Music Update

The Global Citizens Festival took place in Central Park this past weekend, bringing music and charity together. In addition to raising funds for the UN’s aim to eliminate global poverty, many of the concert-goers had to complete a series of charitable tasks to earn free admission. This year, artists like Green Day, The Killers and The Chainsmokers performed, and the legendary Stevie Wonder closed the show.

Rapper Cardi B secured the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit “Bodak Yellow,” bumping Taylor Swift to number two. She is the first female rapper to top the charts since Lauryn Hill did in 1998. Swift sent Cardi B a celebratory bouquet, and other artists like Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim congratulated her, too. Cardi B has become a pop culture icon, from her role on the reality show “Love and Hip Hop” to sitting front row at New York Fashion Week, and always making money moves on her Instagram.

It was also announced this week that Kylie Jenner is pregnant and expecting a baby girl with her boyfriend and rapper Travis Scott. Jenner, who is 20, is reportedly four months into her pregnancy. 25-year-old Scott is a successful, Grammy nominated musician. A music video for his song “goosebumps ft. Kendrick Lamar” features Jenner, which was created by Nick Knight and Britt Lloyd.

Music Update

This past weekend, The Meadows festival brought an impressive lineup to Queens, New York. Headliners included Jay-Z, Migos, Nas, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was only the festival’s second year, so more loaded lineups can be expected in the future.

Speaking of Jay-Z, the rapper will be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live’s 43rd season premiere. The host will be Ryan Gosling, who has hosted once before in December 2015. The actor is returning to the late-night sketch comedy show a week prior to the release of his upcoming film, Blade Runner 2049.

History was made on Sunday at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards, with Donald Glover taking home two awards for “Atlanta” — outstanding lead actor in a comedy series and outstanding directing for a comedy series. Glover was the first African-American to win in the latter category. The multi-talented actor, director, stand-up comedian, and rapper (as Childish Gambino) mentioned that before he retires as a musician for good, he would consider making a mixtape or album with Chance the Rapper — a collaboration fans have been dreaming of.

Music Update

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, several major television networks — ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox — had a multi-network telethon called the “Hand in Hand” benefit concert to support Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma relief efforts. It was a successful night, raising more than $14 million. The performances aired from several locations, including Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, Times Square in New York and Universal Studios in Los Angeles. A series of singers, musicians and celebrities made appearances such as Blake Shelton, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber, to name a few.

Beyoncé also recorded a powerful speech on the devastation that happened to her home state and Florida that aired during the benefit.

Since it was a telethon, many artists and celebrities were working the phones, too. George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Oprah were among those picking up the lines.