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Could Kendrick Lamar Lure Taylor Swift & Beyoncé to Super Bowl Halftime Stage?

When Kendrick Lamar was revealed as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show over the weekend, the announcement spurred some burning questions. On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking through those questions.

What will he perform? Should his booking be seen as an “anti-Drake” move after their heated rap battle this past spring? And what special guests might join him onstage? He has a lot of options, after all, considering his high-profile collaborations with everyone from Taylor Swift to Beyoncé. If Lamar lures Swift to perform their 2015 “Bad Blood” remix, it would mark her first time hitting the Super Bowl halftime stage, whereas it would mark Bey’s third appearance (headlining in 2013 and joining Coldplay in 2016) if she pops up for 2016’s “Freedom.”

Listen to the full podcast below:

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Also on the show, we’ve got chart news on how Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet spends a second week atop the Billboard 200 albums chart and how Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” just won’t let go of the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. Plus, the 2024 CMA Awards nominations were announced on Monday, and Beyoncé’s country album Cowboy Carter received zero nods. We’re talking through the reaction to her snub.

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)

Sony Officially Unveils PS5 Pro, After Seeing The $700 Price Tag Gamers Believe Play Does Have Limits

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PS5 Pro

Source: PlayStation / PS5 Pro

Sony’s worst-kept secret, the PS5 Pro, is officially here, and it’s sparking a social media discussion that the PlayStation 3 missed out on when it was first revealed.

During a very brief technical presentation, PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny proudly helped unveil the mid-gen refresh, which he boasts will give players the high frame rates they have been longing for on a console.

The PS5 Pro features a much larger GPU, improved Ray Tracing, and custom hardware for PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. The companies take on machine learning.

The technical presentation confirmed the PS5 Pro leaks design-wise. It is a taller version of the latest PS5 Slim model, but it has three stripes on both sides of the console.

Via the PlayStation Blog, Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Platform Business Group, broke down the console’s performance specs:

  • Upgraded GPU: With PS5 Pro, we are upgrading to a GPU that has 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5 console and 28% faster memory. Overall, this enables up to 45% faster rendering for gameplay, making the experience much smoother.
  • Advanced Ray Tracing: We’ve added even more powerful ray tracing that provides more dynamic reflection and refraction of light. This allows the rays to be cast at double, and at times triple, the speeds of the current PS5 console.
  • AI-Driven Upscaling: We’re also introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-driven upscaling that uses a machine learning-based technology to provide super sharp image clarity by adding an extraordinary amount of detail.

The PS5 Pro is also a disc-less console and includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. The vertical stand is sold separately.

PS5 Pro

Source: PlayStation / PS5 Pro

These Games Will Be Enhanced For PS5 Pro

We also what games will be getting the “PS5 Pro Enhanced” designation, and they will be Alan Wake 2, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Demon’s Souls, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Gran Turismo 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Horizon Forbidden West, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, The Crew Motorfest, The First Descendant, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, and more.

How Much Does It Cost?

As expected, the PS5 Pro won’t be cheap; it’s going to cost you a lot of money if you want to play with improved graphics and frame rates.

How much, you ask? The PS5 Pro will cost $699.99 / £699.99 / €799.99 / ¥119,980.

Well damn.

As you can imagine, the reactions to the price have many looking at PlayStation with a “you bugging” face and asking why they priced the console so high.

The PS5 Pro has lines across the middle of the console which are a nod to the lines Sony executives were doing when they priced the thing,” one post on X, formerly Twitter, reads. 

Another user on X wrote, “YOU GUYS ARE SELLING THE DISC DRIVE SEPARATELY FOR A $700 DOLLAR CONSOLE!?!? WE HAVE TO PAY OVER $800 TO GET THE FULL PS5 PRO EXPERIENCE!?! THERE’S JUST NO WAY THEY THOUGHT THIS WAS OK!!!”

Some folks are defending the console’s price.

“Dudes who spent 1500$ on a graphics card are telling you that a more compelling ps5 with better hardware is not worth 6-700$,” a post on X read. 

