City Motown Showbiz Latest News and Updates

Emily Longeretta Great American Family is continuing to rollout their slate of original holiday movies. Jessica Lowndes, Paul Greene and seven-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight will star in “Someday at Christmas,” set to premiere this November. Production begins today on the film, which marks the reunion of Knight with former Motown chief, writer-producer Suzanne de Passe. “Great American Christmas,” the network’s franchise, will return with a new slate of original holiday movies premiering every Saturday and Sunday on October 21. Christmas movies will air all day and all night through the end of 2022. This marks Greene’s first appearance on Great American Family. The “When Calls the Heart” star is a staple on Hallmark Channel, leading nine of their movies since 2015. This year, he will also appear in CBS’ holiday movie, “Fit for Christmas,” alongside Amanda Kloots.

Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset changed the face of rap music from the streets of Atlanta, but as 2022 developed, rumors and speculation surrounding the future of Migos as a trio continued to swirl. Things kicked off in May when Quavo and Offset shared "Hotel Lobby," a new single which conspicuously did not include Offset (the song was subtitled "Unc & Phew" – Quavo is Takeoff's uncle.) The following month, Migos dropped out of a performance at Governors Ball in New York.

Quavo and Takeoff have shared details of their debut album ‘Only Built For Infinity Links’.The rappers, who comprise two-thirds of Migos, have announced that their album is released on October 7 via Quality Control/Motown.It follows the pair sharing their debut single ‘Hotel Lobby’ in May and later the Birdman-featuring ‘Big Stunna’ as well as ‘Us Vs. Them‘ with Gucci Mane.Quavo and Takeoff, who are uncle and nephew respectively, released their fourth album as Migos with Offset (who is Quavo’s cousin) in 2021 called ‘Culture III‘.There appears to have been some animosity between the duo and Offset, the latter of whom unfollowed the pair on social media when they announced ‘Hotel Lobby’.It initiated rumours that Migos have split or are on the verge of doing so.At the time of the debut single release in May, Quavo and Takeoff announced that their joint project was called Unc and Phew.

Lil Baby has announced his third studio album, ‘It’s Only Me’ – listen to new single ‘Detox’ below.The record, which will follow on from 2020’s ‘My Turn’, is due to arrive on October 14 via Motown.“I know it’s been a long time coming but I’m coming harder and harder,” Baby wrote on social media to share the news of the forthcoming LP, adding the hashtag “#worththewait”. He also posted the official artwork for ‘It’s Only Me’.The painting-style cover depicts the present-day Lil Baby sitting in front of a Mount Rushmore-esque mountain face that boasts carvings of the artist at four different stages of his life.

A saddening loss. Margaret Josephs revealed that her ex-husband, Jan Josephs, recently died at age 74.

Jan Josephs has died at 74.

Margaret Josephs is mourning the death of her ex-husband, Jan Josephs. The 55-year-old star took to Instagram on Monday to share the sad news of Jan's passing in a touching birthday tribute.«Today would have been Jan’s 75th birthday, he passed away unexpectedly last week and a piece of us died with him,» she wrote alongside an old, black-and-white photo of Jan.

Mable John, who recorded for Motown and Stax and later worked with Ray Charles, died Aug. 25 at her home in Los Angeles. Her nephew, Kevin John, confirmed the death, but did not give a cause. She was 91.

Offset has sued the label to which his group Migos are signed – Quality Control Music – accusing it of interfering in his current solo output, and in doing so breaching an agreement that was reached last year.According to Rolling Stone, a lawsuit filed this week states that Offset’s original deal with Quality Control as part of Migos was very wide-ranging, giving it control over any of his recordings, whether they were made as part of Migos or otherwise, as well as an interest in all his publishing.However, it claims in January last year a deal was done in which Quality Control gave up any claims to Offset’s solo material, in return for “valuable consideration paid by Offset to Quality Control”.But, it then says, when Offset released his new solo single ‘54321’ last week via an alliance with Universal Music’s Motown label, Quality Control became “hostile” and demanded that Motown list it as “holding an ownership interest” in the new track.“Offset now brings this action to vindicate his rights and make it clear to the world that Offset, not Quality Control, owns Offset’s music”, the lawsuit then states, seeking as it does court confirmation that Quality Control has no claim over any of the rapper’s solo releases.Quality Control is yet to formally respond to the new litigation, although its CEO Pierre ‘P’ Thomas referenced it in a since deleted tweet, where he basically complained about having to deal with “this lame shit”, and adding: “Everyone knows the real problem”.Hitting back on Twitter, Offset responded: “I paid millions to get my rights back … you blackballed me”.

