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Music News: Frank Ocean’s second studio album (finally) due out Friday

by Staff

August 01, 2016

The return of Frank Ocean

According to a New York Times source, R&B star and Odd Future member Frank Ocean will release Boys Don't Cry, his second studio album, "through an exclusive deal with Apple Music." Fans have been clamoring for a new album ever since 2012's channel ORANGE, which won cult support and a Grammy for best urban contemporary album. (New York Times)

MTV turns 35

MTV went live on August 1, 1981, just after midnight. Which video did they first air? None other than the Buggles's "Video Killed The Radio Star." The music world celebrates this week. (Billboard)

Kesha drops California lawsuit

Glitter goddess Kesha has dropped her California lawsuit against alleged rapist Dr. Luke, even as she continues her appeal process in New York. According to her attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, she "has delivered 28 new songs to the record label" (the label in question being Kemosabe Records, Dr. Luke and Sony's co-venture). Petrocelli added that she has a "strong desire to release her next album and single as soon as possible." (Rolling Stone)

Stranger Things gets a mixtape

Netflix's Stranger Things has already earned praise for its '80s-saturated soundtrack, which features gems by the Bangles, New Order, and Corey Hart. DJ Yoda has now shared a mixtape that overlays dialogue from the show over several beloved songs and beats. (NME)

Rockin'1000 cover Bowie, Nirvana, and the White Stripes

Following up their attention-grabbing Foo Fighters cover from last year, Cesena, Italy's 1,000-person rock band played Orogel Stadium this weekend. The setlist included songs David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel," Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," and the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army." (Billboard, Rolling Stone)

A street called Phife Dawg

The beloved A Tribe Called Quest member, who died on March 22 of this year, is to be the co-namesake of a portion of Queens's Linden Boulevard. As Gothamist points out, the crew name-checked the street in songs such as "Check The Rhime" and "Steve Biko." (Gothamist)

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