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R Kelly has been hiding out in Trump Tower Chicago

On Friday, R Kelly received another visit from police - this time at Trump Tower Chicago, where the R&B singer has been hiding out, according to TMZ.

Following the airing of the Lifetime documentary Surviving R Kelly, prosecutors in Cook County, IL encouraged Kelly's alleged victims to “please come forward” in order to initiate an investigation. According to the Chicago Tribune, one tip they received said two women were being held against their will at Kelly's Trump Tower residence.

Officers visited Trump Tower on Friday and spoke with the two women identified as Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary. The women said they were not being held hostage and the officers left without making any arrests.

The parents of both Savage and Clary appeared in Surviving R Kelly and believe their daughters may have been brainwashed by Kelly.

This was the second time in as many days that Kelly was visited by police. Early Thursday morning, officers crashed Kelly's birthday party after receiving a tip that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. However, after speaking with Kelly, officers determined the information to be inaccurate and let him walk free without incident.

For his part, Kelly maintains his innocence and contends the docu-series is a “vendetta” against him by individuals who “hated him throughout his professional career.” He previously threatened to “sue everybody” involved and also launched a website and Facebook page with the aim of discrediting his numerous accusers.In a new interview with The Associated Press, Kelly's attorney Steve Greenberg denied all allegations of sexual misconduct involving women and underage girls. “The allegations aren't true because he never knowingly had sex with an underage woman, he never forced anyone to do anything, he never held anyone captive, he never abused anyone,” said Greenberg. He also said that in the past women have “come on to” Kelly in the hopes that he would assist them in furthering their own careers, then became “disgruntled” when their own careers stalled and issued false allegations.

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Rapper Soulja Boy 'thankful to be alive' after car is trapped in California mudslide

After a mudslide on the Pacific Coast highway on Saturday, the rapper tweeted that his car got stuck and "almost went into the ocean."

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D'Angelo – “Unshaken”

Back in October, D'Angelo was rumored to have a new song included in the video game Red Dead Redemption 2. The song on the soundtrack was later confirmed by a representative to, in fact, be by the Virginia R&B singer, and looked to take his music in a pretty dark new direction. Now, that song, officially…

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Pegi Young Dead at 66

Musician and educator Pegi Young has died at 66 after a yearlong battle with cancer. A statement on Young's Facebook said she was "surrounded by her friends and family in her native California" when she passed away on New Year's Day. Young is survived by two children with her ex-husband and collaborator Neil Young, one stepson, and two grandchildren. Young was…

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Björk to Debut “Most Elaborate” Stage Show Yet in New York

Björk will debut a new performance entitled Cornucopia in New York next year, the trailblazing Icelandic musician announced today. A statement from the venue hosting the show calls her "most elaborate concert production ever." Cornucopia will take place at The Shed, a new arts venue currently under construction in the vaguely dystopian quasi-neighborhood Hudson Yards, on the far…

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TV Review: The Romanoffs Suffers from an Early Identity Crisis

The Pitch: Matthew Weiner, of Mad Men fame, has put his finger on a something big in the cultural zeitgeist with his new show, The Romanoffs, which is a fictional account imagining how claimed descendants of the Russian royal family live today. It's the perfect time for such a dissection since DNA tests are becoming ubiquitous - hell, Elizabeth Warren released her DNA results just a few days ago. As our world becomes more globalized, many are looking backwards to understand their identity. So, why not explore this phenomenon with a backdrop of murder, high society, and an all-star cast (Aaron Eckhart, Isabelle Huppert, Christina Hendricks) Weiner seems to ask. In eight roughly 90-minute episodes to be released weekly on Amazon Prime, we're invited to do just that.

