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LA wildfires

Business  ·  Business News  ·  google  ·  LA wildfires  ·  Los Angeles  ·  wildfire relief  ·  youtube
YouTube and Google Commit $15 Million to Aid L.A. Wildfire Relief Efforts

YouTube and Google, together with Google.org, are contributing $15 million toward relief efforts aiding those impacted by the Los Angeles-area wildfires. The contribution will go to organizations including Emergency Network Los Angeles, American Red Cross and the Center for Disaster Recovery.

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YouTube CEO Neal Mohan made the announcement in a blog post on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

“Los Angeles is the heart of entertainment and storytelling and has an impact on culture all overthe world. It’s also where many YouTube creators, artists, partners and our employees callhome. Like so many, we’ve been heartbroken by the devastation from the wildfires and want todo our part to support the community as it rebuilds,” Mohan wrote.

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He also outlined other efforts Google is making to help aid relief efforts.

“Together with Google.org, YouTube and Google are contributing $15 million to organizationsproviding immediate relief in LA, including Emergency Network Los Angeles, American RedCross and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. And Google is providing accurate and timelyinformation to LA through products and services like Google Search, Google Maps and Waze.

“When it’s safe to reopen our offices in LA, we plan to offer YouTube production facilities toimpacted creators and artists as they begin to recover and rebuild their businesses. In thecoming months, we’ll also host a number of events to bring the YouTube creative communitytogether – making space to connect and share resources.

Mohan ended the blog post by saying, “On the long road ahead, we’ll continue to support recovery and rebuilding efforts alongside our partners across the industry. In moments like these, we see the power of communities coming together to support each other – and the strength and resilience of the YouTube community is like no other.”

Google and YouTube join numerous other organizations that are helping those who lives, homes and businesses have been impacted by the Los Angeles-area wildfires. The announcement follows recent announcements from companies including Amazon, which committed $10 million to relief efforts. Sony Group Corporation previously announced it would donate $5 million to wildfire relief efforts, while the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund pledged $1 million.

The wildfires began Jan. 7 in the Pacific Palisades area just outside of Los Angeles, and swiftly spread to areas including Runyon Canyon and Altadena. The wildfires have swept through at least 40,000 acres in the greater Los Angeles area and killed at least 25 people, according to NBC News. The Los Angeles area is still on high alert as of Wednesday, Jan. 15.

January 15, 2025

Awards  ·  critics choice awards  ·  LA wildfires  ·  Music  ·  wildfires
2025 Critics Choice Awards Postponed Again Due to LA Wildfires

The Critics Choice Awards — initially scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 12, and then postponed to Jan. 26 due to the wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles region for the past week — have been postponed again. The ceremony is […]

January 15, 2025

Business  ·  Business News  ·  event cancellations  ·  LA wildfires  ·  Music News  ·  nsfs
Every L.A. Music Event Canceled or Postponed Due to Wildfires (Updating)

As multiple devastating wildfires continue to spread through the greater Los Angeles region, music and music-related events — including several tied to the current film awards season in the city — are being canceled or postponed out of both safety concerns and respect for the unfolding situation.
As postponement and cancellation announcements continue to come through, we’re keeping track with the updating list below. (These are listed in descending order of announcement, so you can find the latest cancellations at the top.)

(For health alerts, evacuation updates and shelter information, check out L.A. County’s emergency website here.)

NMPA + Billboard GRAMMY Week Songwriter Awards

The annual Grammy Week show, put on by Billboard and the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), was canceled due to the wildfires. The NMPA SONGS Foundation will support wildfire relief efforts with a donation to MusiCares in lieu of the event.

Burton Cummings at The Novo

The Canada native and former The Guess Who frontman, “who called Los Angeles home for decades,” canceled his Friday (Jan. 17) show at the downtown venue due to the wildfires. Ticketholders can get a refund at the point of purchase.

Young the Giant at The Troubadour

The Southern California rock band’s shows at the Troubadour on Sunday (Jan. 19) and Monday (Jan. 20) have been rescheduled to Sept. 4 and Sept. 5 due to the wildfires.

