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The B-52s Extend Las Vegas Residency with Additional 2025 Dates

More than two years after they announced their farewell tour, new wave veterans The B-52s are still going strong, announcing an additional run of dates for their ognoing Las Vegas residency.

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Announced alongside the completion of their current residency, the group will return to The Venetian Resort in Vegas next year, performing five shows across Apr. 11, 12, 16, 18, and 19.

The B-52s initially announced shows at The Venetian back in 2022 when they revealed their ongoing farewell tour. That run of dates included three shows at the venue in October 2022, though additional shows were announced for May, and August and September 2023. Currently, the group will wrap up their latest residency on Wednesday (Nov. 13), having played another handful of shows in April.

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Formed in Athena, Georgia in 1976, The B-52s would release a total of seven albums between 1979 and 2008, including 1989’s Cosmic Thing which gave them their highest-charting release globally, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The record also spawned their most successful singles, “Love Shack” and “Roam”, which both reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 that year.

Known for their pioneering status in the new wave genre and unique aesthetic, the group’s lineup has revolved around the quartet of Fred Schneider, Katie Pierson, Keith Strickland, and Cindy Wilson since its inception, though founding guitarist Ricky Wilson died from an AIDS-related illness in 1985. Strickland, meanwhile, has not been part of the touring ensemble since 2013.

“No one likes to throw a party more than we do, but after almost a half-century on the road, it’s time for one last blowout with our friends and family … our fans,” said Schneider in a statement alongside the announcement of their farewell tour.

“Who knew what started as a way to have some fun and play music for our friends’ at house parties in Athens in 1977 would evolve into over 45 years of making music and touring the world,” added Pierson. “It’s been cosmic.”

Coach, Dior, Bottega & More: 13 Designer Bags That Celebs Can’t Put Down

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.

‘Tis the season to buy a new bag. From clutch to crossbody, hobo, satchel, tote and quilted carryalls, securing the perfect bag can transform your outfit and simultaneously put you in a better mood and with the holidays right around the corner, it’s a good time to start formulating your list (and checking it twice).

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If you’re a looking for a new bag and need some style inspiration, we put together a list of gift-worthy list of bags beloved by Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and other recording stars with great style.  

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Whether you’re shopping for a holiday gift or need a new bag for yourself, keep reading for a roundup of designer bags to shop for the holidays and beyond.

Aupen

We can thank the pop girlies for putting Aupen in the spotlight. Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez  have been spotted wearing Aupen but the brand shot to fame last year after Swift was photographed carrying the now viral Nirvana bag on date night with her boyfriend Travis Kelce.

Olivia Rodrigo wore an unreleased Nirvana Croc Buckle Bag from theLVMH Métiers d’Art collaboration last month and Charli XCX wore a Nirvana bag while leaving Bowery Hotel in New York City on Tuesday (Nov. 12).

Aupen

Aupen Nirvana Bag

The Nirvana is a versatile, “minimalist” bag made from calfskin leather that can carry on your shoulder or tuck under your arm. The asymmetrical bag features a gold buckle closure, interior pocket and braided handle (the bag measures 10.3 x 4.5 x 2.7 inches in depth).

Coach

In the land of luxury bags, Coach needs its own area code. GloRilla, Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, Kelsie Ballerini, Normani, Coco Jones, Swift, Dove Cameron and a bunch of other celebs are fans of Coach bags and clothing.  

What the best Coach bag? Too many to name but the Tabby bag lands high on the list. The beloved bag is available in smooth leather and quieted leather — in a variety of sizes and colors including classic black, merlot, maple and dark stone.

Coach

Coach Tabby

Need a bigger Coach bag? The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag has a slouchy, hobo design with the same Coach quality.

Coach

Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39

Made from natural grain leather, the trendy bag comes in three sizes — the smallest being the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 23, which measures just 7.25 inches. Bag 28 is a medium-sized bag and Bag 39 is the larger among the three at 17 inches (big enough to fit a 15-inch laptop). Model Bella Hadid was seen wearing the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag in July. The bag features a magnetic closure with an interior snap pocket to store smaller essentials.

Bottega Venetta

Bottega Venetta’s Mini Jodie Leather Hobo Bag need its own fan club. The woven design became extremely popular over the last couple years, but it’s also one of the more moderately priced bags from Bottega.

