Entertainment
Ms. Cherry’s Sound Reignites: Megan Thee Stallion Samples “It’s Whatever” on New Track “Whenever”
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Megan Thee Stallion doesn’t just release singles—she makes statements. Her latest track, “Whenever,” is a thunderclap of confidence: fierce, stylish, and unapologetically loud. But woven into the booming beat and spitfire verses is something more intimate something familiar to those who know their Hip-Hop history. Underneath Megan’s fire verses is a hook that hits just as hard—Elisa “Ms. Cherry” Hood’s bars from back in the day, revived with purpose.
This time, it wasn’t an accidental discovery or a post-release surprise. Ms. Cherry knew exactly what was coming.
“Hi. I need to clear a sample from the song ‘It’s Whatever.’ Did the master rights revert back to you when the label went out of business?” That message, sent on March 20, landed in Ms. Cherry’s inbox like lightning. It wasn’t just a legal formality; it was a creative gesture of respect.
“She didn’t have to come directly to me, but she did,” Ms. Cherry says. It told me this wasn’t just some random beat flip – this was intentional. She heard something in that song. And that means everything.”
The sample, lifted from Ms. Cherry’s under the radar 2004 “It’s Whatever,” doesn’t hit with obvious nostalgia. Instead, it haunts..it hums. It lingers beneath Megan’s voice like memory under skin – quiet, powerful, and impossible to ignore.
For Ms. Cherry, who carved out a space with emotionally raw and genre-blurring music in the early 2000s, hearing her voice reimagined by one of hip-hop’s current titans was both validating and surreal.
“When you’ve been doing this as long as I have, and people forget..then someone like Megan hears it—and wants it. That’s something you can’t plan. That’s not just recognition—that’s collaboration over competition.
Sampling has always been a bridge—between past and present, genres and generations. From Missy Elliott channeling funk to Beyoncé reviving disco into power anthems, hip-hop and R&B have long honored their foremothers through reinvention. Megan’s use of Cherry’s vocals isn’t just a sonic decision—it’s cultural storytelling. A co sign that brings the past into the now, and the unsung into the spotlight. And fans are listening. Social media lit up with curiosity and praise:
@CarlKellyMusic said Megan had him “learn this song for the first time.”
@KvngTone shared, “Been rocking with Ms. Cherry way before the new song.”
@jasminemonique13 added, “Megan put me on to a BANGER!
@ebonywilliams3748 confessed “I’m here after the new Megan song.
And @javiust7394 summed it up: “Meg got me going back to my childhood.”
That reawakened attention is arriving at a poetic time for Ms. Cherry. Her 18-year-old son Kingston Hood-Najm, whom she shares with genre-shifting artist T-Pain is heading to Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida to pursue a Recording Arts degree. It’s a family built on rhythm, legacy, and reinvention.
“He’s got both of us in his DNA,” Cherry says proudly. “But he’s building his own lane”.
Now that the buzz around “Whenever” is building, Ms. Cherry isn’t just soaking it in—she’s inspired. With fans rediscovering her original track “It’s Whatever,” she’s been quietly back in the booth, penning new bars and reigniting a voice that never really left.
“If Megan’s open to it,” she says, “I’d love to jump on a remix—add something fresh, from my voice now, not just the one from back then.”
It’s not just a comeback—it’s a continuation. A full circle moment where homage becomes collaboration, and legacy evolves in real time. For Ms. Cherry, it’s not about reliving the past. It’s about showing she still has something to say—and a new generation ready to listen.
“Maybe this Megan moment isn’t just a reminder,” she says. “Maybe it’s the start of something.”
There’s been no word yet of a formal collaboration but Ms. Cherry says if the call comes, she won’t hesitate.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
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