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It’s famously difficult to win Azealia Banks‘ approval, but Taylor Swift has it. And in a series of posts on X Wednesday (Jan. 29), the rapper gave a detailed explanation why.
After previously declaring that Swifties make up one of the only fanbases she actually likes, Banks responded to a follower who asked her to elaborate. “Cause they don’t bother anybody,” she obliged. “Taylor doesn’t bother anybody. To have beef with her or over is a real sign of TRUE lack of self esteem.”
“Like Kanye Tyler charli whoever else is a f–kin lame,” the “212” artist continued, referencing Ye’s famous feud with the “Anti-Hero” artist, Tyler, the Creator’s recent clash with Swifties, and the Charli XCX’s rumored tension with Swift; the Brat artist and superstar later sang each other’s praises, debunking the rumors. “She really makes her music and minds her biz.”
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In the replies, Banks also praised the 14-time Grammy winner for promoting Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” back in the early 2010s before the track fully blew up and launched the Queen of Rap into superstardom. Minaj has also previously credited Swift for having a hand in the song’s success, and in 2011, the two women performed it together on the latter’s Speak Now World Tour.
“Like what other white female artist would share her platform with a black girl like that without asking for anything in return but just out of sheer f–king respect for the music?” Banks added. “Not a single one of them. They always want something in return and I really respect the way she carries herself it’s refreshing.”
Banks’ approval of Swift might come as a surprise to some knowing how many other stars the former has verbally struck down over the years. One of the “Liquorice” artist’s most recent targets was Grimes, whom she accused of “trying to paint me like the [villain]” before alleging that Elon Musk had “dumped” and “cheated on” the “Oblivion” singer; Grimes quickly fired back, “i didn’t ‘get dumped.’ I bounced.”
Shortly before that, Banks sparred with Matty Healy over comments the former made about Charli XCX. The exchange crested when the New York native said that The 1975 frontman’s fiancée, model Gabriette, looked “like Frankenstein,” after which Healy said he was “going to f—ing slap [Banks] so hard I’ll get a Guinness world record” before announcing that he was stepping back from X. “I don’t have the right kind of intelligence / emotional maturity etc for social media I literally just end up saying stuff that immediately regret,” he wrote.
See Banks’ posts about Swift below.
Cause they don’t bother anybody. Taylor doesn’t bother anybody. To have beef with her or over is a real sign of TRUE lack of self esteem. Like Kanye Tyler charli whoever else is a fuckin lame she really makes her music and minds her biz https://t.co/5s7zwfotYl— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) January 29, 2025
Like what other white female artist would share her platform with a black girl like that without asking for anything in return but just out of sheer fucking respect for the music? Not a single one of them. They always want something in return and I really respect the way she…— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) January 29, 2025
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President Donald Trump’s administration has offered federal workers a buyout. However, many see it as a false offer, speaking out about it on social media.
On Tuesday (January 28), the administration of President Donald Trump announced that it was offering buyouts to all federal employees who choose to leave their positions by February 6. The buyout offer was presented in an email from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), where employees were offered seven months’ pay if they accepted the buyout. The move is seen as a dramatic effort to shrink the federal government workforce, with the administration claiming that only 6% of federal workers are physically in office. (That was found to be false in a report by Axios.)
“The substantial majority of federal employees who have been working remotely since Covid will be required to return to their physical offices five days a week,” the detailed memo from OPM reads. The offer exempts those in the Postal Service as well as those with positions of national security. The email was found to have a subject line and wording similar to an email Elon Musk sent to employees of X, formerly Twitter, in 2022 after he acquired the social media platform (in that email he asked that employees leave, or stay and become “hardcore.” Musk, a Trump ally, is currently overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and acknowledged the similarities on X.
The move comes with further pushes by Trump and his administration to institute a system of loyalists. On Monday (January 27), it removed a 2024 protection for workers from firing from the Biden administration in a memo. “Between the flurry of anti-worker executive orders and policies, it is clear that the Trump administration’s goal is to turn the federal government into a toxic environment where workers cannot stay even if they want to,” said Everett Kelley, the president of AFGE, the largest federal union in a statement.
Others swiftly called out Trump for trying to bully federal workers with the buyout online and offline, noting that those who choose it won’t even get retirement benefits. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine joined others of his party sounding the alarm in a speech. “He’s tricked hundreds of people with that offer. If you accept that offer and resign, he’ll stiff you just like he stiffed the contractors. He doesn’t have any authority to do this. Do not be fooled by this guy,” he said.
Cher finally found a way to turn back time — but it isn’t exactly what she was hoping for. In a hilarious new commercial for Uber Eats that premiered in Australia, a mysterious time machine is delivered to the superstar’s doorstep just as she’s listening to her own 1989 smash “If I Could Turn Back […]
While MGM refuted reports of a $50 million gambling debt compiled by Bruno Mars last year, the superstar still had some fun with the casino rumors.
Bruno hit the jackpot to break a Spotify listener record earlier this week and he took to his Instagram Story on Tuesday (Jan. 28) to celebrate the feat and even joked about taking a chunk out of his alleged debt.
