Author: Steve

Shankytanky is a music writer focused on hip-hop and R&B. He delivers fresh content with real knowledge and love for the culture.

You’ve heard him rap, you’ve heard him rock — and now, MGK is stepping into the world of rootsy folk with his brand-new album, Lost Americana. A New Chapter in MGK’s Genre-Bending Career Released on Friday (Aug. 8), the LP marks the first full-length Americana project from the artist formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly. It follows years of genre experimentation, from his early hip-hop releases to two chart-topping pop-punk albums, Tickets to My Downfall and Mainstream Sellout, both of which hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The Bob Dylan Connection Lost Americana arrives just two months after MGK…

Read More

Listen to the Exclusive Premiere of Mau P’s New Track ‘Tesla’: ‘Nobody Believed in This Song’ — but now, it’s clear the world can’t get enough. During Mau P’s massive Coachella 2025 set, one moment stole the show: the debut of his unreleased track “Tesla.” Within hours, fan-shot clips spread like wildfire across TikTok and Instagram, turning the track into an online sensation before it was even officially out. True to his signature style, the Dutch producer delivered a slinky, hypnotic thumper, with the cheeky lyric: “I just popped a Tesla, ain’t no need to charge.” The line is a…

Read More

If Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce ever decide to walk down the aisle, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid says he’s got no shortage of material for his reception speech. During an appearance on the Thursday (Aug. 7) episode of 96.5 The Fan with Fescoe and Dusty, Reid chuckled when asked what stories he might share if given the mic at his star tight end’s hypothetical wedding to the 14-time Grammy-winning superstar. “Ooh,” he teased. “Well, there are a few I can’t tell.” He quickly added, “No, there are a lot of great stories. He’s done so many good…

Read More

Brandon Blackstock, the Nashville-based music manager who was once married to Kelly Clarkson, has passed away at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with cancer. Starstruck Entertainment, the company where Brandon worked for many years, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Thursday (Aug. 7) through an Instagram statement. “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the message read. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy during this difficult time.”…

Read More

Even though Mariah Carey is one of the world’s most iconic stars, she has zero interest in leaving Earth’s atmosphere — even after learning that Katy Perry recently did just that. In fact, Mariah Carey Recently Found out That Katy Perry Traveled to Space Months Ago — and her reaction is priceless. Is this helpful so far? Mariah Learns the Shocking News During a recent interview with BBC Radio 2, posted on Thursday (Aug. 7), Carey had no idea that Perry had been part of Blue Origin’s first-ever all-female space trip earlier this year. The April mission made headlines worldwide,…

Read More

MGK revealed that his ex-fiancée, Megan Fox, was “fuming” after he received praise for simply holding their newborn, Saga Blade, saying, “She’s the one who does all the work.” The rapper and rock artist is currently in full promo mode ahead of the release of his highly anticipated album Lost Americana, which dropped on Friday (Aug. 8). During a lighthearted appearance on Today With Jenna and Friends this past Thursday (Aug. 6), co-host Jenna Bush Hager and Las Culturistas’ Matt Rogers shifted the conversation away from music to talk about fatherhood. As a surprise, they gifted MGK a baby onesie…

Read More

Rupert Grint finds himself once again entangled in Ed Sheeran’s world in the pop star’s latest release, “A Little More,” which premiered alongside the track on Thursday (Aug. 7). A Familiar Obsession Returns In the surreal and playful music video, the Harry Potter actor revives his memorable role as Sheeran’s obsessive fan from the 2011 hit “Lego House.” This time, Grint’s character has supposedly turned over a new leaf after serving time for sneaking into Sheeran’s concert and impersonating him on stage. But as fate would have it, he still can’t seem to shake the singer’s presence. Sheeran delivers the…

Read More

BET Awards Weekend 2025 delivered plenty of unforgettable moments, and Girlfriends and Champagne was at the center of the celebration. Marking its 10th anniversary, the exclusive event lit up the scene once again — with CEO Helecia “SKG” Choyce making a bold red carpet appearance alongside Zeus reality star Diamond The Body and actress-comedian Torrei Hart. The guest list was stacked with industry heavyweights, including actor Miguel Núñez Jr., Grammy-winning producer Roccstar, and Love & Hip Hop fan favorite Ray Cunningham. Guests were treated to live music, awards, premium drinks, complimentary vendor experiences, and VIP access throughout the night. Once…

Read More

Cleo Laine, whose husky contralto was one of the most distinctive voices in jazz and who was regarded by many as Britain’s greatest contribution to the quintessentially American music, has died. She was 97. The Stables, a charity and venue Laine founded with her late jazz musician husband John Dankworth, said Friday (July 25) it was “greatly saddened” by the news that “one of its founders and Life President, Dame Cleo Laine has passed away.” Monica Ferguson, artistic director of The Stables, said Laine “will be greatly missed, but her unique talent will always be remembered.” Laine’s career spanned the…

Read More

Gwyneth Paltrow Steps in Amid Tech Company DramaAcademy Award-winning actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow Becomes ‘Temporary Spokesperson’ for Astronomer Following Coldplay Kiss Cam Controversy. In a playful and timely video released on Friday (July 25), Paltrow addresses the public on behalf of the tech firm Astronomer after it found itself at the center of a social media storm. The humorous ad comes on the heels of a now-viral moment during Coldplay’s July 15 concert at Boston’s Gillette Stadium. Former CEO Andy Byron and HR executive Kristin Cabot were caught in an awkward moment on the venue’s kiss cam. Byron…

Read More