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09 Sep 2024

Clip of Lil Wayne Expressing Interest in Headlining 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Resurfaces After Kendrick Lamar Pick

Earlier this year, while on YG‘s 4HUNNID podcast, Lil Wayne expressed interest in wanting to headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in his hometown.

“I will not lie to you, I have not got a call,” Wayne said around the 23-minute mark during the February interview. “But we all praying, we keeping our fingers crossed. I’m working hard. I’m going to make sure this next album and everything I do is killer, so I’m going make it very hard for them to…I want to just make it hard for them not to highlight the boy.”

He also added that acts are picked more on legacy than they are on having just “a hot single” and gave YG and his co-host credit for acknowledging his 30 years in the game.

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As we now know, Wayne was passed up in favor of Kendrick Lamar for the upcoming 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, which has many fans and artists upset. Weezy has yet to respond, but Nicki Minaj and Birdman have all made their feelings be known, as well as Wayne’s longtime engineer.

“These n—az Pussi @NICKIMINAJ @Drake @LilTunechi YMCMB,” Birdman tweeted earlier Monday. “I’m make these n—az respek us on Gladys.”

Nicki seemed to take aim at Jay-Z and his partnership with the NFL, tweeting, “One n—a took a knee. The other n—a took the bag,” while Weezy’s engineer Fabian Marasciullo expressed disappointment. “Confused. Disappointed. Angry. But most of all, inspired,” he wrote on his Instagram Story over the weekend. “Will never again be in a position or have the [GOAT] in a position where we are at the mercy of someone else’s decision. We will make the decisions.”

New Orleans has hosted the Super Bowl a record-tying 11 times (Miami is the other city), with 2013 being the last time the “Big Game” was played there. Beyoncé headlined the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show.

See Wayne’s interview from February below:

09 Sep 2024

5 Fall Bags Under $30 from Amazon, Walmart & More

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.

Fall season is here! If you’re looking to upgrade your bag collection, we’ve put together a list to embrace the season with stylish and high-quality bags under $30. From sleek crossbody bags for hands-free convenience to roomy totes that can carry everything you need, there’s something for everyone at affordable prices.

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If you prefer a more compact choice, a crossbody bag is the best way to go. A standout item that’s both compact and stylish is the Nike Sportswear Crossbody Bag — and it’s only $23. With this pouch, you’ll be able to carry all your essentials wherever you go without having to hold it. One Nike customer said, “I’ve used this item several times while attending outdoor sporting events for my kiddos. Very lightweight!”

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For those looking to carry more items, consider this Leather Crossbody Bag from Walmart. It also features a leopard print, adding a fitting look to any fall outfit of your choice. You can also change up your entire look by simply changing your pouch. Perhaps you want to add a shoulder bag to your collection. This Utility Shoulder Bag from Target includes multiple pockets and looks cute with any outfit. One Target customer said, “Fits quite a lot, surprisingly! I can fit my small wallet, lotion, pill case, hand sanitizer, Tums, plus my Kindle in main pocket. Smaller pockets can fit AirPods, and lip products.”

You can shop all your favorite styles for less on Amazon, Walmart, Target and Nike.

Fall Bags Under $30 From Amazon, Walmart & More

Amazon

Dreubea Women’s Soft Faux Leather Tote Shoulder Bag from, Big Capacity Tassel Handbag Army Green

$16.49

$19.99

18% off

This everyday faux leather bag is a simple yet fashionable option, if you’re looking for a mix of a tote and shoulder bag style. You can take with you for work, travel, school, and more. It’s available in a variety of different colors, but if you’re going for that fall season vibe, you might want to get it in Green.

Fall Bags Under $30 From Amazon, Walmart & More

Target

Wild Fable Utility Shoulder Handbag

Change up your style with this Utility Shoulder Handbag. It’s lightweight and includes a zipper closure with adjustable straps, so you’ll be sure to keep your items safe and secure. You can get it in three different colors: Pink, Tan, and Black (out of stock).