Another post defending the console’s steep price reads, “Get yourself a PC if you got it like that. I just spent $423 on a CPU alone to fix a microcoding issue. Yet, $700 gaming console is just too bonkers for you – cmon now lol.”

Still ahead of the console’s November 7, 2024 release, the general consensus is PlayStation is bugging. You can see more reactions in the gallery below.

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5. Howling

SiriusXM Stock Closes 2.55% Higher After Merger With Liberty Media Tracking Stock

SiriusXM’s stock rose 2.6% on Tuesday (Sept. 10), the first full day of trading since it merged with Liberty Media’s tracking stock to create a single, streamlined public stock.

SiriusXM said last December that it would merge its stock with Liberty SiriusXM Holdings to simplify and eliminate confusion around its multiple share classes and create one entity with greater trading liquidity. In June, the company announced a 1-for-10 reverse stock split that ultimately reduced SiriusXM’s outstanding common stock by about 12% in a bid to give the single stock an additional boost.

The company said Tuesday that the simplified capital structure will support its strategy for growth. It also announced a $1.166 billion stock buyback program funded by cash on hand.

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“Today SiriusXM embarks on a new phase in our journey as an independent public company, building on our leading position in audio entertainment,” Jennifer Witz, SiriusXM CEO, said in a statement. “We’ve created a strong and profitable business, anchored by a subscription service that fosters deep and loyal connections with our listeners and a growing digital audio advertising platform which extends our reach to fans around the world, and we are excited about the future as we look to expand and strengthen both platforms.”

Last week, SiriusXM’s stock fell 17.0% to $2.73 after it and Liberty Media announced the final exchange ratio for the merger with Liberty Media redeeming each outstanding share of Liberty SiriusXM common stock for 0.8375 shares of the new SiriusXM stock. That meant SiriusXM shareholders received 0.1 shares of the new SiriusXM stock, which is trading under the same SIRI ticker as the original SiriusXM stock.

Following Tuesday’s merger, the former holders of Liberty SiriusXM stock own roughly 81% of the new shares.

Billboard’s Inaugural R&B No. 1s Party: Relive the Evening | Billboard News

Catch all the highlights from the star-studded evening, which celebrated chart-toppers, industry newcomers and the fifth anniversary of Amazon’s Rotation program.

Kyle Denis:

Chart-toppers…

Victoria Monét:

I just want to start off by saying thank you so much, Billboard, for this recognition.

Usher: 

It is really happy to be able to celebrate here with Billboard.

Kyle Denis:

…and industry newcomers…

Tyla:

Thank you so much Billboard. 

Kyle Denis:

…were celebrated at Billboard’s R&B No. 1’s  party, and we have highlights from the star-studded evening. To round out our jam-packed week of events in celebration of the R&B and hip-hop genres, the Billboard R&B No. 1’s  party was where the likes of Usher and Tyla received their flowers. While the latter received the Global Force award, Usher nabbed the R&B Entertainer of the Year Award and previewed something special he’s working on for 2026. It all went down at the intimate event held at The Box in New York City, which also celebrated the fifth anniversary of Rotation, the global hip-hop and R&B brand from Amazon Music. For the last five years, Rotation has produced weekly playlists, original content, livestream events and more for the hip-hop and R&B genres. Billboard and Amazon Music execs celebrated the milestone with opening remarks, which was followed by plenty of star power as the night continued on. The event took place just a few days after Billboard’s Hip Hop Live, a showstopping concert featuring Teezo Touchdown, BossMan Dlow and BigXthaPlug. It’s one of many exciting things on BigX’s plate. That Texas rapper was just named Amazon Music’s next breakthrough artist and showed the crowd just why he deserves the shine. For more on Billboard’s R&B No. 1s party, head on over to Billboard.com.

Concord Records & Fantasy Records Merge Into Single Concord Records Label

Concord Records and Fantasy Records have merged, their parent company Concord Label Group announced Tuesday (Sept. 10). The combined label will be called Concord Records.

The label will be headed up by co-presidents Margi Cheske, who was formerly president of Fantasy Records, and Mark Williams, who previously served as interim president of both Concord Records and Rounder Records (now led by Stephanie Hudacek). Both are based in L.A. and report to Concord Label Group CEO Tom Becci.