“I’ll be out of debt in no time,” the 15-time Grammy Award winner captioned the post about him becoming the first artist to eclipse 150 million monthly Spotify listeners in the platform’s history.
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NewsNation reported in 2024 that Bruno owed millions to MGM and that number was as high as $50 million from hitting the casino tables. “He makes $90 million a year off of the deal he did with the casino, but then he has to pay back his debt … after taxes (Mars makes $1.5 million per night),” NewsNation‘s source speculated.
However, MGM Grand quickly debunked the report and said that the singer had no debt with the casino.
“We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers,” a spokesperson from MGM Grand told Billboard at the time. “From his shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM to the new Pinky Ring lounge at Bellagio, Bruno’s brand of entertainment attracts visitors from around the globe.”
They continued: “MGM and Bruno’s partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect. Any speculation otherwise is completely false; he has no debt with MGM. Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
The 39-year-old even mocked the gambling debt reports on stage during a performance last year. “Ever since those articles came out about me owing the casino money you stopped picking up my calls,” he joked. “It’s me baby — I got money.”
Bruno Mars jokes about the rumors of him being in casino debt. “Ever since those articles came out about me owing the casino money you stopped picking up my calls… It’s me baby I got money.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/aWQyd5CGhq— Rap Alert (@rapalert6) September 9, 2024
Bruno added another seven dates to his Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, where he’ll kick off the summer with shows in late May and early June.
On the music side, Bruno Mars remains atop the Billboard Hot 100 with “Die With a Smile” featuring Lady Gaga holding strong at No. 1. Bruno also delivered his first single of 2025 when teaming up with Sexyy Red for their “Fat Juicy & Wet” strip club anthem.
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A$AP Relli took the stand on Tuesday (Jan. 28) during former friend A$AP Rocky’s shooting trial, revealing more details about the 2021 incident. During his time on the stand, A$AP Relli claims he allegedly demanded that A$AP Rocky use the gun at the center of the matter in a show of bravado although Relli reportedly testified he never saw a firearm on Rocky’s person before their confrontation.
TMZ reports that A$AP Relli, real name Terell Ephron, took the stand and shared his side of the story regarding the alleged incident. Relli and Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, were childhood friends in New York and came up together as Rocky rose the ranks in music and fashion as part of the A$AP Mob collective. Relli says the issues began when a day before the November 6, 2021 shooting, he overheard a call between Rocky and A$AP Bari that was disparaging toward him and the longtime friendship fizzled from there.
The next day, Reli and Rocky planned to meet in Hollywood and the testimony from Relli claims that Rocky arrived with two other individuals with the idea of hashing out their differences in person. During the testimony, Relli claims he told Rocky, “You better use that sh*t, what the f*ck you got a gun for?” and added, “I was willing to die for my respect. If this is what you want to do, I still have my dignity.”
Relli claims he was grazed on the knuckle after Rocky fired at him. Rocky’s attorney says that the gun in the matter was a stage prop and therefore could not have fired a bullet nor were there casings found.
Rihanna, the mother of Rocky’s children, was in the gallery during the testimony in a show of support. Also taking the stand was an LAPD officer Tommy Zizzo, the son of Erika Jayne who starred in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills franchise.
A$AP Rocky is facing two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and faces a maximum of 24 years behind bars if the trial leads to a conviction. Rocky has previously rejected a plea deal.
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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Oops! Funko Pop! has done it again. Known for creating must-have collectibles inspired by legendary musicians, the brand has us ready […]
The countdown has begun for Amazon Studios’ premiere of You’re Cordially Invited. Lift-off for the highly anticipated comedy starring Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon is set for Jan. 30 on Prime Video. In advance of the premiere, Billboard is now cordially inviting viewers to watch an exclusive clip above from the film’s opening scene featuring […]
Former MTV VJ and music industry stalwart Matt Pinfield has been placed under a temporary conservatorship following a massive stroke he suffered on Jan. 6. According to the TMZ, Pinfield’s daughter Jessica filed for the conservatorship after the stroke due to concerns about her dad’s ability to handle health and financial decisions.
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Jessica said Pinfield, 63, a onetime Columbia Records VP of A&R who has had a number of radio gigs over the past 20 years — most recently co-hosting The Power Hour on AXS TV — suffered the stroke on Jan. 6, the same day he issued his most recent Instagram post.
In the post, the rock superfan known for his gravely voice and endless, infectioous enthusiasm for talking about alternative music wrote, “Starting another week with gratitude for a life surrounded by great people, life changing music, and unforgettable experiences that I never take for granted. Here to another week-another day-open heart and open mind. Let’s rock!”
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A spokesperson for Pinfield confirmed that he remains hospitalized following the stroke and that he is under a temporary conservatorship. The legal arrangement is typically approved to provide short-term care and protection for someone who is incapacitated and needs help managing their health care, personal finances and day-to-day needs, typically for up to 90 days.
