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20 Aug 2024

Hot 100 First-Timers: Drew Baldridge Arrives With ‘She’s Somebody’s Daughter (Reimagined)’

Country singer-songwriter Drew Baldridge is officially a Billboard Hot 100-charting artist as his breakthrough single, “She’s Somebody’s Daughter (Reimagined),” debuts on the latest chart (dated Aug. 24) at No. 93.

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The song enters led by 26.5 million all-format radio audience impressions (up 2%), as well as 565,000 official U.S. streams in the Aug. 9-15 tracking week, according to Luminate.

“She’s Somebody’s Daughter (Reimagined)” has had a long journey leading up to its Hot 100 arrival. Baldridge originally self-released the song in 2019, followed by a second mix in 2021 (the “Wedding Version”) and a third in 2023 (“Reimagined”).

The track recently made history on Country Airplay by becoming the first self-released song in the chart’s 34-year history to reach the top five. The only other such song to reach the top 10 is Aaron Watson’s No. 10-peaking “Outta Style” in 2017. “Daughter” holds at its No. 5 high on the latest list.

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The Patoka, Ill., native first appeared on Billboard’s charts in January 2016 with his single “Dance With Ya” (No. 48 peak on Country Airplay). Since then, he’s charted four additional songs at the format: “Rebound” (No. 50, 2017), “Guns & Roses” (No. 51, 2018), “Senior Year” (No. 50, 2020) and “She’s Somebody’s Daughter (Reimagined).” Plus, his debut studio album, Dirt on Us, released on his former label, Cold River, reached No. 11 on Top Country Albums and No. 111 on the Billboard 200 in July 2016.

In a recent interview with Billboard, Baldridge explained that after recording the original “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” Cold River didn’t release it as a single because fellow country artist Tenille Townes was already working a similarly titled song, “Somebody’s Daughter,” and the label wanted to avoid confusion. Two years later, after Cold River closed, he recorded a new version for his wedding titled “She’s Somebody’s Daughter (Wedding Version)” that quickly went viral on TikTok. That version’s official audio has soundtracked more than 900,000 clips on the platform to date.

Baldridge later recorded a third version, “She’s Somebody’s Daughter (Reimagined),” at the end of 2022 with the intention of garnering radio play, and formed a promo team for his own Lyric Ridge Records to make it happen. He had some insider radio knowledge from his three years as a weekend jock on KKGO, Los Angeles’ country station. Though he doesn’t program his shifts, “I got to intro my own song and intro out my own song, which is the coolest thing on the planet,” he said. “And with these DJs and [programmers], I have a way to connect with them that I didn’t have four years ago.”

20 Aug 2024

Nike Taps Wale To Promote Their Upcoming “DMV” Air Foamposite Ones

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Nike DMV Foamposite

Source: Nike / NIke

We still have a while to go before Nike finally releases the coveted “Galaxy” Nike Air Foamposite Ones, but until that release date rolls around in 2025, Nike is once again steadily building hype around the Foamposites and to do so have recruited Wale to promote their latest exclusive edition to the classic silhouette.

According to Sneaker News, Nike is releasing a “DMV” exclusive version of their Air Foamposite Ones, and to help create some buzz around the drop they got Wale to star in their campaign commercial, which hit social media yesterday (Aug. 19). One of the Hip-Hop game’s most well-known sneakerheads, Wale, stunts in a pair of the rose-colored Foams while we watch a collage of scenes, which showcase what life is like in the DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area where other people in the community are blessed with a pair of their own.

Per Sneaker News:

In addition to playing a role in the marketing promo around the shoe, Wale is also conducting a special giveaway that looks to reward the most loyal Foamposite fanatics. To enter, submit a photo of yourself wearing your favorite Foamposites HERE. The giveaway is in partnership with his music label UMG and not via Nike.

