Lil Wayne Reloads the Classics: Da Drought & Dedication Mixtapes Hit Apple Music

Lil Wayne Performing on stage at OneMusic Festival on October 10, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Photo cred: Franklin Sheard Jr

By: Joshua Martin

Mixtape Wayne fans are in for a summer treat. The New Orleans rapper's catalogue on Apple Music was recently updated with fan favorite throwbacks that include the Da Drought and Dedication mixtape series’. 

Da Drought 3 mixtape cover

Da Drought series kicked off in 2003 and was followed up by two successful installments. The second released in 2004 and the third in 2007, with Weezy thoroughly entrenched in his lyrical prime. Artists featured on the latest installment included Young Money label mate Nicki Manaj, Juelz Santana and long time friend Curren$y.   

Dedication 2 mixtape cover

The Dedication mixtape series was a collaboration between DJ Drama and Weezy F. Baby under the umbrella Gangsta Grillz. The first installment was released in 2005 with the 6th version releasing in 2017. Nicki Manaj, Gudda Gudda, Chance The Rapper, Jae Millz, Mack Maine, J. Cole, B.G., Curren$y and more are all featured throughout the collection.  

As of now, these classics are only available on Apple Music. 

Earlier this year, Lil Wayne released his anticipated Carter VI album. The 19 track album included features from Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Kodak Black, Wyclef Jean, Jelly Roll, Mannie Fresh, BigXthaPlug and others. Before the release, Weezy teased a new era of Young Money with a handful of new signees. 

Lil Wayne Introduces the New Generation of Young Money | Young Money Radio

“You got to think like how people study Bach and Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis and Shakespeare. He’s going to be regarded as one of the greatest renaissance wordsmith composers of our generation.”

— Wyclef Jean on Lil Wayne’s legacy, via Rolling Stone

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Kendrick Lamar Breaks Michael Jackson’s Record for Most Watched Super Bowl Halftime show

Kendrick Lamar performs at Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, Tennessee in 2023.

Photo Cred: L Paul Mann

By: Joshua Martin

Less than two months into 2025 and Kemdrick Lamar has secured another huge achievement. His Super Bowl LIX halftime show is now the most watched half time show of all time. Surpassing Michael Jackson’s iconic Super Bowl XXVII halftime performance over 30 years ago. 

Roc Nation, Apple Music and the NFL announced the feat on Tuesday (Feb. 11). The record performance had 133.5 million viewers glued to the screen, which outdrew the game’s 126 million, according to reports. Despite the history and narratives going into the game, more than seven million people were more invested in seeing the Compton rapper set the stage on fire. 

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A post shared by Roc Nation (@rocnation)

“We’ve broken the record again! The most watched Apple Music Halftime show EVER, with 133.5 Million viewers.”

— Roc Nation via Instagram 

Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 performance drew 133.4 million viewers, meaning the 37 year old only edged out MJ by 100,000 people. The gap was a little wider in comparison to Usher’s instant classic performance last year that drew in a massive 123.4 million viewers. Nonetheless, the three most watched halftime shows of all time are from African American artists, a huge win for Black History Month.

Lamar’s halftime set featured spoken portions by Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, who he is set to tour alongside this summer, on their collaboration track “Luther” and “All The Stars” with special appearances by Mustard and tennis legend Serena Williams. As the world eagerly anticipated his GRAMMY Award winning hit “Not Like Us,” the Pulitzer Prize winner stared directly into the camera and smirked when he rapped the line “Say Drake.” Seconds later the camera cut to Williams as she crip walked to the track.  

To watch the entire performance, click the link below

Kendrick Lamar's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show

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Usher Set to Headline Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in Las Vegas

Usher was present at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, for the V103 Winterfest Concert, held on December 10, 2016

Credit: Jamie Lamor Thompson/Shutterstock

By: Omar Cook

The NFL has confirmed that grammy award winning artist, Usher, is confirmed as the headlining act for the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2024, which will be presented by Apple Music. This highly anticipated performance is scheduled for February 11, 2024, and will be held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This will be huge for the city of Las Vegas as this will be the first time the Super Bow has been held there.

“It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list. I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before,” Usher stated. “Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”

With a career spanning several decades, he has achieved a multitude of chart-topping hits, including iconic songs like "Yeah!," "Burn," and "Confessions Part II." These songs not only dominated the charts but also became anthems of their time.

His remarkable success is evidenced by the numerous accolades he has garnered throughout his career. Usher boasts a collection of prestigious awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards. His innovative music videos and electrifying live performances have consistently captivated audiences worldwide.

“Usher is an icon whose music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape throughout his career, we couldn’t be more excited to have him headline this year’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show,” stated Seth Dudowsky, the head of music for the NFL.

LAS VEGAS. APPLE MUSIC HALFTIME SHOW. #SBLVIII
———@nfl, @rocnation, @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/kezBpyabAD

— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) September 24, 2023

This will be the fifth year of a partnership between the NFL and Roc Nation to produce the Halftime Show. The two parties made a deal in 2019 which has culminated in some amazing performances year after year. The previous shows include performances from Shakira and Jennifer Lopez (2020), The Weeknd (2021), a legendary Hip-Hop hip-hop show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar (2022), and Rihanna (2023).

This is the second year of the Super Bowl’s partnership with Apple Music after a 10 year sponsorship from Pepsi. The show is set to be produced by DPS, including executive producers Roc Nation and Jesse Collins. It will be directed by Hamish Hamilton.

Usher's influence extends beyond his chart achievements and awards; he has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of contemporary R&B and pop music. His enduring impact on the industry and his ability to reinvent his sound have solidified his status as one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation.

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