Calibash at Crypto.com Arena

The Spanish Broadcasting System has announced the postponement of the popular Calibash event at Crypto.com Arena, originally scheduled for Saturday (Jan. 18). “While this decision has been difficult, we recognize the pressing need to focus on the well-being of our community during these challenging times,” the SBS said in a statement. The new date for Calibash will be March 7. All purchased tickets will be honored for the new date.

Resonator Awards

We Are Moving the Needle’s second annual L.A.-based awards show, which celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in music production and engineering, has been postponed from Jan. 28, with a new date to be announced. “So many creators have been displaced and have lost the ability to continue working and, right now, our focus needs to be on helping them rebuild their lives,” said We Are Moving the Needle founder Emily Lazar in a statement on the cancellation. “As an industry, it’s crucial that we rally together to offer support and resources in this time of crisis.”

Max McNown at The Troubadour

The Oregon singer-songwriter’s Troubadour show was rescheduled from Wednesday (Jan. 15) to March 2.

The Weeknd at The Rose Bowl

The Weeknd canceled his Hurry Up Tomorrow album release show, which had been scheduled for Jan. 25 at the Rose Bowl, in light of the wildfires. “Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, the Rose Bowl Show has been cancelled and the album date has been postponed to 01.31.25,” The Weeknd wrote via Instagram on Monday (Jan. 13).

Warner Music Group Grammy Party

Warner Music Group confirmed to Billboard that the company made a decision over the weekend not to hold a Grammy Week party and will instead redirect funds to efforts to combat the wildfires and help those affected by the destruction. The company previously announced it would be making a $1 million donation to support fire relief and rebuilding efforts in the L.A. region via its Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund.

Universal Music Group Grammys 2025 Artist Showcase and Post-Grammy Party

Universal Music Group announced on Monday (Jan. 13) that it would cancel all 2025 Grammy-related events, including its artist showcase and post-Grammy party, and instead “redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires.”

Milk & Honey + Reservoir Pre-Grammy Party

Milk & Honey founder/CEO Lucas Keller announced in an Instagram Story on Sunday (Jan. 12) that the companies’ annual pre-Grammy party would be canceled. He added, “It would be tone deaf to celebrate and I hope all other companies will follow suit. Don’t come to town for the Grammy’s and take up hotels that people need desperately. Release your hotel blocks or donate them. In the meantime, if you can, please give money to MusiCares at this link to support wildlife relief. Everything counts.”

Sound Collective Presents at The Troubadour

The Sound Collective Presents show at the Troubadour featuring Lily Brooks O’Briant, Eliza Pryor, Alexis Hana, Easae, Sacha Carlson and The Light was postponed from Monday (Jan. 13) to Jan. 27.

Dogs in a Pile at The Troubadour

The band’s show at the iconic West Hollywood venue was postponed from Saturday (Jan. 11) to Sept. 19, with an additional show added on Sept. 18.

Glaive at Echoplex

The singer-songwriter was forced to cancel his shows at Echoplex scheduled for Friday (Jan. 10) and Saturday (Jan. 11) due to the wildfires, he announced via Instagram Stories on Thursday (Jan. 9).

The John Jorgenson Quintet with Frank Vignola at Smothers Theatre

A performance by the band and jazz guitarist Vignola scheduled for Saturday (Jan. 11) at Pepperdine University’s Smothers Theatre in Malibu was canceled due to the Palisades fire. Ticket buyers were asked to check their emails and voicemails or contact cfabox@pepperdine.edu for more information.

Tommy Emmanuel at Smothers Theatre

A performance by the Australian guitarist scheduled for Thursday (Jan. 9) at Pepperdine University’s Smothers Theatre in Malibu was canceled due to the Palisades fire. Ticket buyers were asked to check their emails and voicemails or contact cfabox@pepperdine.edu for more information.

