Justin Curto

Chicago

Music News Writer at Vulture

@vulture department of music & celebrity drama // seen in @people, @billboard, @kansascitymag, @nbn_tweets, others // he/him // [email protected]

Articles

Jelly Roll Recommended for Pardon for His Past Crimes

1 day ago | vulture.com | Justin Curto

The “Save Me” singer. Throughout his rise in music, Jelly Roll has been open about the time he spent in prison for robbery and drug charges. But now, he’s one step closer to being pardoned for those crimes. Tennessee’s Board of Parole unanimously recommended a pardon for the rapper turned country singer (born Jason DeFord), the Associated Press reported on April 22. The decision is now with Governor Bill Lee. “This was incredible,” Jelly told the AP. “I pray this goes through.
Roy Thomas Baker, Producer to the Rock Gods, Dead at 78

2 days ago | vulture.com | Justin Curto

Roy Thomas Baker, one of the defining producers of rock music in the 1970s and ’80s, has died. He was 78. Baker died at home in Arizona on April 12, per a statement. Across five decades, Baker produced albums for bands including Queen, the Cars, Journey, Yes, Mötley Crüe, and Smashing Pumpkins. Baker started apprenticing as an engineer at Decca Studios, where he worked on music by David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, and the Who; he later lead-engineered albums including T. Rex’s Electric Warrior.
Doechii’s Anxiety Video Is a Somebody I Used to Know Homage

6 days ago | vulture.com | Justin Curto

Now where have we seen them before? Oh, right! After flipping some beat that we used to know into her single “Anxiety,” Doechii paid homage to somebody — well, two somebodies — that we used to know in the music video. The rapper is in a house filled with chaos in the visual, with strangers busting through her windows and a fire in the kitchen. So the two nearly nude body-painted people against the wall are far from the strangest sight here.
Morgan Wallen Drops ‘I Ain’t Comin’ Back’ With Post Malone

6 days ago | vulture.com | Justin Curto

They hath risen. Post Malone had some help from Morgan Wallen on his country pivot last year. Now, Posty is returning the favor for Wallen’s upcoming album I’m the Problem. Malone came back to Wallen for “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” and we’re sorry to report this breakup track might be even catchier than their last linkup.
Now Drake Says Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance Was Defamatory Too

1 week ago | vulture.com | Justin Curto

When Drake first sued Universal Music Group for defamation over “Not Like Us,” some wondered if the move would keep Kendrick Lamar from performing the song at the Super Bowl. But Lamar still got the whole stadium yelling “A-minor” and even referenced the lawsuit during his set. Now, predictably, Drake is claiming the performance was defamatory.
Lil Wayne Denies COVID Fraud, Defends Explicit Text to Reporter

1 week ago | vulture.com | Justin Curto

Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne is denying spending millis in pandemic-relief money on himself. Business Insider reported last year that the rapper received $8.9 million from the Shuttered Venues Operators Grant and spent portions of the money on private jets, clothing, and “mystery women.” When asked about the funds in a new Rolling Stone cover story, Wayne “looked genuinely perplexed.” “I don’t know what that mean,” he told the magazine.
Finally, a Country-Rap Collab That Makes Sense

1 week ago | vulture.com | Justin Curto

On “All the Way,” BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman stick to their strengths. BigXthaPlug didn’t set out to become country music’s favorite rapper. When he first heard the twangy, western guitar loop that would become his breakout 2022 single “Texas,” he thought it sounded cheesy. “I was like, ‘What am I supposed to say? Bitch, I’m from Texas?’” he told Rolling Stone. Well, yes.
Diddy Wants to Delay Sex-Trafficking Trial by Two Months

1 week ago | vulture.com | Justin Curto

Combs. Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs are requesting a two-month delay in his sex-trafficking trial, which is slated to start May 5 in New York. Diddy’s team said in a letter to the judge that the delay will give them “the necessary time to prepare his defense” after a new superseding indictment in the case, Billboard reported on April 16. The latest indictment, from earlier this month, included additional counts of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution from a new victim.
Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter Faces Fourth Sexual-Assault Allegation

1 week ago | vulture.com | Justin Curto

A fourth woman has sued Nick Carter for sexual assault over two incidents in 2005. The woman, Laura Penley, claimed she would visit travel from Oregon to Los Angeles to visit the Backstreet Boys singer, and they had consensual sex multiple times, Rolling Stone reported. When she told him she did not want to have sex during one visit, she claims he told her “the only reason she was there was to have sex” and proceeded to restrain and rape her.
What Happened During the Blue Origin Celebrity Space Flight

1 week ago | vulture.com | Rebecca Alter |Justin Curto |Fran Hoepfner |Zoe Haylock

10 … 9 … 8 … 7 … 6 … 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1 … Swish swish, bish! At 9:30 a.m. ET, life didn’t imitate art, but it did at least imitate The Morning Show, as morning television host Gayle King was finally shot into space for the content, alongside fellow intrepid girl-bosses Lauren Sanchez, Katy Perry, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn, and actual rocket scientist Aisha Bowe. The historic event is currently being broadcast on CBS, and Vulture bloggers are rapt.