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Gene ‘Groove’ Allen, a rapper and actor who was known for his role in rap trio Groove B. Chill, died on Wednesday (Feb. 12). He was 62 years old, according to TMZ, who first reported the news. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The Long Island, New […]

The first Top Gabb Music Songs chart of 2025 continues a trend that started with the inaugural ranking for October 2024: a new No. 1 each month.
This time around, it’s Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” that tops the tally, debuting at No. 1 on the January 2025 survey as the most-played songs on Gabb Wireless phones that month.

Billboard has partnered with Gabb Wireless, a phone company for kids and teens, to present a monthly chart tracking on-demand streams via its Gabb Music platform. Gabb Music offers a vast catalog of songs, all of which are selected by the Gabb team to include only kid- and teen-appropriate content. Gabb Music streams are not currently factored into any other Billboard charts.

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Despite premiering in August 2024, “Die With a Smile” had not taken off on Gabb until January, becoming both acts’ first No. 1 on the monthly tally. The previous rulers include Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” KSI’s Trippie Redd-featuring “Thick of It” and Jelly Roll’s “Run It.”

Concurrently, “Die With a Smile” rose to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in January and has reigned for five weeks total, including on the most recent (Feb. 15-dated) list.

Trending on Billboard

It assumes the lead over former No. 1s “Thick of It,” “Run It” and “Beautiful Things” at Nos. 2-4, respectively. Juice WRLD’s “Face 2 Face” rounds out the top five at a new peak, rising 6-5.

Mars appears in the top 10 of Top Gabb Music Songs twice, as his ROSE collaboration “APT.” appears at No. 6, while Myles Smith’s “Stargazing” is the only other new entrant in the top 10, rising 12-9.

Other debuts aside from “Die With a Smile,” meanwhile, include “I Always Wanted a Brother” from the 2024 Disney film Mufasa: The Lion King (No. 22), Paul Russell’s “Lil Boo Thang (No. 24) and SZA’s “Saturn” (No. 25).

See the full top 25 below.

Top Gabb Music Songs

“Die With a Smile,” Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (debut)

“Thick of It,” KSI feat. Trippie Redd (=)

“Run It,” Jelly Roll (-2)

“Beautiful Things,” Benson Boone (=)

“Face 2 Face,” Juice WRLD (+1)

“APT.,” ROSE & Bruno Mars (-3)

“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” Luke Combs (-2)

“Slow It Down,” Benson Boone (+2)

“Stargazing,” Myles Smith (+3)

“Please Please Please,” Sabrina Carpenter (-1)

“Deja Vu,” Olivia Rodrigo (-3)

“God’s Plan,” Drake (+2)

“Popular,” Ariana Grande (-6)

“Too Sweet,” Hozier (+4)

“Love Somebody,” Morgan Wallen (+1)

“Butterfly Effect,” Travis Scott (-1)

“Bones,” Imagine Dragons (+5)

“Let You Down,” NF (+3)

“Defying Gravity,” Ariana Grande feat. Cynthia Erivo (-8)

“Wildflower,” Billie Eilish (=)

“Enemy,” Imagine Dragons (+2)

“I Always Wanted a Brother,” Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Aaron Pierre & Kelvin Harrison Jr. (debut)

“Stressed Out,” Twenty One Pilots (-4)

“Lil Boo Thang,” Paul Russell (debut)

“Saturn,” SZA (debut)

DROPS FROM DECEMBER 2024: JVKE, “Golden Hour”; “What Is This Feeling,” Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo; “Eyes Closed,” Imagine Dragons; “Jealousy, Jealousy,” Olivia Rodrigo

The civil lawsuit accusing Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2000 has been voluntarily dismissed, according to court documents filed on Friday (Feb. 14).

“Today is a victory. The frivolous, fictitious and appalling allegations have been dismissed,” Carter wrote in a post on Roc Nation’s official Instagram account. “This civil suit was without merit and never going anywhere. The fictional tale they created was laughable, if not for the seriousness of the claims. I would not wish this experience on anyone. The trauma that my wife, my children, my loved ones and I have endured can never be dismissed.”

The case was dismissed with prejudice against all defendants, meaning it cannot be refiled.

Filed in New York federal court in December, the complaint alleged that Carter and Combs drugged and assaulted the Jane Doe plaintiff during an after-party following the MTV Video Music Awards. The case arrived as an updated version of a previous lawsuit filed against Combs only.