Cody Fry with Orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter’s orchestral concert set for Friday (Jan. 10) has been postponed. “A new date and additional information will be communicated to ticketholders via email as soon as it is arranged,” said the LAPhil.

Schumann & Brahms at Walt Disney Concert Hall

The classical concerts featuring Louis Langrée and Sunwook Kim scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Jan. 9-11) have been canceled due to the wildfires. “Your tickets will be automatically refunded to the original method of payment,” said the LAPhil. “Please allow 5-7 business days for your refund to be processed. For further assistance, please contact Audience Services at information@laphil.org or 323 850 2000.”

Nadya Tolokonnikova: Pussy Riot – Punk’s Not Dead

An art opening and performance by the Pussy Riot founder at Los Angeles’ Honor Fraser art gallery has been moved from Fri (Jan. 10) to Saturday (Jan. 18) due to the wildfires, the gallery announced Wednesday (Jan. 8).

ALTer Ego Show at Kia Forum

Alt 98.7 and iHeartRadio announced on Thursday (Jan. 9) that the concert — which was set to feature Cage the Elephant, St. Vincent, Incubus and many more on Jan. 11 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood — had been canceled due to the wildfires. “The devastation from the fires is beyond comprehension,” the statement, which was shared on Instagram, read in part. “We love our city and are putting health and safety first.”

Jeff Arcuri at The Wiltern

Arcuri’s shows scheduled for Wednesday (Jan. 8) and Thursday (Jan. 9) at The Wiltern were rescheduled to Tuesday (Jan. 14) and Wednesday (Jan. 15), the venue announced on Wednesday: “All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date. For any further ticket inquiries please reach out to point of purchase.”

Quinn Sullivan and Hamish Anderson at The Troubadour

Sullivan and Hamish’s Troubador show scheduled for Thursday (Jan. 9) was postponed, with a new date to be announced, Anderson announced via Instagram Stories. “I’ll have new information to share very soon,” he wrote.

Annika Rose at The Troubadour

The storied West Hollywood venue postponed Rose’s show from Wednesday (Jan. 8) to Jan. 23, the singer-songwriter announced via Instagram Stories. “Let’s prioritize the health and safety of the community and we will get back to live music as soon as it’s safe to do so,” Rose wrote.

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The ABC late-night series canceled its taping Wednesday night (Jan. 8), according to Variety. Scheduled guests included Wicked star Cynthia Erivo and musical guest Victoria Canal.

Bad Bad Hats at The Echo

The indie pop band announced on its Instagram Stories that its show scheduled for Thursday (Jan. 9) at The Echo in Los Angeles’ Echo Park neighborhood has been postponed. “We and the venue have decided to postpone tomorrow’s scheduled show @theechola,” the band wrote on Wednesday (Jan. 8). “The venue will be in touch with you directly with more information. We hope everyone is staying safe. We’ll come back to see you soon.”

Rod Wave at Intuit Dome

The rapper’s concert at Intuit Dome in Inglewood scheduled for Wednesday (Jan. 8) was canceled due to the wildfires, the venue announced on X. “The health and safety of our fans and employees will remain the top priority,” the venue said in a statement. “Tickets will be refunded at the original point of purchase.”

Igor Levit at The Walt Disney Concert Hall

The classical pianist’s concert scheduled for Wednesday (Jan. 8) at the downtown L.A. venue was postponed, with the LAPhil stating on its website, “A new date and additional information will be communicated to ticketholders via email as soon as it is arranged. Tickets for the January 8 concert will be valid for the new date yet to be announced and no action is needed on your part. For other ticket options, including exchange, account credit, donation or refund, please contact Audience Services at information@laphil.org or 323 850 2000.”

Oscar Nominations Announcement

On Wednesday (Jan. 8), Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences CEO Bill Kramer announced that the nominations voting window for the 97th annual Oscars would be extended two days to Tuesday (Jan. 14) due to the wildfires and that the Oscars Nominations Announcement would also move from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19. “We want to offer our deepest condolences to those who have been impacted by the devastating fires across Southern California,” said Kramer in a statement. “So many of our members and industry colleagues live and work in the Los Angeles area, and we are thinking of you.”