The Mini Jodie is available nearly a dozen colors including black, white, caramel, almond and two shades of green. If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, consider Anthropologie’s The Brigitte Satchel ($180) or Quince’s Handwoven Shoulder Bag ($129).

Bottega Venetta

Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie Bag

Bottega has a range of small, medium, large and gigantic bags beloved by the likes of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Over Halloween, Rihanna stepped out in a Savage x Fenty leopard print onesie paired with a huge Bottega Veneta Women’s Maxi Luaren 1980 Bag while A$AP Rocky showed off a huge, pink Bottega Venetta Duffle during his birthday last year and in September, the Harlem rapper debuted a snakeskin Mini Bottega Sardine Bag at Milan Fashion week.

Burberry

Raincoats, scarves, bucket hats and boots. Certain things come to mind when you think of Burberry’s checkered print. Burrberry’s Check bowling bag captures the brand’s sophisticated designs in the form of a purse – and its pop star-approved. Grande was seen carrying a Burrberry Check bag (while wearing Burberry heels, of course) in early November.

Burberry

Burberry Bowling Bag

Constructed from faux leather with calf leather trim and a fabric interior, the Check bowling bag features a leathery padlock and gold key, zipper closure, removeable strap and measures   7.3 x 4.3 x 4.7 inches, making it roomy enough to store your wallet, keys, lip gloss, cell phone and other daily essentials.

Dior

Saddle up! We’re traveling back to the Y2K. The Saddle Bag, designed by John Galiano, debuted on Dior’s Spring/Summer 2000 runway.

Dior

Dior Saddle Bag

Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton were some of the stars spotted with Dior back then and after more than 24 years, the Saddle Bag has become an iconic accessory for fashion lovers like Swift who sported a Dior Saddle Bag more than once (most recently during a date night with Kelce).

Gucci

From the runway to the silver screen, Gucci has a long been affiliated with the stars. The brand has collaborated with Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny among others and after more than 80 years after the first Gucci store opened its doors, the luxury brand has transcended fashion and become one with the music mainstream.

Gucci

Gucci Ophidia Mini Bag

When it comes to bag, Gucci has a lot of them.  And they’re pricey – anywhere from below $1,000 to well over $4,000. The Ophidia Mini falls on the cheaper end of the price list at $800 and it’s a cute gift option.

Loewe

From the Super Bowl to the Met Gala, Loewe is becoming a favorite among some of music’s biggest names: Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar and Janet Jackson to name a few.

Loewe

LOEWE Mini Flamenco Purs Bag

In the bag department, Loewe offers a visually alluring selection of designs such as the Squeeze Bag, which Hilary Duff was spotted carrying in New York City, the Puzzle bag, Puzzle tote, Flamenco bag and Pebble bucket bag –- all available in mini, medium and large.

Louis Vuitton

A luxury bag with a price tag to match. After partnering with several recording artists over the years, Louis Vuitton finally hired one: Pharrell Williams was named men’s creative director in 2023.

The fashion house has collaborated with artists such as Rihanna, J-Hope and Tyler, the Creator, and dressed plenty of stars including Beyoncé, Swift, Gomez, Shawn Mendez and Usher.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Metis Pochette Purse

With so many bags on the roster, it’s tough to narrow down the best Louis Vuitton bag, but if you’re interested in a satchel-style, everyday bag turn to the Louis Vuitton Mettis Pochette. The 9.8-inch bag has a top handle, adjustable strap, three internal compartments and an S-lock closure.

For those feeling fashionable retro, the Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Alma Bag is back in style. BLACKPINK’s LISA rocked a Stephen Sprouse bowling bag earlier this year and we’re still thinking about Rihanna’s tiny Louis Vuitton Nano Speedy Monogram Bag.

Osoi

K-pop lovers might be familiar with Osoi. The Korean bag brand worn by Hyein of NewJeans carries a range of styles and textures — leather, suede and other materials.

OSIO

OSOI Black Mini Toni Bag

The Black Mini Tote from Osoi is a modern spin on the classic hobo, shoulder bag. Made from buffed leather, the leather bag features an adjustable sliding handle, two-zipper closures, an interior pocket and it’s lined with faux suede.  

