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Music News: Kendrick Lamar leads arena in Phife Dawg tribute chant

by Staff

March 23, 2016

In the wake of the death of A Tribe Called Quest member Phife Dawg, musicians and fans from around the world have been paying tribute. Onstage in Sydney, Kendrick Lamar asked an arena full of fans, holding their phone lights in the air, to chant the late rapper's name. Calling Phife Dawg "one of the pioneers of hip-hop," Lamar credited the MC "for allowing me to do what I'm doing on this stage right here, right now today." (Brooklyn Vegan)

The Piano Man makes the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress has announced the 25 recordings that will be inducted this year into the National Recording Registry, a recognition for "cultural, artistic and/or historical significance to American society and the nation's aural legacy." Among this year's inductees: Billy Joel ("Piano Man"), the Supremes ("Where Did Our Love Go"), and Metallica (Master of Puppets). (Rolling Stone)

Dave Grohl: The kids are alright

Rock hero Dave Grohl has penned a letter to the town council of Cornwall, England, asking the council members to allow teen metal band Black Leaves of Envy practice despite the fact that their playing is audible to those outside their practice space — a garage. "I believe it is crucial that children have a place to explore their creativity and establish a sense of self through song," wrote Grohl, who shared the open letter along with tips on how bands can better soundproof their practice spaces. (Pitchfork)

Beach Boys prep Pet Sounds reissue

The Beach Boys have shared details of an upcoming 50th anniversary reissue of their classic Pet Sounds, to be released June 10. The four-disc set will come with a bonus Blu-ray and a hardcover book. The set "presents the remastered album in both stereo and mono forms alongside studio sessions outtakes, alternate mixes and unreleased live recordings from the era," reports Rolling Stone. The album's mastermind Brian Wilson will be celebrating the anniversary by performing the album in its entirety this summer on a tour that will stop at Minneapolis's Orpheum Theatre on Oct. 2.

Eagles of Death Metal announce tour

Eagles of Death Metal have announced their first North American tour since last fall's terrorist attacks in Paris. There are no Minnesota stops on the tour, but the band will be in Chicago on May 25. (Rolling Stone)

Vans Warped Tour plots summer trek

The 2016 Vans Warped Tour has announced its lineup and dates — which include a July 24 stop at one of the tour's regular haunts, Canterbury Park. This year's headliners include Falling in ReverseFour Year Strong, and Good Charlotte.

Jackson estate sued

The estate of Michael Jackson has been sued by a London legal firm that claims it has over $200,000 in outstanding bills for work done on behalf of Jackson in his final years. Atkins Thomson Solicitors says that it provided, as of yet unpaid, "hundreds of hours of services to Jackson," a claim the estate disputes. (Billboard)

Joey Alexander's coming to St. Paul

12-year-old jazz pianist Joey Alexander has been added to the lineup of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, taking place in June in Mears Park. A prodigy who's impressed the likes of Wynton Marsalis and Herbie Hancock, Alexander was a performer, and double nominee, at the Grammys this year. (Pioneer Press)

Kurt Vile goes nuts

Kurt Vile has made a cameo on HBO's animated series Animals. Vile, in the form of a squirrel, says hi and sings a song. (Pitchfork)

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