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26 Nov 2024

J. Cole Announces Return of Dreamville Festival in 2025

J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival is returning to North Carolina in 2025. Dreamville Fest is set to celebrate its fifth anniversary during the weekend of April 5 and 6 at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park.

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The first wave of pre-sales will start on Dec. 11 at 9 a.m. ET, with various general admission and VIP packages available on the Dreamville Fest website. These will be the least expensive deals for the two-day tickets, which will only increase as the festival date gets closer.

While the lineup is yet to be revealed, fans can expect another star-studded affair in 2025 along with dozens of tasty food vendors, site-wide art installations, merch booths and the famed Dreamville Ferris Wheel on the festival grounds.

Trending on Billboard

Fans had plenty to say in the Instagram post’s comments section about the festival’s return. “Damn 5 years already seems crazy to hear. Especially having never missed one,” one person wrote.

Another suggested: “I’ll come but can we get better speakers for the rise stage this year.”

There were fans even calling for J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar to get back on good terms so the “Not Like Us” rapper could headline the festival.

“April 5 & 6, 2025 Sign up now to be the first to get presale access at dreamvillefest.com or by texting DREAMVILLE to 68624,” Dreamville captioned the announcement on IG. “Presale begins 12/11 at 9am EST.”

2024’s festival featured J. Cole headlining, but his set is perhaps best remembered for his apology to Kendrick Lamar as he walked back his “7 Minute Drill” diss track and bowed out of the feud.

“That s–t don’t sit right with my spirit,” Cole said in April. “That s–t disrupts my f–king peace. So what I want to say right here tonight is in the midst of me doing that and in that s–t, trying to find a little angle and downplay this n—a’s f—ing catalog and his greatness, I want to say right now tonight, how many people think Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest motherf–kers to ever touch a f—ing microphone? Dreamville, y’all love Kendrick Lamar, correct? As do I.”

The North Carolina rapper continued: “I just want to come up here and publicly be like, bruh, that was the lamest, goofiest s–t. I say all that to say it made me feel like 10 years ago when I was moving incorrectly. And I pray that god will line me back up on my purpose and on my path, I pray that my n—a really didn’t feel no way and if he did, my n—a, I got my chin out. Take your best shot, I’ma take that s–t on the chin boy, do what you do. All good. It’s love.”

26 Nov 2024

Sterling K. Brown, Rita Ora & John Kim Joins Cast of Amazon MGM Studios ‘Voltron’ Movie

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Sterling K. Brown Joins Cast of Amazon MGM Studios 'Voltron'

Source: Kirk McKoy / Getty / Sterling K. Brown

Henry Cavill isn’t the only big name attached to Amazon MGM Studios’ forthcoming Voltron movie.

Spotted on Deadline, Sterling K. Brown, Rita Ora, and John Kim have joined the cast of Amazon MGM Studios’ mysterious Voltron movie, based on the popular 80s anime cartoon.

Like with the announcement of Cavill and Daniel Quinn-Toye being a part of the film, Brown, Ora, and Kim’s roles in the upcoming film remain a mystery.

The film will be directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, who also penned the script alongside Ellen Shanman. No details about the film’s plot were shared, but he did promise fans at Votlcon that his movie would keep the same energy as the classic cartoon.

“I want to make sure that we stay true to the heart and the spirit of Voltron. In this film, we’re going to be introducing an entirely new generation of pilots,” Huber said. “We’ve reimagined Voltron for the live-action world, but we’re going to stay true to … those iconic elements that you love, that I love. And I’m so excited to share it with you.”

The Voltron film isn’t the first new reimagining of the classic cartoon; Netflix’s 2016 animated series, Voltron: Legendary Defender from Dreamworks Animation, ran for 8 seasons and was a hit with fans of the giant fighting robot.

So, let the speculation begin. Fans have already been wondering who Cavill would play. Our guess would be Prince Lotor or maybe Keith, the leader of the Voltron Force, driver of the mighty black lion, and the one who forms the head.

As for Sterling K. Brown, we have no clue who he could be. Rita Ora, we can see her as Princess Allura.

We shall see.

