MORGXN Signs With BMG

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MORGXN. Photo: Gabriel Starner

Nashville-based singer-songwriter MORGXN has signed with BMG Records and will release his new EP Heartland: Part II on Oct. 10.

In conjunction with the news, MORGXN has shared his new single “Evergreens,” co-written with Kyle Ryan, which reminds us that love is all we need in life to face the great unknown.

“Like every great body of work – the project is done and then one song flies out,” says MORGXN. “That’s this one, the last song written for Heartland. It feels like the most joyous love song I’ve ever written and very much a reflection of the life I’m building with my husband on our farm in the literal heartland. The instrumentation felt really important to keep it stripped to organic sounds, and I love the music video we made, too. An all-female band riding in the back of a pick-up truck, because trucks are for queers and women too.”

“Evergreens” follows the gospel-tinged title track “Heartland,” which was released in August. Later this month, MORGXN will partner with the American Pops Orchestra and Symphony of the Americas for performances of Carole King’s iconic album Tapestry, bringing the special symphony concert to Washington, D.C., followed by Fort Lauderdale in October.

Heartland: Part II Track List:
1. “Evergreens” [Morgan Karr, Kyle Ryan]
2. “Willow” (Morgan Karr, PJ Harding)
3. “Every Beginning” (feat. Langhorne Slim) [Morgan Karr, Langhorn Slim]
4. “God Coded” (Morgan Karr, Audra Mae, Summer Overstreet)
5. “Migration” (Morgan Karr, Ariel Lask, Bruce Weigner)

Kenny Chesney Adds Audio To Upcoming Memoir ‘Heart Life Music’

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Courtesy of Heart Life Music

Kenny Chesney recently went back into the studio, not to make new music this time, but to record the audio version of his upcoming new memoir, Heart Life Music, due out in November.

The new audio version of Chesney’s life story, (which was written with longtime friend and collaborator Holly Gleason), is being recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, and Chesney is strolling down memory lane once again as he reads through all of the adventures and experiences of his winding career.

“It’s funny,” marvels Chesney, “when you’re living it, it’s being in the moment. When we were writing it, it was looking back and really striving to get it right. But now, reading it, all of these stories become real again. I can see everybody, from the Turf and the Wheel, to (Capricorn Records founders) Phil Walden with all that charisma and (legendary producer) Barry Beckett telling me to ‘put a smile on it.’

“It takes a lot longer than I thought to record an audio book, or maybe it’s just I would get lost in seeing all the people and places along the way,” he continues. “In a way, it’s what I did with my summer vacation: visit all these adventures I’ve had, because when I started to hear the stories, I felt like I was living them all over again.”

‘DOLLY: A True Original Musical’ Wraps Debut Residency

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Dolly Pink Carpet Opening Night at Belmont University August 8, 2025. Photo: Sam Simpkins

The final performance of DOLLY: A True Original Musical took place on Aug. 31, marking 49 performances in front of 77,900 attendees at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

Dolly the Musical posters outside The Fisher Center at Belmont University. July 11, 2025. Photo: Matt Willoughby

“I am so thankful to President Greg Jones and all the Belmont faculty, staff and students who helped bring my story to life on the Fisher Center stage this summer,” says Parton. “As we continue to workshop our musical for Broadway, I am excited to know that the Belmont University DOLLY U partnership will continue, with students playing a part in the next step of our journey, just as they did for our Nashville premiere.”

“Being the home for the premier of DOLLY: A True Original Musical has been a tremendous honor for the Fisher Center,” adds Fisher Center Executive Director Chaz Corzine. “We were able to welcome over 76,000 guests to our venue for a world-class performance, and we will be forever grateful for the hands-on education so many of our students got to experience because of this unique opportunity.”

The musical took viewers through the timeline of Parton’s life, including her time growing up in the Smoky Mountains, her first days on Music Row, her time touring with the Porter Wagoner Show, her cultural impact and more.

