Music • Hollywood Unlocked Entertainment News

HU Exclusive: BET Experience 2018 Hosts R&B Night With Chris Brown, SZA, Teyana Taylor & Ella Mai

May 30, 2019June 23, 2018 by Ariela Anís

If you missed out, we’ve got you covered!

As BET Experience 2018 kicked off its first night of fan fest Friday (June 22), it hosted its R&B night at Staples Center filled with soul-snatching and baby-making hits from Chris Brown, SZA, Teyana Taylor and Ella Mai.

While Breezy ran through numerous selections from his newest album, like “To My Bed” and “High End,” and classic tracks, like “Poppin” and “Wall to Wall,” London-born Mai brought out surprise guest Ty Dolla $ign; who performed their DJ Mustard production “She Don’t.”

Also, as SZA proved that she’s definitely got her vocals back hitting notes on her various ‘CTRL‘ tracks, Teyana Taylor channeled her inner Janet Jackson, sensually crooning and dancing upon the stage to her hits like “Maybe” and “Do Not Disturb.”

That was only the first night, stay tuned as Hollywood Unlocked gives you the keys to more exclusives!

For more coverage on BET Experience Fan Fest Night #1 check below!

#PressPlay below to view more moments with Chris Brown!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkX2l1Cg-or/?tagged=chrisbrown

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkWuS2bAoo9/?tagged=chrisbrown

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkUdJmQAD9W/?tagged=chrisbrown

#PressPlay below to view more moments with SZA!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkXeXOTlAq6/?taken-by=szaempire

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkXoQN8lJvs/?taken-by=szaempire

#PressPlay below to view more moments with Teyana Taylor!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkX1QuCnEdo/?tagged=teyanataylor

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkXEebgHAHF/?tagged=teyanataylor

#PressPlay below to view more moments with Ella Mai!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkXQY_YnICI/?tagged=ellamai

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkXfPJNhfCN/?tagged=ellamai

HU Exclusive: NBA Star Iman Shumpert Shows Off His Musical Talent With New Mixtape ‘Substance Abuse’

May 30, 2019June 10, 2018 by Ariela Anís

Iman jumps from the court to the studio.

While he’s known for flexing his athletic abilities on the court, NBA baller Iman Shumpert reminds us that he also possesses a lyrical dexterity on the mic, debuting his newest six-track mixtape ‘Substance Abuse.’

Catching him at his release party at West Hollywood lounge Hyde Sunset, the Sacramento Kings baller, whose moniker is “Iman.,” dished to Hollywood Unlocked on his new feat, his double life as an NBA player and what’s next to come.

Additionally, Iman details that the mood of the project is “the growth of a man,” and that the title’s play on words forces listeners to debate, “Can you abuse good substances?”

Also, he shares on the transition of a baller into a rapper, stating:

“I hope people connect with it. Some people [won’t] even give it a listen because they just want to see me as a basketball player and that’s fine.”

To hear more from Iman., press play above!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhhz5NfHbdF/?hl=en&taken-by=imanshumpert

#PressPlay below to stream Substance Abuse by Iman.

#PressNext below to view more images of the baller

HU Exclusive: Lil Mama Drops Some New Heat With “Shoe Game”

May 30, 2019May 25, 2018 by Kecia Gayle

HU Exclusive: Lil Mama Drops Some New Heat With “Shoe Game” Lil Mama just dropped her latest single “Shoe Game,” which is definitely a vibe, a mood and a bop all put together. While lil Mama manages to stay true to herself, the New York rapper shows us the super sexy, glam side of her … Read more

Hollywood Unlocked UNCENSORED: Faith Evans On B.I.G And Lil Kim Collaboration, Mary J Blige & Relationship With Stevie J

May 30, 2019May 21, 2018 by Alyssa Lee

This week Hollywood Unlocked UNCENSORED is back for another juicy episode, as our favorite hosts, Jason Lee, Melyssa Ford, and Giovanni are all back together again!

This week our guest was the iconic Faith Evans, what better way to celebrate Biggie’s birthday?

Faith opens up about her marriage to Biggie and his rise to stardom, including her own talented singing career and affiliation with Bad Boy. We get to hear a first-hand account of life when Hip-hop and music were at it’s greatest.

