interview

Interviews with top Beat music advocates celebrities, musicians, artists, and icons about their current and past music projects.

D'Angelo
In the world of soul and R&B, few names command as much reverence as D'Angelo. The Virginia-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is a true artist's artist, a figure whose influence far outweighs his relatively small discography. However, this very mystique and his periods away from the spotlight have often led to confusion and concern among fans. Recently, searches like "d'angelo died," "d angelo dead," and "d'angelo 2025" have spiked, causing alarm. It's crucial to set the record straight: The musician D'Angelo is alive.
By KAMRAN AHMAD3 months ago in Beat
From struggles to success, D-Magic transforms pain into poetry through Haitian rap and Afrobeat.
Born on October 1, 1997, in Lester, Haiti, Djerousny Germain, known artistically as D-Magic Rappeur Haiti, is more than just a rapper — he’s a messenger of hope and determination. His music reflects the resilience of Haitian youth, mixing Hip-Hop, Afrobeat, and Kreyòl Rap to express identity, emotion, and truth.
By D-Magic Rappeur Haiti3 months ago in Beat
Judge Dismisses Drake’s Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’
In a major development in hip-hop culture, a federal judge in New York has dismissed Canadian rapper Drake’s defamation and harassment lawsuit regarding Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us.” The ruling effectively ends what some have called one of the most publicized rap battles in recent music history.
By Tiana smith 3 months ago in Beat
Dolly Parton
The name Dolly Parton evokes a powerful sense of joy, resilience, and unparalleled talent. As a beloved singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, she has been a constant and comforting presence in American culture for decades. However, with her advanced age—Dolly Parton is 78 years old—it's natural for fans to express concern about her well-being. Recent online searches like "Dolly Parton health," "is Dolly Parton sick," and "what happened to Dolly Parton" have surged, often fueled by the cyclical nature of internet gossip. This article aims to separate fact from fiction and celebrate the ongoing vitality of a true national treasure.
By KAMRAN AHMAD3 months ago in Beat
Introducing Rakim Ocean: The Artist Who Turns Emotion Into Waves
Every artist has a beginning, but for Rakim Ocean, that beginning feels like the calm before something powerful. Born from passion, rhythm, and vision, Rakim isn’t just another name in music—he’s a storyteller who wants every beat to carry emotion, truth, and energy. His voice doesn’t just want to be heard—it wants to be felt.
By Tiana smith 3 months ago in Beat
Samantha Crain
Language quenches Samantha Crain’s flaming fire. An exceptionally potent songwriter, Crain finds that her spirit, affections, desires, and disposition live and reign in language. Her nuanced writing is something that she sees as both a gift and a demand.
By Brian D'Ambrosio 3 months ago in Beat
Siren Writes Music for Herself But Hopes You Feel Something Too
Most artists will tell you they create for their audience. Siren does the opposite. The LA-based musician writes for herself first, turning personal aches into art, and if it resonates with someone else along the way, that's just a bonus. "I don't write for people. I write for myself," she says plainly. "Music is how I let you know me."
By Jason Sheffield3 months ago in Beat
Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl”: Decoding the 12th Studio Album and the Real-Life Inspirations Behind Every Track
On October 3, 2025, Taylor Swift released her much-anticipated 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. Fans have been buzzing about the project for months, eagerly awaiting the deeper meanings behind each track. After revealing some details in August during her appearance on the New Heights podcast with her fiancé, Travis Kelce, Swift shared that this album came from a place of joy, chaos, and drama.
By Lynn Myers3 months ago in Beat
Understanding SSP Nero: Success, Industry Changes, and Genre Misconceptions
Rising artist, SSP Nero has shared his perspective on his music career, offering insight into how he defines success, his thoughts on developments in the music industry, and the public perception of his work. His statements provide a first-hand view of his experiences and opinions as an artist. When discussing success beyond numerical achievements or chart positions, SSP Nero shares, “If I can wake up every day and do what I love while getting paid for it, then I think I am successful.” This statement reflects his personal criteria for success, focusing on the ability to engage in work he enjoys on a daily basis. It highlights a definition of success that prioritizes personal satisfaction and continuity in his craft over external recognition or commercial measures. SSP Nero also addresses the future of the music industry. He states, “I believe that in the next decade, the music industry will evolve with many AI artists taking over. Hopefully, that’s not the case, because it could take opportunities away from other artists later on.” This comment indicates his perspective on the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in music. He notes the potential implications AI could have on traditional opportunities for human artists. By making this statement, SSP Nero presents his view on a trend that is being discussed widely in the industry, without asserting it as an inevitable outcome.
By Cloutfly4 months ago in Beat
The Rumor Mill Churns
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is more than just an intermission; it's a global cultural event. Each year, speculation runs rampant about which artist will land the coveted spot. For Super Bowl 2026, one name dominates the conversation: Bad Bunny. The rumor that the Puerto Rican superstar will headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show has set the music and sports worlds ablaze, promising a potential performance for the history books.
By KAMRAN AHMAD4 months ago in Beat
Louisiana Fiddler Amanda Shaw
By Brian D’Ambrosio Amanda Shaw grew up entwined in the rich, unique aspects of Louisiana culture and music. She absorbed it and savored it, and has been greeting the world with both arms open wide ever since.
By Brian D'Ambrosio 4 months ago in Beat
Emerging Artist Tae Santana on Staying True to Music Amid Industry Changes
Emerging artist Tae Santana recently shared his thoughts on the personal and professional aspects of his music career, offering insight into how he defines success, navigates public perception, and views the evolving music industry. His reflections highlight the mindset of an artist balancing creativity, audience connection, and technological change. For Tae Santana, success isn’t measured by charts or streaming numbers—it’s about personal growth and the impact his music has on listeners. “I measure success in my music through my personal growth and the people I am able to touch through my music. I don’t pay attention to how many streams I get or anything like that; I just want to know how everyone feels when they hear my music, whether it’s five people or a million,” he explains. This approach emphasizes the emotional resonance of music over traditional commercial metrics, demonstrating that for him, meaningful engagement outweighs mass popularity. His perspective also underscores a deeper philosophy: growth as an artist is intertwined with the ability to connect with audiences on a human level, rather than simply achieving numbers-based milestones.
By Cloutfly4 months ago in Beat