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14 Jan 2025

Skip Bayless Says Lil Wayne ‘Obviously’ Should’ve Been Super Bowl Halftime Show Headliner Over Kendrick Lamar

Former Fox Sports host Skip Bayless and Lil Wayne have a friendship that runs deep. Less than a month out from Super Bowl LIX, Bayless went to bat for Weezy and his belief that the New Orleans icon should be headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show in his hometown.

“Sorry, Lil Wayne should obviously be the Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans,” he wrote to X on Sunday (Jan. 12).

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Of course, Kendrick Lamar has been tapped by the NFL to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in the Big Easy, which drew criticism from a range of Wayne’s rap peers, including Nicki Minaj, Master P and Cam’ron.

“Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego,” Minaj said on X last year while seemingly targeting Jay-Z and Roc Nation, who has served as the league’s live music entertainment strategist since 2019.

Many Kendrick fans flooded Bayless’ replies, citing the recent lawsuit accusing the former host of sexual harassment. “Weird case???? Still around,” a TDE fan account responded while quoting Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”

According to the Associated Press, a hairstylist accused Bayless of repeatedly making unwanted sexual advances against her. She also claimed he offered her $1.5 million to have sex with him. Bayless has yet to address the lawsuit.

After Lil Wayne found out he’d been passed over for Kendrick, he admitted that the news was difficult for him to hear. “It hurt a whole lot,” he said at the time. “I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown, and for automatically mentally putting myself in that position like somebody told me that was my position. So I blame myself for that.”

However, in the time since, Weezy revealed he and Kendrick had been in contact. “I’ve spoken to him, and I wish him all the best and I told him he better kill it,” Wayne explained to Bayless in December.

“It just makes no sense to me. I don’t get it … their politics played … I don’t know,” Bayless said to Weezy, who replied: “That’s another part of it, there’s things I can’t control.”

Super Bowl LIX is slated for Feb. 9 in New Orleans where Lamar will hit the halftime show stage. Find Skip’s tweet above.

14 Jan 2025

TikTok Ban, Megan Thee Stallion Order, Travis Scott Lawsuit & More Top Music Law News

This is The Legal Beat, a weekly newsletter about music law from Billboard Pro, offering you a one-stop cheat sheet of big new cases, important rulings and all the fun stuff in between.

This week: TikTok – and the music industry – wait for a Supreme Court ruling on the app’s fate; Megan Thee Stallion wins a new civil restraining order against Tory Lanez; Travis Scott and SZA face a copyright lawsuit over their collab hit; and much more.

THE BIG STORY: TikTok’s Future Hangs In The Balance

The U.S. Supreme Court could rule at any moment on the future of TikTok – a key cog in the modern music industry. And it doesn’t look good for TikTok.

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At arguments on Thursday, justices on both sides of the high court’s ideological divide seemed to signal that they plan uphold a law requiring the app’s Chinese-owned parent ByteDance to either sell TikTok to a U.S. company or face a total ban on January 19. TikTok and groups of users argued that the law violates the First Amendment’s protections for free speech, but the justices appeared more concerned about national security concerns cited by the government.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh said China could use internal TikTok data to “develop spies, to turn people, to blackmail people.” Justice Elena Kagan noted that the First Amendment doesn’t even apply to a foreign firm like ByteDance. Chief Justice John Roberts pointedly asked TikTok’s lawyer if the court was “supposed to ignore the fact that the ultimate parent is, in fact, subject to doing intelligence work for the Chinese government?”

Following the hearing, courtwatchers weren’t optimistic about TikTok’s chances: “I think it’s more likely than not that TikTok & TikTok users lose this case 9-0,” wrote Leah Litman, a constitutional law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, in a post on Bluesky.

Many legal battles have big stakes for the industry, but few are on the scale of the TikTok case. With more 170 million American users, the app has become a key part of the modern music ecosystem – a core promotional tool for labels and a jumping off point for many new artists, albeit one that has occasionally butted heads with rights owners and can sometimes prove difficult to harness into lasting success.

As Billboard‘s Elias Leight writes, record labels are already gearing up for the potential of life without TikTok — an outcome that executives tell him is hard to even imagine: “Where is new artist discovery happening in 2025 if this app completely disappears?” The live music business is also preparing to lose the platform, Billboard’s Dave Brooks writes, since festivals and other promoters have increasingly relied upon TikTok in recent years to reach ticket buyers.

The wild card in all of this, of course, is President-elect Donald Trump – who was very famously For It Before He Was Against It when it comes to the TikTok ban but has now said he wants to “negotiate a resolution” to save the platform.

Trump is set to take office on Jan 20, just hours after the ban is scheduled to go into effect. Stay tuned.