Dolly U Fellows at Fisher Center at Belmont University July 10, 2025. Photo: Sam Simpkins

The cast of the show included Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, Quinn Titcomb, John Zdorjeski, Jacob Fishel, Tabitha Lawing, Beth Malone, Danny Wolohan, Peri Barnhill, Klea Blackhurst, Sarah Bockel, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, Joe Carroll, Donald Corren, Ryan Demoville, Olivia Donalson, Sarah Hunt, Ruchir Khazanchi, James Moye, Cole Ragsdale, Maddie Robert and Alex Ross. Swings and understudies for the Nashville company included Josh Canfield, Tiffany Engen, Todd A. Horman, Norah Nunes and Kathlynn Rodin.

The music team for the production included Kimberly Grigsby (music director), John Clancy (orchestrations), Kent Wells (musical consultant), Richard Dennison (vocal arrangements and music arrangements), and Gregg Perry (music arrangements and vocal arrangements).

The creative team was comprised of Mandy Moore (choreography), Derek McLane (scenic design), Jennifer Moeller (costume design), Donald Holder (lighting design), Justin Ellington and Beth Lake (sound design), Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom (video design), Rob Pickens (hair design), Charles Means (production stage manager), and Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner (casting directors).

The musical was produced by Parton, Danny Nozell, ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions. 101 Productions, Ltd. are general managers.

The musical featured a score by Parton that included some of her biggest hits as well as new songs she wrote especially for the production, and a book by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter. Bartlett Sher served as Director.

 

Atlus Shares Chapters From His Story On Upcoming EP ‘Secondhand Smoke’

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Atlus has announced he’ll drop his debut EP, Secondhand Smoke, on Oct. 10 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville,

The six-song collection marks the next chapter for the viral hitmaker, whose career has grown from underground phenom to a billion-plus on-demand streams, four independent albums, a Platinum single, national touring and millions of fans across socials. On Secondhand Smoke Atlus confronts deeply personal themes, from a turbulent home life and his mother’s resilience, to his sister’s battle with addiction and his own journey with mental health.

“The songs on Secondhand Smoke are more than just individual tracks; they are chapters from my life,” says Atlus. ”Each one tells a story that I’ve lived through and it’s my hope that they push somebody out there to keep fighting, dreaming, and that there is something in one of those chapters that helps them keep showing up.”

A new track from the project, “IOD on YOU” is the second release from the EP. The song transforms a family history of addiction into a striking love story. Over an ethereal, dream-like soundscape, Atlus revisits past vices of loved ones before revealing the twist, his newest and most consuming addiction is love itself. “IOD on YOU” joins the previously released “Devil Ain’t Done” on the EP, which features songs penned by Atlus along with David Garcia, Geoff Warburton, Autumn Buysse and more.

Atlus will mark the release of Secondhand Smoke with a special Nashville preview performance on Oct. 9 at Cannery Hall.

Secondhand Smoke EP – Track List:
1. “Secondhand Smoke” (Sean Haywood, Matt Wallace, Autumn Buysse) – Produced by Andrew Baylis, Matt Wallace
2. “Devil Ain’t Done” (Sean Haywood, David Garcia, Geoff Warburton) – Produced by David Garcia, Andrew Baylis
3. “IOD on YOU” (Sean Haywood, David Ray Stevens, Matt Wallace, Autumn Buysse) – Produced by Andrew Baylis, Matt Wallace
4. “Art of Letting Go” (Sean Haywood, Lydia Vaughan, Lou Ridley, Matt Wallace) – Produced by Andrew Baylis and Matt Wallace
5. “Baby Momma” (Sean Haywood, Autumn Buysse, Matt Wallace, Brit Wilder) – Produced by Andrew Baylis
6. “Break Me First” (Sean Haywood, Matt Wallace, Claire Ernst, Stu Stapleton, Justin Abraham) – Produced by Andrew Baylis, Stu Stapleton, Justin Abraham

Ty Herndon Bares His Soul In Upcoming New Memoir, ‘What Mattered Most’

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Ty Herndon. Photo: Jeremy Ryan

Ty Herndon is opening his heart and pulling back the curtains on his life and career in his candid brand new memoir, What Mattered Most, set for release March 31 on Dey Street Books.