26 Nov 2024

Drake Accuses UMG Of Defamation In 2nd Legal Filing

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iHeartRadio Music Festival - Day 2 - Show

Source: Ethan Miller / Getty

Drake is doubling down. After initially accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify of boosting Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” to his detriment, in a second filing, Drizzy claims that UMG and iHeartRadio defamed him in the process of making the song massive.

According to Billboard, Drake filed this latest petition in Texas, and he alleges that K. Dot “falsely” accused him of being “a sex offender” in his megahit diss song “Not Like Us.” But his label promoted it anyway.

Per Billboard:

A day after filing an action in New York accusing UMG of illegally boosting Lamar’s track on Spotify, Drake’s company leveled similar claims in Texas court regarding radio giant iHeartRadio. The new filing, filed late Monday and made public on Tuesday, claims UMG “funneled payments” to iHeart as part of a “pay-to-play scheme” to promote the song on radio.

But the filing also offers key new details about Drake’s grievances toward UMG, the label where he has spent his entire career. In it, he says UMG knew that Kendrick’s song “falsely” accused him of being a “certified pedophile” and “predator” but chose to release it anyway.

Part of the backlash to Drake’s initial filing was that he had all this energy to question Kendrick Lamar’s ht song getting all these spins, but none for the accusation of being a pedophile. However, the way he addresses it in this filling is not earning him any points. Instead, the Toronto rapper sounds sour that UMG dared to make money at his expense—when considering they surely made cash off his own diss tracks.

“UMG … could have refused to release or distribute the song or required the offending material to be edited and/or removed,” Drake’s lawyers write. “But UMG chose to do the opposite. UMG designed, financed and then executed a plan to turn ‘Not Like Us’ into a viral mega-hit with the intent of using the spectacle of harm to Drake and his businesses to drive consumer hysteria and, of course, massive revenues. That plan succeeded, likely beyond UMG’s wildest expectations.”

While Spotify and iHeartRadio have yet to respond, UMG did so on Monday (Nov. 25). From the tone of its statement, the entity is not to happy with their superstar rapper and the nefarious actions he is insinuating.

“The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue,” said the company in a statement to Billboard. “We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”

This is only going to get more interesting, while Drake is going to continue getting cooked online.

26 Nov 2024

Dwayne Johnson Says He Had to ‘Pull Strings’ to Get Taylor Swift Tickets: ‘It’s Never Happened in My Career’

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may play the role of Maui in Moana 2, but even a Disney demigod had trouble getting tickets to Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras tour.

The actor told Entertainment Tonight that he had to “pull strings” for the first time to secure tickets.
“It’s never happened in my career,” he said, noting that a “good friend” reached out to him, asking if he could help out with the ticket process. “Usually, I don’t have to pull strings. Usually, I’ll just… I just make it happen.”

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He continued, “I’m never good at asking for that kind of stuff. I’m good at giving it. Hate asking for stuff. I don’t do it, but in this case, made a little call. Taylor made it happen.”

Trending on Billboard

Johnson is not the only one who had trouble snagging tickets to the Eras tour. In November 2022, a chaotic handling of ticket sales by Ticketmater led to more than 100,000 Swifties getting kicked out of the online queue during the bot attack, and even Swift spoke out blaming the company.

Swift is just a week and a half away from the final three shows of her Eras Tour, which will take place at the BC Palace in Vancouver, B.C., beginning Dec. 6. “The emotions have gotten pretty heightened for me and the rest of the team because it’s gotten extremely real for us: Our next city will be the last one of The Eras Tour, and the closing of the most extraordinary chapter of my life so far. See you ? , Vancouver. We can’t wait to give you all we’ve got for three more shows,” she wrote on Instagram, concluding with a smiling cry emoji.

26 Nov 2024

EDSea 2024: Best Moments, From the Boat to Bimini

EDSea set sail for its second voyage earlier this month, bringing a cruise ship full of ravers to the Electric Sea. The unforgettable Belize-bound experience is Insomniac’s spin on their successful Electric Daisy Carnival festival — which occurs annually in Las Vegas, NV and Miami, FL — but with a tropical twist. This year’s lineup was stacked with some of the most exciting names in dance music, from more established acts like Dillon Francis, Sara Landry and Subtronics to emerging acts including AYYBO, J. Worra and Levity.