Not Your Granddad's Family Reunion: The first time we get a glimpse at just how global, and oddly organized, this “Yo, I think Nicholas II might be by great-great-great uncle” phenomenon is, is in episode two, when Michael Romanov's (Corey Stoll) wife, Shelly (Kerry Bishé), arrives on a cruise ship for the annual Romanov Family Society convention. In an homage to Game of Thrones, there are little people on stage mockingly acting out some of the everyday dramas the royal family were known for. There's Bollock dancing, gowns, and fine dining. And since Shelly's husband's at home, there's obviously a red-hot affair with another apparent heir.

Before you feel too bad for Michael, you should know he's having his own affair back home. In fact, he's intentionally prolonging jury deliberations - aw shucks, he was stuck with jury duty alongside an irresistibly attractive woman, Michelle (Janet Montgomery). They have their own fling. There's just a lot of flinging in this episode.

While there may be some criticism to be had that Weiner almost seems to use extramarital affairs as a narrative clutch (we'll never forget Playboy Don Draper, and episode one of The Romanoffs finds Aaron Eckhart chasing his aunt's Muslim housekeeper), the real criticism is that removing Michael from his own family reunion makes the Romanov tie-in sort of irrelevant. Who cares about watching a descendant's girlfriend learn more about the family (which by the way, anything informative to be gleaned by this show is only surface level)? For a show that's about identity, the mirror in episode two sadly gets placed on the wrong character.

Why So Serious?: In a recent interview, Weiner told Town & Country “This (show) is about wondering, who am I?” But maybe part of the problem with The Romanoffs' initial reception is we're all taking it too seriously. However, you'd have to forgive audiences for being confused on the tone. Episode one focuses on a somewhat insufferable, elderly Parisian woman named Anushka (Marth Keller) who's at a point in her life where she needs a caretaker to help her about (although one gets the impression from her fine apartment decor that she's employed a maid or two in her day).

The agency sends over Hajar (Inès Melab), a young Muslim woman putting herself through nursing school. The racial tensions are immediate and brutal, but the two eventually find a fondness for each other. “So this is a serious drama,” the viewer may decide. Au contraire, dear viewer. It's not until the episode's final act that the rags-to-riches Cinderella story gives way to something of a farce.

Weiner seems less interested in exploring issues of race or faith and more interested in using Hajar as a foil to the extravagance that is Anushka and family. The sweeter the comeuppance when one of them falls and Hajar prevails. But when the plot twist comes, and we learn this show is really more surface than substance, it's hard not to feel a little disappointed. At least in episode one, Inès Melab is so committed to the role that it's hard to turn away. But future episodes don't maintain the same pull.

The Verdict: If you're the type of viewer who renews a streaming site just long enough to binge watch the latest hot show, this is now the one to renew your subscription for. There's little to no history for the history buffs. The Romanov hook seems more like a writer's prompt than an essential element of each episode. The tendency to build up tension with a hot, illicit affair hopefully doesn't keep repeating after episode two, because Don Draper did it better, and really it's just not the cultural moment we're in. Since the show doesn't seem all too sure of its own identity, it's probably best to just drop in for the episode or two that features cameos by actors you love.

When's It Playing?: A new, hour-long episode of The Romanoffs drops every Friday on Amazon's Prime Video.

Trailer:

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Ty Segall delicately covers The Dils' punk rock hit “Class War”: Stream

In just a few weeks, Ty Segall will release his fourth album of 2018. Titled Fudge Sandwich, it's a covers LP featuring tastily reimagined versions of tracks originally by Grateful Dead, John Lennon, Neil Young, Funkadelic, and War, among others.

Segall initially teased the full-length with last month's rendition of “I'm a Man”, made famous in 1967 by Steve Winwood's The Spencer Davis Group. The prolific garage rocker is back today with his take on “Class War” by punk outfit The Dils. Led by brothers Chip and Tony Kinman, the group was once affectionately known as “California's The Clash” and “the punk rock Everly Brothers.”