While leading Fantasy Records, Cheske built a roster that includes Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Allison Russell, James Taylor, Seether, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Lake Street Dive, Valerie June, Diiv, Lucius, LS Dunes, Taking Back Sunday, Marcus King Band, Grace Potter, Devon Gilfillian and Tanya Tucker. Prior to that, she was senior vp of marketing at Concord.

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In his prior role as interim president at both Concord and Rounder Records, Williams shepherded the release of music by artists including Sierra Ferrell, Billy Strings and The Revivalists and signed acts including Thirty Seconds To Mars, John Vincent III, Bella White, Amythyst Kiah, Daffo, Nitefire, Luke Tyler Shelton and Spacey Jane.

Cheske and Williams met while both were working at Virgin Records, where Cheske was The Smashing Pumpkins’ product manager and Williams was in A&R. Williams boasts a 44-year history in the business and previously founded Outpost Recordings before joining Interscope in 2001 and Columbia in 2010.

The new Concord label’s roster includes esperanza spalding, Lindsey Sterling, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Taking Back Sunday, Seether, The Offspring and Thirty Seconds To Mars, along with emerging acts like Russell, Vincent and Matt Berninger.

Along with the announcement comes the reveal of a new Concord Records logo.

“In a music landscape where radical change has become the norm, it is vital that labels position themselves to manage complex challenges deftly,” said Becci in a statement. “This merger allows Concord to best utilize our global platform while maintaining the boutique level of service artists have come to expect. I know Mark and Margi share this notion, and their combined resources, alongside their complementary skill sets, will be a real benefit to the artists we serve.”

Added Williams, “Both Concord and Fantasy Records have always pursued artists with a unique vision and story to tell; the combined Concord Records will have an environment where those creative visions will be nurtured and supported.”

“This merger will allow us to better maximize our resources in service of those visions,” said Cheske. “Ultimately, this means a much more global, interconnected approach—allowing us, in concert with our incredible roster of artists, to bring their music to audiences around the world.”

The merger of the Fantasy and Concord labels is just the latest among several recent changes at the label group. Becci, who joined as CEO in August 2023, has previously restructured parts of the company, including by naming Hudacek president at Rounder Records and making changes to executive leadership in operations, marketing, and data analysis and streaming.

In a previous interview with Billboard, Becci alluded to the merger by calling the appointments of Cheske and Williams “a formidable frontline duo that can deliver on both new and developing artists,” adding, “They were swimming in the same pond, and I think together they’re going to own the pond.”

Who Should Kendrick Lamar Bring Out as a Special Guest at His Super Bowl Halftime Show? Vote!

Special guest appearances have long been prevalent when it comes to the Super Bowl halftime show. So when Kendrick Lamar was announced as the Super Bowl LIX headliner over the weekend, fans started speculating what might be on the Compton MC’s potential setlist and what guests might join him.

Lamar is gearing up to hit the Caesars Superdome stage in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025. “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Kenny said. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”

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Ever since Jay-Z and Roc Nation struck a partnership with the NFL in 2019 to help co-produce the halftime show, hip-hop and R&B have had their presence felt.

“Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” Hov said in a statement. “His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”

Lamar had his first taste of the Super Bowl during the West Coast’s invasion at the 2022 Super Bowl in Los Angeles alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Mary J. Blige.

Whittling down Lamar’s discography to a 15-minute performance is sure to be a tough proposition. With Kendrick racking up fan-favorite collaborations over the years with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift to SZA, fans are hoping to see K. Dot invite some of his peers to join him onstage in New Orleans next year.

We want to hear from you now. Vote on who you want to see make an appearance with Kendrick Lamar as a special guest at Super Bowl LIX.

Ninja’s 8-in-1 Air Fryer Will Replace Your Regular Oven for Just $150: Here’s Where to Buy It Online

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.

Ninja has been cooking up a slew of viral cookware including an refreshing slushy machine and indulgent ice cream maker, but now the kitchen brand is giving you a chance to score another popular appliance for 32% off.

