Run-D.M.C. are suing retailers including Walmart and Amazon for $50 million, claiming that glasses, hats, t-shirts, patches, wallets, and other items featuring their logo are being sold without the rappers' permission. (Pitchfork)

Today's tribute news

On Wednesday night in Las Vegas, Elton John honored the late George Michael with a performance of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me," a 1974 song that became a number-one hit in 1992 when Michael and John released a live duet recording. (Billboard)

Film great Debbie Reynolds is being mourned by music stars including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and Bette Midler, who calls Reynolds "beautiful, talented, devoted to her craft." (Billboard

Dan Auerbach announces second solo album

Dan Auerbach (the Black Keys, the Arcs) has announced his second solo album. The as-yet-untitled album, expected this spring, will follow 2009's Keep It Hid. Billboard reports that Auerbach "recorded the currently untitled album at Easy Eye Sound, his Nashville studio, along with guitar legend Duane Eddy, bassist Dave Roe (who backed Johnny Cash), and drummer Gene Christman and pianist Bobby Wood (both of whom played in Memphis's American Sound Studio's house band)."

ZULUZULUU top Twin Cities Critics Tally

Congratulations to ZULUZULUU, who have become only the second act ever to top both the City Pages Picked to Click poll and the Star Tribune's Twin Cities Critics Tally in a single year. The first to do was was Lizzo, in 2013. (Star Tribune)

Remembering Alphonse Mouzon

Jazz and fusion drummer Alphonse Mouzon has died of cancer at age 68. Mouzon played with greats including Herbie Hancock and was a member of Weather Report. (Pitchfork)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZktZGNXN8z8

Doors plan half-century celebration

The Doors released their debut album on Jan. 4, 1967. On Jan. 4, 2017, the band's surviving members will mark the occasion's 50th anniversary with an official "Day of the Doors" in Los Angeles. "Original guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore will attend" an event in front of the famous "Venice" sign, reports Rolling Stone, "as will family members of late keyboardist Ray Manzarek and singer Jim Morrison. Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin will make the proclamation."

Nas lists the best five rappers of today

In an interview with Revolt TV, hip-hop great Nas listed the five rappers of today who he thinks have the most talent. The five: J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross. (Billboard)