djfrosty

21 Aug 2024

Don McLean Praises Taylor Swift: ‘She Does Everything Better Than Everybody Else’

Don McLean is a Swiftie.

The iconic singer-songwriter behind “American Pie” and “Vincent” recently spoke about Taylor Swift’s extraordinary success in an interview with The Standard.

McLean, whose song “American Pie (Parts I & II)” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks in 1972, is impressed by Swift’s evolution from a rising country artist to a global powerhouse.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“She is a person who is an example of what talent and really hard work can accomplish,” McLean said, describing Swift as a “monster star, the size of the galaxy.”

McLean continued, “She’s working all of the time, and she does everything that she does better than everybody else, whether it’s a video or a performance or songwriting or records or whatever… The only thing is that she stays happy.”

Trending on Billboard

Reflecting on his own career, McLean shared, “I have a lot of interests, and they sustain me. I don’t go around thinking ‘Man, why don’t I have this?’ or ‘Why don’t I have that?’ – that is the quickest way to be unhappy I can think of.”

McLean, who has sold over 50 million records worldwide, has been honored with numerous awards, including a Grammy Hall of Fame induction for “American Pie.”

Back in 2021, Swift sent McLean a note and a bouquet of flowers after her 10-minute version of “All Too Well” surpassed his song “American Pie (Parts I & II)” as the longest song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“What a classy artist!” McLean tweeted at the time, sharing Swift’s handwritten inscription that reads, “Don, I will never forget that I’m standing on the shoulders of giants. Your music has been so important to me. Sending love one writer of LONG SONGS to another. Your fan, Taylor.”

In the most recent interview, McLean also addressed the challenges Swift has faced in the music industry, particularly regarding the ownership of her early albums.

“The record companies are the biggest thieves on the planet. That was their business, stealing. You have to be very careful,” he said, referencing Swift’s legal battles to regain control of her discography from Scooter Braun, which led to her re-recording her first six studio albums.

21 Aug 2024

Machine Gun Kelly Reveals Daughter’s Role in His Sobriety: ‘It Broke My Heart’

Machine Gun Kelly has opened up about his struggle with addiction, revealing how a confronting conversation with his 15-year-old daughter, Casie, pushed him to get sober.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

On the Sunday, Aug. 18 episode of the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, MGK (real name Colson Baker) recalled the moment that changed everything.

“It started with my daughter saying, ‘Dad, you know I can tell when you’re high?’ It broke my heart,” the “Emo Girl” singer shared. Casie was just 11 or 12 years old at the time. “It was the ultimate letdown.”

Trending on Billboard

“It took me a while afterward, because obviously drugs have a vice grip on you,” he continued. “That was step one for me. As a father and as a man, to be the father I wish my dad would have been, I have to break this generational curse for my kid.”

Earlier this month, Baker discussed his one-year sobriety milestone on Bunnie XO’s Dumb Blonde podcast.

“I’m completely sober from everything. I don’t drink anymore. I haven’t drank since last August,” he said. MGK quietly entered rehab after completing his European tour in 2023, battling alcohol, marijuana, and pills.

“They just gave me so many ways to operate the body, show where this anger is coming from, and methods to quell it,” he explained. He also credited his fiancée, Megan Fox, for helping him through the recovery process, saying, “Megan has for sure been extremely helpful in dealing with the kind of psychological withdrawals that come with [sobriety].”

Reflecting on his father’s struggles, MGK revealed on the Dumb Blonde podcast how deeply his family’s past has influenced him: “My father was so tormented from some of the most insane s—t I could imagine a kid could go through.”

Machine Gun kelly‘s determination to break the cycle of addiction and trauma in his family is clear: “As a father and as a man, to be the father I wish my dad would have been, I have to break this generational curse for my kid.”

In July, the proud dad celebrated Casie’s 15th birthday with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, sharing moments from their life together. “The world spins but when I look at you it stops. Happy 15th princess,” he captioned a series of sweet photos.