With unflinching honesty, Herndon shares his addiction and mental health struggles, the groundbreaking decision to become the first openly gay male country star, and the resilience it took to endure more than three decades in the music industry in the new book. Woven throughout his story are moments of his trademark humor, warmth and hard-earned wisdom, offering readers a tale not just of survival, but about choosing hope, authenticity and love against all odds.

“This book is my heart on the page,” explains Herndon. “This book is about the boy I was, the man I became, and the grace that carried me through it all. I hope my story reminds someone out there that they’re never alone, and that there’s always a way forward. Life has a way of knocking you down, but it also gives you a million reasons to get back up. What Mattered Most is my story of falling, rising, and finding purpose in the journey. If this book inspires even one person to keep going, then I’ve done my job.”

Herndon launched his career at the Opryland theme park as a member of The Tennessee River Boys, the group that would later evolve into hitmakers Diamond Rio. After signing with Epic Records, Herndon skyrocketed to solo fame in 1995 with the chart-topping single “What Mattered Most,” the first of his 17 Billboard charting hits. Yet behind the scenes, he was confronting addiction, mental health struggles, and the weight of hiding his true self in a traditionally conservative industry, His path wound through an arrest, marriages, lawsuits, secret relationships and a devastating relapse in 2020.

The breaking point came on New Year’s Day 2021, when Herndon nearly ended his life—a moment that led to intensive rehab and the chance to confront and release the traumas that had haunted him for decades. Out of those darkest hours emerged a renewed sense of purpose, first expressed in his most personal song, “God or the Gun,” and now revealed with uncompromising honesty and depth in his memoir. In the book, Herndon offers not only a window into his private battles, but also a story of resilience, redemption, and the hard-won healing that comes from choosing to live—and to live authentically.

“For thirty years, I’ve told pieces of my story through my music and my words — but this book has given me the chance to tell the whole truth,” adds Herndon. “This book isn’t just about the music; it’s about the journey, the struggles, the faith, and the people who shaped my life. I hope readers walk away knowing that no matter where you’ve been, you can still write a new chapter — and that’s what matters most.”

Hudson Westbrook To Host Hometown Benefit Show

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Hudson Westbrook

Hudson Westbrook is set to host a hometown benefit show on Nov. 1 at Tarleton State University’s EECU Event Center. The 7,000-cap venue will host a night of fundraising, benefiting the Erath County Junior Livestock Association. All proceeds from the show will go towards rebuilding facilities where local chapters of FFA and 4-H show their livestock.

“People have heard that I showed pigs in high school from interviews and stuff, but what a lot of them don’t know is that I was extremely involved in FFA throughout high school. I served as president my senior year,” Westbrook shares. “Getting up every morning before school to tend to my show hogs taught me a thing or two about discipline. I wouldn’t trade my time in FFA for anything, and I’m grateful to already be in a position to give back to my hometown and my community in this way. These are my people!”

Last week, Westbrook launched his “Texas Forever Fall Tour.” The 16-date run will visit Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas and more before wrapping up Nov. 23 in Florida. With nearly 700 million global streams, his single “House Again” is currently top 20 at radio.