Wicked sing-along screening

A special screening of the musical blockbuster hosted by the film’s composer John Powell and including an audience of background vocalists and behind-the-camera talent from the movie was canceled. It had been set to take place at the Universal Studios backlot.

Better Man premiere

Paramount Pictures canceled the L.A. premiere of its forthcoming Robbie Williams biopic Better Man on Wednesday (Jan. 8), with a studio spokesperson stating, “Due to the dangerous conditions affecting Los Angeles we are canceling tomorrow’s premiere of ‘Better Man.’ Our thoughts are with those impacted by the devastating fires resulting from these conditions, and we encourage everyone to stay safe and follow guidance and orders from local officials and government agencies.”

Critics Choice Awards

The annual film and TV awards ceremony — which boasted nominees including Miley Cyrs, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Selena Gomez and Maren Morris in the Best Song category — was postponed from Sunday (Jan. 12) to Jan. 26 at the Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hangar. “This unfolding tragedy has already had a profound impact on our community. All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected,” said Critics Choice Association CEO Joey Berlin in a statement.

Unstoppable premiere

A red-carpet screening of the wrestling drama starring Jennifer Lopez set for the DGA in West Hollywood on Tuesday night (Jan. 7) was also canceled due to the fires. “In light of today’s safety concerns around heightened wind activity and fire outbreaks in Los Angeles, we regret to inform you that we are canceling tonight’s premiere of ‘Unstoppable,’” said the studio in a statement. “As much as we were looking forward to celebrating this wonderful and inspiring film with you, safety is our first priority. We encourage everyone to watch ‘Unstoppable’ on Prime Video, which will be available globally on January 16. Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe.”

Emilia Perez music event

An event in Hollywood to celebrate the music of the Netflix film starring Selena Gomez that was set to be attended by songwriters/composers Camille & Clément and star Karla Sofía Gascón was canceled by the streamer.

A Complete Unknown screening and dinner

A screening and dinner for the Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothee Chalamet set to take place at the San Vicente Bungalows in West Hollywood on Thursday (Jan. 9) was postponed.

American Cinematheque Tribute to the Crafts

The ceremony, which celebrates individuals in 14 filmmaking categories from the past year, including music, was postponed from Thursday (Jan. 9) at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre, with a new date to be announced later. “We have made the decision to postpone tomorrow’s (January 9th) Tribute to the Crafts at the Egyptian due to the dangerous ongoing fires and wind conditions. We will update you on a new date as soon as we know,” said a statement released by the organization.

Selena Gomez’s Rare Pop Up

A pop-up event slated from Friday to Sunday (Jan. 10-12) at Complex LA to celebrate five years of Gomez’s Rare album was postponed.

January 14, 2025

Awards  ·  Business  ·  Business News  ·  LA wildfires  ·  musicares  ·  the recording academy
MusiCares Person of the Year Grammy Event Honoring the Grateful Dead Still Set for Jan. 31

The 2025 MusiCares Person of the Year event honoring the Grateful Dead is still set for Jan. 31 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, MusiCares announced on Tuesday (Jan. 14). The announcement, first reported in Variety, came one day after the Recording Academy announced that the 67th Grammy Awards were still on for Feb. 2.
Many had expected the Academy to reverse course and postpone the date of the Grammy telecast after all, but the announcement that the top Grammy Week event outside of the telecast is still on gives the impression that the academy is indeed planning to move forward with the show.

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“Your attendance at Persons of the Year and your ongoing generosity will support these continued vital efforts, helping those in urgent need and signaling to the world that this vibrant city is on its feet,” MusiCares said in a statement that it is emailing to Recording Academy members.

“At our upcoming Persons of the Year, we will make a special appeal for donations to support our wildfire relief efforts. We invite you to join us in spreading the word to your friends and family by sharing this link: www.musicares.org/FireRelief.”