Prada

Prada girlies, unite! Lots of celebrities wear Prada — sunglasses, fragrances, clothing, footwear and of course, Prada bags. Prada’s Arqué seems to the latest celeb-loved bag from the brand.

Prada

Prada Arqué Leather Mini Shoulder Bag

The moon-shaped, leather bag comes in black and white and it’s just a bit more expensive than the popular Re-Nylon Mini Bag. Offering a new spin on a vintage look, the Re-Edition 2000 Mini Bag ($1,250) is made of “Re-Nylon,” which comes from recycled, purified plastic trash collected in the ocean, fishing nets, and textile waste fibers” according to Prada. The Re-Edition mini shoulder bag features a zipper closure, woven tape handle and the Prada triangle logo centered in the front.

Versace

Versace has worked with everyone from Madonna to Jungkook and continues to find new ways to connect with fans of different generations.

Versace

Versace Kleio Quilted Mini Bag

Earlier this month, Aepsa’s Ningning debuted in the Versace 2024 Holiday Campaign showcasing the new Kleio bag. The quilted, lambskin leather shoulder bag has an adjustable, double chain strap with gold hardware and it’s perfectly giftable for the holidays.

YSL

As a brand ambassador for St. Laurent, BLACKPINK’s Rosé gets dibs on the hottest YSL bags that she can wear on the red carpet or while traveling the globe.

YSL Textured Leather Shoulder Bag

YSL’s gorgeously-designed bags include the Voltaire Embellished Leather Tote ($3,000), the Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag ($1,700) and the YSL Bucket Bag ($2,100). The textured leather bag pictured above is more of a “night out” bag that you can wear to holiday parties and other formal events.

For more musician-inspired gift ideas, see our list of K-Pop star-approved Lululemon gifts and 50 unique gifts for music lovers.

From Tech to Beauty: 15 Early Black Friday Deals That’ll Kickstart Your Holiday Shopping Savings

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.

The holiday season has arrived, and with it many savings opportunities to check off all the gifts for everyone on your list — including the music lovers. Discount events have been happening earlier than ever this year, and rather than wait until the last minute to stock up on all your gifting needs, stores are hosting early Black Friday deals now, rewarding all the early shoppers with slashed prices on everything from tech, beauty, home and fashion essentials.

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No matter who you’re shopping for this season, you can save cash and get all the musician-loved products for the fans in your life, whether they’re an avid vinyl collector in need of some record player accessories or a K-pop fan looking to embody their favorite group member.

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You don’t want to wait too long to score deals on gifts for your loved ones: These savings will only be going on for a limited time. Already, sizes and stock are selling out, and the last thing you want is to see an “out of stock” message on your most-wanted items.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Are the Best Early Black Friday Deals?

Rather than seek out the savings yourself, ShopBillboard put together a list of some of the best early Black Friday deals for you to buy online now below.

Amazon

OYIB Wireless Earbuds

$22.79

$99.99

77% off

More than 4,000 Amazon shoppers have snagged these wireless earbuds this month — and now you can score them for under $25. No matter where you’re traveling, you can throw the compact charging holder into your bag while the earbuds themselves provide up to 10 hours of non-stop listening in a single charge.

Walmart

Walmart+ Membership

$49/yea

$98/year

50% off

Walmart+ is being slashed for 50% off dropping to under $50. If you’re an avid shopper, you’ll be able to test out the shopping service for free for 30-days before being charged only $49 for the entire year. In addition to getting day-of delivery on select items, you’ll also get free shipping and member-exclusive discounts.

Ulta Beauty

Eilish No. 2 Eau de Parfum

$50.40

$72

30% off

Ulta’s early Black Friday deals includes 30% off Billie Eilish’s second perfume. Not only does it come in a chic display-worthy bottle, but you can channel the singer with each spritz and enjoy notes of apple blossom, poppy flowers and palo santo.

Target

Disney Princess Moana Microphone

$9.74

$12.99

25% off

As Moana 2‘s premiere date approaches, you can sing your favorite songs from the first movie with this karaoke microphone inspired by the sequel. The device comes with two buttons: one that plays music and one that let’s you sing your heart out with echoing acoustics that’ll have you feel as though you’re on stage.

