NEWS
Kendrick Lamar has never been more beloved. He was already considered the best lyricist of his generation, but the Drake battle, and subsequent "Pop Out" show have vaunted him into the GOAT conversation. "Not Like Us" is a number one single, and the music video, which is being shot in Dot's hometown, is currently in production. It's one of the biggest songs of the year. It's also, according to Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason, Jr., eligible for the Grammys.
Mason discussed "Not Like Us" on June 24. TMZ reporters inquired about the song's chances of getting a Grammy nomination, and the CEO was hopeful. "Obviously, it's a hot record, it's amazing artistry," he asserted. "Great writing... Incredible." Mason also pointed out that Kendrick Lamar is a favorite among Grammy voters. "You got an artist that's been nominated before," the CEO said. "He's been successful with the organization. I don't see any reason why it couldn't be." Mason insisted that the quality of the song is what matters at the end of the day, and "Not Like Us" checks all the boxes.
TMZ asked Harvey Mason, Jr. whether the song's accusations and verbal attacks would be too much for Grammy voters. The CEO remained steadfast. He told the outlet that Grammy voters vote for "greatness" at the end of the day, and Kendrick Lamar radiates greatness. "That's a relevant record," he added. "It's impactful on so many levels. I like to believe the Academy members recognize that. Mason then gave his thoughts on a possible "diss" category being introduced at the Grammys. He laughed, but didn't refute the idea entirely. "Anything is possible," he quipped.
To say Kendrick Lamar has had success with Grammy voters is an understatement. He has 50 Grammy nominations under his belt, along with 17 wins. He cleaned up during the 2018 ceremony, in particular, winning five Grammys for the album DAMN. and four for the single "HUMBLE." There's also the Drake layer to consider. Drake tried to mock Lamar's faux-artistic persona on the song "Family Matters" with the lines: "Kendrick just opened his mouth. Someone go hand him a Grammy right now." It was a meant as a dig, but is now looking more like a reality.
NEWS
Panic! At The Disco are preparing to release a special deluxe anniversary edition of A Fever You Can't Sweat Out.
The I Write Sins Not Tragedies icons marked the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking 2005 debut album during their performance at When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas over the weekend, and have now confirmed the new edition.
On January 23, the group — originally formed by Brendon Urie, Spencer Smith, Ryan Ross and Brent Wilson — will unveil a limited edition box set that features a remastered version of the record.
The package, priced at £164.99 and available for pre-order, includes 11 unreleased demos and a vinyl pressing of 2006’s Live In Denver. The full live set has also been uploaded to YouTube.
On the band’s UK store, they shared a message:
“To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Panic! At The Disco’s seminal debut album, this limited edition box set brings together a comprehensive time capsule celebrating the record's impact.
This release includes the original album remastered for the first time ever, 11 unreleased demos, plus the legendary 2006 Live In Denver performance — never before released on vinyl or CD.
The box set also includes a 12-page zine with never before seen photos from the era, a sticker set, a door hanger, and a paper doll set.”
By 2023, the band had essentially become a solo project for Urie. Their final show was held in Manchester, UK, where the frontman said: “Sometimes a journey must end for a new one to begin.
“We’ve been trying to keep it to ourselves, though some of you may have heard… Sarah and I are expecting a baby very soon!
The prospect of being a father and getting to watch my wife become a mother is both humbling and exciting. I look forward to this next adventure.”
Panic! returned to the stage at WWWY over the weekend, performing A Fever You Can't Sweat Out in full alongside fan favorites like This Is Gospel and Nine in the Afternoon.
To end the night, they performed I Write Sins Not Tragedies once again, as Smith reunited with Urie for the emotional closing moment.
