ASCAP, aka the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, held its annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards celebration at The London West Hollywood.
Last week Ty Dolla $ign & friends hosted the first annual EZMNY JAMMJAM presented by Amazon Music & JammCard at WePlay Studios in Inglewood, California. The night was a fun and innovative way to celebrate the grammy nominations for EZMNY Records as well as The Jammcard community. Ty Dolla $ign was celebrating a total of 11 Grammy nominations this year including: 1 for himself for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wholeheartedly” with J.I.D and 6LACK, 6 nominations for EZMNY’s Leon Thomas and 4 nominations for EZMNY’s Bizzy Crook.
On Thursday we had the pleasure of attending Spotify’s annual Best New Artist Party at The Lot at Formosa in Los Angeles. This annual celebration spotlights the 8 artists nominated for The Grammy Awards’ Best New Artist category. The night was filled with amazing musical performances by this year’s nominees, complimentary cocktails, multiple photo booths and delicious food, but the highlight was by far the innovative Spray Bar courtesy of Magnum Ice Cream.
We caught up with the Magnum Ice Cream team to shed some light on this engaging activation, “Magnum Ice Cream is bringing indulgence to the spotlight with an exclusive spray bar experience at Spotify’s iconic Best New Artist 2026 Party. At one of the music industry’s most high-profile events, guests have the opportunity to personalize their own Magnum Ice Cream Bars with the name of their BNA nominee pick. The interactive activation allows attendees to treat themselves to a moment of luxury and creativity, perfectly complementing the celebration of emerging musical talent. Magnum continues to celebrate self-expression and enjoyment, making every experience a little more memorable.”
Not only did guests enjoy customizing these sweet treats, it provided a nice cool down in between the high-energy performances. Additionally there were a plethora of food stations including mini pizzas, tacos, burgers and limitless drinks. Hilton had an entire suite dedicated to their partnership with Spotify including complimentary key cards, a photo booth, custom cocktails and lite bites.
The performances kicked off with Grammy-Award winning Leon Thomas, up for 6 nominations this year. The audience went crazy for his live version of “Mutt,” followed by a stunning performance by Lola Young and an amazing set by The Marias. Lola Young’s emotional live performance of “Sad Sob Story” was everything and more. Alex Warren, Katseye and Sombr did not disappoint. Katseye slayed with their impeccable choreography and high-energy dance moves for hits like “Gnarly”. Addison Rae turned up the heat with her back-up dancers and performed breakout hit “Diet Pepsi.” Olivia Dean closed out the night and sang her viral record “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” leaving guests wanting more.
In addition to the stellar performances there were many special guests in attendance including PinkPantheress, Shaboozey, Kaytranada, Diplo, Zara Larsson, Larray, Murda Beatz and many more.
Fresh off receiving six Grammy nominations for his 2024 effort Mutt, Leon Thomas arrived in Atlanta earlier this month for his MUTTS DON’T HEEL World Tour, one of 25 stops on the North American leg.
This year’s ONE Music Fest didn’t hinge on new trends or viral moments. It was all about the classics. The festival’s lineup leaned heavily on legacy acts whose hits still soundtrack cookouts and car rides decades later. From ’90s icons to early-2000s chart-toppers, the energy across both days proved that nostalgia still holds the strongest pull in music.
On Thursday, September 4th, Billboard hosted its annual Hip-Hop/R&B Power Players Awards at Unveiled in Brooklyn, New York.
From 8 PM to 2 AM, the energy inside Avalon was electric. The night blended music, celebration, and artistry in a space that matched the bold, genre-defying spirit of Leon Thomas’ latest project.
Last week we were at Academy LA, in the heart of Hollywood, for one of the best Grammy’s Afterparty’s. After the most anticipated nights in music, Lucid Motors and Affinity presented “Music is Life | Life is Music” hosted by that night’s 2x Grammy Award-winning Leon Thomas and Grammy award-winning songwriter Derrick Milano.
Affinity Nightlife is an event, casting, and promotion company based in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of experience producing extravagant nightlife and lifestyle events, they have been able to develop worldwide relationships.
The first host, Leon Thomas, is known for his work behind some of the biggest songs in music. He has worked with artists like Sza, Ariana Grande, Drake, Post Malone, Chris Brown, Zendaya, Jack Harlow, Ty Dolla $ign, 6lack, Ella Mai, Kehlani, Giveon, Jessie Reyez, and Babyface. The other host of the night, Derrick Milano, is also well known for writing hit songs for artists like Justin Bieber, Pop Smoke, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion.
The invite-only celebration honored the excellence of music’s biggest names who are songwriters, producers, creators, and talent. Guests were able to enjoy sounds by celebrity DJs Talon Reid, Dre Sinatra, and Justin Credible with a surprise guest performance by Ty Dolla $ign. Celebrity DJ Talon Reid and Dre Sinatra called Ty Dolla $ign to the stage where he performed and gave congratulatory shout-outs to his friend’s wins along with a congratulatory shot. This surprise performance was a treat for a night that was already filled with music, dancing, and overall good vibes.
More images from the night are below.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Talon Reid attends Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: A general view of atmosphere at Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Derrick Milano and Adam Glove attend Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Westside V attends Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Leon Thomas III attends Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: A general view of atmosphere at Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: 3Six, Ryan Witherspoon, Rod Henley and Capella Grey attend Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
You may know him from ‘Detroit’, ‘Victorious, for being 1/2 of ‘The Rascals’, or maybe even from ‘Insecure’ — Leon Thomas is a multifaceted artist whose catalog is only growing towards bigger and better things.
Kathryn Bigelow’s Detroit is more relevant now than ever.