At the time, Carter called the lawsuit a “blackmail attempt” designed to result in a settlement. He further called the Jane Doe’s attorney, Tony Buzbee — notable for filing a slew of sexual assault lawsuits against Combs — a “fraud,” a “deplorable human” and an “ambulance chaser in a cheap suit.”

In his Instagram post on Friday, Carter took further aim at Buzbee, writing, “This 1-800 lawyer gets to file a suit hiding behind Jane Doe, and when they quickly realize that the money grab is going to fail, they get to walk away with no repercussions. The system has failed.

“The court must protect victims, OF COURSE, while with the same ethical responsibility, the courts must protect the innocent from being accused without a shred of evidence. May the truth prevail for all victims and those falsely accused equally.”

In a statement sent to Billboard, Carter’s attorney, Alex Spiro, said the following: “The false case against JAY-Z, that never should have been brought, has been dismissed with prejudice. By standing up in the face of heinous and false allegations, Jay has done what few can — he pushed back, he never settled, he never paid 1 red penny, he triumphed and cleared his name.”

“Today’s complete dismissal without a settlement by the 1-800 attorney is yet another confirmation that these lawsuits are built on falsehoods, not facts,” said a lawyer for Combs in a statement. “For months, we have seen case after case filed by individuals hiding behind anonymity, pushed forward by an attorney more focused on media headlines than legal merit. Just like this claim, the others will fall apart because there is no truth to them. Sean Combs has never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor. No number of lawsuits, sensationalized allegations, or media theatrics will change that reality. We will continue to fight these baseless claims and hold those responsible. This is just the first of many that will not hold up in a court of law.”

Buzbee declined to comment on the dismissal.

This story was updated to add statements from Carter and Combs’ attorneys.

Billboard has announced the launch of its first French edition. The new venture is licensed by So Press. Billboard France marks the 12th global edition of Billboard.

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In the Parisian night, an imposing entourage makes its way to the photo studio. About 10 people – assistants, photographers, and collaborators – orbit around a familiar silhouette. The studio door opens to reveal Burna Boy, accompanied by his sister Ronami, an inseparable figure in his success, who combines the roles of manager, stylist and advisor with unwavering conviction. There’s an obvious quality to his charisma – the kind that shifts the energy of a place as soon as the person enters.In recent years, Burna Boy has been particularly prolific, allowing himself few moments of respite. Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, he comes from a family deeply rooted in music (his grandfather was the manager of legend Fela Kuti).

From promising beginnings in 2012 with the single “Like To Party” to a noteworthy first album, L.I.F.E, released in 2013. However, it was from 2017 that his career took on an international dimension. Mainstream global audiences discovered him during a collaboration with Drake on “More Life” in 2017. He followed with three major albums (Outside, African Giant, and Twice as Tall) while delivering well-chosen features like “Jerusalema” with Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode, and “Be Honest” and “Location” with British artists Jorja Smith and Dave, respectively.

Trending on Billboard

After filling La Défense Arena and its 40,000 seats in May 2023, the Nigerian artist is preparing to take on a new challenge: the Stade de France, on April 18, 2025, the starting point of a European tour of about 10 dates.

France holds a special place in Burna Boy’s career. It’s the third country where he’s most listened to, behind the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the SNEP (Syndicat national de l’édition phonographique, in English National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing), the has 11 certified singles in France and has already been streamed more than 700 million times there.

“It’s a celebration of African excellence and proof that our music knows no boundaries,” he confides, showing pride in being the first non-French-speaking African artist to perform in the legendary venue. ” It’s not just about me as an artist but about representing a continent, a culture, and a people whose stories deserve to be heard on the biggest stages in the world.”

Figurehead of Nigerian Music

In 2019, he proclaimed himself African Giant. Today, the title seems trivial compared to the scale of his triumph. Burna Boy’s journey illustrates that of an outsider, a meteoric rise from Port Harcourt to the heights of international music. Initially an English-speaking breakthrough that today knows no boundaries.

More than a decade after Burna Boy’s rise with L.I.F.E, Nigerian music has established itself as a major force in global popular culture. Afrobeats, a genre of which he has become the most respected ambassador, transcends geographical, linguistic and cultural boundaries. Vevo even reported that in 2023, views of Afrobeats and Amapiano tracks increased by 61%, exceeding four billion. As reported by IFPI, Sub-Saharan Africa is the region with the fastest-growing music industry (the only one exceeding 20% growth in 2023).