In a joint statement on Monday (Jan. 13), Harvey Mason jr., CEO of both the Recording Academy and MusiCares, and Tammy Hurt, the chair of the academy’s board of trustees, suggested that the Feb. 2 show would combine the fund-raising goal and emotional appeals of a telethon with award presentations. “This year’s show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours,” they said.

Even before the Grammys announced plans to go on with the show, Lucas Keller, president/founder of Milk & Honey Management, announced that he was canceling Milk & Honey’s popular Grammy party. “It would be tone deaf to celebrate and I hope all other companies will follow suit,” he wrote on his Instagram Story.

Many followed Keller’s lead. Just hours after the Recording Academy announced that it planned to go ahead with the telecast, Universal Music Group (UMG) announced it was canceling all of the company’s Grammy-related events, including its artist showcase and after-Grammy party, and will instead “redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires.” Within 24 hours, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment had also canceled their Grammy Week events. And on Tuesday (Jan. 14), BMG announced that it too was canceling its annual pre-Grammy party.

Additionally, many executives not based in Los Angeles expressed concern about taking up hotel rooms that may be needed by evacuees and planned not to attend.

The Recording Academy has yet to announce the host of this year’s Grammys. The announcement was expected last week but has been delayed to avoid stepping on the main news about whether the show was going to proceed or not. The announcement is expected soon.

MusiCares conveyed the news in an email to members on Tuesday (Jan. 14). It appears in full below.

“We hope you and your loved ones are safe. We’re reaching out to assure you that the MusiCares Persons of the Year will take place as planned on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“As the devastation unfolds from the wildfires in greater Los Angeles, MusiCares is committed to supporting the impacted music community. When the crisis began, we launched our Fire Relief Effort with a $1 million contribution from the Recording Academy and MusiCares. 

“Your attendance at Persons of the Year and your ongoing generosity will support these continued vital efforts, helping those in urgent need and signaling to the world that this vibrant city is on its feet.

“Now more than ever, our mission is critical. For more than three decades, MusiCares has been a steadfast partner to the music industry during times of need, offering aid in response to a variety of disasters. From the Las Vegas Route 91 shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic to Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Helene, the California and Maui wildfires. MusiCares is here to help—no matter the size or scope of the crisis.

“At our upcoming Persons of the Year, we will make a special appeal for donations to support our wildfire relief efforts. We invite you to join us in spreading the word to your friends and family by sharing this link: www.musicares.org/FireRelief

“Thank you for your support during this crucial time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We look forward to coming together for this important cause.

Best regards,

MusiCares

January 14, 2025

Amazon Music  ·  Business  ·  Business News  ·  LA wildfires  ·  Los Angeles  ·  nsfs
How Music Companies Are Supporting L.A. Wildfire Relief Efforts (Updating)

As devastating wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County, a number of music businesses have stepped up to support relief efforts. Whether it’s multi-million dollar donations, offers to replace destroyed musical instruments and gear, or providing free studio time to affected musicians, it’s clear the industry is coming together to support both music professionals and the greater public who have suffered devastating losses.

Billboard has compiled a list of some of the music companies taking part in relief efforts around L.A. We will continue to update this list as more announcements are made.

If you’re a musician or music industry worker impacted by the fires, please see Billboard’s list of entertainment non-profits offering financial and other assistance. You can also check out a list of ways to help here.

Amazon Music

Amazon’s entertainment division, which includes Amazon Music, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, along with Ring and Whole Foods, has committed $10 million to L.A. wildfire relief efforts. According to a company blog post, the money “will go directly to national and local disaster and response organizations.” This includes the American Red Cross of Southern California, FireAid, MusiCares, World Central Kitchen, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and more.

Sony Group Corporation

Sony has pledged $5 million toward supporting relief efforts related to the Los Angeles-area fires. The sum will be allocated to organizations supporting first responders, community relief and rebuilding efforts, as well as employee assistance programs.