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While the lineup of what felt like nonstop sets was exciting, what made the voyage special was the slate of experiences for fans to enjoy. From on-board activities to surprise sets, see what you missed below — and if you want to experience EDSea, tickets are available now for the festival’s third voyage on November 1-6, 2025 from Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize.

Fireworks shine behind the cruise ship at EDSea's Sail Away Party

Fireworks shine behind the cruise ship at EDSea’s Sail Away Party

@the.camera.lady (IG); @camerala

Sail Away Party & Fireworks
The grandeur of EDSea began in Miami with the Sail Away Party, featuring Chris Lorenzo on the kineticOCEAN stage. His electrifying set was paired with a massive fireworks show, starting the cruise with a bang (literally).

Trending on Billboard

Surprise B2B Female DJ Set
The only bond stronger than the one between ravers is the one between women in the scene, as proven by Sara Landry, Mary Droppinz, Jenna Shaw, Coco & Breezy, Lucille Croft, VNSSA and J. Worra. Watching the wide range of sonically diverse women play back-to-back was an empowering glimpse into the future of dance.

EDSea attendees and performers dressed to the theme

EDSea embraced a variety of themes, including Under the Electric Sea

@the.camera.lady (IG); @cameralady (FB); @The_CameraLady (Twitter)

Theme Days (and Nights!)
EDSea attendees made the festival their runway as they served bold and creative looks inspired by the provided themes. From Neon Swim to Safari Sunrise, each themed day and night transformed the ship into a new experience of celebration and self-expression.

Surprise Sunrise in Bimini
The Bimini beach party was a day of sun, sand and celebration — a day that went on even longer than announced, with a surprise announcement that the party would extend until after sunrise. The magic of EDSea shone through as dawn broke with an unexpected set from Eli Brown, making the already unforgettable day even better.

Wreckno, Sara Landry, Coco & Breezy and Lucille Croft onstage during Wreckno's Catwalk Competition

Wreckno, Sara Landry, Coco & Breezy and Lucille Croft onstage during Wreckno’s Catwalk Competition

Marc Van Der Aa

On-Board Activities
Insomniac made boredom a complete impossibility thanks to a well-curated lineup of experiences from morning through the night. Some fan favorites included the EDSea Character Brunch, where costumed performers mingled with attendees; Wreckno’s Catwalk Competition, a fierce competition of self-expression with special guest judges Sara Landry, Coco & Breezy and Lucille Croft; and Slander’s Super Smash Bros Tournament, a high-energy showdown hosted by the duo themselves.

Having FOMO? Tickets are available now for the festival’s third voyage on November 1-6, 2025 from Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize.

26 Nov 2024

GloRilla, Druski, Jayda Cheaves Team Up With Google For 5th ‘Black-Owned Friday’ Shopping Intiative

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Google Black Owned Friday

Source: Google / Black Owned Friday

Google’s Black-Owned Friday continues spotlighting Black-owned businesses nationwide on America’s favorite shopping holiday.

Black-Owned Friday is back for its fifth iteration and is sticking to the same formula of using the biggest Black celebrities and influencers to help spread the word about fantastic Black-owned businesses.

Last year, Keke Palmer did a clever cover of Crystal Water’s iconic record “Pure Love,” joining other big names like Ludacris, Normani, T-Pain, and Flo Milli, who were involved in previous years.

This year, Google has tapped one of Hip-Hop’s hottest acts in GloRilla, social media superstar and current Google Pixel hypeman Druski, and YouTuber and entrepreneur Jayda Cheaves to help launch the 5th annual Black-Owned Friday shopping initiative from Google.

Google Black Owned Friday

Source: Google / Black Owned Friday

The trio stars in “A Day of Black-owned Shopping with Druski, Glorilla, and Jayda Cheaves’ film directed by Rodney Lucas, highlighting Black-owned businesses and products featured in this year’s Black-Owned Friday” initiative.