Walmart

Crosley Cruiser Premier Vinyl Record Player

$35

$44.96

22% off

Spinning your favorite albums has never been easier (and affordable) with Crosley’s stylish record player. The device comes in a range of shades depending on your preference and has adjustable features like pitch control and Bluetooth capabilities that’ll let you stream music straight from your smart phone and through the turntable’s built-in speakers.

Urban Outfitters

Lace Bow Barrette Set

$12 (or 5 for $50)

Channel your inner Laufey with a pair of delicate lace bows similar to the signature accessory the singer sports on stage. You’ll receive two barrettes made from an elegant lace material that you can simply slide into your hair for a more put together look.

Amazon

“From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen”

$9.15

$24.95

63% off

Snoop Dogg’s bestselling cookbook has been marked down 63% off through Amazon’s early Black Friday savings. Now, you can serve up some of the rapper’s favorite recipe’s including his take on baked mac and cheese and fried bologna sandwiches.

Alo Yoga

North Star Cargo Pants

$103

$148

30% off

K-pop fans won’t be able to resist these cargo pants — especially since they’re a favorite of BTS’ Jin. The style comes with a lightweight material that’s loose for a more relaxed fit while the built in pockets on each leg provide ample storage for all of your small essentials.

Amazon

Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Home Speaker, Black

$227.99

$279.99

19% off

Turn your home into a personal concert with the help of this sleek Marshall speaker. It’s a ShopBillboard favorite no only for its leather exterior but crisp sound that you can even personalize from the bass to the treble using the knobs on top.

Nordstrom

Bondi 8 Running Shoe (Men)

$132

$165

20% off

TWICE has noted these Hoka sneakers as a favorite in their Pinterest gift wish list — and we can see why. Not only does the monochrome coloring give off a more elevated sporty look, but the plush cushioning helps ensure your feet are supported and comfortable with each step.

Our Place

Always Pan 2.0

$95

$150

37% off

Cook up new and old recipes with the popular Always Pan from the Selena Gomez-approved cooking brand. The pan has become a cult-favorite for its vibrant style as well as ability to evenly cook dishes and compact size.

Amazon

Beats Studio Pro

$249.99

$349.99

29% off

Kim Kardashian’s collab with Beats gets a $100 discount dropping the chic over-ear headphones to under $300. With each wear you’ll not only get custom spatial audio and up to 40 hours of battery on a single charge.

Kate Spade

Deco Pebbled Leather & Suede Hobo Bag

$250.60

$358

30% off

Kate Spade’s 30% off sale will give you designer arm candy for a fraction of the cost — including on this sophisticated suede hobo bag. Featuring a red mixed material exterior with gold accents, you can elevate your outfit with each wear while keeping your phone and wallet secure.

Skims

Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress

$56

$80

30% off

Singers including Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX and Lana Del Rey are just a few of the artists who have partnered with SKIMS and now the brand’s bi-annual sale gives you a chance to snag celeb-loved pieces for a wallet-friendly price. One of the most popular picks includes the long slip dress that comes with a soft yet stretchy material that’ll hug your body without leaving you feel restricted. You can also pair it with a denim jacket for a more casual look or wear it alone to dress it up.

Brooklinen

Luxe Sateen Duvet Set

$171.96

$238

28% off

Dress up your bed in celeb-loved Brooklinen bedding. The duvet set is currently on sale and features a temperature-regulating material that’s both soft and cool and comes in a variety of patterns and shades depending on your style.

While early savings opportunities are happening now, you don’t have to worry about missing out on major discounts as Black Friday is still slated to have just as good — if not better — discounts on all of the top-rated and more viral products out there.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best gifts for musicians, gifts for singers and gender-neutral gifts.

Tori Kelly to Perform During 2024 NWSL National Championship Weekend

Tori Kelly is scoring yet another goal as the end of 2024 approaches.

The National Women’s Soccer League announced on Tuesday (Nov. 12) that the two-time Grammy Winner will perform on the Adobe Stage at this year’s fourth annual NWSL Fan Fest. The event will take place just before the 2024 NWSL National Championship in Kansas City on November 23, where Melissa Etheridge will perform the national anthem.