Burna Boy’s Grammy Award, which he keeps on a dedicated table at home, also demonstrates a new American appetite for the Nigerian sound. “It’s not just about recognition—it’s what it symbolizes. It represents the power of staying true to yourself, breaking boundaries, and proving that African music belongs on the global stage. It’s a reminder that our culture and art are worthy of the highest honors.”

He returns this new American recognition well by inviting GZA for a feature on the title track of his latest album, I Told Them. On this album, he openly samples great American artists (Toni Braxton, Brandy, Jeremih, among others). “Yes, it’s intentional. Sampling is a way to pay homage to the sounds that shaped me while creating something new. It’s about bridging cultures and showing that music is a universal language. I’ll continue to experiment because growth and creativity go hand in hand.”

Burna Boy

Xiaoyi Dai/Billboard France

The Anglo-Saxon World As a Leitmotif

Having studied in London during high school, then briefly at Oxford Brookes during university, the English scene opened its doors to him first, and he’s always known how to reciprocate. He looks fondly on this ecosystem whose Nigerian roots are also illustrated in music (he mentions J Hus, Dave, NSG, and Not3s). “They’re carrying the torch in their own way. The UK has always had a deep connection with African music, and these artists are blending their experiences with Afrobeats influences to create something unique. It’s a beautiful exchange of cultures, and it shows how far-reaching Afrobeats’ impact is.”

African Music Conquering the World

The resonance of Burna Boy’s music is part of a larger movement. Since 2020, Afrobeat has spread westward thanks to crossover hits like CKay’s “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)” or Rema’s “Calm Down,” which have exceeded a billion streams on Spotify. Nigeria is now the sixth best music-exporting country, and Burna Boy serves as the figurehead of a scene that has definitively conquered the world.

He enthusiastically discusses this new generation of Nigerian artists who are breaking codes. “[They’re] fearless,” he states. “They are experimenting with sounds and taking risks. It’s interesting to see how they’re building on the foundation. They’re proof that Nigerian & indeed African music has no limits.” As the genre gained popularity abroad, more Afrobeats artists began their first U.S. tours after lockdown.

Among all of them, Burna has performed on the biggest stages – where real superstars are born. But this consecration can be frightening too, as Western stars have almost immediately embraced Nigerian sounds. An observation that doesn’t scare Burna Boy: “In 10 years, if we are mindful to keep putting in the work, Afrobeats will be even more global, influencing every corner of the music industry. It will evolve, incorporating new sounds and ideas, but its essence—our African roots—will remain intact. I see it being a dominant force in shaping global pop culture.”

His view isn’t limited to Nigeria. He observes with interest the emergence of French-speaking West African scenes: “[They] are incredibly vibrant and full of talent. Artists from Ivory Coast, Senegal and Mali are creating something powerful by mixing their musical traditions with modern sounds.”We take the opportunity to ask his view on French artists in general. The answer will surprise many: “I’ve always admired artists like Stromae, Matt Pokora, Tayc & Aya to mention a few. Their ability to tell stories and push creative boundaries resonates with me. French music has a unique depth, and it’s influenced how I approach my own storytelling.”

Refocusing on Raw Emotions

“When you’re honest in your music, people feel it, no matter where they’re from.” His extraordinary ability to transform personal experiences into anthems, as exemplified by “Last Last,” born from a romantic breakup, has indeed played a crucial role in Burna Boy’s rise. His tracks are imbued with raw emotions of universal dimensions, explaining his global success.

His next project (perhaps named “No Sign of Weakness” if we believe some cryptic messages sent to his fans before Christmas), promises to explore new horizons and unprecedented spirituality in his music. “It’s extrospective,” he reveals. “It’s not just about me but about looking outward, reflecting on the world, and how my experiences connect to the bigger picture. It’s about growth, understanding, and challenging perceptions while staying true to who I am.”

The Pillars of His Life

He supports organizations like R.E.A.C.Hng that work with disadvantaged communities in Nigeria and created the ProjectPROTECT fund which helps those wrongfully detained in cases of police violence. “I’ve been blessed,” he acknowledges, “and I believe it’s my responsibility to use my platform to uplift others.” Politics permeates Burna Boy’s tracks, particularly through his songs “Wetin Man Go Do” and “Another Story.”