Other top stories this week…

“WON’T LET ME FORGET IT” – Megan Thee Stallion won a civil restraining order against Tory Lanez after tearfully testifying before a Los Angeles judge that she was scared he’ll “shoot me again” when released from prison and “maybe this time I won’t make it.” The order came more than two years after Lanez was convicted of shooting the superstar rapper in the foot during a drunken incident in the Hollywood Hills. Lanez is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence, but Megan warned the judge that he has continued to harass her from behind bars: “It just seems like I have to relive it every day. The person who shot me won’t let me forget it.”

COPYRIGHT CLASH – Travis Scott, SZA and Future were hit with a copyright lawsuit by Victory Boyd (a singer signed to Jay-Z‘s Roc Nation record label) over allegations that they stole key elements of their 2023 hit “Telekinesis” from her 2019 song “Like The Way It Sounds.” Boyd says she initially shared her song with none other than Kanye West, who then allegedly shared it with Scott.

UNMASKING ORDER – K-hip-hop star Jay Park asked a U.S. court to force Google to identify an anonymous YouTube user so he could sue the person in Korean court, citing allegedly defamatory internet videos linking him to drug traffickers and disparaging Korean-Americans. The case isn’t entirelys surprising: As K-pop has exploded in global popularity — and with it an intense online fan culture —  superstar acts like BTS and BLACKPINK have repeatedly turned to Korea’s strict libel laws to target statements made on the internet. Last year, NewJeans filed a similar U.S. case seeking to reveal a YouTuber’s identity.

RELEASE DATE – YoungBoy Never Broke Again (a.k.a. NBA YoungBoy) will be released from prison in July, according to federal inmate records — far sooner than indicated by his formal two-year sentence handed down last month. The rapper (real name Kentrell Gaulden) received the sentence after taking a plea deal last year to resolve federal gun possession charges in Louisiana and Utah. The likely explanation: YoungBoy is being credited with time-served for jail stints while he awaited trial.

CASE CLOSED (FOR NOW) – An anonymous Jane Doe accusing Diplo of sharing “revenge porn” dropped her lawsuit against the DJ, just weeks after a federal judge ruled she would need to reveal her identity if she wanted to proceed with the case. The move to end the suit was filed “without prejudice,” meaning she could still refile her lawsuit at some point in the future.

CARDI v. TASHA CONTINUES – Years after Cardi B won a multi-million dollar defamation verdict against gossip blogger Tasha K, the superstar is still battling to get that money. In a court filing last month, Cardi accused Tasha of using bankruptcy as part of a “fraudulent scheme to shield debtor’s assets and income from creditors.” Tasha then fired back last week, arguing that the rapper is trying to “sabotage” her career and “silence” her.

14 Jan 2025

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.

14 Jan 2025

Taylor Swift Subtly Celebrates Patrick & Brittany Mahomes’ Baby Announcement 

Taylor Swift is supporting the growing Kansas City Chiefs family.

On Monday (Jan. 13), the team’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany announced the arrival of their third child, a daughter named Golden Raye Mahomes who was born on Jan. 12. The duo posted a joint black-and-white photo on Instagram of the new bundle of joy’s tiny feet held by her parents’ hands.  Brittany and Patrick are also parents to three-year-old daughter Sterling Skye and two-year-old son, Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahomes III.

In support, Swift liked the post, a subtle congratulatory gesture.

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The pop star and Brittany first hit it off last fall, when Swift joined Chiefs Kingdom through her relationship with Travis Kelce. The pair became fast friends while chatting at games and sharing a suite at Arrowhead Stadium, and the “Anti-Hero” singer included Brittany in a few squad hangout sessions in New York City during the season.

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Both women were also in attendance at the 2024 Super Bowl, which Kansas City won for the second year in a row. 

In October, Brittany shared a game-day snap in which the duo re-created one of their favorite poses from last season. In the snap, the “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” singer sips her drink while resting a hand on the former college soccer player’s baby bump, as Mahomes smiles into the camera with Lyndsay Bell standing on her other side.

The picture is a callback to one the three pals snapped in early 2024, in which they were standing in the same position but with Lyndsay — who is married to tight end Blake Bell and was pregnant at the time — standing in the middle instead of Brittany.

14 Jan 2025

Lord Jamar Fried On Social Media For Flat Earth Fanaticism

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Lord Jamar achieved worldwide fame as a member of the legendary Hip-Hop group Brand Nubian and made a star turn as an actor on HBO’s Oz series. However, these days Lord Jamar is more known for his polarizing views about Black Americans, Vice President Kamala Harris, and his love of the flat earth theory, causing some online to ridicule the veteran rapper.

Last October, Lord Jamar was a guest on comedian Godfrey Danchimah’s In Godfrey We Trust podcast and discussed the election at the time along with other national happenings over the course of the episode. Alongside comedian Dante Nero, the show bumped up against the flat earth discussion, and a now-viral moment of Jamar challenging decades of science and proven facts is making new rounds thanks to a YouTuber giving his own take.