Sony Music Group also said on Tuesday (Jan. 14) tht it would redirect funds allocated to its now-canceled Grammy Week party to local relief efforts.

Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund

On Sunday (Jan. 12), the Warner Music Group’s social justice fund announced a pledge of $1 million to support fire relief and rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles. The funds will be directed to organizations assisting the Los Angeles community, local first responders and individuals in the music industry affected by the disaster. Recipients of the pledge include the California Community Foundation, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Project HOPE and MusiCares, among others, according to a press release.

WMG added on Monday (Jan. 13) that it would not be holding its annual Grammy party and will instead redirect funds to efforts to combat the wildfires and help those affected.

Universal Music Group

The label giant announced that it would cancel all of the company’s Grammy-related events, including its artist showcase and after-Grammy party, and instead “redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires.”

Good Boy Records

Good Boy Records, a label founded by producer Elie Rizk, is opening its doors for free to any musician who has lost their recording space in the L.A. fires. Click here for a public calendar and to book time at the company’s studio in Studio City.

Homemade Projects

Homemade Projects, a record label, influencer management firm, merchandiser and digital marketing agency, announced via Instagram after the fires took hold that anyone in the L.A. area in need of clothing could contact the company and be provided with new tees, hoodies, sweats and hats from its warehouse.

Guitar Center

The Guitar Center Music Foundation is offering support to L.A.-area musicians and music programs affected by the devastating fires, as announced on its website. Eligible individuals can apply for a one-time grant to help replace instruments lost or damaged in the fires. Applications are open through Feb. 28. To apply, visit the link here.

Discogs

The record-collecting marketplace announced it will donate its sales revenue on Friday (Jan. 17) directly to MusiCares, The Recording Academy’s non-profit arm, which is offering financial assistance to affected music industry workers.

January 14, 2025

Business  ·  Classical  ·  LA wildfires  ·  Publishing
Belmont Music, Home of the Arnold Schoenberg Archive, Destroyed in Pacific Palisades Fire

The Pacific Palisades fire destroyed the building housing Belmont Music Publishers, the exclusive publisher of physical works by early 20th century composer Arnold Schoenberg. The fire consumed Belmont’s entire inventory of sales and rental materials, including manuscripts, scores and other printed works, the publisher said.
“For a company that focused exclusively on the works of Schoenberg, this loss represents not just a physical destruction of property but a profound cultural blow,” said a press release written by Schoenberg’s son, Larry, who also lost his home in the fires, according to his nephew E. Randol Schoenberg.

Since the 1970s, Belmont has worked to preserve Schoenberg’s legacy, providing meticulously edited editions of his wide range of transformative compositions, including Verklärte Nacht and Pierrot Lunaire, to musicians and scholars.

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Despite the loss of its physical inventory, Belmont Music said it already has plans to rebuild the collection digitally, ensuring the music of Schoenberg — the author of the twelve-tone technique of composition — remains accessible to scholars, performers, and music enthusiasts.

“While we have lost our full inventory of sales and rental materials, we are determined to continue our mission of bringing Schoenberg’s music to the world,” the publisher said. “We hope to rebuild our catalog in a new, digital format that will ensure Schoenberg’s music remains accessible for future generations.”

The Belmont team added, “We are committed to rebuilding and adapting to the changing times. The community’s outpouring of support has been truly heartening, and we know that, with your help, we can ensure that Schoenberg’s legacy lives on in a way that is as dynamic and enduring as his music.”

Born in Vienna in 1874, the self-taught Schoenberg initially drew inspiration from German Romantic composers like Brahms but is most renowned for developing the twelve-tone technique, or serialism, which dispatched traditional tonality and treated all 12 notes of the chromatic scale equally.

As a teacher, Schoenberg mentored influential composers such as Alban Berg and Anton Webern, further cementing his legacy. Fleeing the Nazi regime in 1933, he emigrated to the United States, where he continued composing and teaching in Los Angeles until his death in 1951.