Fall Bags Under $30 From Amazon, Walmart & More

Walmart

WQJNWEQ Leather Crossbody Bag

$19.34

$23.20

17% off

Are you obsessed with all things leopard print? Consider adding this leather crossbody bag to your collection. With its one of a kind leopard print design, you’ll never go out of style.

Fall Bags Under $30 From Amazon, Walmart & More

Nike

Nike Sportswear Crossbody Bag

$22.97

$27

15% off

This compact Nike crossbody bag adds a touch of athletic flair. Whether you’re hitting the gym or running errands, this pouch keeps your essential secure while providing a sporty and chic look. It’s available in five different colors: Vintage Green, Black, Platinum Violet, Aster Pink, and Dark Pony.

Fall Bags Under $30 From Amazon, Walmart & More

Walmart

Honglong Leather Tote Bag

$21.99

$43.95

50% off

If you’re in search of a work bag, add this leather tote bag to your collection. It features a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap, multiple pockets to stay organized, and plenty of space to store all your essentials, including your iPad, wallet, makeup pouch, and more.

When looking for a fall season bag, consider getting it in autumn-inspired warm colors like deep burgundy, tan, green, beige, and brown to match the fall palette and add to your outfit.

For more product recommendations, check out this roundup of best crossbody phone bags, this travel-friendly makeup bag, and this bestselling Steven Madden crossbody bag.

09 Sep 2024

Amazon Drops George Michael Merch Collection Celebrating 40 Years of ‘Careless Whisper’: Shop the New Release

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.

Amazon is celebrating George Michael with a special collection marking the 40th anniversary of “Careless Whisper.”

Released Monday (Sept. 9), the seven-piece collection of T-shirts and hoodies features the lyric “Tonight the music seems so loud,” from Michael’s 1984 hit single with Wham!, along with retro photos of the late singer. The shirts and sweatshirts range from $24.99-$39.99 and are available in sizes S-5XL.

“We are proud to offer George’s loyal fans and music lovers worldwide, a very special 40th-anniversary edition of his timeless classic, ‘Careless Whisper’ along with an exclusive range of merchandise, only available from the George Michael Amazon shop,” George Michael Entertainment said in a statement.

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The merch comes about a month before the release of the “Carless Whisper” 40th-anniversary vinyl dropping on Oct. 18. The limited-edition vinyl is available for pre-order at Amazon and will feature a previously unheard live version of “Careless Whisper” recorded at Madison Square Garden.

Amazon Music partnered with George Michael Entertainment in 2022 to release Amazon Original remixes of tracks taken from his 1996 album, Older.

“After the incredible success of the Older remix campaign, we’re excited to extend our collaboration with Amazon Music to celebrate such a universally loved track, and pay tribute to the timeless lyrics which continue to connect with fans,” said Andy Chandler, Director of Catalogue Streaming, Sony Music U.K.

“Careless Whisper,” a breakout hit from Wham!’s sophomore album Make It Big, spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985. The song was co-written and co-produced by Michael and was credited to Wham! featuring George Michael in the U.S. and solely to Michael in other countries, including his native U.K. The song opens with one of music’s most recognizable, and quintessentially ‘80s, saxophone rifts that’s still popular, four decades later. So popular, that “Careless Whisper” became a TikTok meme with over 42 million posts.

Shop the merch collection below.

George Michael 'Careless Whisper' Merch: Shop Amazon Collection

Amazon

George Michael Tonight The Music Seems So Loud T-Shirt

George Michael 'Careless Whisper' Merch: Shop Amazon Collection

Amazon

George Michael Retro Icon Pullover Hoodie

09 Sep 2024

Ariana Grande Applauds Megan Thee Stallion for Encouraging People to Vote for Kamala Harris

Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion may have collaborated on “34+35,” but their stance on whether people should vote in the upcoming election is as simple as 1+1.

Shortly after the “WAP” rapper opened up to Billboard in her September cover story about the importance of acting on one’s American civic duty — especially in a presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump — Grande shared her onetime collaborator’s remarks on Instagram Stories. “I adore @theestallion,” the pop star wrote, tagging Meg.

