The next step in Diana Ross’ comeback arrived Friday with the release of “If the World Just Danced,” the second single from her forthcoming return to pop.
Ross’ comeback began in June with the release of the single “Thank You.” Like that song, “If the World Just Danced” aims for the musical and spiritual uplift of Ross classics: “Turn it up and go give love a chance/Go out and take somebody by the hand/Put on your shoes and find out where you stand,” goes its chorus, concluding “So much better if the world just danced.” It’s also aimed unapologetically at the dance floor, but with a more modern twist. Whereas “Thank You” conjured memories of Ross’ Seventies work with the Chic organization, “If the World Just Danced” is steeped in contemporary club beats.
Like its predecessor, “If the World Just Danced” also boasts multiple collaborators: The song was written by no less than seven writers, including Aliandro Prawl, Andre Pinckney, Scott M. Carter, Amy Wadge (who co-wrote “Thinking Out Loud” with Ed Sheeran), Vanessa Wood, and Jaquetta Singleton.
Originally scheduled for release this month, Ross’ 13-track Thank You album is now scheduled for November 5th. Work on the album began pre-lockdown and was wrapped up with Ross recording her vocals in her home studio apart from the producers (who include the ubiquitous Jack Antonoff). Current plans call for Ross to return to the stage with a series of European shows next June.
Ken Carson has finally released Cartunez, the deluxe edition of Xperiment, and the project finds him making several bold moves. One of the biggest moments comes on “9 bitches,” his collaboration with ApolloRed1, where Carson appears to directly target Nine Vicious. The tension began after Nine Vicious criticized the Opium label and mentioned its cofounder, Opm Babi. Carson seemingly answers those remarks through the new track, firing back at the polarizing former YSL rapper. He calls out Nine Vicious by name and delivers several harsh lines aimed in his direction. Carson also brings people close to Nine Vicious into the conflict, making it obvious that he is ready for the situation to escalate if Nine decides to respond.
Release Date: August 27, 2026
Genre: Hip-Hop
Album: Cartunez
And I got nine bitches
N***a talk down on the O, we gon' put nine stitches
ARP on me bold, I've been ridin' with it
Pussy bitch, know you a ho, Nine Vicious
