Three music news stories you should know

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Reggie Myers is a writer and communications professional living in Philadelphia, Pa., where he graduated from Temple University. Music, television, film, books, video games, politics, and human sexuality are just a few of the many things that make him tick. When he's not working behind a computer screen, you can find him looking for new adventures, practicing photography, scheming ways to get to the front row of a concert, or scouring the corners of the internet for new music to put his friends on to. @reggieakil

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A lot has happened over the past weekend in music news, so here are three stories that you will definitely want to keep up with.

1. A musical legend to appear in American Horror Story. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Stevie Nicks will not be the only music veteran to appear on American Horror Story. Musical legend Patti LaBelle has signed on to do a four episode run during the popular TV show’s fourth season. Unfortunately, Patti will not be singing anything. Instead, she will be playing a local resident ‘who begins to unravel the deadly secrets of Twisty the clown killer’. This season, American Horror Story’s theme is ‘Freak Show’. The show will focus on a freak show troupe in the 1950s, lead by a German expatriate who is played by Jessica Lange. Even though I would have loved to hear Patti sing a song or two, I’m still excited to tune in for this season. And who knows? Maybe Patti LaBelle will pull a Beyonce and surprise us with some original music.

2. WBC Strikes Again. Just when you thought Westboro Baptist Church had learned their lesson about leaving the music to people who can actually sing, they release yet another parody. WBC released a parody song titled ‘Thnk Gd Fr Vrything‘, after Fall Out Boy’s ‘Thnks fr th Mmrs’. The song, which was released only a day or two before a scheduled protest at the band’s concert on August 9th, brings the same judgmental lyrics and tone deaf singing. This time, however, the usual and casual use of the word faggot is noticeably absent. I’d say keep up with this story, if for no other reason, then to see if there will be another brilliant takedown.

3. Missy Elliott and Timbaland have been cast for the new Aaliyah biopic. A little more than two weeks after Alexander Shipp signs on to play Aaliyah, the casting choices for Missy Elliott and Timbaland have been revealed. According to TheWrap, Chattrisse Dolabaille and Izaak Smith have been cast as Missy Elliott and Timbaland, respectively. Chattrisse Dolabaille is a Canadian actress who is new to Hollywood. Smith, however, has acted in multiple films including Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief. The TV movie is being produced for Lifetime and is based off of the book, Aaliyah: More Than a Woman by Christopher Farley, a former music editor for Time. This is an interesting story I’ve been continuously following, because the film has been mired in controversy since the beginning. Most noticeably, because Aaliyah’s parents have been outspoken about their objection to the movie. Also, fans have expressed reservations about the movie being made without the blessing of the family as well as about what content is going to be covered. As an Aaliyah fan, I share the same reservations about the movie. It’ll be interesting to see whether the final cut of the movie can win over the critics.