Say goodbye to ever having to use your stove again now that Ninja has discounted its top-rated 8-in-1 air fryer to just $150 (reg. $220). You’ll not only receive basically eight different appliances wrapped into one model, but reviewers are raving over how the device has replaced using a “regular oven” with one Amazon shopper even saying they “have not had to turn on” theirs since using Ninja’s air fryer.

The kitchen appliance is one of the best cookware deals you can score right now and has even racked up more than 4,000 purchases on Amazon this month. Amazon and Target are currently hosting the limited-time deal online, which you can learn more about below.

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Amazon

Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven with Convection

$149.95

$219.99

32% off

$149.99

$219.99

32% off

Refresh your kitchen counter with Ninja’s Digital Air Fry Oven and take advantage of its ability to air fry, broil, bake, bagel, toast, dehydrate and keep food warm in just a single device. Using its digital display, you can have more control over the temperature heat source and airflow to cook your meals to your exact liking. The air fryer even includes a toast darkness selector that’ll get your bagel to your desired crispness.

It’s also small-space-friendly as it’s built with a 3-inch height and width that can fit pizzas up to 13-inches wide. When you’re done using it, just flip it for a more clutter-free look.

More than 23,000 verified Amazon reviewers have given Ninja’s air fryer five stars for how easy it is to and comparing its multifunctional features to a “Swiss Army knife.” Another shopper couldn’t get over how fast the device heats up saying, “We’d started the main oven preheating before I even laid a hand on this one, and the big oven hadn’t even passed 110 degrees before this thing hit 425 degrees.”

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best portable grills, gamer mini fridge and music coolers.

Reviewers Say This $20 Himalayan Salt Glass Set Is the ‘Perfect Gift’ for Tequila Drinkers: Shop Now

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.

Are you celebrating a September birthday or a special win? Elevate the occasion with a set of four Uncommon Goods Himalayan salt tequila glasses. Whether you’re celebrating yourself or searching for a gift option, these handmade ceramic glasses are a great choice. One Uncommon Goods customer said, “This is a lovely gift at a great price for a housewarming, hostess gift, or really an everyday moment. My friends keeps these on her bar cart in a prominent display.”

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Another Uncommon Goods customer described the glasses as “salty” and “perfect for a tequila drinker.” These TikTok-favorite tequila shot glasses not only offer a visually stunning display but also provide a unique drinking experience. If that’s not enough, these glasses are made of Himalayan salt, acacia wood and pet plastic. It’s important to keep in mind that these shot glasses are made of natural salt, so the color may vary from white to rosy pink.

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Besides salt, it is also layered with pet plastic. According to the brand, each glass features a layer of pet plastic, a type of clear and lightweight material, to prevent any leaks. So, you’ll be sure to enjoy your drink without any spills.

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods: Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses, Set of 4

When washing it, the brand recommends wiping the glass clean after use and let it “dry in place.” It’s important to note, it’s not dishwasher safe and may gradually erode if placed in the dishwasher.

If your friend is a tequila lover, this may be a great gift. “I got these for my friend who loves tequila for her birthday… she loved it!”

For more product recommendations, check out Becky G’s Favorite Coco for Coconuts Cocktail, Beyoncé-inspired SirDavis Whisky Cocktails, and this viral Margarita Tumbler to add to your shopping list.

3rd Annual Black: Future. Now. Brunch 2024 to Honor Jhené Aiko, Cash Cobain & Rachelle Jean-Louis

On Tuesday (Sept. 10), The Revels Group, alongside the Black Music Action Coalition, Amazon Music and Live Nation, announced plans for the third annual BLACK: Future. Now. Brunch 2024 in Los Angeles.

The celebratory brunch is set to go down Sunday (Sept. 15) and serve as a lead into BMAC Gala Week (starting Sept. 19). Decorated music executives and artists across the industry will be honored during the ceremony, including Jhené Aiko, Cash Cobain and Rachelle Jean-Louis.

Following her successful North American run on the Magic Hour Tour, Aiko will receive the “Brilliant Beyond” Creative Artistry Award. The burgeoning Cash Cobain is slated to take home the “Future Phenom Now” Award while Blake Brown-Gakal will accept the “L(Eagle) Eye” Attorney of the Year Award.