Hudson Westbrook 2025 Tour Dates:
9/12: Shreveport, LA (Shreveport Municipal Auditorium)
9/13: Pryor, OK (Born & Raised)
9/18: Baltimore, MD (Pier Six Pavillion) *
9/19: Charlotte, NC (Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre) *
9/20: Raleigh, NC (Red Hat Amphitheatre) *
10/2: University Park, PA (Bryce Jordan Center) *
10/3: Columbus, OH (The Schottenstein Center) *
10/4: Tiney Park, IL (Credit Union I Amphitheatre) *
10/7: Winston-Salem, NC (Carolina Classic Fair)
10/9: Denver, CO (Mission Ballroom)
10/10: Grand Junction, CO (Warehouse 25 Sixty Five)
10/11: Salt Lake City, UT (REDWEST)
10/17: Christoval, TX (Cooper’s BBQ Live)
10/31: Little Rock, AR (First Security Amphitheater)
11/1: Stephenville, TX (EECU Event Center)
11/6: Davie, FL (Stars And Strings 2025)
11/7: Irving, TX (Toyota Music Factory)
11/8: Buda, TX (Railcar Revival 2025)
11/13: Statesboro, GA (The Blue Room)
11/14: Anderson, SC (Wendell’s)
11/15: Dothan, AL (Dothan Civic Center)
11/21: St Augustine, FL (St. Augustine Amphitheatre)
11/22: Fort Myers, FL (The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon)
11/23: St. Petersburg, FL (St. Pete Country Fest)
12/5: Irvine, CA (KFROG 95.1 Christmas Throwdown 2025)
12/6: Oceanside, CA (Frontwave Arena)
12/13: Las Vegas, NV (The Theatre at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas)
* with Parker McCollum

NSAI Adds Additional Performers To Upcoming Nashville Songwriter Awards

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Caylee Hammack, Ian Munsick, Dylan Scott, Chandler Walters and Anne Wilson have been added as performers to the eight annual Nashville Songwriter Awards on Sept. 23 at the Ryman Auditorium.

They join previously announced performers Jason Aldean, Kelly Archer, Drew Baldridge, Marc Beeson, Johnny Clawson, Travis Denning, Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Dorr, Aaron Eshuis, Tyler Hubbard, Lalo Guzman, Cameron Jaymes, Tony Lane, Josh Miller, Lukas Nelson, Tim Nichols, Josh Phillips, Daniel Ross, Chris Stevens, Kyle Sturrock, Chris Tompkins, Trisha Yearwood and Jimmy Yeary.

All performers will honor NSAI’s Song, Songwriter, and Songwriter-Artist of the Year, as well as the 10 Songs ‘I Wish I’d Written’ awards and celebrate this year’s Legendary Song. Additionally, performances will honor several individuals whose careers and musical contributions have left an indelible mark for music makers around the world, including ALABAMA for the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, and Brenda Lee for the NSAI President’s Keystone Award.

Tickets for the eight annual Nashville Songwriter Awards are available here.

MusicRow Weekly (CMA Awards Nominees, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with exciting news from across the music industry, with major award nominations, key executive moves and new ventures making headlines. Click here to see the full edition.

The Country Music Association has unveiled the nominees for the 59th annual CMA Awards, setting the stage for one of the biggest nights in country music. Leading the nomination tally are Ella Langley, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson, each securing six nominations. Close behind is Zach Top with five, while Riley Green and Cody Johnson follow with four nods each. Several industry heavyweights, Kristian Bush, Carson Chamberlain, Luke Combs, Charlie Handsome, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen, received three nominations apiece. The coveted Entertainer of the Year category features a powerhouse lineup of Wilson, Combs, Johnson, Stapleton, and Wallen.

In the touring sector, Messina Touring Group has elevated Rachel Powers to Vice President. Powers, who previously served as Vice President of Marketing and led campaigns for major artists such as Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Zac Brown Band, will now take on a broader leadership role. Her expanded responsibilities include driving strategic growth and leading high-level decision-making across the company.

A legendary figure in American music, John Fogerty, was honored with BMI’s prestigious Troubadour Award on Monday night (Sept. 8). The rock icon was celebrated during an exclusive event that included a cocktail reception, banquet, and tribute performances of his timeless classics. The star-studded evening highlighted Fogerty’s enduring influence on American songwriting and performance.

On Wednesday night (Sept. 10), the Americana Music Association hosted the 24th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman Auditorium. Sierra Ferrell continued her reign, earning her second consecutive win as Americana Artist of the Year. Brandi Carlile was on hand to present Album of the Year to Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats for their album South of Here. The trio I’m With Her, comprised of Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins, claimed Song of the Year honors for “Ancient Light,” which they co-wrote.