Now, what we’ve been wanting to know the truth about for decades! Faith sets all rumors straight about Tupac’s “Hit em’ Up”, whereby he insisted he slept with Biggie’s wife. However, Faith reveals that the pair were merely acquaintances who worked on music together! However, one relationship she does admit to going further than friendship was with Stevie J! You know we got all the tea on that!

This is one of our favorite episodes yet! Don’t miss this legendary talent as she shuts down rumors that Puff had a part in Biggie’s death, the constant remakes of Hip-hop’s tragedy and legendary collaborations with Mary J Blige and Lil Kim.

Press Play above for more and take a look at some of our behind the scenes pictures here!

HU Exclusive: N.E.R.D., Nipsey Hussle, Logic & More Shut Down Power 106 LA’s Powerhouse 2018

May 30, 2019May 14, 2018 by Ariela Anís

Nipsey Hussle, Logic, Pharrell (N.E.R.D.)

Powerhouse 2018 – if you missed out, we’ve got you covered!

While heading out to San Bernardino’s Glen Helen Amphitheater Saturday (May 12), Hollywood Unlocked hit the scene to exclusively hit the carpet and pit to capture the hottest moments with your favorite artists and personalities over at Power 106 LA’s Powerhouse 2018.

In addition to N.E.R.D.; Nipsey Nussle; Logic; Miguel; A$AP Ferg; De La Ghetto; Yo Gotti; Lil Jon; Tech N9NE; DJ Felli Fel; LA Leakers; 24HRS; Super Duper Kyle; G Perico; DJ Carnage; Lil Dicky; Mozzy; Saweetie; and Tinashe; special guests included Ty Dolla $ign; O.T. Genesis; Too $hort; E-40; Jayden Smith; Dom Kennedy; Roddy Ricch, and more.

As Nipsey closed out the show, proudly repping for his city of Los Angeles, performing a couple tracks from his latest album ‘Victory Lap,’ Miguel performed ballads like “Adorn, ” “Come Over & Chill” and more, while confirming that a Spanish album is in the works.

Also hitting the New at 2 and Powerhouse Main stages were: Phora, Cozz, A.Chal, UnoTheActivist and Karol G.

In addition to Pharrell of N.E.R.D., Logic also pulled fans on stage to help sing lyrics and dance in front of the hundreds of guests, as Lil Dicky gave a lucky fan a lap dance in boxers! See it below!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BitH-yTgeu1/?taken-by=hollywoodunlocked

Aside from all of the musical performances, on the Glen Helen grounds were food, drink and retail vendors, plus a zip line! Check it out below!

https://twitter.com/Power106LA/status/995394168749932544

#PressPlay above to view more footage and #PressNext below to view more images from the event!

(Photos courtesy of John Photography)

J Cruz, Cece Valencia, Miguel at Powerhouse 2018

Lil Jon, Ty Dolla $ign, 24HRS, DJ Felli Fell and E-40 at Powerhouse 2018

HU Exclusive: From Homeless To Signed Artist, Meet Nick Cannon’s Ncredible Records Singer Natalie Nichole

May 30, 2019May 11, 2018 by Ariela Anís

Meet Natalie Nichole, Ncredible Records newest talent! On January 3, 2017 Nick Cannon debuted to social media his #SignMeToNcredible Challenge, inviting artists across the world to audition online for a chance to become the newest talent at his own Ncredible Records. Just days later, on the 14th the invite made its way in front of the … Read more

HU Exclusive: 2018 Coachella Music & Arts Festival Weekend 2, Day 3

May 30, 2019April 23, 2018 by Ariela Anís

(GETTY) Coachella Weekend 2, Day 3 - Cardi B

Coachella 2018 has officially come to a close. While the 2018 Coachella Music and Arts Festival came to a close on Sunday for weekend two, day three, festival goers took their last photos and performers hit the stage one last time with a bang. In addition to acts like: Cardi B; Migos; French Montana; 6LACK; Miguel; Dej Loaf; THEY; Amine; Jidenna; and Kamiyah; headliner Eminem returned to … Read more