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On the heels of winning Billboard‘s 2024 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Executive of the Year, Victoria Monet’s manager and Tell Your Friends co-founder Rachelle Jean-Louis will collect more hardware when she’s honored with the “Executive of the Year Impact” award this weekend.

“We’re super excited to be kicking off BMAC week once by celebrating the future and now of Black excellence,” said The Revels Group CEO Jamil Davis. “When I started the BFN and the Brunch my mission was to bring together a diverse room to highlight the creatives, executives and thought leaders of tomorrow that are having breakout years, or typically don’t get as much shine.”

Davis continued: “It’s beautiful and has grown each year. I’m ready to have an incredible time! I’m thrilled to honor our 2024 class of BFN awardees, including my dear friend, the
incomparable, Jhené Aiko.”

Elliot Grainge’s 10k Projects and Spirit Music Group have also joined the Black: Future. Now. Brunch as partners.

Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino added of the event: “I admire Jamil’s ability to bring such an eclectic group of people together, and The Revels Group’s continued mission to celebrate and empower the next generation of artists, creators, and executives. It will be a great time.”

Past BLACK: Future. Now. honorees include Lil Bibby, Tunde Balogun, Brandra Rigo, Gordon Dillard, Ebonie Ward, Sydney Lopes and more.

Chester Bennington’s Son Says Linkin Park Fans Have Been ‘Cruel’ After His Criticism of Reunion

Chester Bennington‘s son is currently at odds with some of Linkin Park‘s fanbase, with the 28-year-old recently alleging that people have been “cruel, unusual and aggressive” to him following his criticism of the band’s reunion.

In a slew of videos posted to Instagram Stories on Monday (Sept. 9), Jaime opened up about wanting to attend Linkin Park’s fast-approaching comeback show in Los Angeles, in spite of his qualms with the group’s new vocalist Emily Armstrong. However, he claims his late father’s former bandmates didn’t offer him a ticket — and even if they had, he wouldn’t feel safe in the crowd.

“I haven’t heard anything back from the band themselves, which is not unexpected,” Jaime says in the clips. “They didn’t come to me with this announcement, they didn’t ask me how I felt.”

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“There are a lot of people who do not like me,” he continued. “There are a lot of people saying some real awful sh– right now to me. To be honest, I don’t think I’d feel safe going to the show under general admission … I don’t know who would take it upon themselves to respond to me in an aggressive manner. The audience themselves could actually be unsafe for me.”

Jaime’s comments come shortly after he lobbed criticism at Linkin Park for tapping Armstrong as the band’s new co-vocalist, accusing Mike Shinoda of “quietly erasing my father’s life and legacy in real time.”

“You betrayed the trust loaned to you by decades of fans and supporting human beings including myself,” he added at the time, slamming Armstrong’s past connection to Scientology and support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson. “We trusted you to be the bigger, better person. To be the change. Because you promised us that was your intention. Now you’re just senile and tone deaf.”

In response to the backlash, the Dead Sara co-founder issued a statement on Sept. 6 distancing herself from the That ’70s Show star. “Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance and went to one early hearing as an observer,” she said. “Soon after, I realized I shouldn’t have. I have never spoken with him since. To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes.”

All of the commotion follows the band’s announcement that Linkin Park would be returning in 2024 after a seven-year hiatus sparked by the death of Chester in 2017. In addition to the lineup changes, the rockers will be releasing a new album, From Zero, on Nov. 15, and embarking on a massive tour starting with six arena shows kicking off Wednesday (Sept. 11) at the Kia Forum.

But much like Linkin Park’s fanbase, Jaime has conflicted feelings about the band’s new direction. “I want to go [to the concert],” he said on his Story. “There are reasons that I might not be allowed into the venue, which I can’t talk about right now, but unless I’m told explicitly, ‘You can’t go for this reason,’ I do want to go.”

“So many of these Linkin Park fans who will be attending have been cruel, unusual and aggressive,” he added. “You’re telling me to kill myself, you’re telling me that I’m awful, you’re telling me that my father doesn’t appreciate me … What are you talking about? You didn’t give a f–k when he died. If you did, you would understand what the problem is. You would understand why this is all wrong.”