Although Wale has never released an official collaboration with Nike, he has been relied on as an unofficial “first look” source. As mentioned earlier, Wale would often be spotted in upcoming Nike footwear as he wears the standard sample size 9. Although the rapper’s tastes in shoes ranged across all categories, his affinity for Nike Trainers, Foamposites, and classic Nike Basketball was the most apparent.

If you want a pair, you might want to enter the giveaway as these sneakers are going to be releasing exclusively at retail stores around the DMV area. So good luck getting a pair.

Check out the promotional clip for the new “DMV” Nike Air Foamposites, and let us know if you’ll be trying to snag a pair in the comments section below.

20 Aug 2024

Polo G Is Taking ‘Hood Poet’ on the Road: ‘This Tour Is for the Fans Who’ve Been With Me Since Day 1’

On the heels of releasing his The Hood Poet album on Aug. 9, Polo G is set to hit the road in support of his latest LP. Polo announced a 26-city North American trek on Tuesday (Aug. 20) with The Hood Poet Tour slated to kick off in Denver on Oct. 24.

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“I’ve always put my heart into my music, and now I’m bringing that energy to the stage,” Polo G said in a statement. “This tour is for the fans who’ve been with me since day one and for everyone who’s been part of this journey. I can’t wait to share this experience with y’all.”

The Hood Poet Tour will see support from Vonoff1700, Skylar Blatt, Diany Dior, Scorey and Twotiime. Tickets will be available with a local presale on Wednesday (Aug. 21), with the general public getting a chance on Friday (Aug. 23) at 10 a.m. local time. VIP packages are also available on Polo’s website.

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Following the Denver kickoff, The Hood Poet Tour will be making stops in Kansas City, his hometown of Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, NYC, Boston, Philly, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, San Diego and San Francisco before wrapping up in Los Angeles on Nov. 29.

Polo G’s The Hood Poet served as his fourth studio album, and featured appearances from Future, GloRilla, 42 Dugg, Offset, The Kid LAROI, Lil Durk, G Herbo, Hunxho and Fridayy. The LP was Polo’s first to debut outside the top six on the Billboard 200 as the project came in at No. 28 in its first week on the chart while hitting No. 5 on the Top Rap Albums chart.

Find all of the dates below:

  • Oct. 24 – Denver, Co. @ Fillmore Auditorium
  • Oct. 27 – Minneapolis, Minn. @ Uptown Theater Minneapolis
  • Oct. 29 – Kansas City, Mo.  @ The Midland Theatre
  • Oct. 30 – St. Louis, Mo. @ The Pageant
  • Nov. 1 – Milwaukee, Wis. @ The Eagles Ballroom
  • Nov. 2 – Chicago, Ill. @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
  • Nov. 3 – Grand Rapids, Mich. @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe
  • Nov. 4 – Detroit @ The Fillmore Detroit
  • Nov. 5 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada @ REBEL
  • Nov. 7 – New York City @ Palladium Times Square
  • Nov. 8 – Hartford, Conn. @ The Webster
  • Nov. 9 – Providence, R.I.  @ The Strand Ballroom
  • Nov. 10 – Montclair, N.J. @ The Wellmont Theater
  • Nov. 11 – Boston @ Citizens House of Blues Boston
  • Nov. 13 – Philadelphia, @ The Fillmore Philadelphia !
  • Nov. 14 – Washington, D.C. @ Echostage
  • Nov. 15 – Raleigh, N.C. @ The Ritz
  • Nov 16 – Atlanta @ The Eastern
  • Nov. 18 – Charlotte, N.C. @ The Fillmore Charlotte
  • Nov. 20 – New Orleans, La. @ The Fillmore New Orleans
  • Nov. 21 – Houston, Texas @ Bayou Music Center
  • Nov. 22 – Austin, Texas @ Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
  • Nov. 23 – Dallas @ South Side Ballroom
  • Nov. 26 – San Diego @ House of Blues San Diego
  • Nov. 27 – San Francisco @ The Midway
  • Nov. 29 – Los Angeles @ The Wiltern

20 Aug 2024

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett Brilliantly Breaks Down Why Donald Trump Doesn’t Compare To VP Kamala Harris During DNC Speech

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Jasmine Crockett Gives Rousing DNC Speech, X Salutes Her

Source: The Washington Post / Getty / Jasmine Crockett

The Democratic National Convention kicked off its first night in Chicago, and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett came with all the smoke for the orange menace, Donald Trump.