HU Exclusive: 2018 Coachella Music & Arts Festival Weekend 2, Day 2

May 30, 2019April 22, 2018 by Ariela Anís

(GETTY) Coachella Weekend 2, Day 2 - Beyonce

#Beychella returns for a second weekend! Weekend two, day two of the 2018 Coachella Music and Arts Festival included more surprise guests and a change of things for headliner Beyoncé. In addition to sets by Wizkid, Flatbush Zombies, Tyler, the Creator and Jorja Smith, Post Malone brought out Rae Sremmurd, Ty Dolla $ign and Pharrell. RELATED: #Beychella: Dancer Says … Read more

HU Exclusive: 2018 Coachella Music & Arts Festival Weekend 2, Day 1

May 30, 2019April 21, 2018 by Ariela Anís

(GETTY) Coachella Weekend 2, Day 1 - Crowd Shot

The party has returned for weekend two! Returning for a second weekend in Indio, CA, the 2018 Coachella Music and Arts Festival lit the city up once more, leading up to Friday night’s headliner The Weeknd. In addition to the many art shows going on concurrently with the many performances across the compound, weekend two, … Read more

HU Exclusive: Sean Paul And Becky G Take Us Behind The Scenes Of “MAD LOVE” video

May 30, 2019March 7, 2018 by Alyssa Lee

Jamaican talent, Sean Paul, looks to continue his work as an international superstar with the release of his latest single “Mad Love.” For this track, the singer borrows the talents of, David Guetta and Latina pop princess, Becky G, to create a song that embodies every aspect of a modern pop record.

On “Mad Love,” Becky G uses her voice to gift the song its chorus, while Sean Paul rides Guetta’s EDM bass-influenced instruments with his signature accented style. The track adds to all of the artists’ cross-cultural popularity as Becky G sings “Take your time and do it like we were in Jamaica or New York” in a way that mirrors the song’s infusion of their influences.

“Mad Love” adds to a steak of smash singles that Paul has unleashed in the past two years. By teaming up with the Migos for “Body” and Tory Lanez with the record “Tek Weh Yuh Heart,” Sean Paul is still a contender for one of the most successful pop artists to date. Yet, outside of these massive hit records, “Mad Love” seems to hold more weight to Sean Paul as this mega mash-up of a song took nearly two years to make.

Press Play above a look behind the scenes as Becky and Sean give us all the inside scoop into their new musical partnership!

HU Exclusive: Inside Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White’s 2018 ‘Air+Style’ Music & Sports Festival

May 30, 2019March 7, 2018 by Ariela Anís

Professional snowboarder, skateboarder, musician and three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White hosted his annual Air + Style festival, which merged sports, music and art this past weekend ( March 3 and 4) at DTLA’s Exposition Park.

While one side of the park titled “Winter” held a snow-covered ramp, vendors/stands and a performance stage (seeing acts like Zedd, Cashmere Cat, and more); the opposing side, “Summer,” housed another performance stage (seeing acts like Gucci Mane, DRAM, Tinashe and more), vendors and stands, and a skateboarding park; with its ramps plaster with its skaters artwork.

The 31-year-old superstar sportsman proudly wore his Olympic gold medal as he signed merchandise and hung out around the festival, telling the LA Times,

“The connection between sports and music has always been there. It was just my thing to make it a little more blatant – having bands on top of the staging area for the ramps, DJs doing their gigs during the snowboard competition, things that really bring them together.”

Additionally, White explains that the fest, birthed in 2015, will soon see expansion across the globe

Despite the bit of rain that hit the fest and its eventgoers, the party kept raging throughout the weekend; with tons of food and drink vendors on-site and other fun activities to get into in between competitions and musical performances.

So, to view more exclusives…

#PressPlay above to view more exclusives and #PressNext below to view more images from Shaun White’s Air + Style Festival

Shaun White at his 2018 Air + Style Festival

DRAM at Shaun White's 2018 Air + Style Festival — DRAM at Shaun White’s 2018 Air + Style Festival

Tinashe at Shaun White's 2018 Air + Style Festival — Tinashe at Shaun White’s 2018 Air + Style Festival

Gucci Mane at Shaun White's 2018 Air + Style Festival — Gucci Mane at Shaun White’s 2018 Air + Style Festival

HU Exclusive: Giving You The Keys To The Series Premiere Of ‘Unsolved: The Murders Of Tupac & The Notorious B.I.G.’

