Vera “Velma” Hernandez
Audio By Carbonatix
At the Observer, we have a tradition of looking back yearly-ish on the stories that drew the most reader interest. This is a fun way of surveying our readership’s topics, artists and even writers of interest, but also it’s just fun to look back on the year in music news.
From the saddest bits of news – such as the death of the young rapper Enchanting – to big concert reviews and Beyoncé stories (of course), what we learned is that once again, Dallas is forever intrigued by news related to Erykah Badu. The icon of music, fashion and eccentricity in general ruled over local headlines this year. No wonder they call her the Queen of Neo-Soul.
Here are the Observer‘s most-read music stories in 2024:
10. Fort Worth Rapper and Singer Enchanting Dead at 26
By Carly May Gravley
In June, Fort Worth rapper Enchanting, a protégée of hip-hop artist Gucci Mane, died at the age of 26. “The ‘No Luv’ rapper, born Channing Nicole Larry, was admitted to an intensive care unit and placed on life support for unstated reasons. After some false reports, her death was confirmed on Twitter by both her sister, Kay Jay, and her friend and collaborator, Lil CJ Kasino,” wrote Carly May Gravely. In August, the cause of death was revealed to have been the accidental “toxic effects of oxycodone and benzodiazepines,” a spokesperson for the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office told People.
9. Dallas-Based Christian Artist Releases Bizarre Paean to Donald Trump
By Carly May Gravley
Former President and now President-elect Donald Trump has inspired endless amounts of writing – much of it in law offices – but for North Texan singer Natasha Owens, Trump served as a godly muse in her songwriting. Owens’ single, “The Chosen One,” released in June, compares the politician found guilty of 34 felonies and liable for sexual assault to Jesus Christ.
8. Madonna’s Celebration Tour Felt Like a Bittersweet Farewell
By Eva Raggio
“If B.B. King could pack arenas even after his fingers lost most dexterity and Bob Dylan can keep touring as his song lyrics become entirely unintelligible, as long as she’s still moving – even with a knee brace – Madonna damn well can do the same. And the truth is, we still need Madonna. With a steady avalanche of regressing politics burying progress, the artist is still using her stage to spotlight important issues,” we wrote when the Queen of Pop lit up the American Airlines Center in May.
7. The Beyoncé Effect? “Texas Hold ‘Em’s” Impact on North Texas’ Fashion and Culture
By Leah Frazier
After Bey dropped the country single “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Dallas boutiques reported an uptick in sales for Western-inspired clothes. “Customers are requesting more accents and prints like cowhide, frayed denim and leather,” store owner Alexis Daniel told us in March.
6. Tool Played a Heavenly, and Hellish, Set in Dallas
By Scott Tucker
In February, the band led by Maynard James Keenan played a stunning set at American Airlines. “For the duration of their show, no band member missed a single note. Several parts of the set showcased Maynard’s nearly flawless voice,” wrote critic Scott Tucker. “The group maintains an elegant offering of high art and musical power that’s damn near impossible to emulate or manufacture. Tool is the kind of band that could play at the gates of heaven or hell, and either would make sense.”
5. Dallas Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Name Crops Up in Lawsuit Against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
By Vanessa Quilantan
In March, a lawsuit file by “record producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones identified Dallas’ Baptist megachurch faith leader Bishop T.D. Jakes among many in Diddy’s alleged network of supporters,” wrote Vanessa Quilantan. The hip-hop mogul will stand trial on May 5.
4. Nicki Minaj Fans Are Coming for Erykah Badu After Megan Thee Stallion Post
By Carly May Gravley
In January, the ongoing feud between artists Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj prompted endless entertainment for fans on both sides and, well, pretty much anyone else with internet access. After Erykah Badu posted a captionless photo of Meghan, somehow Nicki stans dragged her into the feud.
3. Fort Worth Music Festival Canceled Following Backlash Over ‘Worst Lineup Ever’
By Carly May Gravley
In September, fans learned that the headliners for the second iteration of Gordy’s HWY 30 Music Festival would be Nelly, Vanilla Ice and Color Me Badd. They were not happy. After music fans called the billing “pathetic,” the concert was canceled.
2. Dallas Gets a New Rock Station Thanks to Certified DFW Music ‘Old Heads’
By Nic Huber
In July, Nic Huber wrote about a new online radio station founded by famed Dallas DJ Lee Russell: “128db aims to bring together DJs from beloved stations past and present like 89.3 KNON, 93.3 The Bone, 102.1 The Edge, 97.1 The Eagle, Z Rock and plenty of others to once again champion the local scene, as well as play deep cuts from bands across the spectrum of rock and heavy metal.”
1. Forbes Names Dallas Singer No. 1 R&B Artist of All Time
By Samantha Thornfelt
In July, Forbes writer Jacqueline Schneider ranked 25 of the world’s greatest artists. At the top of the list was Erykah Badu. “The Dallas native’s cultural impact touches music in a way other artists can’t compete with, and she’s known as the ‘queen of neo soul’ by music critics and fans,” Schneider wrote. “Uniquely able to express her identity, Badu encapsulates the ultimate in artistry, style and storytelling.”