Last night, the DNC surpassed the entire Republican National Convention in just one night with its impressive lineup of speakers, which included former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton, Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, current First Lady Jill Biden, and, of course, President Joe Biden.

Also electrifying the stage was Texas congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who is quickly rising as one of the bright stars in the Democratic Party. She showed why by delivering a rousing speech that showed the stark contrast between Donald Trump and Vice President Harris.

While those in attendance don’t need any more convincing to vote for VP Harris, for those “on the fence,” Crockett expertly broke down why he will forever be unfit for the highest office in the land.

“One candidate worked at McDonald’s while in college at an HBCU. The other was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and helped his daddy in the family business: Housing discrimination,” Crockett said. “She became a career prosecutor, while he became a career criminal, with 34 felonies, two impeachments, and one porn star to prove it.”

“Kamala Harris has a résumé. Donald Trump has a rap sheet,” Crockett continued. “She presides over the Senate while he keeps national secrets next to his thinking chair — y’all know what I said the other time — in Mar-A-Lago.”

Rep. Crockett Shared A Touching Story About An Interaction She Had With VP Harris

In a touching moment, Rep. Crockett spoke about a moment she shared with VP Harris when she was a freshman that had her questioning whether or not she belonged.

“When I first got to Congress, I wasn’t sure I made the right decision,” Crockett said. “That chaos caucus couldn’t elect a speaker, and the Oversight Committee was unhinged.”

“She saw right through me. She saw the distress. I immediately began crying,” Crockett revealed while fighting back tears. “And the most powerful woman in the world wiped my tears and listened. She then said, among other things, ‘You are exactly where God wants you.’”

Crockett added: “The next month, I went viral for the first of many times to come.”

One of those many moments was her epic takedown of Marjorie Taylor Greene with her “bleach blonde, bad built, butch body,” response to Greene’s shenanigans.

She brought that same energy to the DNC, but this time, she applied it to Trump.

“The question before us is, will a vindictive, vile villain violate voters’ vision for a better American or not?” Crockett said as the crowd laughed. “I hear alliteration is back in style.”

Crockett’s speech was a hit with DNC viewers on X, formerly Twitter. You can see those reactions in the gallery below.

1. Plies tells no lies

2. Get in line sir

4. It damn sure was

20 Aug 2024

Hot 100 First-Timers: Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners Debut With 7-Year-Old Viral Hit ‘Evergreen’

Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners earn their first career entry on the Billboard Hot 100 dated Aug. 24 thanks to the group’s seven-year-old viral hit, the aptly named “Evergreen.”

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Released in May 2017 on the group’s debut studio album RMCM, the track launches at No. 83 on the Hot 100 almost entirely from its streaming sum: 5.7 million official U.S. streams (up 22%) Aug. 9-15, according to Luminate. The song was boosted by a new remix, featuring Caamp, released Aug. 9. (Caamp is not credited on the Hot 100 as the remix did not account for the bulk of the song’s consumption in the tracking week.)

The single also re-enters the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart at No. 14 after reaching No. 11 in March.

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Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners and Caamp performed the new remix together for the first time at the FairWell Festival in central Oregon on July 20. “This is 7 years in the making and we’re fortunate enough to have a band that we’ve looked up to from the beginning on it,” the group shared on Instagram. “Excited for you all to finally hear it and excited that this song will finally be out in the world.”

“Evergreen” has been growing in popularity since its original release thanks in large part to TikTok, where its official audio has soundtracked over 300,000 clips to date. The song is typically used in inspiring and wholesome videos using the #hopecore hashtag.