In the short film, Druski, GloRilla, and Jayda Cheaves visit three Black-Owned businesses: Royal Crown Barbershop, Wadada Health Market and Juice Bar, and The Wellness Spot.

Druski, GloRilla & Director Rodney Lucas On The Importance of Black-Owned Friday

“As an artist, I’m all about representing where I come from and supporting my community, “GloRilla begins. “Partnering with Google for Black-owned Friday is my way of showing love to Black entrepreneurs who are out here making big moves. Supporting Black-owned businesses is more than a moment—it’s a movement, it’s how we grow, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Google Black Owned Friday

Source: Google / Black-Owned Friday

Druski adds, “I enjoyed working with Google on Black-Owned Friday because it’s all about celebrating the greatness in our communities. I’m a comedian, but this is serious business—spotlighting Black entrepreneurs and showing the power of supporting our own. It’s a cool way to remind folks that every choice we make can uplift the culture, and I’m here for that…plus who doesn’t love a good smoothie, shape-up, and yoga session? I’m more flexible than meets the eye (laughing emoji).”

Google Black Owned Friday

Source: Google / Black-Owned Friday

“Working with the Google Team on Black-Owned Friday spoke directly to the soul of who I am as a Director and the level of care, support, and vibrations of Black joy that carry our communities,” Rodney Lucas begins. “At age 7, my first job was sweeping floors in one of the longest-standing Black-Owned record shops on the South Side of Chicago. That experience built the foundation of everything I am today. Our fillm gave me the opportunity to re ect, honor, and deliver a cinematic love letter to every Black-Owned business that helped propel my dreams. Black-Owned Friday is a moment to celebrate Black-owned businesses’ service, craftsmanship, and legacy worldwide, and I am grateful for the opportunity to add a chapter to this empowering and unifying campaign.”

Google Black Owned Friday

Source: Google / Black-Owned Friday

More Details About Black-Owned Friday

Right now, you can visit the landing page for Black-Owned Friday to see more videos supporting Black-owned businesses and add your own to highlight a local Black-owned business in your community. You can also check out a blog post from Dr. Valaurie Lee Bridges, owner of the Wellness Spot in Atlanta, Georgia. If you’re a business owner, you can also learn more about resources like Google’s Black-owned business attribute and the ByBlack Platform powered by the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., to help people find your company on Black-owned Friday and beyond.

Hit the gallery below for a complete list of businesses and products participating in the initiative.

1. EssenceTree

EssenceTree Holistic Life is a lifestyle brand that celebrates organic beauty and inspired living, the passions of its founder Charmaine Gibbs-West. Created as a platform for empowerment, the Atlanta, GA based company consists of luxurious handcrafted beauty products, transformative wellness services and entrepreneurial education. 

Established in 2005 on her husband’s family farm, EssenceTree started as a therapeutic hobby.  After transitioning from a fast-paced Wall Street career in New York, Charmaine moved south to Tennessee and embraced a simpler, more sacred life. 

 A student of various healing therapies, Charmaine found herself experimenting with homemade concoctions, artfully infusing practices of aromatherapy, herbalism and intention into her original recipes. Themes which were noticeably absent in the beauty industry.

Even now, EssenceTree’s creations are still original works of art, blended with the finest natural ingredients and healing intent. 

2. Marlie Mahogany

Marlie Mahogany started off as a shampoo girl in a doobie shop in Newark, NJ at the age of 14. She quickly became a specialist in hair maintenance, often taking care of the hair of family, friends and community members. After coming to Atlanta, Marlie went to school for dental assisting and quickly realized that her passion for doing hair was still calling her. Soon she began working for a celebrity hairstylist and learned a lot about the hair industry. Marlie was offered as position as a natural hairstylist at Royal Crown Barbershop in West End Atlanta where she worked for 6 years. Now she works full-time in her own hair studio, offering dedicated services and essential products to the natural hair community. 

3. Natural Beauty Organics

My name is Cat Belle. My daughter, Saharah, and I were inspired to create this hair care line because we are natural hair care professionals and lovers of a holistic lifestyle.  Natural Beauty Organics was created with specific goals in mind.