The “We Can’t Be Friends” singer also shared a link to her Headcount page, reminding fans, “register here please.”

Both Grande and the Houston Hottie have been vocal in their support of Harris since she took over President Joe Biden’s place on the Democratic ticket. While the Wicked actress has advocated for the cause on social media, Meg performed at the VP’s rally in Atlanta and sang the politician’s praises during her headlining set at Lollapalooza.

The “Mamushi” artist went on to stress her support of Harris while speaking to Billboard, adding that she thinks it’s “irresponsible” to abstain from voting in an election with such high stakes. “I don’t like it when I see people saying, ‘I’m not voting. F— it,’” Meg said, one of the quotes Grande shared on her Story. “You’re going to complain about what you don’t like, but you’re not going to help the cause?”

“If you don’t like what Trump has going on, why even aid in him being the president again?” she added in the interview. “To be alive in a lifetime where a Black woman or a woman at all could be the president, I feel so blessed. This is what the future is about.”

The two women’s show of solidarity comes over three years after Ari tapped Meg and Doja Cat for the remix of her NSFW Positions single “34+35,” which went on to peak at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Both Grande and Ms. Stallion dropped new albums in 2024, with the former’s Eternal Sunshine topping the Billboard 200 and the latter’s Megan reaching No. 3 on the chart.

09 Sep 2024

Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty Releases Mini Blush & Luminize Trio Set: Here’s How to Shop the Collection 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.

Fresh off the news of her billionaire status, Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty is back to business with a trio of mini bundles featuring the brand’s bestselling Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and items from the Find Comfort Collection.

The limited-edition sets include the Rare Beauty Mini Blush & Luminizer Trio ($35), released on the Sephora app on Friday (Sept. 6). The trio comes with three mini bottles of the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Positive Light Liquid Luminizer in new and fan-favorite shades such as Muted Oxblood and Mini Virtue. The Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Mini comes in the set-exclusive shade Enliven (peach with gold flecks).

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Rare Beauty also unveiled the Find Comfort Lotion & Fragrance Set ($30) comprised of a travel-sized bottle of lotion and parfum from the Find Comfort BodyCollection released last year, and Selena’s Essential Eye Beauty Set ($28) featuring Selena’s Essential Eye Duo Eyeshadow Stick and a mini mascara.

The first batch of online-exclusive mini bundles are available now at Sephora.com and the Rare Beauty website. Selena’s Essential Eye Duo debuts on Sept. 13 via the Sephora app and Sept. 14 at Rare Beauty. The Find Comfort Mini Lotion & Fragrance set arrives on the beauty retailer’s app on Sept. 20 and Rare Beaty on Sept. 21.

If you’re traveling and want to take Rare Beauty on the road, these min bundles are sized just right for your purse or overnight bag. And even though it might not feel like it in most states, summer will be over soon and before you know it, the holidays will be here again. If you’re an ultra, early-bird shopper and want to get a head start on gift ideas, Rare Beauty minis will make great stocking stuffers.

Check below to shop Rare Beauty’s new trio set.

Rare Beauty Mini Blush & Luminize Trio: Where to Buy

Sephora

NEW RELEASE

Rare Beauty Mini Blush & Luminize Trio

09 Sep 2024

Scooter Braun Speaks at Vigil for Slain Hostages at Nova Music Festival Exhibit: ‘I’m Sorry That We Weren’t Loud Enough’

The Los Angeles exhibition dedicated to the October 7 attack at Israel‘s Nova Music Festival recently became the setting for a vigil, in the wake of the news that several of the hostages taken from the festival had been slain.

The vigil happened Sept. 1, with hundreds of people arriving to the exhibition in the wake of the news that six hostages — five of whom were captured at the music festival — had been killed by Hamas. Bodies of the victims were found in an underground tunnel in Rafah, near Gaza’s southern border with Egypt.

The event, which saw a large crowd waiting outside as the space hit capacity, included musical performances, prayer and speeches, with at least one Nova Music Festival attendee on hand.