Offset has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Quality Control – the record label of Migos – over ownership of his solo recordings.According to court documents obtained by Variety, Offset alleges that Quality Control is claiming ownership over his recent solo work despite his claim he bought back the rights to the music last year.In the complaint, the rapper claimed that the label’s alleged hold as “wrongful” and that it “knowingly violates Offset’s rights to his own music.”As reported in Pitchfork, Offset is reportedly seeking a judgment to ensure that Quality Control maintains no rights, title, or interest in his solo work.Offset is claiming that Quality Control violated their settlement by asserting ownership over his recent, Baby Keem-produced solo cut “5 4 3 2 1.”The rapper alleges that Quality Control demanded that Motown “publicly (though falsely) list Quality Control as holding an ownership interest in the recording of ‘5 4 3 2 1,'” according to reports.NME has reached out to representatives of Offset and Quality Control for comment.Meanwhile, rumours of Migos’ breakup have been reported for some time following the release of ‘Hotel Lobby’, when it was reported that Offset had unfollowed both of his bandmates on Instagram.Less than a month later, in June, Migos pulled out of their scheduled performance at the 2022 Governors Ball festival, with organisers for the event saying they would no longer appear “due to circumstances out of [their] control”.‘Us Vs. Them’ was Quavo and Takeoff’s second collaborative release earlier this year, following the May release of ‘Hotel Lobby’ (which they dropped under the moniker Unc And Phew).

Ethan Shanfeld Amid longstanding rumors that Atlanta rap trio Migos is breaking up, the group’s Offset is suing its record label Quality Control, which he says continues to claim ownership of his recent solo releases despite the rapper buying back the rights in a 2021 deal, for which he “paid handsomely,” according to the complaint. Quality Control continues to hold interest in Migos as a group, but Offset alleges that the label’s ownership claim over his solo recording and songwriting is “wrongful and knowingly violates Offset’s rights to his own music.” The rift has apparently been present for some time, as the other two group members, Quavo and Takeoff, have been performing without Offset and are set to perform as Migos — but without him — on Saturday at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Gordon Cox Theater EditorThe new musical “American Prophet” is now in the midst of its world premiere run at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Next stop: Broadway?Listen to this week’s “Stagecraft” podcast below:That’s the goal, according to the show’s star, Cornelius Smith Jr., speaking on the new episode of “Stagecraft,” Variety’s theater podcast. “I hope the next stage is that we get to Broadway and we get to New York,” he said.

Selome Hailu Sasha Hutchings has been cast in a recurring role in “Demascus,” AMC’s upcoming sci-fi comedy from Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm.Hutchings will play Budhi Banks, Demascus’ (Okieriete Onaodowan) tech-smart girlfriend of 3 years. She’s committed to making their relationship work despite Demascus’ hang-ups.

Rod Stewart shared a heart-warming tribute to Motown legend Lamont Dozier who tragically died aged 81.

Lamont Dozier, legendary Motown songwriter and producer, died at age 81 on Monday.  The Detroit-born musician wrote and produced popular hits such as "You Can’t Hurry Love" and "Heat Wave" while collaborating with his brothers Brian and Eddie Holland in the 1960s.The Holland-Dozier-Holland team created iconic hits for artists like The Supremes and Marvin Gaye.  Lamont Dozier, legendary Motown songwriter and producer, died at age 81.  (Getty Images) Dozier died "peacefully" Monday at his home near Scottsdale, Arizona, according to a statement issued by his family.The cause of death was not immediately determined. Duke Fakir, a close friend and the last surviving member of the original Four Tops, called Dozier a "beautiful, talented guy" with an uncanny sense of what material worked best for a given group.

The Supremes, The Four Tops and The Isley Brothers, has died at the age of 81.Dozier’s son, Lamont Dozier Jr, confirmed the news in an Instagram post shared earlier today (August 9), writing: “Rest in Heavenly Peace, Dad!

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorLamont Dozier, one-third of the legenday “Holland-Dozier-Holland” songwriting and production trio who wrote many of Motown Records’ biggest hits for the Supremes, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Martha and the Vandellas and others, has died at the age of 81. The news was confirmed by his son Lamont Dozier Jr on social media; no cause of death has been released as yet.Hits written and produced by Dozier with siblings Brian and Eddie Holland read like a greatest-hits of Motown’s early years: “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “Stop! in the Name of Love,” “How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You),” “Baby Love,” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “You Keep Me Hanging On” and many others.

Tuesday Instagram post by his son Lamont Dozier Jr.“Rest in Heavenly Peace, Dad!” Dozier’s bereaved progeny wrote in the post along with a picture of himself and his late father, who’s cause of death is not known at this time. Born 1941 in Detroit Michigan, the pioneering songwriter first gained acclaim after joining the legendary Motown Records in 1962 along with songwriting brothers Brian and Eddie Holland.