  1. To have a hair care product that really, really works on textured hair. 
  2. To assist hair growth using herbs and essential oils that promote an overall healthy scalp. 
  3. To educate and empower women worldwide, about natural hair.  

We use all natural ingredients, like hemp seed oil and avocado oil, both rich in omega 3 fatty acids that your hair loves. Combined, we have over 25 years of experience with natural hair. 
 
We love cultivating a space for women that choose to have relaxer free hair. We allow the narrative of  Natural Hair and Loving Natural Hair to unfold here at Natural Beauty Organics.

4. The Royal Crown Barbershop

The Royal Crown Barbershop

Source:The Royal Crown Barbershop

Ehl-Ahd, Royal Crown Barber Shop

“As a proud business owner serving the West End for 25 years, Royal Crown Barber Shop has been about more than just haircuts – it’s about building a community with my customers. Partnering with Google for Black-owned Friday lets me share that legacy and encourage everyone to support Black-owned businesses every day.”

5. Wada Healthy Market & Juice Bar

Jeanee Sellers, Wadada Healthy Market & Juice Bar

“Being part of Google’s Black-owned Friday campaign was an amazing opportunity! After years of serving our community at Wadada, I’ve witnessed firsthand how Black-owned businesses empower and uplift our community. I was proud to share my story and emphasize the importance of intentionally supporting and shopping with Black-owned businesses.”

6. The Wellness Spot

The Wellness Spot is an upscale fitness, day spa and private events destination in the heart of Historic College Park, GA. We deliver a total well-being experience. Whether you need to slip into an hour of calm or challenge yourself in a full-body sweat session. Our promise to you is a visit defined by quality, courtesy, comfort and respect. Learn more about The Wellness Spot journey.

7. Pretty Thuggish

Pretty Thuggish celebrates female empowerment through individuality, courage and power, embracing not only a pretty exterior, but also a “thuggish” interior. Pretty Thuggish has the essence of determination and self-love embedded into the fabric of each piece, and inspires others to be their authentic selves and live fearlessly.

Vibrant colors, edgy, yet feminine flair with a dash of tomboy sets Pretty Thuggish apart from other brands of women’s clothing. Our fun and flashy pieces make a bold statement no matter the occasion. Pretty Thuggish was created for confident women who emanate beauty through strength.

8. Waydamin

Est. 2021 • Ready to wear, size inclusive collections designed by Jayda Cheaves made to fit everyBODY.

9. Honey Beloved

Maisha Abdullah Owner of Honey Beloved

I believe there is much truth to the notion that we are pushed to be our best. My career as an Illustrator and Graphic Designer had become increasingly stressful and unsatisfying to the point that I decided to resign with little savings and an idealistic plan of working for myself. I was terrified to do this but I was more afraid of what would become of me if I didn’t. While establishing this plan I took a part time job at one of my favorite fashion retailers. Nearly everyday I was complimented by customers about my handmade jewelry and clothing. Even told that this multi million dollar company should be carrying my pieces. And additionally I must say that I learned allot from my retail fashion idol that I will be forever grateful for, however another common thought is don’t meet your idols.  On my way to work the next big undeniable push for change came again. I knew if I didn’t change my course literally and immediately I would be stuck. I veered off the road and made a u-turn like a bandit breaking out of jail. I drove straight to the local jewelry supply store, bought some supplies, went home and got to work. I have always been a pretty reliable and responsible person but there comes a time in life when neither of those things are as important as saving yourself will ever be. I know that striking out in more ways than one is something that just had to be done!

10. Milano Di Rouge

Milano Di Rouge created by a Dreamer for the Dreamers, the visionaries, and ambitious individuals who aspire to a lifestyle of luxury, authenticity, and success. Our designs are more than just clothing; they’re the keys to unlocking a world where dreams become reality and ambitions are worn on one’s sleeve—literally. Each piece embodies excellence, designed for those who dare to dream and live with purpose. We offer more than just style; our brand narrative is woven into every aspect, inviting our audience to join a movement of boldness and authenticity. In every detail, Milano Di Rouge captures the essence of the dreamer’s journey. 