“Some of them were taken from the music festival and for me, I see their pictures up there but I know that it might have been me,” Danielle Gelbaum, who survived the Nova attack, told CBS News Los Angeles. “My face could have been up there.”

HYBE-America CEO Scooter Braun, a partner in the exhibition, spoke at the L.A. vigil, saying, as the L.A. Times first reported, that the exhibition itself “has nothing to do with politics. You won’t see any flags here. It is strictly about the music festival and what took place there. To allow people to see this could’ve been Coachella, this could’ve been Stagecoach.”

“For all six of them, I’m sorry that we weren’t loud enough,” Braun continued. “And I’m really grateful that you’re here today, and I don’t think that promise that we made to them stops today; I think it just begins.”

Located in Los Angeles’ Culver City neighborhood, the memorial opened last month in a 50,000-square-foot warehouse. The installation includes remains salvaged from the festival grounds, including scorched cars, bullet-riddled bathroom stalls and personal belongings all left behind. The space also includes photos of all the hostages taken on October 7, along with a healing tent and a lighthouse with the declaration, “We will dance again.”

The exhibition, The Nova Music Festival Exhibition: October 7th 06:29AM, first premiered in Tel Aviv for 10 weeks then opened in New York City this past April. The Nova founders include Omri Sassi, Yoni Feingold, Ofir Amir and Yagil Rimoni, and the United States partners for the exhibition include Braun, Joe Teplow and Josh Kadden.

09 Sep 2024

What Song Does Kendrick Lamar Need to Perform at 2025 Super Bowl Halftime? Vote!

Kendrick Lamar was announced Sunday as the headlining halftime show performer at Super Bowl LIX when the big game comes to New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome in February 2025.

Lamar follows recent Super Bowl headliners Usher and Rihanna, while the rapper also took the stage in 2022 as part of the hip-hop halftime show alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Mary J. Blige.

“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Lamar said in the announcement. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”

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Jay-Z added: “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. 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.”

With 75 Billboard Hot 100 entries to his name — including 15 top 10s and four No. 1 hits, with his latest being the Drake diss “Not Like Us,” which topped the chart for two weeks earlier this year — cutting K. Dot’s decorated discography down to fit a 12- to 15-minute show is a tough proposition.

From good kid, m.A.A.d city to DAMN. and To Pimp a Butterfly, there are plenty of anthems for Lamar to choose from for his upcoming set.

Even without releasing an album, 2024 has been a supremely memorable one for the Compton king. Kendrick set things off with his nuclear assist on Future and Metro Boomin’s No. 1 hit “Like That,” which led to him downing Drake in battle and sets the stage for the hopeful arrival of his next LP in the five months until Super Bowl LIX.

We want to hear from you! Vote for your favorite song that you hope to see Kendrick Lamar include in his Super Bowl halftime show setlist come February.

09 Sep 2024

Usher, Victoria Monet, Tyla & More at Billboard R&B No. 1s: Photos From Inside the Party

Billboard hosted its first-ever R&B No. 1s party at The Box in New York on Sunday night (Sept. 8).

Usher accepted the Entertainer of the Year award, after his “Good Good” collaboration with Summer Walker and 21 Savage became his sweet 16th No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, extending his record for the most among all singers. Luther Vandross was posthumously honored with the Icon award that his friend Fonzi Thornton accepted on his behalf. Vandross’ Billboard chart history includes eight No. 1 albums on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and seven No. 1 hits on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

Victoria Monét received the Hitmaker award three days after she presented her manager Rachelle Jean-Louis with the Executive of the Year award at Billboard‘s 2024 R&B Hip-Hop Power Players. In the last year, her Grammy-nominated hit “On My Mama” has topped Adult R&B Airplay, Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. Lucky Daye received the Torchbearer award, after earning his first No. 1 in a lead role on any Billboard chart when “That’s You” from his latest album Algorithm topped Adult R&B Airplay. And Tyla accepted the Global Force award, as “Water” has spent the last 46 weeks (and counting) at No. 1 on U.S. Afrobeats Songs as well as eight weeks atop Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay.

The star power extended beyond the stage, as Muni Long, Yung Miami, Shenseea, Fireboy DML, Libianca and other artists filled the room as well.