Jump to the 4:00-minute mark for the earlier video for context.

We’re not too keen on platforming a white content creator dunking on a Black Hip-Hop legend, but facts are facts and Professor Dave took a few months to debate Lord Jamar in a video he posted over the weekend with Godfrey, Nero, and Jamar. As you can see below. the debate got intense with Professor Dave using this as a moment to get a little virality going for himself. Godfrey removed the episode but Professor Dave, who admits he had him a banger, recorded the Zoom call and shared it with his audience.

Sharing a video from Dave Farina of Professor Dave Explains for context.

Others online, such as broadcaster Rakeem Shabazz, have blasted Jamar for his unfounded statements and desire to debate others far more knowledgeable than he is on the subject. Further, some are wondering why Jamar is embracing the talking points of the so-called Foundational Black American (FBA) movement spearheaded by Tariq Nasheed and others.

We’ve got reactions to the thoughts of flat earth truther Lord Jamar from X listed below.

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Photo: Getty

14 Jan 2025

Grammy Awards Will Stick To Original Air Date & Will Raise Funds To Aid L.A. Wildfire Relief Efforts

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The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will be held on Sunday, February 2, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Deadline confirmed the biggest night in music would not move its date, following in the steps of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which also said it would be sticking by its March 2 Oscar ceremony date after having to move the nomination announcement twice, January 19 to now Thursday, January 23, due to ongoing L.A. wildfires.

A note from the Recording Academy revealed that this year’s awards show will raise additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts, honor the first responders battling the fires, and help those in need.

Here is the complete note from Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt:

Dear Recording Academy Members,

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days.

In response to this crisis, the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort last week with an initial $1 million donation to support music creatives and professionals. Thanks to additional contributions, we have already distributed over $2 million in emergency aid to those most in need – and we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing ongoing assistance.

In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th GRAMMY Awards telecast on CBS on February 2nd will proceed as planned. 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.

In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else. The GRAMMYs will not only honor the artistry and achievements of our music community but also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles.

With heartfelt concern,

Harvey Mason jr.

Recording Academy & MusiCares CEO

Tammy Hurt

Chair, Board of Trustees

The Grammys recently reached a new 10-year deal to stream with Disney streaming the award’s show on ABC, Hulu, and Disney+ from 2027 to 2036., ending the 50-year run on CBS.

14 Jan 2025

Bob the Drag Queen Is Not Sorry for His Antics on ‘The Traitors’ Season 3: ‘Move On’

Bob the Drag Queen is used to dealing with unruly fan bases. Now, he’s putting fans of both The Traitors and Real Housewives on blast.

In a series of messages posted on X Sunday (Jan. 12) and Monday (Jan. 13), the Drag Race winner and cast member of The Traitors season three called out fans for criticizing him after the first three episodes of the season dropped on Peacock. After Bob — who was selected to be a traitor on the new season — targeted Housewives stars Dorinda Medley and Chanel Ayan for elimination, fans of the franchise immediately took to X, claiming that the queen was making the show less interesting without the reality stars’ participation.

Bob took the comments in stride and started clapping back. After one fan reacted poorly to Bob claiming he “didn’t know” who Medley was, the Drag Race star offered a matter-of-fact comeback: “Well she’s gone. Move on.”

Another fan of the Housewives franchise chimed in to say that Bob was merely chasing his “15 minutes of fame,” which the queen openly mocked, considering he won Drag Race back in 2016 and was part of Madonna’s Celebration Tour, which ended in 2024. “Somebody better call the man who’s supposed to be watching the clock,” he wrote. “My fifteen minutes was supposed to be up 9 years ago.”

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As the posts on X continued, Bob took a moment to make sure that the reality fans knew exactly who they were dealing with. “Do these Housewife fans think I’m scared?” he wrote. “Honey, I survived Drag Race Twitter. At least DR fans tweet from their real profiles.”

The Traitors season three is currently streaming on Peacock. Check out some of Bob the Drag Queen’s clap backs below:

14 Jan 2025

Whoopi Goldberg Defends Carrie Underwood Over Trump Inauguration Performance: ‘I Stand Behind Her’

Whoopi Goldberg is sticking up for Carrie Underwood after the singer came under fire for accepting the invitation to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration.

While speaking to her The View cohosts Tuesday (Jan. 14), the Sister Act star acknowledged that though she personally doesn’t align with the president-elect’s policies, the American Idol alum has every right to perform wherever she sees fit. “People do what they do for whatever reasons,” Goldberg began. “I stand behind her.”