(Read: The Top 25 Albums of 2018… So Far)

While The Dils took a brash, rapid-fire approach to their 1977 cut, Segall is happy to take his time unfurling “Class War” first as an acoustic ballad, then '70s-era rock and roll jam. Perhaps this is why he's able to churn out album after album, and under different aliases - Segall is as chameleonic as they come, showing various sides of himself with each project.

According to a press statement, The Dils' Chip happily approves of the cover. “Ty Segall answers questions that Tony and I never even thought to ask with his version of 'Class War',” he said. “I LOVE it!”

Take a listen to their cover below.

Here's The Dils' original for comparison:

Fudge Sandwich hits store shelves on October 26th via In The Red. The LP follows Segall's Freedom's Goblin in January, July's collaborative effort with White Fence, and his latest GØGGS record. This Wednesday, Segall will kick off his 18-date solo acoustic tour.

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Chris Cornell Statue Unveiled in Seattle: Watch

The late Soundgarden frontman has been memorialized in his hometown

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Lana Del Rey broods at the beach in 'Mariners Apartment Complex'

"Mariners Apartment Complex" catches Del Rey brooding at the beach – one of her favorite settings.

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Bauhaus to Share Unreleased Material From Very First Recording Session

Listen to a remastered version of “Bela Lugosi's Dead”

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Imagine Dragons frontman takes Eminem to task over 'hateful' language

Dan Reynolds, the frontman for the massively-popular US pop rock band Imagine Dragons, has called out Eminem over the 'hateful' language used on his most recent album.

In case you hadn't heard, Eminem recently made waves when he dropped a surprise album on Friday afternoon. Titled Kamikaze, the record has so far been a critical success, though it has been met with criticism from a number of people.

On Saturday, Justin Vernon (better known to many as Bon Iver) hit back at Eminem for the language used on the track 'Fall', which they both collaborated on. Although the lyrics censor the word 'faggot' while referring to Tyler, The Creator, Vernon remained resolute in his distaste for the track.

“Eminem is one of the best rappers of all time, there is no doubt. I have and will respect that,” he explained. “Tho, this is not the time to criticize Youth, it's the time to listen. To act. It is certainly not the time for slurs. Wish they would have listened when we asked them to change it.”

“Was not in the studio for the Eminem track,” he continued. “[It] came from a session with BJ Burton and Mike Will. Not a fan of the message, it's tired. Asked them to change the track, wouldn't do it.”

Eminem is one of the best rappers of all time , there is no doubt. I have and will respect that. Tho, this is not the time to criticize Youth, it's the time to listen. To act. It is certainly not the time for slurs. Wish they would have listened when we asked them to change it

- blobtower (@blobtower) August 31, 2018

Was not in the studio for the Eminem track… came from a session with BJ Burton and Mike Will. Not a fan of the message, it's tired. Asked them to change the track, wouldn't do it. Thanks for listening to BRM https://t.co/E0wmt732ty

- blobtower (@blobtower) August 31, 2018

Now, another successful musician has thrown their voice behind Justin Vernon, with Imagine Dragons' Dan Reynolds hitting back at the rapper for the language used.

As Billboard notes, Dan Reynolds took Eminem to task over the lyrics in a series of Tweets that heavily criticised the rapper's choice to include a homophobic slur.

“It's never ok to say a word that is filled with hate,” Reynolds began. “I don't care what year you were born in or what meaning it has to you. If it contributes to hate and bigotry then it is hateful. Period. There is never an ok time to say the word fa**ot I don't care who you are.”

“It's disgusting to be told this is being 'overly sensitive' or 'millennial',” he continued. “LGBTQ kids are TAKING THEIR LIVES after being bullied with homophobic slurs.”

“It's not 'sensitive' to take a stand against a word that has been used to spread hate for years.”

it's never ok to say a word that is filled with hate. I don't care what year you were born in or what meaning it has to you.

if it contributes to hate and bigotry then it is hateful. period.

there is never an ok time to say the word fa**ot

I don't care who you are.

- Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) August 31, 2018

it's disgusting to be told this is being “overly sensitive” or “millennial”.

LGBTQ kids are TAKING THEIR LIVES after being bullied with homophobic slurs.

it's not “sensitive” to take a stand against a word that has been used to spread hate for years.

- Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) September 2, 2018

I've lived enough of my life remaining silent on these issues because of fear or lack of education.

I don't live in fear anymore.

I still have lots to learn. but no. I will not be a silent voice with this platform I have been given.

- Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) September 2, 2018

“I've lived enough of my life remaining silent on these issues because of fear or lack of education,” Reynolds concluded. “I don't live in fear anymore.”

“I still have lots to learn. but no, I will not be a silent voice with this platform I have been given.”

While Eminem is yet to respond to these criticisms of his lyrics, many fans have since taken to social media to defend the rapper, noting that his music has a history of such language, and that his previous actions indicate he is not a hateful person.

Whatever your point of view on the topic is, we have a feeling that the man who once famously said “I don't give a fuck, God sent me to piss the world off,” probably won't be making any apologies any time soon.

Check out Eminem's 'Fall':

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J Mascis Announces New Album Elastic Days, Shares New Song: Listen

He's also announced a run of solo dates this fall

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Lana Del Rey defends decision to perform in Israel: 'Music is universal'

American singer says she does not necessarily support governments in countries in which she performs

Lana Del Rey has defended her decision to perform at Meteor festival in Israel this week, in defiance of calls from other musicians for a cultural boycott of the country.

The American pop singer tweeted: “I believe music is universal and should be used to bring us together … Performing in Tel Aviv is not a political statement or a commitment to the politics there, just like singing here in California doesn't mean my views are in alignment w[ith] my current government's opinions or sometimes inhuman actions.”

Continue reading...

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Review: Ariana Grande's 'Sweetener' tells her comeback story

"Sweetener," the fourth studio album from Grande, is out now. The personal growth the pop star sings about is more existential than the confident sexuality of her previous “adult” album, 2016's “Dangerous Woman.”

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Aretha Franklin: Vigil held at Detroit church for ailing singer

People are praying for Aretha Franklin in the Detroit church where her father was once a pastor.

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Greta Van Fleet unveil retro-looking vertical video for “When the Curtain Falls”: Watch

The young upstarts of Greta Van Fleet already have a sound that conjures up '70s rock 'n' roll, and now their just-released “vertical video” for their new single “When the Curtain Falls” has look that matches their sonic vibe.

The band has unveiled a video shot in the way you ask your mom not to hold her iPhone - but it's on purpose. It's a vertical video for social media posted on the band's Facebook page, and it captures the band performing on a mountainside with a Super 8 filter giving the clip a vintage look.

“When the Curtain Falls” is the first single off the band's highly anticipated debut full-length album, which is expected to arrive this fall. A title and release date have not yet been announced for the disc. Last week the band performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

Greta Van Fleet currently have tour dates scheduled through November, including a set today (Aug. 3rd) at Lollapalooza in Chicago. See their full itinerary here, and grab tickets here.

Note: If video isn't displaying, click here to watch.

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An Email Error You Don't Want to Make

I've gotten emails recently from two organizations that left me dismayed at the lack of thought that went into the email. One is from an extremely famous contemporary music ensemble. Their name does not appear anywhere in the email. Oh, wait - actually, it's in 4 point type in the email footer,  next to their street address and below the email preferences and unsubscribe links. And if you're familiar with the group, you can probably guess from a couple of links in the body of the email which group it comes from. The other came from an equally famous presenting organization. You have to open the email to see who it's from; nothing in the subject line or sender makes it clear. Organizations, don't do this. The people you send email to should be able to tell from their inbox who the mail is from! You can't count on their knowing the name of the artistic director or director of marketing. PUT YOUR ORGANIZATION'S NAME IN THE FROM FIELD OR ON THE SUBJECT LINE. It's really not that hard.