William "Poogie" Hart, a founder of the Grammy-winning trio the Delfonics who helped write and sang a soft lead tenor on such classic "Sound of Philadelphia" ballads as "La-La (Means I Love You)" and "Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)," has died. He was 77.

A.D. Amorosi Sean “Diddy” Combs has gone big as usual with the noir-ish video for “Gotta Move On,” the first single from his recently announced new label, Love Records, through Motown.

Ne-Yo has shared his view on the argument that artists who have been disgraced should no longer have their works appreciated, admitting in a new interview that he’s still a fan of R. Kelly.At the end of June, Kelly – who, prior to allegations of sexual abuse being made about him, had long been referred to as a modern-day R&B icon – was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty on multiple charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.Speaking to The Independent to promote his eighth album, ‘Self Explanatory’ – which arrived last Friday (July 15) via Motown – Ne-Yo said he was unsurprised by Kelly’s sentencing, and stressed his support for those embroiled in the ‘Ignition’ hitmaker’s many heinous crimes.

Myleene Klass and her two daughters fourteen-year-old Ava and Hero, 11, have spoken exclusively to HELLO! about their new joint project – an album My Lullabies: Motown, which is a collection of 13 re-interpreted classic tracks, such as My Cherie Amour, My Girl and I'll be There.READ: Myleene Klass reveals mouthwatering birthday cakeAnd, during our exclusive shoot and interview, Myleene spoke of her pride in her girls."They're my girls," says Myleene, who was a single mother following her brief marriage to her daughters' father, but is now happily engaged to her partner Simon Motson, with whom she has three-year-old son Apollo. "We're the Klass girls, that's how we see ourselves."WATCH: Myleene Klass shares moment she shared engagement news with her children"We have a special bond," adds Hero.

scribed. Another chimed in, “Pretty sad, they probably didn’t even know who she was.

BBC has revealed which of the sets at this year’s Glastonbury were the most-viewed on UK TV – see the results below.After two years away, the festival made its return to Worthy Farm last week, with Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar headlining the Pyramid Stage across the course of the weekend.McCartney’s almost three-hour Saturday night (June 25) set, which NME called “history-making” in a five star review, averaged 2.7million viewers on BBC One and peaked at 3.9million, according to Broadcast.While the 80-year-old Beatle’s figures were impressive, the artist with the biggest viewership average was Diana Ross, who performed in the revered legends slot on Sunday (June 26). The Motown icon and disco queen’s 75-minute set garnered an average audience of 3.1million, peaking at 3.8million.In a four-star review of Ross’ performance, NME said she had the “crowd in her hands” throughout the set.

DEALSBabyface has signed with Universal Music’s Capitol Records ahead of the release later this year of his first new album since 2015, called ‘Girls Night Out’. Why pick Capitol having worked on his most recent two albums with other Universal labels like Motown and Def Jam? History baby! “I am extremely honoured and humbled to be signing to a legacy label like Capitol”, he says.Dance music centric label and management agency Perfect Havoc has signed house duo Just Kiddin to its management roster.

Tracee Ellis Ross has a very famous mother, singer Diana Ross, and she delighted fans when she shared a rare snapshot with the singer for a heartfelt reason.MORE: Tracee Ellis Ross stuns fans with glamorous high school photoIn a dreamy snap from last year, the Black-ish star was standing alongside the I'm Coming Out singer as the sun acted as the perfect filter.Both of the glamorous women were wearing elegant tops and glitzy drop earrings as they celebrated Diana's birthday. Tracee opted for some hoops, while her mom rocked a large, straight pair.WATCH: Tracee Ellis Ross films in stunning blue living room"OH HOW I LOVE YOU MAMA ~ happy birthday," the star wrote as her caption at the time. The post drove many fans wild, as it received over 150,000 likes within three hours.

George Michael’s tragic passing on Christmas Day, but he’s still in the hearts and minds of many fans. Not only was his music the focus of Emilia Clarke’s film Last Christmas, but the iconic Wham! star has another posthumous film coming out. This time, the film will tell the story of George’s life in his own words.

Glastonbury Festival is already well underway, with thousands of festival-goers having headed down to Worthy Farm in Somerset on 22 and 23 June. The iconic festival has finally returned after three years with a line-up jam-packed with incredible musicians, including the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Diana Ross.

Diddy – aka Love – is back with his first new song in five years, teaming up with Bryson Tiller on the feel-good anthem ‘Gotta Move’ – listen to it below.The seductive, groove-laden track is the first preview of Diddy’s fifth studio album – his first since 2006’s ‘Press Play’ – which is set to be released via the hip-hop mogul’s new label, Love Records. It’s his first track as lead artist since 2017’s ‘Watcha Gon’ Do?’ featuring The Notorious B.I.G.

The stars are out! The 2022 Tony Awards red carpet was a celebration of style after a rocky few years for the Broadway community.