“Welcoming Tori Kelly to the Adobe Stage at this year’s fan fest is an exciting culmination to our second season working in partnership with Adobe to celebrate the incredible fans and creators that are a part of the NWSL community,” said NWSL Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Julie Haddon in a press statement. “We thank Adobe for the opportunity to celebrate the end of the 2024 season with the creativity and passion that Tori’s music inspires.”

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It’s been an exciting year for Kelly, who dropped her fifth studio album Tori back in April, marking her first full length project since 2020’s A Tori Kelly Christmas. The album features guest appearances from Ayra Starr, Jon Bellion and Le Sserafim’s Kim Chae-won, and includes the singles “High Water,” “Missin U,” “Cut” and “Young Gun.” She’s in the midst of the Purple Skies tour in support of the album.

In addition to Kelly’s performance, Fan Fest will offer interactive games, food and beverages, photo opportunities with the NWSL Championship trophy and more, beginning at 4 p.m. at the CPKC Stadium in the Gold Lot before the big game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET. 

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The NWSL Fan Fest is free and open to the public, and more information can be found here.

October London & Snoop Dogg “Put You On,” Boosie “Butterfly” & More | Daily Visuals 11.12.24

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At this point in his career, Snoop Dogg is a triple OG in the rap game and while he’s been on his grown man ish for quite some time, the Hip-Hop icon can still party with the best of them and joins R&B crooner October London for a fancy soiree where they’re treated like kings by some sexy young ladies.

Linking up for “Put You On,” October London and Snoop Dogg throw themselves a feast as they’re joined by a gang of thick young women who carter to them like the bosses that they are as they toast to life and kick their ish much to everyone’s delight. With all that food y’all know everyone took leftovers for the week. At least we would’ve anyway.

Back in the South, Boosie gets all in his romantic feelings and in his clip to “Butterfly,” Badazz spits G to a cute little philly who seems to enjoy getting wooed by the Baton Rouge rapper. Boosie be hella funny, b.

Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from David Bars, Skilla Baby, and more.

OCTOBER LONDON & SNOOP DOGG – “PUT YOU ON”

BOOSIE – “BUTTERFLY”

DAVID BARS – “PRAYED FOR IT”

SKILLA BABY – “JWETT”

TYGA – “SPOOKY”

BASHY – “MADE IN BRITAIN”

IDK – “MILES TRUMPET”

TRISTAN – “GOOD GIRL GO TO WASTE”

Diddy’s Legal Team Files New Bail Request, Says Cassie Relationship Was Consensual

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Diddy’s fight for bail continues. His lawyers have submitted a new request and mention that his relationship with Cassie was consensual.

As per E Online, the Bad Boy Entertainment mogul is trying his absolute best to get out on bail. Last week, his representatives filed an additional motion Friday (Nov. 8), asking the presiding judge to reconsider the prior denial of Diddy’s bail due to “changed circumstances” and new evidence. The newly submitted documentation makes it “clear that the government’s case is thin.” His defense also pointed to the infamous footage of Diddy assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway claiming it’s “a minutes-long glimpse into a complex but decade-long consensual relationship between Mr. Combs and Victim-1.”

This is fourth time the “All About The Benjamin’s” rapper has requested bail. His previous attempts included large monetary offers for collateral and promises that he will not flee the country. On Tuesday (Sept. 17), U.S. Assistant Attorney Emily Johnson referred to the damming footage in her reasoning of why his bail should be denied. “Following a Freak Off at the InterContinental Hotel, the defendant violently assaulted the victim who was trying to leave the hotel room and was walking down the hall to the elevators,” she explained.

“He punched her, he threw her to the ground, he kicked her. He attempted to drag her back to the hotel room, and then later, he threw a vase at her. And it’s after this assault that the coverup started.” Johnson would later argue that this is just one of many incidents where he used his money, fame and power to suppress evidence of his wrongdoings.

Diddy’s trial is set to commence in May 2025.

Drake Makes No. 4 on Billboard’s List of 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century | Billboard News

We’re counting down the 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century, and taking No. 4 is Drake. The rapper has topped Billboard’s charts numerous amount of times. Keep watching to see how he dominated the Hot 100, Billboard 200 and so much more!