This social consciousness comes with a deep sense of family. His mother Bose and sister Ronami play crucial roles in his career. “They’re my pillar,” he affirms. “They understand me not just as an artist but as a person, and they push me to be the best version of myself. Working with them is natural because we share a bond and a vision that goes beyond business. It also has its headaches as do all relationships but I’m the better for it.”

As his French fans await a historic show at the Stade de France, Burna Boy more than ever embodies an era where African music dictates global trends. But it’s almost carried by an uncontrollable wave that his eighth album arrives, to once again redefine the limits of the genre.

Burna Boy

Xiaoyi Dai/Billboard France

For more than a year, record labels and publishers have seen investors pour into streaming stocks — namely Spotify — while downplaying the potential benefits rights owners will accrue from rising subscription prices. Now, Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group (WMG) are getting some attention as analysts are optimistic about the terms of new licensing agreements Spotify reached with the companies.
WMG shares rose 10.9% to $36.20 a week after the company released fiscal first-quarter results. This week, the stock got a boost when Citi raised its WMG price target to $42 from $34 and upgraded the stock to a “buy” rating from “neutral.” As Morningstar explained last week, WMG is a “primary beneficiary of the ongoing growth” in the music industry. At $36.20, WMG shares have gained 17.0% in 2025 and are only slightly below their 52-week high of $36.64 set in February 2024. WMG shares fell 13.4% in 2024.

Trending on Billboard

At UMG, shares rose 7.1% to 28.89 euros ($30.32), the stock’s highest closing price since May 27, 2024. Morgan Stanley analysts have been making the case that UMG is undervalued given Spotify’s soaring share price and this week raised its UMG price target to 42 euros ($44.07) from 36 euros ($37.78). Recent licensing deals with Spotify and Amazon “increases our confidence that its subscription growth will accelerate” from approximately 5% at the start of 2025 to “closer to 15%” at the beginning of 2026, they wrote in a Monday (Feb. 10) investor note. After falling 4.2% in 2024, UMG shares are up 20.8% in 2025.

WMG and UMG were among the best performers on the 20-company Billboard Global Music Index (BGMI) this week. The BGMI rose 4.6% to a record 2,755.53, bringing its year-to-date gain to 29.7%. Only two stocks lost ground while one was unchanged and 17 posted gains for the week. The index outperformed the Nasdaq composite (up 2.6%), the S&P 500 (up 1.5%), the FTSE 100 (up 0.4%), China’s SSE Composite Index (up 1.3%) and South Korea’s KOSPI composite index (flat versus the previous week).

Live Nation reached an all-time high of $152.94 on Friday (Feb. 14) before closing at $153.76, up 3.7% for the week. Ahead of the concert promoter’s earnings results on Thursday (Feb. 20,) Wolfe Research increased its price target to $175 from $160 and Goldman Sachs raised it to $166 from $148.

Streaming services fared well, too. Spotify rose another 2.4% to $637.73 and reached a new all-time high of $652.63 on Thursday (Feb. 13). Fewer than seven weeks into 2025, Spotify shares have gained 36.7%. Elsewhere on the streaming front, Cloud Music rose 9.1% to 142.20 HKD ($18.01) and Tencent Music Entertainment gained 8.7% to $13.63.

Music streamer LiveOne had the week’s biggest loss after falling 20.5% to $0.93. On Thursday, the company announced that its revenue fell 6% in the fiscal third quarter. LiveOne also lowered revenue and earnings guidance for its full year, causing shares to end the day down 18.6%. The other streaming loser was Abu Dhabi-based Anghami, which fell 2.7% to $0.71.

Satellite radio broadcaster SiriusXM shares rose 6.6% to $27.11, bringing its year-to-date gain to 21.2%. This week, Deutsche Bank raised its price target to $27 from $25.

Most K-pop companies finished the week in positive territory. HYBE shares rose 5.8% and reached their highest mark since July 2023. SM Entertainment, which reported a 9% increase in revenue this week, increased 5.4%. JYP Entertainment improved 4.2% and YG Entertainment fell 1.3%.