“Evergreen” also became the band’s first overall chart entry in January, when it arrived on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts.

At just 1 minute and 26 seconds long and encompassing only two verses, “Evergreen” is also one of the shortest Hot 100-charting songs in history. In fact, it’s shorter than the shortest No. 1 song (in terms of run time): Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs’ 1960 leader “Stay” (1:38). The shortest song ever on the Hot 100 ever is Kid Cudi’s 37-second-long “Beautiful Trip” in 2020, followed by Piko-Taro’s 45-second “PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen)” in 2016. (The new remix of “Evergreen” with Caamp clocks in at 2:57.)

Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners — from Colorado Springs, Colo. — is comprised of lead singer Mitch Cutts, Jakob Ervin, Nicolas Haughn and Ryan Lavallee. The band released RMCM the same day that its members graduated high school. Since then, the act has released two additional albums: Solstice in 2018 and Subliming in 2019.

The band’s upcoming October Moon Tour kicks off in October and runs through November.

20 Aug 2024

Selena Gomez Can’t Hold Back Tears in Emotional Video Reaction to Being Cast in ‘Emilia Perez’

Selena Gomez is celebrating her wins. Ahead of the theatrical release of Emilia Pérez in France, the 32-year-old singer-actress shared an emotional video on Instagram showing the moment she found out she’d been cast in the Jacques Audiard-directed film, after which she could barely hold back tears. 

“I can’t believe I got the movie, I’m so going to cry right now,” she says in the clip, collapsing onto her bed with excitement and hiding her face in her hands. “I don’t want to cry … This is going to be so cool.” 

The post comes about three and a half months after Gomez and castmates Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón and Adriana Paz collectively won the best actress award at Cannes Film Festival for their work in Emilia Pérez. The Spanish-language musical — which follows a Mexican drug lord (Gascón) embracing her true identity as a woman — is now slated to premiere in France Aug. 21. 

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The film will also premiere in select theaters in other countries this fall, as well as hit Netflix in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Nov. 13. 

In the meantime, fans can catch Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martin in the fourth season of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, which premieres Aug. 27. A recent trailer for the installment teased that the main characters have yet another homicide mystery to solve – that of Martin’s Brazzos stunt double Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch) — while consulting on a film adaptation of their lives starring Eva Longoria, Eugene Levy and Zach Galifianakis. 

The Rare Beauty founder also recently earned her first Emmy nod in an acting category for the previous season of Only Murders. “I’m honored and insanely grateful for this,” she wrote on Instagram at the time, showing off her “Congratulations Emmy Nominee!” cake. “Thank you @onlymurdershulu for giving me Mabel.” 

See Gomez’s post below. 

20 Aug 2024

Ye Settles With Boogie Down Productions Over Unlicensed Sample In ‘Life of the Party’

Ye (formerly Kanye West) has reached a settlement in a copyright lawsuit that accused him of using an uncleared sample from the pioneering rap group Boogie Down Productions in his song “Life of the Party.”

In court documents filed Monday, attorneys for both sides agreed that Ye should be dismissed from the case, with each side to pay their own legal bills. No other terms of the agreement were disclosed publicly, and neither side immediately returned requests for comment.

The Boogie Down lawsuit was one of more than a dozen such cases that have been filed against Ye over claims of unlicensed sampling or interpolating during his prolific career. The controversial rapper has faced nine such infringement cases since 2019 alone, including a high-profile battle with estate of Donna Summer that settled earlier this year.

Filed in November 2022, the current lawsuit was lodged by Phase One Network, the group that owns Boogie Down’s copyrights, over allegations that Ye had used incorporated key aspects from the 1986 song “South Bronx” into “Life of the Party,” which was released on his 2021album Donda.

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Echoing several other sampling lawsuits against Ye, Phase One claimed that the rapper’s representatives had reached out to legally clear the use of the Boogie Down song – but then released it anyway when a deal was never struck.