May 30, 2019March 7, 2018 by Ariela Anís

Wavyy Jonez at the Unsolved Series Premiere

While USA Network officially premiered its limited series ‘Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac & The Notorious B.I.G;‘ Hollywood Unlocked exclusively hit the red carpet to speak with its cast, director and more.

The series, based on the murders of Hip-Hop heavyweights Tupac Shakur (Marcc Rose) and Biggie Smalls (Wavyy Jonez), chronicles the dual police 2006 and 1997 investigations of Detective Greg Kading (Josh Duhamel) and Detective Russell Poole (Jimmi Simpson), respectively.

Joining the carpet were the aforementioned, plus: HU’s Jason Lee and Giovanni Watson (as Suge Knight‘s friend Reggie White Jr.); Bokeem Woodbine (as Officer Daryn Dupree); Anthony Hemingway (Director); Dominic Santana (as Suge Knight); Mopreme Shakur (Tupac’s brother); Regina King and more.

Additionally, the series ordered on May 12, 2017 is directed by Emmy winning director and executive producer Anthony Hemingway; along with Mark Taylor, under their Hemingway-Taylor production company.

Also, production credits Kyle Long as writer of the pilot and co-executive producer.

In addition, Greg Kading also serves as co-executive producer; who in real life led multiple law-enforcement task forces investigating the murders and authored the book Murder Rap: The Untold Story of Biggie Smalls & Tupac Shakur Murder Investigations.

So, to catch more exclusives…

#PressPlay above to view the red carpet coverage and #PressNext below for more images from the series premiere of Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac & The Notorious B.I.G.

Dominic Santana at the 'Unsolved' Series Premiere — Dominic Santana at the ‘Unsolved’ Series Premiere

Giovanni Watson at the 'Unsolved' Series Premiere — Giovanni Watson at the ‘Unsolved’ Series Premiere

Mopreme Shakur at the 'Unsolved' Series Premiere — Mopreme Shakur at the ‘Unsolved’ Series Premiere

Anthony Hemingway at the 'Unsolved' Series Premiere — Anthony Hemingway at the ‘Unsolved’ Series Premiere

Jimmi Simpson at the 'Unsolved' Series Premiere — Jimmi Simpson at the ‘Unsolved’ Series Premiere

HU Exclusive: Lou Kane Talks Musical Influence, Chicago And Premieres New Projects

May 30, 2019February 16, 2018 by Alyssa Lee

Hustle. Loyalty. Dedication.

These were the three things that were instilled in Louis Sampson (Lou Kane) by his parents with the aid of the Westside of Chicago and Atlanta. Lou Kane was fortunate to be raised in a two parent home, however sharing a life between Chicago and Atlanta. Gratefully, these things contributed to the success of his burgeoning career.

Before graduating high school, Lou Kane discovered his interest in music. In 2011 he began to take music seriously, making it the focal point of his life. Recording music with purpose, Lou’s passion for the art separates his music from others. It has become a therapeutic exercise for himself providing an emotional outlet for all of his supporters. Lou Kane is all about mood change. He aims to bring ardent lyrics to the forefront by creating music that uses keen wording and eloquent storytelling.

In preparation for collaborating with the best in the music business, Lou Kane decided to invest in himself by attending SAE Institute. He studied to expand his knowledge in the engineering sector of the music business. Lou aspires to work with legendary artists such as Kanye West and R Kelly. His favorite artists are among the company of the best storytellers of our time including Jay-Z, Meek Mill, and 2Pac.

Originality is very rare in today’s time, especially in the music industry, but Lou’s authentic music and hustler mentality have given him a head start in his career. Lou plans to release a project first quarter of 2018. Also, will be releasing his first single “change” featuring QC’s signee Lil baby. After continued success in his music career, Lou would like to become a business owner and star in a few films.

#PressPlay above for the full interview!