Tetris Kelly:

With 13 Billboard Hot 100 No.1’s, 13 No.1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and 39 Billboard Music Awards, who ranks No.4 on the greatest pop stars of the 21st century list? Drake! The Canadian superstar first made his name playing Jimmy Brooks in ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation.’ Drake’s music career quickly rose after catching the attention of Lil Wayne, who signed him to his label “Young Money” Records. That led to Drake’s first appearance on the Billboard charts in 2009 with “Best I Ever Had.” As music streaming platforms like Spotify began to rise in popularity, so did Drake. He became the leader of hip-hop for the 2010s mixing his rap verse with more personal R&B style singing, like his frequent collabs with Rihanna during this time. His album ‘Take Care’ not only won his first Grammy in 2013, it continued to show his influence in pop culture. Drake continued to produce No.1 albums like ‘Nothing Was the Same,’ and ‘If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.’ He also began working with another frequent collaborator “Future” with projects like ‘What a Time to Be Alive.’ 2016 was a huge year for Drake, his album ‘Views,’ debuted at No.1 and is his longest running No.1 album at 13 weeks. The album spanned some of the biggest hits of the decade like “Hotline Bling.” Another collab with Riri on “Too Good” and his first No.1 as a lead artist on the Hot 100 with “One Dance.”

Keep watching for more!

Mark Zuckerberg & T-Pain Have Been in the Studio Together

Mark Zuckerberg is potentially making music with T-Pain.

The Facebook founder posted a photo of the two in the studio on his Instagram Story with the caption, “It’s happening guys.” T-Pain then reposted the same pic with “It is time…” and referred to the Meta boss as “Z.”

The two have forged an unlikely relationship over the years with the Florida singer gifting Zuckerberg a Nappy Boy Meta chain earlier this year in July. Zuck posted a video of him putting on the chain and calling it, “a vibe,” and posted a caption, saying: “Thanks @tpain for the epic new chain. Perfect opportunity to show how the new Segment Anything AI research model we’re releasing today can track different objects in the same video. Lots of fun video effects will be possible with this.”

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T-Pain hopped in the comments to compliment his new pal, saying, “Looks great on you buddy. Thanks for being a great friend,” with Mark replying, “It’s a great chain! Looking forward to more adventures ahead.”

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There’s no word yet on what’s to come from this studio session, but judging by the video above of Zuck using Segment Anything AI to play around with his new chain, artificial intelligence is probably at the center of things. Now, will we get just a single or an entire album from these two? Can T-Pain usher in a new wave of A.I. in music like he did with autotune? We will have to wait and see.

The two became fast friends with the Meta CEO appeared on one of T-Pain’s livestreams back in 2021, where the singer asked Zuckerberg to add features to Instagram’s DMs. If you remember, T-Pain once revealed that he wasn’t aware of the social media platform’s request folder and went down a list of A-listers who tried to contact him over the years.

Cordae on ‘The Crossroads,’ His Evolution & Why Kendrick/Drake Feud Was ‘Great for Hip-Hop’

Cordae’s latest project, The Crossroads, marks what he might describe as the most refined version of himself as an artist. In an exclusive interview with Billboard News, Cordae deep-dives into why this album — which comes out on Friday — feels like his strongest work yet.

Cordae is clear on why now is the right time to drop this album. “I think it’s ready. I think I’m better than I’ve ever been as an artist,” he says.

He spent time focusing on his craft and drawing inspiration from life to make sure he was putting his best foot forward. “I feel like I needed that time to just live life, assess life,” he says. “This album in particular, I needed to get better.”

For Cordae, growth has been about everything from beat selection to songwriting. “I wanted to get better, like, as a songwriter, as a rapper. I wanted my verses to be better. I wanted my storytelling to be better. I wanted my beat selection and taste in beat selection to get better, and that requires work and time, so I feel like this is my best foot forward thus far.”

The album title, The Crossroads, speaks to a turning point that he felt he reached. “I felt like I was at a crossroads in my life,” he says, describing a period when every decision felt high-stakes. “It was like life or death. … If I go right, everything is gonna be perfect and yay, life is great, and if I go left, all life is horrible.” Over time, he’s learned that life is rarely shaped by a single choice. “I’ve kinda realized that one decision doesn’t hold that much weight. It’s a culmination of decisions.”