“The communications confirmed that ‘South Bronx’ had been incorporated into the infringing track even though West had yet to obtain such license,” Phase One’s lawyers wrote. “Despite the fact that final clearance for use of ‘South Bronx’ in the infringing track was never authorized, the infringing track was nevertheless reproduced, sold, distributed, publicly performed and exploited.”

Last summer, attorneys for Ye fought back with an unusual argument: That Boogie Down founder KRS-One had publicly promised all future rappers that “you will not get sued” over sampling the group’s catalog. They cited a 2006 documentary called The Art of 16 Bars, in which KRS-One said “I give to all MCs my entire catalogue.”

Phase One later called that a “bizarre argument,” noting that, when the documentary was made, KRS-One didn’t actually own the music he was claiming to place in the public domain: “Movants cite to no law to support such a theory. KRS-One also could not have placed the Work in the public domain as he  did not own it.”

Following Monday’s agreement, Ye and his Yeezy LLC will be dropped from the lawsuit but the case will continue against other several defendants, including the company behind the Stem Player platform on which the song was allegedly released.

20 Aug 2024

J Balvin to Headline 35th Annual Billboard Latin Music Week

J Balvin is gearing up to headline the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week. This year’s 35th annual event will unfold from October 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater.

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Known for his massive influence on Colombian reggaetón and global Latin music, the Medellín superstar — who is fresh off releasing his sixth solo studio album Rayo — will host a special night titled “Next Gen Reggaetón: An Evening Curated by J Balvin” during the week. The event promises an exciting lineup of surprise performances and guests, all chosen by Balvin himself.

The global superstar and entrepreneur is a highly decorated and critically acclaimed cultural icon who has won multiple Billboard Music Awards and plenty of chart accolades, including nine No. 1 tracks on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including “Mi Gente” with Beyoncé, “Ginza,” “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)” with Black Eyed Peas) and a No. 1 on the Hot 100 (“I Like It” with Cardi B and Bad Bunny).

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Apart from his curation, Balvin will engage in an exclusive Superstar Q&A moderated by Leila Cobo, chief content officer for Latin/Español at Billboard, providing deeper insights into his music and influence. The session, also sponsored by Cheetos, aims to foster intimate and enlightening discussions.

“Latin music is living its most successful and globally recognized moment ever this year. But Billboard has been proudly at its side for over 35 years as the main flagbearer, supporter and ultimate opinion maker for Latin music around the world,” said Cobo in a press release. “During a year when Latin music is dominating the charts and the cultural zeitgeist, we are thrilled to return to Miami Beach, the global capital of Latin music, for this exciting week-long event.”

The announcement also highlighted the expansive lineup for this legacy event, featuring a blend of established stars and emerging talents including Bad Gyal, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, JOP, Keityn, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Mau y Ricky, Mon LaFerte, N.O.R.E., Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yeison Jiménez, and Yeri Mua, with more to be announced in the coming months. Tickets are now available here.

“We are proud of the decades-long work we have done to celebrate Latin talent and bring the community together. This year’s event will be an unmatched celebration for artists, the industry and fans,” said Mike Van, President of Billboard, in a press release.

“Miami Beach is ready to once again host Billboard Latin Music Week, an event that truly showcases the vibrant and diverse culture of our community,” added Mayor of Miami Beach, Steven Meiner. “This week not only celebrates the rich heritage of Latin music, but also highlights Miami Beach as a global destination for arts and entertainment. We look forward to another unforgettable week of music.”

Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air on Telemundo. Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, Billboard will host a special 35th-year anniversary celebration on the evening of October 18 where INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to this star-studded event.

For more information on the Billboard Latin Music Week, updates on the schedule, and more exciting announcements, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

20 Aug 2024

Signed: Warner Records Signs Rusowsky Via Joint Venture With Madrid Artist Collective Rusia IDK

Warner Records has signed Madrid-based pop singer and multi-instrumentalist Rusowsky via a joint venture with Rusia IDK, an artist collective led by Rusowsky and singer-producer Ralphie Choo.