Go inside Billboard’s 2024 R&B No. 1s Party in the photos below.

09 Sep 2024

The White Stripes Sue Donald Trump Over ‘Flagrant’ Use of Music in Campaign Video: ‘Fascists’

The White Stripes have filed a copyright lawsuit against Donald Trump for using “Seven Nation Army” in a social media post, making good on threats to sue the Republican presidential candidate.

In a complaint filed Monday in Manhattan federal court, Jack White and Meg White accused Trump and his campaign of “flagrant misappropriation” of one of the “most well-known and influential musical works of all time.”

The lawsuit accuses Trump not only of infringing the band’s rights to the song, but also of violating federal trademark law by falsely suggesting the duo support his bid for another presidential term.

“The new association with Defendant Trump that Defendants have foisted upon Plaintiffs through the Infringing Trump Videos is even more offensive to Plaintiffs because Plaintiffs vehemently oppose the policies adopted and actions taken by Defendant Trump when he was President and those he has proposed for the second term he seeks,” attorneys for the White Stripes wrote.

In a social media post announcing the lawsuit, White included a screenshot of the complaint with a one-line caption: “This machine sues fascists.”

The filing of the case came less than two weeks after White blasted Trump over the apparent use of his song. In the disputed clip, posted by the former president’s deputy director of communications, Trump ascends the stairs of a plane as the iconic bass riff of “Seven Nation Army” plays.

“Oh….Don’t even think about using my music you fascists,” White began. “Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.)”

Numerous artists have spoken out about in recent weeks about Trump’s use of their music. Beyoncé, Celine Dion, the Foo Fighters, ABBA and Sinead O’Connor‘s estate have all spoken out against the former president’s use of their songs.

Most of the complaints have come as public statements or cease-and-desist letters, but others have taken legal action before the White Stripes. In August, the estate of Isaac Hayes sued in federal court, accusing the campaign of using his “Hold On, I’m Coming” at rallies and in video recordings of those events. Last week, the Hayes estate won an injunction barring the use of the song while the case plays out.

The use of copyrighted music at campaign rallies is a sometimes murky issue, with candidates often claiming that they secured a blanket license from ASCAP or BMI to perform the track. But the use of a song in a video is more straightforward; if a candidate hasn’t secured a sync license directly from the artist or their label, it is copyright infringement to use it.

In their lawsuit on Monday, the White Stripes said that Trump knew or should have known that he needed a license to play their song in his video — citing the fact that he has been “on the receiving end of numerous copyright claims by musical artists whose work he used without permission.”

The band also cited its previous opposition to his use of their music. Back in 2016, the White Stripes “publicly denounced” Trump for using their songs, saying that they were “disgusted by that association.”

A representative for the Trump campaign did not immediately return a request for comment.

09 Sep 2024

RUMBAZO 2024: What to Expect This Weekend | Billboard News

In partnership with Estrella Jalisco & Billboard, RUMBAZO 2024 just announced what to expect for this weekend, and we got you covered.

Grab your tickets at rumbazofest.com/tickets and use the code “Billboard” at checkout to receive $10 off any GA ticket.

Narrator: 

RUMBAZO is almost here and now you can see when all your favorite artists are set to take the stage on September 13th and 14th. Nicky Jam, Luis R. Conriquez, Codiciado, Arcángel and so many more will deliver iconic sets. In addition to some epic performances, you can get some delicious food and beverages at the RUMBAZO Cantina. Estrella Jalisco returns as the festival’s title sponsor, bringing renowned tattoo artists to help celebrate 203 years of independencia. Plus, festivalgoers can take in all the art on site like the Tiempo Car Club. And if you wanna level up your experience at the downtown Las Vegas events center, you can grab VIP tickets for exclusive viewing areas, bathrooms and activations. RUMBAZO is the ultimate Mexican Independence Day weekend celebration with Latin music, food and culture. Grab your tickets at rumbazofest.com/tickets, and when you use the code “Billboard” at checkout, you’ll receive $10 off any general admission ticket.