ACM announced three new hires this week. Lauren Burchett joins as Head of Partnerships & Revenue, while Kylie Goudreau and Helena Capps have been appointed to the Industry Relations & Awards team, with Goudreau as Manager and Capps as Project Manager.

In label news, genre-blending artist Shaboozey has launched his own imprint, American Dogwood, in partnership with EMPIRE. The label’s first signee is rising artist Kevin Powers.

Songwriter Scooter Carusoe has signed a worldwide joint co-publishing agreement with Endurance Music Group and Carnival Music, while Zack Dyer has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Nashville. Styles Haury has also inked a new exclusive publishing agreement with WinSongs Music

Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company has made strategic moves on its client services team. Melissa Marsh joins as Senior Client Manager, while Amanda Remo has been promoted to the same position. Ryan Spradlin has also been elevated to Client Manager.

At SiriusXM and Pandora, Jordan Hatton has been appointed Associate Director of Country Artist and Industry Relations, further strengthening the company’s artist-facing presence in the country format.

In legacy management, Sandbox Succession, the heritage division of Sandbox Entertainment, has announced a major new signing: the Roy Orbison Estate, now under exclusive management with the firm.

Tanner Davenport has officially launched Front Doors Management, a new artist management firm focused on supporting emerging talent across country, indie rock and Americana genres.

Lastly, Schmitty has joined The Neal Agency (TNA) for booking, marking another step forward in his growing career.

This week’s edition also features an interview with Chase McDaniel about his upcoming debut album, Lost Ones.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen maintains the No. 1 spot with “I Got Better.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

CMA Foundation Honors Music Teachers Of Excellence At Ceremony In Nashville

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2025 Music Teachers of Excellence. Photo: John Russell/CMA

The Nashville music community gathered on Sept. 10, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center to honor 30 of the nation’s most dedicated music educators at the ninth Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony, hosted by the CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association. The evening brought together artists, students, industry leaders and local supporters to celebrate teachers.

The honorees included five teachers from Metro Nashville Public Schools, 10 from districts across Tennessee and 15 representing schools in 11 states were recognized.

“Music Teachers of Excellence is about more than one night of recognition—it is a testament to the life-changing power of music education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Every student deserves a teacher who believes in them, sparks their creativity, and gives them the confidence to dream bigger than they ever thought possible. This year’s honorees remind us that investing in teachers means investing in stronger communities, brighter futures, and the very heartbeat of our culture.”

The night featured a one-of-a-kind lineup of performers and speakers. Country soul artist Drake White opened the evening, leading into the performance by powerhouse gospel vocalist Nate Bean, a Metro Nashville Public Schools music teacher, performing with 4Given and the Warner Elementary Arts Magnet School Choir, led by former Music Teachers of Excellence Dee Hammonds and Christopher Blackmon. CMA Award-nominated artist Caylee Hammack took the stage, followed by motivational speaker Carlos Whittaker, who shared reflections on purpose, resilience, and the power of music in everyday life. The Cane Ridge High School Rhythmic Ravens Purple Reign Drum Line, led by former Music Teacher of Excellence Johnny Croft, energized the room, and actor/musician Charles Esten recognized all 30 honorees. After offering an intimate look at the impact of educators on creativity and careers, songwriter Nicolle Galyon made way for CMA Award-winning hitmaker Jon Pardi, who closed the night.

“It has been a true honor to celebrate these remarkable teachers,” says Sloane Cavitt Logue, WME Partner & Head of Client Strategy and Music Teachers of Excellence Planning Committee Chair. “The Nashville music community showed up with such generosity, and together we created a night that reflects our shared belief in the power of music education. This celebration is a reminder that our role in supporting these educators doesn’t end with Wednesday night’s event—it’s a commitment we can all carry forward, year-round, to ensure music education continues to thrive.”