Benny Blanco knows that Selena Gomez is a fan of cheesy Valentine’s Day gestures — literally. In celebration of this year’s Day of Love, the producer showed off the unorthodox gift he gave his famous fiancée: a bathtub full of queso. On an Instagram video posted Friday (Feb. 14), Blanco follows a trail of tortilla […]

GloRilla is trying her best to beat the BBL allegations. On Thursday, the Memphis rapper posted a video to her X account taking a break in the gym while wearing a waist-trainer. “Hey, y’all, I’ve been seeing everybody with all the BBL allegations and I wanna come on here and be honest,” she told her […]

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UFC goes back home to “The Entertainment Capital of the World.” Two premiere middleweight fighters are set to go head-to-head in the octagon as the main event for UFC Fight Night. American Jared “The Killa Gorilla” Cannonier (17-8-0) faces off against Brazilian fighter Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues (16-5-0) on Saturday, Feb. 15.

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UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues takes place at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a start time of 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. The main card is expected to begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

If you want to watch UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues online, the MMA event livestreams on ESPN+ for subscribers only.

Not a subscriber? A monthly subscription to ESPN+ goes for $11.99 per month. However, you can go with an ESPN+ annual subscription for $119.99. This saves you 15% compared to the month-to-month subscription price.

Check out the complete UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues fight card below:

Main Card, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT — ESPN+

Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues (Middleweight) — Main Event

Calvin Kattar vs. Youssef Zalal (Featherweight)

Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Dylan Budka (Middleweight)

Ismael Bonfim vs. Nazim Sadykhov (Lightweight)

Rodolfo Vieira vs. Andre Petroski (Middleweight)

Connor Matthews vs. Jose Delgado (Featherweight)

Prelims Card, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT — ESPN+

Angela Hill vs. Ketlen Souza (Women’s Strawweight)

Jared Gordon vs. Mashrabjon Ruziboev (Lightweight)

Rafael Estevam vs. Jesús Santos Aguilar (Flyweight)

Gabriel Bonfim vs. Khaos Williams (Welterweight)

Vince Morales vs. Elijah Smith (Bantamweight)

Valter Walker vs. Don’Tale Mayes (Heavyweight)

Julia Avila vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti (Women’s Bantamweight)

In addition, you can get the Disney Trio — which comes with ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+ — starting at just $16.99 per month for both services in one package.

What Is Cannonier vs. Rodrigues’ Walkout Music for UFC Fight Night?

While UFC has yet to announce each fighter’s walkout music for the main event of UFC Fight Night, the fighters usually go out to the octagon to the same songs during their matches. Jared Cannonier typically walks out to “TA.TA.RI.GAMI (The Demon God)” by Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi from the film Princess Mononoke, while Gregory Rodrigues prefers to walk out to “This Means War” by Avenged Sevenfold. So these songs will likely make an appearance during the MMA event.

UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues is streaming on ESPN+ on Saturday, Feb. 15, starting at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. The main card begins around at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN+.

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

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Drake and PartyNextDoor have gifted the world with a collab album just in time for Valentine’s Day, perfectly suited for all the lover boys and girls. The project starts with a nod to their roots in Toronto, paying homage to the iconic CN Tower that towers over the city they both call home.

Right out of the gate, the first three tracks—“CN Tower,” “Moth Balls,” and “Something About You”—set the tone, showcasing smooth vibes and catchy hooks that have listeners vibing from the jump. The album’s depth is undeniable, and just when you think you know the vibe, “Crying in Chanel” hits, leaving you ready to splurge on your baddie. But the standout moment? “Raining In Houston.” Here, Drake steps into full toxic mode, delivering raw lyrics and that signature vibe that fans know and love.
“Meet Your Padre” and “Nokia” take the listeners on an international journey. “Meet Your Padre” brings the heat with Latin-inspired energy, while “Nokia” gives a subtle nod to the sounds of Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind era. The diversity in production and style is a breath of fresh air, showing both artists’ ability to experiment and evolve.
This collab album isn’t just about love; it’s it also gives you some toxic vibes for those not in love. The way both Drake and PartyNextDoor express it in their own signature ways. Perfectly timed for Valentine’s, this album is setting the mood for everyone from the singles to the taken.

Album Ratings:
DJ Misses – 9
Dani – 5.5
Weso – 7
KP – 6.5

Drake & PartyNextDoor have released their joint album ‘$ome $exy $ongs 4 U’ for Valentine’s Day, and he had more to say about his beef with Kendrick Lamar on the album. What do you think of the new album? Let us know in the comments below! Tetris Kelly: Drake is back, and he’s not being […]