Busta Rhymes is honoring his late friend D’Angelo in a truly moving way. The rapper released a heartfelt tribute track titled “Magic,” marking one of his most emotional releases in years. The song celebrates the neo-soul legend D’Angelo, who sadly passed away earlier this month after a private battle with cancer. Over the smooth, soulful backdrop of D’Angelo’s “One Mo’ Gin” from his 2000 classic Voodoo, Busta reflects deeply, sharing raw and powerful emotions through his storytelling.
Throughout the seven-minute piece, Busta takes listeners on a journey through his 34-year friendship with D’Angelo. He recalls their early sessions with A Tribe Called Quest and describes the lasting connection they built over the decades. Instead of simply celebrating the music, Busta pays homage to the person behind it. He describes D’Angelo as a rare, once-in-a-generation artist who “never needed a co-sign” and “touched the souls of the people and everything between.”
During an interview with Okayplayer, Busta called D’Angelo “a godsend,” reflecting on his influence across R&B and hip-hop. “The Earth shifted when D came to do music,” he said, a statement that perfectly sums up D’Angelo’s impact. Anyone familiar with Brown Sugar, Voodoo, or Black Messiah knows his legacy speaks volumes.
“Magic” feels like a conversation between two lifelong friends. Busta Rhymes gives fans an intimate look at a bond that helped shape decades of soul-infused hip-hop. The tributes pouring in since D’Angelo’s passing highlight not only his extraordinary artistry but also the love and respect he inspired among peers. Lauryn Hill expressed it beautifully, writing, “Thank you for being a beacon of light to a generation and beyond who had no remembrance of the legacy that preceded us.”
NEWS
Sabrina Carpenter has secured a restraining order against a man accused of repeatedly trying to gain access to her home.
William Applegate, 31, has been instructed to stay away from the "Espresso" singer for the next five years after allegedly attempting to enter her property on numerous occasions, reportedly more than a dozen times, according to AP. Carpenter's lawyer, Blair Berk, told the court that the pop star was "in fear for her own personal safety and the safety of members of her family" because of Applegate's repeated efforts to reach her Los Angeles residence.
Court documents filed by Carpenter state that Applegate was taken into custody after allegedly assaulting a security guard while approaching the front entrance of her home. When he returned a few days later, the singer successfully obtained a temporary restraining order on May 29.
Applegate acknowledged the incidents involving the property but insisted that Carpenter had wanted him to come to her house. He claimed that he and the singer were involved in a secret military operation that required them to "be together as soon as possible".
He further argued that their meeting was necessary for "national and global security". However, he said he would be "more than willing" to stay away from Carpenter if she personally asked him to do so, alleging that law enforcement and those representing her were preventing direct communication.
In legal papers challenging the restraining order, Applegate alleged that Carpenter attempted to send him a message during her headlining appearance at Coachella by making eye contact with him from the audience. Carpenter, however, described Applegate as "a complete stranger" in her filing and said she has never had any contact with him and has no desire to do so.
Addressing Applegate during the hearing, Judge David L. Wasserman said: "I understand that it's your belief that in order to save the world, you and the petitioner must be together. I expect you to obey the order, not what you think is right, not what you think the military commands you."
In other news, Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter recently unveiled the polished music video for their collaboration "Bring Your Love". The track is set to feature on Madonna's forthcoming album, "Confessions II", which is scheduled for release on July 3.