Cordae also reflects on his journey with J. Cole, a major influence. After rapping over J. Cole’s “1985” beat and calling it “Old N—as,” the track went viral when WorldStarHipHop labeled it as a response to J. Cole’s original. That music video caught Cole’s attention, eventually leading to their collaboration. “That’s what ended up getting me the beats and us locking in,” he says.

Cordae credits the recent Drake and Kendrick Lamar rivalry for energizing hip-hop’s competitive edge. “It was great for hip-hop,” he says. “The competitive nature is kind of the fundamentals of hip-hop, like, ‘Nah, I’m nicer than you, son.’” The rivalry, he adds, energized the culture. “It kind of just put a battery in everyone’s back, like, nah, we can just say how we feel — even if it’s like, ‘F— this guy.’”

Watch the full interview with Cordae in the video above.

The Blessed Madonna Responds to Trump Win, Says America Has ‘Chosen to Buy What That Vile Man Is Selling’

A week after Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, The Blessed Madonna has Tuesday (Nov. 12) published an essay on her newly launchedSubstack in response.

The Kentucky-born, London-based producer (real name: Marea Stamper) writes that she is “yoked to the brink of collapse with contempt for millions of my fellow Americans, myself included possibly. When Project 2025 spelled out the plan to cement power in the hands of white, straight men, while kneecapping every inch of progress made in our country over the last fifty years, I believed them, just as I believed Trump in 2016. I believe they intend to do what they have promised. But still, I feel like someone kicked the air out of me.”

The Blessed Madonna, who released her debut album Godspeed in October, is one of the few politically vocal electronic artists in the scene and is one of a handful of producers to publicly comment on the election results, with Massive Attack and Moby also sharing their thoughts following the Nov. 5 election. Read her complete statement below.

At night, I flip through my phone and try to make a timeline, something that will put this in a linear form that I can understand.

417 weeks ago, I was boarding a plane and a bunch guys in camo and MAGA gear got on. I posted a picture and I tagged United Airlines and said, these men are wearing clothing associated with a hate group and I feel uncomfortable. I was absolutely serious. But the comments poured in calling me judgemental, overreactive, snide, unhelpful. “You don’t know these guys at all! Terrible form. You would go nuts if someone did that to you.” As if that MAGA hat isn’t the stand in for a white hood. As if we did not see those men scaling the wall of the Capitol four years later.

It doesn’t matter how many pictures I look at or timestamps I check though. It’s all a knot of repeating scenarios. I tell my mother it will be ok. I tell myself it will be ok. Someone does something that makes me lose faith in humanity. Someone does something that restores it, for a while. It all just swings back and forth, ticking like a metronome which does not tell time, but keeps it in a holding pattern.

This week the metronome’s pendulum has swung mostly to shame. I indulged in the kind of optimism that no mother who has ever had to give her black or brown son “the talk” about police brutality will ever have the luxury to enjoy. I am yoked to the brink of collapse with contempt for millions of my fellow Americans, myself included possibly. When Project 2025 spelled out the plan to cement power in the hands of white, straight men, while kneecapping every inch of progress made in our country over the last fifty years, I believed them, just as I believed Trump in 2016. I believe they intend to do what they have promised. But still, I feel like someone kicked the air out of me. Women have cast their vote for men who would let them bleed to death in a hospital parking lot from a miscarriage, should they need an abortion?

I am so angry, I feel as if I drank poison and am waiting for the other guys to die.

This is who we are. This is America.

Don’t say it’s not.

We have done this now not twice, but millions of times in millions of ways. We have have done it at the border. We have done it in for-profit prisons and for nothing executions. We have done it in forever wars and proxy wars and culture wars. We have sold our schools and public hospitals off for parts and left human beings in the wreckage.

And We The People have chosen as a country to buy what that vile man is selling, the real American dream: white supremacy. And he will sell it to you whether you can redeem or not. And he has sold it to you, though in the end, it will redeem no one and nothing. And so tonight, what I lack in optimism, is replaced with rage, which itself I believe can be a kind of love. It is not a gentle or comforting kind of love, but the love that lives behind bared teeth and says: motherf—ker, one of us is about to die trying.