J Balvin Teams Up with Ed Sheeran on Bilingual Songs “Sigue” & “Forever My Love”

J Balvin is sheeran new music…

The 36-year-old Colombian singer and rapper has joined voices with Ed Sheeran on two brand-new bilingual songs: “Sigue” and “Forever My Love.”

J Balvin, Ed Sheeran

Marking their first collaborations together, the two-song EP is powered by an uptempo reggaeton dance song, and a stripped-down melancholic ballad with each artist playing their acoustic guitars.

Balvin and Sheeran teased their collaboration earlier in the week in a joint Instagram post where they shared the story of how they met: at a gym in New York.

“It was just me and him very early in the morning. I recognized his voice when he was on the phone so I just went up and said hi. We chatted so long we ended up having lunch and then afternoon tea. Then just went to being mates who chatted nonstop,” Sheeran wrote.

He continued, “I was in New York at Christmas for shows so we decided to have one day in the studio that led to so so much more, which you’ll find out about soon. But the first two songs we wrote are ‘Sigue’ and ‘Forever My Love,’ and I absolutely love them. He wanted to bring me into his world, and I wanted to bring him into mine. Was a proper challenge learning Spanish for this and I had so much fun doing it.”

Meanwhile, Balvin said, “Everything good takes time. We had a coffee and spoke about life and there was a dope vibe. We bonded over simple things creating a genuine friendship – we even spoke about what it’s like to be a dad hehe.”

The song was produced by longtime Balvin collaborator Michael Brun (Mr. Eazi, Masego), with whom he’s collaborated on such global hits as the 2018 World Cup anthem “Positivo.”

Sheeran first dabbled in Latin music with his 2017 “Shape of You” remix featuring Zion & Lennox.

Most recently, the British singer-songwriter practiced his Spanish in Camila Cabello’s “Bam Bam,” where he mainly sings in English but joins Cabello in the chorus singing “asi es la vida.”

This time around, Sheeran shows off his Spanish, singing full verses in Spanish.

Kehlani Reveals Complete Track List for Sophomore Album “It Was Good Until It Wasn’t”

Kehlaniis sharing the good (and the bad)…

The 25-year-old part-Mexican American singer has revealed the entire track list for her sophomore album It Was Good Until It Wasn’t, which features collaborations with Tory LanezJhené AikoMasegoLucky Daye and James Blake.

Kehlani

Kehlani caps the 15-song listing with “Lexii’s Outro” to commemorate late Minnesota-based rapper Lexii Alijai, who first collaborated with Kehlani on “Jealous” from her 2015 mix tape You Should Be Here. Alijai died January 1 from an accidental overdose at age 21.

The new songs will arrive with her previously released singles, “Toxic,” “Everybody Business” and “F&MU,” this Friday, May 8. 

Kehlani announced her second LP on her 25th birthday (April 24) with the official album artwork that teased the grass ain’t always greener on the other side. 

Today, she revealed the climactic back cover of IWGUIW, which speaks volumes to how bad things can seem as utter chaos ensues behind the spooked singer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_yB3oIJP8E/

It Was Good Until It Wasn’tis available for pre-order here.

Bruno Mars to Headline This Year’s Essence Festival of Culture

Bruno Mars is sharing his essence in a big way…

The 34-year-old part-Puerto Rican Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has been named one of the main stage headliners for the Essence Festival of Culture.

Bruno Mars

Mars will co-headline the event with Janet Jacksonas Essence celebrates its 50th anniversary. 

Mars’ appearance will be his first time performing at the festival — and his only 2020 U.S. festival performance.

Essence Festival of Culture will expand for the first time from three to five days (July 1-5) in New Orleans, marking one day for each decade. This year’s theme is “Own Our Power.”

Jackson will be making her third appearance at the festival. Her appearance will take place during her newly announced Black Diamond World Tour, titled after her upcoming 12th studio album.

In addition to Jackson and Mars, the festival’s three-night concert series will include the following lineups at the Louisiana Superdome:

Main stage: Ari Lennox, Janelle MonaePatti LaBelleRaphael Saadiq (performing songs across his entire career from Tony! Toni! Tone! through his solo albums, including Jimmy Lee), Estelle Presents Reggae & Afrobeats Link Up featuring Afro BChronnixElephant ManKraniumMax GlazerMaxi PriestShenseeaand more, Summer Walker,  Swizz BeatzPresents In the Zone featuring guest artists. 

Hosted by Loni Love with music by D-Nice, the main stage lineup will salute music icons each night, including a special anniversary celebration on July 4. 

Superlounges: Casmé, D SmokeDemi GraceDoug E. Fresh Presents The Real Hip-Hop and R&B Party, Elah HaleGoldlinkJac RossJamesdavisJidennaJune’s DiaryKiana LedeKitty CashLeikeli47MasegoMr EaziOswin BenjaminRapsodySaweetieSiRSminoStokleyTamiaTank and the BangasTeaMarrrThe New Respects and Umi.

 “This is a milestone year for Essence and our community as we celebrate 50 years of creating opportunities for our culture to shine and the role of black women in making it possible for us to do what no other brand has done,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of Essence Communications, Inc.“To be able to say that at 50 years, we are black-owned, diversified across media, technology, commerce and live events, and impacting our culture in new and even deeper ways than ever before is a blessing – and one that comes with a tremendous responsibility to our community to continue to evolve, innovate and transform. That remains our focus and commitment as we work to ensure that we are here serving black women deeply and advancing black culture, economic ownership and inclusion globally for the next 50 years.”

Regarding Mars and Jackson, Ebanks added, “These two powerhouses, along with our robust slate of programming, performances and tributes, will continue our legacy of cultural excellence and dynamic, only-at-Essence experiences that excite, elevate and inspire.”

For more information, visit Essence.com/festival.