20 Aug 2024

Barack Obama Speaks At The DNC, Shades Trump & Xitter Gets Hyped

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

US-VOTE-POLITICS-DEMOCRATIC-CONVENTION

Source: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / Getty

Former President Barack Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention backing Kamala Harris energized the crowd and those watching on social media.
The second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois came to a close with former President Barack Obama taking the podium to deliver a speech that revved up the crowd and those watching via social media. He took the stage after a powerful speech delivered by his wife, the former First Lady Michelle Obama. The crowd rose to their feet and gave him a standing ovation as he began, saying “I don’t know about you, but it’s good to be home. I don’t know about you but I’m feeling fired up..  even if I’m the only person stupid enough to speak after Michelle Obama.” He continued, reflecting on speaking to a similar crowd 16 years ago as he became the Democratic presidential nominee, joking “I know that’s hard to believe because I haven’t aged a bit.” He soon turned to honoring his former vice president, the current President Joe Biden.

The former president would then roast Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump. “Here is a 78-year-old billionaire who has not stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago,” he said, remarking: “There’s the childish nicknames, the crazy conspiracy theories, this weird obsession with crowd sizes,” he said, with the crowd roaring with laughter as he mimicked one of Trump’s recognizable hand gestures. At one point, they booed him mentioning Trump, prompting him to fire back with a signature line: “Don’t boo. Vote!”

Obama would affirm his belief in Vice President Harris. “America is ready for a better story. America is ready for President Kamala Harris. She’ll work on behalf of every American because that’s who Kamala is.” He also praised her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. His tone got more serious as he spoke about making sure to mobilize and vote to protect American democracy.

That feeling was matched by many on social media. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Isiah Sanders wrote of the impact of the former POTUS & FLOTUS’ speeches: “I can usually tell when MAGA gets quiet here on X. They’re quiet, very quiet after Michelle and now Barack.” Others praised Obama’s strong message of inclusivity as a hallmark of American democracy.

Also, Barack Obama created a new meme.

Check out more of the responses to Barack Obama’s speech below.

1. Jennifer Bendery

2. Harry Dunn

3. T. Fisher King

4. Nicole Nichelle

6. CJ Johnson

7. Liz Jenkins

8. Wajahat Ali

9. Ron Filipkowski

10. Jay Black

20 Aug 2024

Democrats Transform Convention Roll Call, Lil Jon Popped Out

HipHopWired Featured Video

2024 Democratic National Convention: Day 2

Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty

Roll call votes at political conventions are often seen as routine, even dull, but on Tuesday (Aug. 20), the Democratic Party turned tradition on its head, delivering an electrifying dance party during their convention.

DJ Cassidy, dressed sharply in a royal blue satin double-breasted suit, set the stage by spinning a carefully curated playlist that captured the essence of each state and territory as they pledged their delegates to Vice President Kamala Harris. What unfolded was a musical journey across America, featuring everything from Detroit native Eminem’s iconic “Lose Yourself” for Michigan, to Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” for Massachusetts, and Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” for California.

Georgia’s delegation took the celebration to the next level, with Atlanta’s own Lil Jon making a live appearance at Chicago’s United Center, energizing the crowd to the beats of his hit “Turn Down for What,” a collaboration with DJ Snake.

The Democrats’ approach was clear: they aimed to infuse their convention with joy and optimism, a vibrant counterbalance to the serious messages about the importance of defeating Republican nominee Donald Trump in the upcoming election.

This year’s roll call echoed the innovative video roll call of the 2020 convention, held during the pandemic, which famously featured Rhode Island’s calamari presentation. That moment set a high bar, compelling the Democrats to up the ante in 2024. (Ironically, the chef behind that tray of calamari was later revealed to be a Trump supporter.)

Emerging political leaders like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear were front and center during this year’s roll call. The star-studded event also featured movie director Spike Lee representing New York and actor Sean Astin, known for his role in the football film “Rudy,” joining the Indiana delegation.

While the musical choices brought a festive atmosphere, they also carried a degree of risk. The 1996 Democratic convention in Chicago is still remembered for the awkward spectacle of delegates attempting the Macarena to Los del Río’s “Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix).” That moment continues to circulate as a lighthearted political memory decades later.

Florida made a pointed statement by choosing Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” as their roll call anthem, subtly jabbing at Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. Petty, a Gainesville native, had his song co-opted by DeSantis for his unsuccessful presidential primary campaign, making Florida’s choice all the more symbolic. “Florida is worth fighting for,” declared state Democratic chairwoman Nikki Fried, emphasizing the importance of national Democrats investing in a state that has shifted sharply to the right.