Rusowsky (real name Ruslan Mediavilla) is a well-known figure in Madrid’s alternative music scene. He started releasing music in 2019 and has since collaborated with artists including C. Tangana, DELLAFUENTE and Choo; he’s also played festivals including AXE Ceremonia, Sonar and Lollapalooza in South America. According to a press release, he’s racked up more than 115 million global streams across his catalog.

“This partnership is emblematic of Warner Records’ storied history as a home for true artists across all genres,” said Jackson Harris, manager of A&R at Warner Records, in a statement. “Rusowsky and RUSIA IDK are inspiring a musical and cultural revolution. From head-turning music to mesmerizing live performances, I’m excited for new audiences to learn about these brilliant musicians.”

Trending on Billboard

Added RUSIA IDK founder Manuel Jubera Suárez: “This is an unprecedented partnership that not only marks a before and after in the Spanish music scene, but also represents a key to enter the American market. The intention is to open new doors for Spanish music, bringing its essence and diversity to a global stage. Thanks to Aaron Bay-Schuck, Tom Corson, Jeff Sosnow and Jackson Harris. And, of course, it would never have been possible without mori, DRUMMIE, Ralphie Choo, Rusowsky and TRISTÁN!, the true essence of RUSIA-IDK.”

Rusowsky is represented by agent Devin Landau at TBA.

Elsewhere…

Katharine McPhee signed a label deal with Nashville-based company Melody Place, which will release new music from the singer and actress early next year. McPhee is slated to make her Grand Ole Opry debut on Oct. 12.

U.K. band The Last Dinner Party signed with PPL for the collection of their international neighboring rights royalties. In February, the five-piece group notched a No. 1 album in the United Kingdom with their debut studio set Prelude to Ecstasy. According to a press release, the band accumulated more than 688,000 seconds of airplay between April 2023 and May 2024, with the majority (62%) of that coming from their debut single “Nothing Matters.”

PULSE Records signed former America’s Got Talent winner Grace VanderWaal. The label released her new single, “Call It What You Want,” on Friday (Aug. 16); it will be followed by an album next spring. VanderWaal is managed by Brad Cohen at Raw Material and booked by Janet Kim at UTA.

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville signed country singer-songwriter Lanie Gardner, who first rose to attention with her rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” She was recently featured on the Twisters soundtrack with the track “Chasing the Wind” and is slated to tour with Jelly Roll and ZZ Ward. Her most recent single is “Lord Knows.”

Red Bull Records signed singer-songwriter Morgan (“ADCT”) and released her new single, “Bum Bum,” on Friday (Aug. 16). Morgan previously released collaborations with and wrote songs for the dance group Rudimental before collaborating with acts like Purple Disco Machine, Sonny Fodera and Sigma. She released her debut solo EP, Alien, in 2020.

Music, audio post-production and sonic branding company Barking Owl added composer, songwriter and producer Dan Romer to its roster. Barking Owl will exclusively represent Romer — whose scores include Beasts of the Southern Wild, ABC’s The Good Doctor and HBO MAX’s Station Eleven, among others — for advertising and branded content. His production credits include A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera’s “Say Something” and Shawn Mendes’ “Treat You Better.”

Pop-rock artist Bailey Spinn, known for her popular YouTube covers of songs including Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor,” signed with AWAL, which released the acoustic version of her viral song “Happy Ending” on Aug. 7 (to be followed by the release of her debut album). Spinn is managed by Temima Shames at Next Step Talent and booked by Jason Parent at Sound Talent Group.

Canberra, Australia band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers signed with Mom + Pop for the world (minus Australia and New Zealand). The band is ramping up for the release of I Love You Too, an extended version of its debut album I Love You, on Sept. 20; the set will feature three new songs, including the newly-released “Dull.” The Jean Teasers opened up dates for Foo Fighters in Australia and are slated to play several shows in the U.S. later this year, including a slot at Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival.