Additionally, the CMA Foundation gave $5,000 to each honoree—half to help enhance their music program and half for personal use.

This year’s Music Teachers of Excellence are Justin Antos (Dwight D. Eisenhower High School), Jeremy Bartunek (Greenbrier School), Melissa Gustafson-Hinds (O’Fallon Township High School), Dr. Kathryn Spangler (Mt. Vernon High School), Brandon Dittgen (Milford High School), Hong Le (Ellsworth Hill Elementary School), Matthew Shephard (Meridian Early College High School), Eric Songer (Chaska Middle School West), Erin Althen (West Hill High School), Theresa Iacarino (Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School), Michael Antmann (Freedom High School), Nick Blue (Franklin High School), Chuck Brown (Head Magnet Middle School), Neshawn Calloway (Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts), Reggie Coleman (Rocky Fork Middle School), Jandrea Crum (Chimneyrock Elementary School), Garrett Doo (Smyrna High School), Nicholas Efstathiou (Riverdale High School), Marisa Frank (Explore! Community School) Elaina Gallas (Mill Creek Elementary School), Jason Glashauser (South Clinton Elementary School), Carolyn Hankins (Page Middle School), Elisabeth Lay (Downtown Elementary School), Anna Maria Miller (Hume-Fogg Academic High School), Dave Petrelli (Lockeland Design Center Elementary School), Allison Snyder (Hunters Lane High School), Sara Duce (Greenfield Junior High School), Megan Perdue (Sheldon High School), Ethan Chessin (Camas High School) and Haviland Gilbert (Lincoln Elementary School).

Ink Readies Debut EP Due In October

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Ink is set to release her debut EP, BIG BUSKIN’, out October 3 via Big Loud Records/Electric Feel Records. Along with the announcement, Ink has unveiled her newest track “Sweet Tea.”

“I’m super excited about how this project turned out, it’s definitely something special and showcases a lot of different parts of myself,” shares Ink. “Each chapter you’re going to get something new, and each story you’re going to get something true. ‘Sweet Tea’ is one of my favorites off the EP, it feels like a refresh to the palate and I think it’s going to quench y’all’s thirst for real music. So get your cup ready, cause we’re spilling!”

YouTube video

Previous releases “Hoedown” and “Turquoise Cowboy” gave fans a taste of what to expect from the EP. Last month, Ink joined BigXthaPlug for a feature on “24-7” off his new album I Hope You’re Happy. Ink has collaborated with Trae tha Truth and Nipsey Hussle, and earned cuts with Childish Gambino, Justin Bieber, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Nas X, and Jennifer Lopez.

BIG BUSKIN’ Track List:
1. “Inktro” (Atia Boggs, Thomas Walker)
2. “Blink of an Eye” (Atia Boggs, Mason Sacks)
3. “Turquoise Cowboy” (Atia Boggs, Trannie Anderson, Jesse Frasure)
4. “Hoedown” (Atia Boggs, Patrick Krief, Dave Hamlin, Juan Pablo Mendez)
5. “Tony Machine on 42nd” (Atia Boggs, Anthony Krasinski (Tony Machine))
6. “All I Got” (Atia Boggs, Patrick Krief, Javar Rockamore, Thomas Walker)
7. “Inkerlude” (Atia Boggs)
8. “God’s Been Drinkin’” (Atia Boggs, Jeff Garrison, Jackson Nance, Whitney Phillips)
9. “Comin’ Back” (Atia Boggs, Faris “Faroos” Al-Majed, Richard Jonnas Munoz, Nevin Sastry)
10. “Stevie Wonderlude” (Atia Boggs, Stevie Wonder, Usher)
11. “Rich Hikin’” (Atia Boggs, Alysa Vanderheym, Hillary Lindsey)
12. “Sweet Tea” (Atia Boggs, Roderick Glatt III, Gary Smith II, Javar Rockamore, Thomas Walker)
13. “Outro” (Atia Boggs)