Other musical highlights included Alabama’s inevitable choice of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” Alaska’s nod to Wasilla’s own Portugal. The Man with “Feel It Still,” and Minnesota’s tribute to Prince with “1999.” Indiana, with Astin at the helm, played Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” Nevada went with Las Vegas-born The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside,” Kansas opted for the rock classic “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas, and New Jersey paid homage to Bruce Springsteen with “Born in the USA.”

Despite the celebratory tone, the roll call wasn’t without its poignant moments. Texas delegate Kate Cox shared a personal and emotional story, recounting how she was forced to seek an abortion out of state after being denied the procedure by the Texas Supreme Court. Amid this backdrop, Cox joyfully announced that she is expecting again, with her baby due in January.

Under the Democratic Party’s rules, Vice President Kamala Harris was the only candidate to receive enough nominations to be formally entered into contention. Votes cast for other candidates or as uncommitted were recorded as “present” during the earlier virtual roll call. Tuesday’s lively and symbolic roll call was a reflection of the results of that earlier vote.

The Democrats’ roll call vote, transformed into a joyous celebration, showcased their commitment to energizing their base while delivering a powerful message of unity and purpose.

The full list:

20 Aug 2024

Michelle Obama Speaks At The DNC, Dazzles Social Media

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

2024 Democratic National Convention: Day 2

Source: Andrew Harnik / Getty

Michelle Obama spoke before the Democratic National Convention on its second night, moving the audience and social media users watching.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama took the stage to address the audience in support of the Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, and social media was inspired and moved by her words. Mrs. Obama took the stage as part of the trio of headliners closing out the second night of the convention, dressed in an impeccable navy blue dress as she came on after Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. She was greeted with a huge standing ovation by the crowd. “OK! We’ve got a big night ahead!”, Obama said, telling them that it was the first time that she had been back in her native Chicago since her mother passed away. “I was not even sure if I would be steady enough to stand before you, but my heart compelled me to be here because of the sense of duty I feel to honor her memory. And to remind us all not to squander the sacrifices our elders made to give us a better future.”

“Something wonderfully magical is in the air, isn’t it?”, Obama asked before continuing: “A familiar feeling that’s been buried for far too long…the contagious power of hope!” The crowd would be rapturous with applause as she touted the attributes of Vice President Harris, imploring the crowd to join her in a call-and-response to support Harris by organizing and voting with the words “Do something!”  The former First Lady would also speak about Harris’ commonalities with the American people, especially Black people and other people of color. “She understands that most of us will never be afforded the grace of failing forward. We will never benefit from the affirmative action of generational wealth.”

Mrs. Obama also took time to knock Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump for his series of attacks on the vice president, referencing his chaotic NABJ appearance last month. “Who is going to tell him the job he is currently seeking might just be one of those black jobs?” she quipped. Social media users were enthralled by her words, with many noting her jabs at Trump and marveling over her poise. “Michelle Obama is literally Beyoncé, and I can’t explain it,” wrote one social media user Jasmyn in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Check out the responses to Michelle Obama’s DNC speech below.

1. Franklin Leonard

2. Nida Khan

3. Melissa Murray

4. Jemele Hill

5. Jazz Lewis

6. Emma Gray

7. Trill Clinton

8. Allen K.

9. Samuel Schwartz

10. sunandcoffee

20 Aug 2024

Why Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga Are a Pop Duo to ‘Die’ For on Bombastic New Collab

Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga have been independently ruling pop radio for the past almost 15 years, and last week, they finally came together for their first collab: the bombastic pop/rock duet “Die With a Smile.”

On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking about why they make such a potent pop duo. Plus, we’re also chatting about F-1 Trillion, Post Malone’s first country album and why it’s such a seamless fit in the genre.

Trending on Billboard

Also on the show, we’ve got chart news how Taylor Swift meets Carole King in the chart history books as The Tortured Poets Department spends a 15th week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, how Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess climbs to No. 2 on the Billboard 200 for the first time, and how Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” steps into the top five on the Billboard Hot 100.

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.)