L.A. radio station KCSN hinted at Pinfield’s health issues earlier this month when it announced he would be taking a temporary leave, telling listeners in a statement, “The SoCal Sound’s legendary DJ Matt Pinfield will be taking a temporary leave of absence. We are fully supportive of Matt and hope to have his energetic knowledge of rock n’ roll back on the air soon.”
Pinfield has had a series of health issues over the past few years, including a broken leg and lacerations in 2018 after he was struck by a car and, according to an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle in 2017, an irregular heartbeat due to years of struggles with substance use; he spent time in rehab that year. “I was dealing with A-fib (atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythm),” he said at the time. “Drinking on top of it wasn’t a good idea. And it turns out I was overmedicated.”
Pinfield was photographed at disgraced shock rocker Marilyn Manson’s 56th birthday party alongside Billy Corgan, Filter’s Richard Patrick and Falling in Reverse’s Ronnie Radke, the night before his most recent Instagram post.
Check out messages of support from Pinfield’s friends and peers, including singer/producer Butch Walker, Pretty Wreckless’ Taylor Momsen, music journalist Michael Azerrad, fellow former MTV VJ John Norris and Disturbed singer David Draiman.
The competition won’t stop for Travis Kelce after the Super Bowl. A few weeks after the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in February, the tight end will run against the likes of Chappell Roan, Cher and Selena Gomez for favorite surprise guest at the iHeartRadio Music Awards — something he can’t believe he’s nominated for once, much less twice.
On the latest episode of New Heights posted Wednesday (Jan. 29), Travis was shocked when older brother Jason Kelce shared that the Grotesquerie star’s viral cameo at one of Taylor Swift’s London Eras Tour shows in June had earned him a nod. “What? I’m up for an award?” Travis said, smiling wide. “No way!”
When Jason went on to note that Travis is actually running against himself in the favorite surprise guest category — with his appearance alongside Patrick Mahomes at Morgan Wallen’s Kansas City concert in August also getting recognition — the Chiefs player’s excitement doubled. “Oh nice, I got two?” he responded.
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“There’s an award for just showing up and having a f–king good time?” the retired Eagles center quipped, to which Travis responded, “Jason, don’t be mad ’cause you’re not in it.”
The brothers went on to highlight a few of the other nominees — one of whom, it turns out, they both have a particular love for. “Let’s go ahead and congratulate Travis and Taylor, up against Selena Gomez, Cher, Chap-pelle Roan –” Jason began before Travis jumped in to correct his pronunciation.
“Chappell Roan, yeah,” interjected the Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? host. “Shout-out to Selena and Chappell Roan. Shout out to Cher … The one song, man, will forever be one of my favorite songs. It’s so good.”
Travis then proceeded to sing the icon’s 1998 smash “Believe” — which spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — before his older brother pulled it up on his phone and started passionately dancing along. “This is the f–king song of Super Bowl LIX, baby!” Jason shouted, fired up, as the younger Kelce cackled. “Every time someone asks me who I’m rooting for, I’m going to say ‘I’m rooting for Cher.’”
Nominations for the iHeartRadio Music Awards went live Jan. 22, about two months before this year’s ceremony is set to take place March 17. Travis’ superstar girlfriend is also up for several other categories beyond the one they share, with Swift in the running for artist of the year, pop artist of the year, best music video for “Fortnight” and more.
The latest episode of New Heights marks the Kelce brothers’ first since the Chiefs won the AFC Championship Sunday (Jan. 26), meaning Kansas City will return to the Super Bowl — which this year is set for Feb. 9 — for a third year in a row. “I’m feeling great, man,” Travis said of the achievement. “Life is amazing.”
“I’ve had a lot of heartbreak,” he added. “I’ve had a lot of times where it hasn’t been this sweet, and right now I’m just riding the high of living this dream with my brothers and everybody in Kansas City.”
Watch the new episode of New Heights above.
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Atlanta rapper YDN recently gave a standout performance of his hit song “Bill Bellamy”, a collaboration with DJ Marc B, that’s been making major waves in the ATL scene. The track has become an anthem in the city, with you being hard-pressed to walk into any club or lounge in Atlanta without hearing it drop. Its infectious beat and catchy hook have made it a must-play at parties, further cementing YDN’s place in the city’s growing rap scene.
YDN, hailing from the east side of Atlanta, has been buzzing lately with his unique sound and energy. His recent performance of “Bill Bellamy” only added fuel to his rising popularity, as supporters and industry insiders continue to take notice of his growing influence. The song’s success has not only resonated with fans but has also attracted the attention of notable figures like Hot 107.9’s FlyGuy DC, who co-signed YDN and his talent.
With his distinctive voice and undeniable presence, YDN is quickly carving out a lane for himself in the competitive Atlanta rap scene. His ability to connect with the ATL club scene has made him a rising star, and “Bill Bellamy” is just the beginning. As his buzz continues to grow, it’s clear that YDN is on the verge of something big, and his recent performance is a perfect example of why Atlanta is paying attention.