11. Nourish Botanica

Founded in 2014 by Quianah Upton | Homegrown in Atlanta, GA.

With our shops and outdoor event space we provide healing through art, flowers and plants grown on our land, food as medicine and herbal blends. Nourish Botanica also provides a physical space for engagement and education around equity and social justice by centering joy.

12. King’s Barber Parlor By Geno

Book services by heading here.

13. LaRayia’s Bodega

The first Black-owned vegan bodega in Atlanta.

14. MoreLyfe Juice Co.

100% Plant Based ? JUICES ?SMOOTHIES ? PATTIES ? BOWLS

26 Nov 2024

Drake Accuses UMG & Spotify of Inflating ‘Not Like Us’ | Billboard News

Drake has filed legal action against UMG and Spotify over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” claiming the song’s numbers were inflated. Keep watching to see the full story. 

Tetris Kelly:
Drake is in his “First Person Shooter” mood as he files legal action against UMG and Spotify, alleging that the two companies conspired to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” track. This is the beef that keeps on beefing.

After cooling down for a few months, new tensions arise in the ongoing stride between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Mere days after Kendrick Lamar released his latest album, GNX, which takes a few shots at the Canadian rapper, the petty king himself turn things up a notch. By filing on Monday in a Manhattan court, Drake’s attorneys accuse UMG of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, the federal “RICO” statute often used in criminal cases against organized crime. They also allege deceptive business practices and false advertising under a New York State law.

The legal action comes as a surprise as UMG has distributed Drake’s music for his entire career. In a statement to Billboard, a UMG spokesperson sharply denied Drake’s allegations: “The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans chose the music they want to hear.”

Keep watching for more. 

26 Nov 2024

Jason Kelce Gives Thanks For Taylor Swift’s Generosity to Family: ‘She’s a Wonderful Person’

During this time of year, when people are thinking about being thankful for those special people in their lives, Jason Kelce has one person in particular who he is especially grateful for. During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show on Monday (Nov. 25), the former Philadelphia Eagles center told the host that being swept into Taylor Swift‘s orbit over the past year has been a “whirlwind.”

Since his younger brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, began dating Swift last summer, Jason told Eisen that some people have been asking him for for tickets to her massive Eras Tour stadium shows, and he always gives the same answer. “Thankfully I don’t get a lot of people reaching out for Taylor Swift tickets… it is an immediate no. But, I don’t get a lot of that,” Jason Kelce said.

That said, Jason noted that Swift has been adamant that anyone who needs a pair of tix for the tour that is slated to wrap up next week with a final run of three gigs in in Vancouver at BC Place Stadium is totally welcome to be placed on her personal VIP list. “Taylor has said she will take care of anybody that I ask for,” he said. “She does say that, she’s great, but I still say no to everybody.”

Trending on Billboard

Jason — who is expecting his fourth child with wife Kylie Kelce — explained that he just doesn’t want to be that guy who imposes on the 34-year-old singer, or puts her in an awkward position. Why? Because, he said, “she’s been nothing but lovely to our family, she’s a wonderful person and I don’t want that to kind of be a dynamic.”

Eisen asked Kelce to clarify that Swift has given him a “clear path” to tickets that the former NFL star has shut down. “Yeah… where’s the line? Exactly, so I’m not even broaching the line,” he said. “I’m staying away from the line.”

Like his younger brother, Jason has attended a number of Eras Tour shows, including with Kylie in London in June, as well as with their two oldest daughters in Miami last month. In addition, Taylor has frequently been spotted hanging with the Kelce family in skyboxes during Travis’ Chiefs games over the past year.

Watch Jason Kelce talk Taylor tickets below.

26 Nov 2024

Watch the VCU Pep Band Perform Kendrick Lamar’s ‘TV Off’ at College Basketball Game

The Peppas impressively learned the composition in just two days.

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar smiles alongside Jay Rock, center, in between filming for the the music video for “Not Like Us” at Nickerson Gardens on June 22, 2024 in Watts, Calif.

