Will Smith set to release his new album, Based On A True Story on March 28.
After nearly 20 years, Will Smith is making his long-awaited return to music with his new album, Based On A True Story, set to be released on March 28. This marks his first studio album since Lost And Found (2005), which, like most of his solo projects, reached the Top 10. The album features five previously released singles along with nine new tracks. Smith has been teasing his musical comeback since 2024, performing You Can Make It at the BET Awards and releasing Light ‘Em Up for Bad Boys: Ride Or Die. Prior to that, his music was largely limited to film soundtracks, including Aladdin in 2017. Announcing the album on Instagram, Smith expressed his excitement, revealing he has been working on the project for some time. He also hinted that Based On A True Story is the first instalment in a trilogy, subtitled Season 1: R.I.T.W., promising more music to come.
🗣️WILL SMITH
💽 BASED ON A TRUE STORY
🗓️ MARCH 28 pic.twitter.com/Gcz7GuFV5J
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) March 14, 2025
Rema to reportedly release his third studio album next year.
Mavin Records’ star, Rema is set to complete his album trilogy with his third studio project, slated for release next year. His first two albums, Rave & Roses and the genre-blending HEIS, have both achieved commercial success, with Rave & Roses becoming the most-streamed African album in Spotify’s history. His latest single, Baby (Is It A Crime), has only heightened anticipation for his upcoming project. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Interscope’s VP of A&R, Emerson Redd, praised the album as a significant step toward establishing Rema as one of the biggest artists globally, beyond just the Afrobeats genre. Renowned for his ability to push musical boundaries, Rema’s next album is expected to further redefine contemporary soundscapes. With fans eagerly awaiting its release, the project promises to be a groundbreaking addition to his discography, cementing his influence in global music.
REMA'S 3RD STUDIO ALBUM IS EXPECTED TO DROP NEXT YEAR 👀🔥
“I think this project that we have coming out is a massive step towards him being one of the biggest artists in the world, not necessarily just one of the biggest Afrobeats artists in the world,” — Interscope’s VP of… pic.twitter.com/VsbDv4cmVK
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) March 14, 2025
Ayo Maff’s debut album, Prince of the Street to be released on May 9.
Fast-rising Nigerian artist Ayo Maff is set to make a bold statement in the music industry with his debut album, Prince of the Street, a 13-track project arriving on May 9, 2025. Confirming this as his official album year, Ayo Maff has unveiled the title, solidifying his rise as one of the most exciting young talents in the scene. Known for his energetic sound and street-inspired rhythms, Ayo Maff has steadily built anticipation through a series of dynamic releases. Prince of the Street promises to showcase his unique fusion of contemporary flair with raw, street-driven influences, pushing the boundaries of modern music. As the countdown begins, fans eagerly await more details, including potential collaborations and pre-release singles that will offer a glimpse into this highly anticipated project. With his debut, Ayo Maff is poised to leave a lasting mark on the industry, cementing his place among Nigeria’s rising stars.
🚨 DEBUT ALBUM FROM AYO MAFF 🤩
💿 PRINCE OF THE STREET
🗓️ MAY 9 pic.twitter.com/ZKWPwBWmg6— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) March 15, 2025
Iggy Azalea accuses Universal Music Group of owing her millions in royalties.
Australian rapper and songwriter, Iggy Azalea has accused Universal Music Group (UMG) of withholding millions in royalties, claiming she was offered just $18,000 instead of the eight-figure sum she believes she is owed. Taking to X, the rapper vowed to pursue the issue legally, stating, “Thankfully I’m well off and can and will pursue this issue until they pay me what they owe.” Azalea, who signed with Def Jam in 2013 before moving to Island Records and later departing in 2018, alleges that UMG never paid her royalties outside the U.S. She criticized the label for exploiting artists who lack the resources to fight for fair compensation. Her claims follow similar allegations against UMG, including Limp Bizkit’s 2023 lawsuit, where the band accused the company of systematically withholding royalties. While UMG later paid back some funds, legal disputes persist. It remains unclear if Azalea will escalate her fight to court.
Iggy Azalea says Universal Music owes her millions of dollars “in the 8 figure range”:
“Mark my words you ugly bitch – You will pay me what’s owed.” pic.twitter.com/AIY8vuIS0z
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 15, 2025
Lizzo speaks on dealing with depression at her ‘Lizzo In Real Life’ LA concert.
“About Damn Time” singer, Lizzo has opened up about the deep depression she experienced a year and a half ago, revealing how she struggled with feelings of heartbreak and despair. Speaking to a Los Angeles audience on Wednesday during her first live performance since facing lawsuits from former employees in 2023, the 36-year-old pop star became emotional while discussing her upcoming album, Love in Real Life. “I was in such a dark place that I didn’t want to live anymore,” she admitted, explaining how fan support helped her heal. She recalled attending a concert where a stranger told her, “Lizzo, I love you,” which reignited her confidence. Though she didn’t directly address the lawsuits, Lizzo previously planned to return to the stage at the 2023 Made In America festival before its cancellation. Now, she’s set for two intimate shows in New York and Minneapolis in March ahead of her album’s release.
Lizzo opens up about dealing with depression at ‘Lizzo In Real Life’ concert in LA:
“I was in such a dark, deep depression. I was so heart broken by the world and so deeply hurt that I didn't want to live anymore.” pic.twitter.com/u0erUXrYcS
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 13, 2025