20 Aug 2024

Megyn Kelly Sheds Salty White Tears Over HBCU Shout-Out At DNC, X Gives Her A History Lesson

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Celebrities Visit SiriusXM - March 28, 2024

Source: Dia Dipasupil / Getty

During the first night of the Democratic National Convention, Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA) kicked off her speech by noting that she and Vice President Kamala Harris “share a lot in common,” specifically, the fact that they “both graduated from historically Black colleges.”

Butler’s show of HBCU love to Harris was a pretty uncontroversial thing if you ask Black people since we tend to be pretty well-accustomed to the pride HBCU alumni take in their alma mater. To us, the nod to HBCUs by Butler, who attended Jackson State University, was simply a good look for the culture on the national political stage. But to white and fragile America’s favorite Karbon Kopy Karen, Megyn Kelly, what Butler said was a clear affront to white people.

“Laphonza Butler spkg – (she filled Feinstein’s seat) – celebrating that she and Harris both graduated from historically black colleges. Imagine the white person up there: I’m proud to tell you I went to a mostly white university!” Kelly tweeted.

Now, no one should have needed to point out to Kelly that HBCUs only ever existed because white people didn’t want Black people learning in the same classrooms as them, just as no one should have to point out that “White History Month” isn’t a thing because, in America, white history is celebrated by default the other 11 months of the year. Of course, like the rest of white conservative America, Kelly ignores America’s racist history, which is why she once defended blackface and claimed it’s not racist. Kelly also ignores her own hypocrisy, which is why she thinks a shout-out to HBCUs is racist, but she didn’t think it was racist when she insisted that Jesus and Santa Claus are white and should only be depicted as white.

Instead of utilizing a smidgeon of common sense, Kelly set herself up to get dragged by the fine folks on X, most of whom offered her the history lesson she shouldn’t have needed.

Check out the reactions below.

20 Aug 2024

MAGA Ops Caught At the DNC, Social Media Smells Desperation

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Presidential Candidate Donald Trump Addresses Turning Point USA Summit

Source: Joe Raedle / Getty

Prominent right-wing figures have been spotted attending the Democratic National Convention, prompting social media users to question their motives.
The Democratic National Convention [see NewsOne’s Live Updates] entered its second night on Tuesday (August 20) after a much-watched opening night that closed with President Joe Biden as the final speaker. The energy at the DNC appears to be strong enough to attract certain right-wing figures who have been spotted in the audience and around the United Center where the convention is being held. And many on social media have noticed with puzzlement and derision. The first sighting was of notable far-right figure Charlie Kirk, who was seen in the hallway by 13-year-old content creator Knowa who asked him pointedly, “Why did you say that the Civil Rights bill should be overturned?” Kirk, who was off camera, replied, “I didn’t say that. I said it was a mistake.” He then walked off as Knowa responded, “Why? That’s crazy! I wouldn’t be here!”

The conservative podcaster Matt Walsh was spotted in the DNC audience by Bulwark contributor Joe Petricone, dressed in a “White Dudes For Harris” t-shirt and a blazer with buttons supporting the Democratic Party. Speculation from some online revealed that it might be a stunt that would possibly be included in his upcoming documentary for The Daily Wire entitled Am I Racist? The premise of the film is Walsh who is playing “a bumbling, zealous DEI trainee,” to ensure that “DEI is the next pillar of the woke mind virus that’s about to topple,” according to co-CEO Jeremy Boreing who also serves as executive producer.

Florida Representative Byron Donalds was also seen entering the United Center, which was shared in a post on X, formerly Twitter by University of Houston Student Body President Joshua R. Martin. “FASCIST ALERT!!! Doing my “black job” and exposing @ByronDonalds. Not surprised he’s here, I’d be looking for a new candidate too if mine was getting as cooked as bad as his is,” he wrote, capping it off with a laughing emoji.

The appearances from these supporters of Republican nominee Donald Trump drew some concerned reactions from social media users, while others heavily mocked the three figures. One user wrote, “They want to know what its like to attend a fun convention.” Another user named Coco Diva opined, “It’s strategic. They ARE up to something.”

Check out the responses to the surprise MAGA appearances at the DNC below.