Several wildfires have broken out in Southern California since the beginning of the year, with the largest being in Pacific Palisades along the coast. The major fires have scorched more than 63 square miles, destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people. Here is a list of organizations providing relief for those impacted by the devastation, from families to first responders.

January 14, 2025

film/tv  ·  Hip-Hop  ·  LA wildfire relief  ·  LA wildfires  ·  Music  ·  Music News  ·  Rap
Snoop Dogg Praises Firefighters, Hints at Benefit Concert on ‘Kimmel’

Jimmy Kimmel Live! resumed its broadcast on Jan. 13, following a brief hiatus caused by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
Opening the show, Kimmel delivered a heartfelt monologue reflecting on the tragedy that has displaced thousands and destroyed countless homes, including those of his own colleagues. He lauded the bravery of first responders, firefighters, and volunteers who have stepped up in the city’s time of need.

Amid the heavy atmosphere, Kimmel turned to a figure synonymous with resilience and community, introducing his guest Snoop Dogg as “an icon of Los Angeles and a beacon of positivity.” The legendary rapper, known for his enduring ties to his hometown, didn’t hold back as he spoke candidly about the disaster’s impact and his personal efforts to assist those affected.

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“The family’s good, but I know people I consider family who lost everything,” Snoop shared. “So we did what we do—we came together, pulled our troops together, and made sure they had what they needed.”

Reflecting on the unity he’s seen in the face of disaster, Snoop said, “California, this is like our first time dealing with [wildfires], and the way the world is helping us—that’s the important thing. People aren’t looking at differences; they’re just looking at trying to make a difference.”

Snoop’s reverence for firefighters took center stage, with the rapper calling their work “the toughest job” and emphasizing the often-overlooked heroism they display.

“They don’t get enough credit. They show up, do what’s best, and when it’s over, it’s like they’re forgotten about,” he said. “We need to give them a lot of praise right now. I give them a lot.”

Snoop described his hands-on approach to disaster relief, ensuring donations reach those in need. “A lot of times when we put these donations together, certain people don’t get it,” he explained. “What my team does is go on the ground, make direct connects, and make sure we’re not missing anybody. That’s what we do—it’s about love, man.”

While the conversation centered on the seriousness of the fires, Snoop’s trademark humor provided moments of levity. Reflecting on a false evacuation alert, he recalled, “I got three phones, and they all blew up. I started running, started packing, and then it was like, ‘It’s not real.’ See, now y’all playing games.”

Kimmel seized the moment to ask if the rapper still sets off smoke alarms wherever he goes. Snoop’s response, delivered with a grin, left the audience in stitches: “Not anymore. We have a shower cap technique that we use.” To demonstrate, Snoop stood up and mimed placing a shower cap over a smoke detector, humorously acting out the move by climbing onto Kimmel’s couch, drawing roaring laughter from the audience.

Kimmel quipped, “Especially at this time, that is very bad advice from Snoop Dogg!”

Amid the weighty topics of wildfires and community resilience, Snoop shared an anecdote about meeting Paul McCartney, describing it as a surreal and deeply respectful moment.

“It was about just respect and love,” he said, recalling the encounter. “He really knew who I was musically—that blew my mind. I’m telling him about all the records I like from him, but then he’s telling me about who I am and how he liked me. It’s just appreciation. I call that mutual love, fan appreciation.”

When Kimmel asked if the two had smoked together, Snoop laughed and clarified, “Oh no, no—but I smoked around him.”

Later in the chat, the host praised Snoop’s ongoing community contributions, from organizing relief efforts to his long-standing youth football league, which has helped countless kids achieve their dreams, including NFL stardom.

The Doggfather, ever humble, turned the spotlight back on the collective effort. “There was talks about concerts to raise money for the victims and the people that have lost in this situation,” he said.

“So I think that’s more of the angle that I would be leaning towards—to do a concert and not, you know, be paid, and take my proceeds and the proceeds from the tickets and make sure that the people got something.”

Watch Snoop Dogg’s latest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! here.

January 14, 2025