“If I believe I have the right to make up my mind to go perform some place, I believe they have the same right,” the actress continued, pushing back against the objections of cohosts Joy Behar and Sunny Hostin. “I have to support. It doesn’t mean I’m particularly interested in watching [the inauguration] — I won’t be watching. But that’s me.”

Goldberg’s remarks come just one day after Billboard confirmed that Underwood would take the stage at Trump’s fast-approaching presidential inauguration, a poignant move considering that the eight-time Grammy winner has refrained from sharing her political views throughout her career. Her decision sparked immediate backlash from people who oppose Trump, but the “Before He Cheats” singer explained in a statement, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event.”

“I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future,” she added.

Underwood is expected to perform “America the Beautiful” just before Trump is sworn in for the second time in eight years, with the ceremony set to take place Jan. 20 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Village People is also part of the lineup, with the “Y.M.C.A.” group announcing Monday (Jan. 13) that it had “accepted an invitation from President Elect Trump’s campaign to participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with President Elect Trump.”

Watch Goldberg talk about Underwood’s inauguration decision below.

14 Jan 2025

Ye Says He’s ‘Your Favorite GOAT’s Favorite GOAT’ While Quoting His 2005 Grammy Speech

Ye — the artist formerly known as Kanye West — has certainly never lacked confidence in himself. West took to Instagram on Tuesday (Jan. 14) to tout himself as the GOAT while running through his decorated career résumé.

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“YOUR FAVORITE GOATS FAVORITE GOAT,” he wrote alongside a photo of an actual goat.

West continued to quote his famed speech at the 2005 Grammy Awards, writing: “THEY TOLD YOU I WAS DEAD BROKE CLONED DO THIS SOUND LIKE A CLONE I DONT TAKE ADVICE I GIVE IT I DO AND SAY WHAT THE F–K I WANNA SAY WHEN I WANNA SAY HOW I WANNA SAY WHENEVER I WANNA SAY IT EVERYBODY WANTED TO KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YE NEVER GOT MONEY AGAIN I GUESS WE’LL NEVER FUCKING KNOOOOW WE’LL NEVER EVER EVER FUCKING KNOOOOOOOW I’M RICH FOREVER AND EVER IN EVERY LIFETIME.”

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CyHi Tha Prynce, Rich The Kid, Fridayy and more co-signed Ye’s statements in his comment section.

Kanye also showed off his alleged sales in an Instagram Story, claiming he made over $2 million in a day on YZY-SPLY following the launch of his $20 apparel filled with tees, shorts and hoodies along with the debut of the YZY SL-01 sneaker.

The Chicago native didn’t waste any time following up on IG to emphasize his Yeezy-over-everything stance. “To be specific Any brand other than Yeezy F–k you Close your dirty a– laptops,” he said while taking shots at the opposition’s dusty computers.

Ye is getting active again on social media, as he mobilized his YZY apparel line and has continued to tease his upcoming Bully album. Earlier in the week, West posted photos surrounding his LP hinting at reunions with his cousin WRLDFMS Tony Williams and his longtime producer/engineer Mike Dean, who worked closely with Yeezy from The College Dropout through 2021’s Donda.

14 Jan 2025

BossMan Dlow’s ‘Dlow Curry’ Album, Tour Plans, “Get In With Me” Success | Billboard News

BossMan Dlow’s 2024 was filled with back to back hits, and he ended the year with the album, ‘Dlow Curry.’ The rapper shares how he plans to tour ‘Dlow Curry,’ his secret to creating hits, why he felt the need to create “The Biggest Pt. 2” and more!

Kyle Denis:

What’s up y’all it’s Kyle Denis, staff writer at Billboard, and I am here with Big Za himself, BossMan DLow, how are you doing today my guy? 

BossMan Dlow”

Chilling bro, chilling, for sure. 

How’s that New York weather treating you? 

I ain’t going to lie, cold. Cold at first. I’m straight now.

You know, it’s been a very, very productive year for you. Talk to us a little bit about “The Biggest Pt. 2.” How did that song come together? And why did you think “The Biggest” needed a sequel? 

I don’t know, bro, I forgot how I even heard that beat. Man, I don’t know, but it came on. I just, you know, I felt the vibe to the beat. 

It woke up something in you. 

Yeah, it woke me up. So I went in there, because you know I don’t write. I just go in there and just go off the tone, so when I sat down I was like “Got her lookin’ at me like/ ‘Bae, you the biggest’”  I just ended up calling it that for real for real That’s how it went. 

You’ve had a crazy run of hits this year, “Get In With Me,” “Mr Pot Scraper,” “Talk My Sh*t,” “Shake Dat A**” “2 Slippery,” “SportsCenter.” I could keep going. Did any of those surprise you by how big they became? 

All of them to be real. 

Yeah? 

How big “”Get In With Me” was kind of that was the most shocking one because it was like, I put that song to the side.

Keep watching for more!