2. 2Strong2Silence

3. brooklyncookie

4. Ms. Jamie

5. NetskiD

6. Alex Jewell

7. Hadley Sheley

8. Aud To The Ley

9. Jeffrey

20 Aug 2024

Lil Jon Makes Surprise Appearance to Help Georgia Dems Nominate Kamala Harris for President: ‘DNC, Turn Down for What!’

Lil Jon transported the 2024 Democratic National Convention to Atlanta when he made a surprise appearance to share the Georgia delegates’ votes for Vice President Kamala Harris during the DNC roll call on Tuesday night (Aug. 20).

The roll call took on a new format this year, with DJ Cassidy introducing each state with its own song. The Georgia delegates took it one step further when their hometown hero turned up to share their 123 votes for Harris.

“Georgia, how do you cast your votes?,” the announcer asked, as Jermaine Dupri’s “Welcome to Atlanta” could be heard playing in the background. As the music shifted to DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s 2013 club banger “Turn Down for What,” the camera panned to the Atlanta rapper/producer walking down the stairs and letting out his signature “Yeahhhhh!,” which reverberated across Chicago’s United Center.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are here tonight to officially nominate Kamala Harris for president,” Lil Jon hollered before rapping, “Fire up that loud, another round of shots/ DNC, turn down for what!”

Lil Jon made his way through the crowd — starting chants of “We’re not going back!” and “VP Harris!” — before ending on the floor with the Georgia delegates to officially cast their votes.

In addition the DJ Cassidy-led roll call and Lil Jon cameo, Patti LaBelle and Common also performed on day 2 of the DNC. LaBelle performed “You Are My Friend” for the night’s “in memoriam” segment, while Common performed “Fortunate,” switching up the lyrics to say “Be fortunate, y’all, for Kamala Harris.” Monday’s DNC day 1 included performances from Jason Isbell and Mickey Guyton, while James Taylor’s planned set was cut for time when President Biden’s remarks started much later than the schedule intended.

Watch Lil Jon’s surprise DNC appearance below:

20 Aug 2024

Travis Kelce in Talks to Star in Action-Comedy Film ‘Loose Cannons’

Travis Kelce is heading to the big screen.

The Kansas City Chiefs football star, and boyfriend of Taylor Swift, has landed his first movie project as an actor.

Kelce is attached to star in Loose Cannons, an action comedy that is in the process of being set up at Lionsgate. Chad Stahelski, the John Wick filmmaker who has a first-look deal with Lionsgate, is producing with Jason Spitz, his partner at 87Eleven Entertainment, as well as Alex Young. Tim Dowling, whose credits include Adam Sandler comedy Just Go With It, wrote the script.

The premise centers on how every police precinct, at least in this movie’s world, has a crazy, out of control, rule-breaking officer on staff. But rather than pair them with a straight arrow and by the book partner, the premise here is that unhinged person is paired with someone just as out of line as they are.

In Cannons, two loose cannons are forced to partner up after their precincts merge due to budget cuts and no one wants to work with them. The duo end up taking on the cases no one else can.

The script is described as having tones of Lethal Weapon, Bad Boys and Rush Hour, all landmarks in the buddy action comedy genres.

Trending on Billboard

Cannons is the latest major step in Kelce’s climb of the Hollywood ladder. The sports star has long wanted to expand his portfolio into entertainment, appearing in an episode of Showtime comedy Moonbase 8 in 2020 and hosting Saturday Night Live in March 2023. The drive into Hollywood become more focused when the tight end signed with CAA in spring 2023.

Since then, he’s signed on to host a reboot of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader titled Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity for Amazon, while his first major acting role is the upcoming Ryan Murphy FX horror show Grotesquerie, which started production in May.

Stahelski is deeply ensconced in Lionsgate’s feature projects, acting as overseer of the Wick franchise for the company. He is also working on a remake of Highlander, which is a franchise hopeful and is to shoot next year after years of development.

Dowling made a name for himself with several big studio comedies, among them Universal’s Role Models, starring Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott, and DreamWorks’ Office Christmas Party, starring Jason Bateman. On top of Sandler’s Just Go With It, he worked on the comedian’s big-budget 2015 entry Pixels. On the action front, he co-wrote the romantic spy movie This Means War, which starred Tom Hardy, Chris Pine and Reese Witherspoon.

This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.