubbed in the top album, record and song of the year categories, won two Grammys for his 2017 best-seller "Divide" and single "The Shape of You," but did not attend Sunday`s ceremony. Childish Gambino, the alter ego of actor Donald Glover, won his first-ever Grammy for "Redbone" which was named best traditional R&B performance.

Grammys 2018: Kendrick Lamar gets standing ovation - and five awards

Jay-Z`s soul-baring album on love, life and social fractures led the Grammy Award nominations on Tuesday with eight nods in a list that saw women sidelined in some major categories and Katy Perry excluded completely. 
 
Jay-Z`s 4:44&nbsp;album was nominated for album of the year, one of the top three Grammy accolades. The album`s title track and The Story of O.J.&nbsp;songs were nominated in song and record of the year.&nbsp; 
 
4:44&nbsp;will compete for album of the year against R&amp;B star Bruno Mars` 24K Magic,&quot; New Zealand pop singer Lorde`s &quot;Melodrama,&quot; hip hop artists Childish Gambino`s Awaken, My Love!&nbsp;and Kendrick Lamar`s Damn.

Lamar landed seven nominations overall, Mars got six including the top three categories and Childish Gambino, the alter-ego of actor Donald Glover, scored five nominations.&nbsp; 
 
Despacito,&nbsp;the hit from Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi featuring Justin Bieber and Daddy Yankee landed three nominations including record and song of the year.&nbsp;

The 60th Grammy Awards, music`s biggest night honoring the year`s achievements across more than 80 categories, are scheduled for Jan. 28 at New York City`s Madison Square Garden.&nbsp;

Music released between October 2016 and September 2017 qualified for this year`s awards and will be voted for by members of the Recording Academy, made up of music industry professionals.&nbsp; 
 
Newcomer R&amp;B singer SZA was the most-nominated female artist with five nods including best new artist, in which she will face singers Julia Michaels, Alessia Cara, Khalid and rapper Lil Uzi Vert. 
&nbsp; 
Taylor Swift`s Reputation&nbsp;album will not be eligible this year due to its November release, but she garnered two nominations including writing country group Little Big Town`s Better Man.&nbsp; 
 
The most notable omission from Tuesday`s Grammy nominations was Canadian hip hop artist Drake, whose More Life&nbsp;album dominated streaming, charts and radio play since its March release.&nbsp; 
 
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, whose &quot;Divide&quot; album topped charts around the world, garnered two nominations in the pop categories. Lady Gaga and Kesha landed two nods each in the same categories as Sheeran.

Pop star Katy Perry, who is yet to win a Grammy award, did not score a single nomination for her Witness&nbsp;album.&nbsp;

The absence of some of the biggest female artists marked a stark contrast with the 2017 awards when Beyonce led the nominations and Britain`s Adele swept the top awards. Neither released new music this year.&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

The absence of some of the biggest female artists marked a stark contrast with the 2017 awards when Beyonce led the nominations

Jay-Z`s soul-baring album on love, life and social fractures led the Grammy Award nominations on Tuesday with eight nods in a list that saw women sidelined in some major categories and Katy Perry excluded completely. Jay-Z`s 4:44 album was nominated for album of the year, one of the top three Grammy accolades. The album`s title track and The Story of O.J. songs were nominated in song and record of the year. 4:44 will compete for album of the year against R&B star Bruno Mars` 24K Magic," New Zealand pop singer Lorde`s "Melodrama," hip hop artists Childish Gambino`s Awaken, My Love! and Kendrick Lamar`s Damn. Lamar landed seven nominations overall, Mars got six including the top three categories and Childish Gambino, the alter-ego of actor Donald Glover, scored five nominations. Despacito, the hit from Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi featuring Justin Bieber and Daddy Yankee landed three nominations including record and song of the year. The 60th Grammy Awards, music`s biggest night honoring the year`s achievements across more than 80 categories, are scheduled for Jan. 28 at New York City`s Madison Square Garden. Music released between October 2016 and September 2017 qualified for this year`s awards and will be voted for by members of the Recording Academy, made up of music industry professionals. Newcomer R&B singer SZA was the most-nominated female artist with five nods including best new artist, in which she will face singers Julia Michaels, Alessia Cara, Khalid and rapper Lil Uzi Vert. Taylor Swift`s Reputation album will not be eligible this year due to its November release, but she garnered two nominations including writing country group Little Big Town`s Better Man. The most notable omission from Tuesday`s Grammy nominations was Canadian hip hop artist Drake, whose More Life album dominated streaming, charts and radio play since its March release. British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, whose "Divide" album topped charts around the world, garnered two nominations in the pop categories. Lady Gaga and Kesha landed two nods each in the same categories as Sheeran. Pop star Katy Perry, who is yet to win a Grammy award, did not score a single nomination for her Witness album. The absence of some of the biggest female artists marked a stark contrast with the 2017 awards when Beyonce led the nominations and Britain`s Adele swept the top awards. Neither released new music this year.

Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar lead male-dominated Grammy nominations; Katy Perry given a cold snub

Kendrick Lamar has pulled off the biggest US album debut this year with &quot;DAMN.,&quot; an introspective work of hip-hop storytelling that features Rihanna and U2.

&quot;DAMN.&quot; sold 603,000 copies or the equivalent in streaming and downloads in the week since its April 14 release, tracking service Nielsen Music said late Saturday.

Entering at number one on the benchmark Billboard chart, &quot;DAMN.&quot;&nbsp;sold more in a single week than any other album so far this year.

&quot;DAMN.&quot; follows Lamar&#39;s 2015 album &quot;To Pimp a Butterfly,&quot; which has quickly been hailed as a hip-hop classic with its innovative infusion of jazz and its lyricism that explored the state of black America.

While &quot;DAMN.&quot;&nbsp;has similarly won wide praise, it brings a more classic rap style, even with a pop-oriented collaboration with Rihanna and a guitar rock fusion with U2.

&quot;DAMN.&quot; is a highly personal work and culminates with a track in which Lamar recalls his father being shot while working at a Kentucky Fried Chicken branch in the Los Angeles area.

While &quot;DAMN.&quot; also has political references, Lamar said in an interview aired Friday that he did not want to focus too much on President Donald Trump.

&quot;I wanted more self-evaluation and discipline because of what&#39;s going on now,&quot; he told Apple Music&#39;s Beats 1 radio. &quot;We&#39;re not focusing on him,&quot; he said of Trump. &quot;What&#39;s going on now -- we&#39;re focusing on self.&quot;

Lamar&#39;s track &quot;Alright&quot; from &quot;To Pimp a Butterfly&quot; became an unofficial anthem of the Black Lives Matter movement. The rapper&#39;s admirers include then president Barack Obama, who invited Lamar to the White House.

Lamar topped the &quot;More Life&quot; collection by Drake -- the Toronto rapper known more for crowd-pulling dance tracks than social commentary -- which had earlier held the crown for biggest US album release of 2017.

But &quot;DAMN.&quot; remains well below Drake&#39;s last full-fledged album &quot;Views,&quot; which sold more than one million copies in its first week after its release a year ago.

The comparative sales figures are sure to be scrutinised as Lamar and Drake have made a series of critical, if indirect, comments about each other.

(AFP)

'DAMN.' is a highly personal work with a classic rap style, even with its collaboration with Rihanna and a guitar rock fusion with U2

Kendrick Lamar has pulled off the biggest US album debut this year with "DAMN.," an introspective work of hip-hop storytelling that features Rihanna and U2. "DAMN." sold 603,000 copies or the equivalent in streaming and downloads in the week since its April 14 release, tracking service Nielsen Music said late Saturday. Entering at number one on the benchmark Billboard chart, "DAMN." sold more in a single week than any other album so far this year. "DAMN." follows Lamar's 2015 album "To Pimp a Butterfly," which has quickly been hailed as a hip-hop classic with its innovative infusion of jazz and its lyricism that explored the state of black America. While "DAMN." has similarly won wide praise, it brings a more classic rap style, even with a pop-oriented collaboration with Rihanna and a guitar rock fusion with U2. "DAMN." is a highly personal work and culminates with a track in which Lamar recalls his father being shot while working at a Kentucky Fried Chicken branch in the Los Angeles area. While "DAMN." also has political references, Lamar said in an interview aired Friday that he did not want to focus too much on President Donald Trump. "I wanted more self-evaluation and discipline because of what's going on now," he told Apple Music's Beats 1 radio. "We're not focusing on him," he said of Trump. "What's going on now -- we're focusing on self." Lamar's track "Alright" from "To Pimp a Butterfly" became an unofficial anthem of the Black Lives Matter movement. The rapper's admirers include then president Barack Obama, who invited Lamar to the White House. Lamar topped the "More Life" collection by Drake -- the Toronto rapper known more for crowd-pulling dance tracks than social commentary -- which had earlier held the crown for biggest US album release of 2017. But "DAMN." remains well below Drake's last full-fledged album "Views," which sold more than one million copies in its first week after its release a year ago. The comparative sales figures are sure to be scrutinised as Lamar and Drake have made a series of critical, if indirect, comments about each other. (AFP)

Kendrick Lamar scores biggest US album release of year

kendrick-lamar

Kendrick Lamar, News on Kendrick Lamar, stories on Kendrick Lamar, articles on Kendrick Lamar, Kendrick Lamar stories at Wion, Kendrick Lamar news, Kendrick Lamar latest news

kendrick lamar