The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, held Sept. 18, gave Calypso Rose a standing ovation in recognition of her contributions to soca and calypso.

The ceremony also featured a full-circle moment for soca artist Yung Bredda, among other highlights from the night celebrating Caribbean music.

Read the full story at Billboard.

The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards nominations and wins have generated discussion across the region’s music community, with Lady Lava emerging as a dominant force in this year’s field. Alongside her strong showing, several categories drew scrutiny over how songs were classified by genre.

Among the points of contention is whether the track “Dansa” was correctly placed in the Dennery Segment category, a genre-specific classification that carries weight for artists and producers working in that Caribbean sound. The debate reflects broader questions the awards face as newer and hybrid genres gain prominence, complicating how organizers sort entries into established categories.

The mix of surprise wins and perceived snubs underscores the growing pains of an awards show trying to keep pace with an evolving regional sound, where classification decisions can carry as much weight as the wins themselves.

Read the full story at Billboard.

Jack White announced the death of his older brother, Eddie Gillis, who managed operations at Third Man Pressing, the vinyl manufacturing arm of White’s Third Man Records. White shared the news in a tribute post, calling Gillis a beautiful soul.

Gillis held a longtime role at the Detroit- and Nashville-based label’s pressing plant, which White launched to support vinyl production for Third Man and outside clients. No cause of death was disclosed.

Read the full story at Billboard.

Phoebe Bridgers has been announced as the first confirmed headliner for All Points East 2027, organizers revealed Tuesday. The London festival will return over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with additional lineup details expected in the coming months.

The booking marks an early marquee get for the festival as it begins building out its 2027 edition well ahead of the event. Further artist announcements and ticket information are expected to follow.

Read the full story at Billboard.

Jay-Z wrapped the Los Angeles leg of his JAY-Z30 anniversary celebration with a second sold-out night at SoFi Stadium on October 24, following a sold-out opener the night before. The two-city stand follows previous sold-out dates in New York, London and Paris, according to the announcement from Roc Nation.

The set drew from across Jay-Z’s catalog, opening with “The Watcher 2” and bringing out Oakland rapper Too $hort for “Blow the Whistle.” He paid tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle by weaving “Hussle & Motivate” into “Hard Knock Life” and “On to the Next One.” Snoop Dogg joined for “Murder Was the Case,” followed by a joint appearance with Dr. Dre for a run of West Coast staples including “The Next Episode,” “California Love,” “Nothin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and “Still D.R.E.” The show closed with “Empire State of Mind,” “Big Pimpin’,” “Public Service Announcement (Interlude)” and “Encore.”

Attendees cited in the announcement included Lizzo, Kelly Rowland, Vanessa Bryant, DJ Khaled, Jessica Alba, Wizkid, Schoolboy Q and Hit-Boy. Jay-Z wore custom looks designed by June Ambrose throughout the evening.

Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Maya Sarin, LiveNation.com.

Slayyyter has canceled the rest of her UK and European tour dates due to laryngitis and vocal cord tears. The singer said she needs medication and at least two weeks of full vocal rest to recover.

No details have been released on refunds or possible rescheduled dates.

Read the full story at Pitchfork.

Drake celebrated his 40th birthday by posting childhood photos from his family albums along with a message of self-acceptance. The milestone also included a duet appearance with the Backstreet Boys.

The combination of nostalgic imagery and a pop crossover moment drew attention from fans and press marking the rapper’s four decades.

Read the full story at Billboard.