Wasserman Music signed country singer-songwriter Angie K to its roster, with Wasserman’s Nate Ritches representing her for worldwide representation. A 2024 CMT Listen Up Artist, Angie K is repped by JR Schumann for management, Huskins-Harris for business management and Essential Broadcast Media for public relations. – Jessica Nicholson

Singer-songwriter Christian Hayes, who first garnered attention when he posted a video of himself singing his song “Leaving” on Instagram in September 2023, has signed with WME, Universal Music Publishing Group and Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy for business management. He is managed by Helena Capps at Wildrose Projects. According to a press release, Hayes’ single “LILY” has racked up more than two million streams since its release this spring.

Warner Music Nashville signed The Band Loula and will release its major label debut track, “Don’t Call Me,” on Friday (Aug. 23). The band is managed by Mary Hilliard Harrington, Chip Dorsch and Christina Dunkley and booked by Grace Stern and Jay Williams at WME.

Artist-composer duo Idle Echoes (composed of Arkfoo and Jeff Dodson) has released its debut album Velvet Phoenix on the ALIBI Music label. ALIBI Music is best known as a provider of music and sound effects for licensing in film, TV, advertising, video games and more.

20 Aug 2024

Gunna, BMAC Partner to Launch $500,000 Gunna x BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program

Today (Aug. 20) signals the impending launch of the Gunna x BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program. The Gunna-supported $500,000 initiative — a new alliance between Gunna’s Great Giveaway and the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) — will provide a $1000 monthly stipend to 30 families living in the 30349 zip code of South Fulton, Georgia. 

Applications for the Gunna x BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program, which officially launches Sept. 18, are now available HERE. In a release announcing the initiative, the program’s stated goal is to “give families a guaranteed monthly income via cash placed directly in their hands for a year and, most importantly, provide support services ranging from financial empowerment to mental health.” Gunna and BMAC will work in tandem with South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau and community organizations that service South Fulton to identify the recipients.

“As mayor of South Fulton, I am deeply committed to fostering economic opportunities and uplifting our community,” said Kamau in the announcement. “The partnership between Gunna, BMAC, and the City of South Fulton represents a transformative step in addressing the economic disparities that some of our residents face. The Gunna x BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program is not just an investment in our city’s future, but a powerful example of how we can create meaningful change through collaboration and innovation. I am proud to support this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the families in our community.”

Trending on Billboard

Four-time Grammy Award nominee and multiplatinum rap icon Gunna, who was raised in South Fulton, added, “When I launched Gunna’s Great Giveaway, my goal was to uplift my hometown by providing resources that could make a tangible difference in at least one household. Partnering with BMAC to introduce the Guaranteed Income program in South Fulton is a significant step toward enhancing these communities and transforming the economic landscape of the city.”

The new program is the latest addition to Gunna’s other ongoing community initiatives. Those include Gunna’s Drip Closet, a free in-school clothing store, and the Goodr Grocery Store at McNair Middle School, through which students are given access to free necessities. Once the Guaranteed Income program begins, BMAC will also help mentor the grant recipients through its network encompassing music, film, fashion and technology.

“BMAC’s mission to achieve systemic equity must begin with economic justice,” said BMAC co-founder/president & CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers. “Black Americans are too often locked out of critical opportunities and pathways to climb the socioeconomic ladder despite being central to every cultural and financial movement in this country’s history. Partnering with Gunna to bring needed financial relief and, more importantly, mentorship and other services leading to sustainable change is very powerful. Our organization will continue to partner with artists and others looking to put equity in action so our community can tap into its fullest potential.”

Gunna and Stiggers will spotlight the Gunna x BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program during the BMAC Gala in Los Angeles on Sept. 19, with celebrations continuing Sept. 29 to commemorate Gunna Day (whose official date is Sept. 16). Announced earlier this month, the fourth annual BMAC Gala will pay tribute to LL COOL J and Usher, among other honorees.