Michael Blackshire/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

A few tracks from Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album have garnered momentum as early standouts, such as the Mustard-produced “TV Off.” Virginia Commonwealth University’s pep band didn’t waste any time learning how to play the track, and the Peppas band debuted the performance at the Rams’ basketball game in South Carolina on Sunday (Nov. 24).

A clip from the composition went viral as the band provided a symphony behind Kendrick’s vocals, which even included his fan-favorite “Mustard” shout-out. The Peppas members seemed to be loving it too, as a few of the members appeared to be thrilled with the result.

Perhaps the band’s new composition inspired the VCU Rams on the floor, as they throttled the University of Miami Hurricanes 77-70 on Sunday in a contest that went down at the College of Charleston’s TD Arena.

Trending on Billboard

Fans will have to see if the Peppas have any more Kendrick Lamar tracks to perform in the stash from GNX on Friday night (Nov. 29), when Elizabeth City State comes to town for a game.

“First pep band to play it two days after it was released,” the Peppas bragged in a comment on TikTok.

Fans gave them props for learning it so quickly. “Already having it composed is insane,” one person wrote. Another added: “That was fast! Pep band composition in two days is crazy!”

“TV Off” is expected to be one of the many GNX tracks invading next week’s Billboard Hot 100 courtesy of Kendrick Lamar. GNX serves as K. Dot’s sixth studio album, which arrived as a surprise release on Friday (Nov. 22)

Watch the VCU Peppas’ performance below.

26 Nov 2024

Have We Reached Peak Music Biopic?

When Brookfield Asset Management invested $2 billion in Primary Wave roughly two years ago, a representative from the Canadian fund predicted that just as there has been a wave of comic book superhero movies, there would a wave of musician biopics.

“Music is going to be like the Marvel and DC comic catalogs,” Angelo Ruffino, who was then the managing partner at Brookfield behind the Primary Wave investment, said in October 2022. “There are just so many ways to monetize music that I think are in the early innings.”

Hollywood has churned out superhero films, from Batman to Black Panther, but the genre has been drawing smaller audiences of late. With a flurry of music biopics set for release in the next few years — including feature films about Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Queen Latifah, four films about each member of The Beatles, and maybe one about The Bee Gees — have we reached peak biopic?

Trending on Billboard

The top post on Reddit’s subreddit page about Dylan as of this writing is titled, “On not being interested in A Complete Unknown,” and it is far from the only gripe about dramatizations of currently touring musicians on the Internet.

However many factors are contributing to a packed pipeline of musician biopics, and consumer demand just one. By that measure, many recent music biopics have been hits. About half of the 25 highest grossing music biopics of all time, according to boxofficemojo.com, were released since 2014, with Bohemian Rhapsody about Queen at No. 1 with $216.4 million, Straight Outta Compton about N.W.A. at No. 2 with $161.2 million and Elvis at No. 3 with $151 million all in gross revenue in the United States.

Natalia Nastaskin, chief content officer at Primary Wave, which as involved with the 2022 release “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody”—No. 24 in the top 25 grossing biopics—says demand remains high. But the years it can take to land the starring actors, directors and producers essential to making a hit movie may mean these films continue to trickle out over the coming years.

“I do think we are going to see more of these biopics because we are always fascinated by the stories of our rock stars and the behind-the-scenes story of their lives,” Nastaskin tells Billboard. “How many more biopics will we see? Really hitting that cultural zeitgeist may take several years.”

Primary Wave is currently involved in biopics about Boyz II Men and Boy George—both in production.

Another factor that has the potential to disrupt the normal line between demand and supply are the different ways Hollywood and the music industry make money off these films. Hollywood defines a successful movie by the revenue it grosses; the music industry is more interested in how it drives moviegoers to stream the music, buy merch and the tangential licensing opportunities delivered by the music’s resurging relevance.

By those definitions, Elvis was a smash. All of the activity that the Baz Luhrmann biopic drove for Elvis’s music and brand boosted the Presley estate’s estimated value to around $1 billion 2022 from an estimated $400 million to $600 million in 2020.

It may take years to measure the impact of Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan on his catalog, at least until 2025, which is when the Michael Jackson biopic is slated for release. With The Beatles films expected in 2027, there seems like no shortage of musician biopics to come.