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15 Aug 2024

A Karol G Playable Concert Is Coming to ‘Fortnite Festival’ Season 5

Gamers rejoice! Karol G is bringing the rhythm to Fortnite Festival season 5, set to run from Aug. 16 to Nov. 2.

The one-of-a-kind playable concert Karol G MSB Fortnite, created by Magnopus, is a five-part visual journey through the Colombian artist’s life and music career, available from 3 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 23 until midnight on Aug. 26. The setlist available to play in the game are “Oki Doki,” “Provenza (Remix),” “Cairo” and the Peso Pluma-assisted “QLONA.”

The “Bichota” singer first teased the Fortnite collaboration on her Instagram story on Wednesday (Aug. 14). “This is so amazing!!! Something incredible is coming with Fortnite Festival,” she wrote in the preview.

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“This season’s Premium Reward Track (available to purchase for 1,800 V-Bucks) lets fans unlock Karol G-themed items including the Bichota Season Karol G Outfit, the Bichota Mic, and the Bichota 6-String Guitar,” notes the official Fortnite post. “In terms of gameplay, fans can collect EmPower-Ups in the music experience to blast away negative energy and spread positive vibes in this neon-drenched party.”

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Those interested in catching the Karol G MSB Fortnite can download Fortnite for free on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Android and PC. Fans can also access Fortnite on available cloud-based streaming services here. Once the game is launched, select the corresponding tile in Fortnite’s menu.

Karol G is the second Colombian artist to team up with Fortnite. In 2020, J Balvin headlined Fortnite‘s annual, game-wide “Fortnitemares” event on Halloween. The event included new gameplay, challenges, in-game rewards and more, culminating with Balvin’s set during the “Afterlife Party” that took place inside Party Royale, the weapons-free mode that Fortnite launched to host entertainment-related events.

15 Aug 2024

Katy Perry Video Crew Got ‘Verbal Approval’ For ‘Lifetimes’ Video Shoot on Protected Spanish Beach

Katy Perry‘s record label has responded to reports claiming the singer did not secure the proper permits to film her “Lifetimes” video on an environmentally protected beach and sensitive dunes of the S’Espalmador area in Spain’s Balearic Islands.

“The local video production company assured us that all necessary permits for the video were secured,” a Capitol Records spokesperson told Billboard on Thursday (Aug. 15) in a statement following reports that an investigation has been opened to determine whether the filming caused environmental damage to the dunes. “We have since learned that one permit was in process, although we were given verbal authority to go ahead.”

The reaction came after the Environmental Department of the Balearic Islands in Spain said that while the shoot didn’t amount to a “crime against the environment,” it was looking into whether full clearance had been obtained for the shoot promoting the second single from Perry’s upcoming 143 album (Sept. 20); the department said that filming “can be authorized” for shoots there when run through proper channels.

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In the clip for the bouncy dance song, Perry frolics in a thong bikini on a beach in the vacation destination, eats a boat-delivered meal in the ocean, parties in a club and jumps off the cliffs into the ocean. In a press release on Tuesday (Aug. 14), the Environmental Department of the Balearic Islands said that the production company behind the shoot did not request the proper authorization before filming the Stillz-directed video for the Dr. Luke-produced track.

The release from the department claimed that one of the scenes was filmed in the dunes of S’Espalmador in a prohibited area marked off by ropes.

“Our local crew on July 22 applied for a permit for this specific location with the Directorate-General for Coasts and Coastline,” the statement from the Capitol rep continued. “Our crew received verbal approval on July 26 to proceed with the filming on July 27. We adhered to all regulations associated with filming in this area and have the utmost respect for this location and the officials tasked with protecting it.”

“Lifetimes” is the second single from Perry’s first new album in four years, following on the heels of the lead track, “Woman’s World.”

Watch the “Lifetimes” video below.

15 Aug 2024

Sonos Cuts 6% of Staff, Slashes Sales Projections Amid App Blunder

Sonos is letting go of 6% of its workforce — more than 100 people — after a disastrous redesign of their app and mounting customer complaints forced the company to lower its projected sales and delay product launches.

The layoffs, first reported by The Verge, were announced in a company filing on Wednesday (Aug. 14). Sonos had 1,867 full-time employees — roughly 70% in the United States with the remainder in other countries — as of Sept. 30, 2023, according to its most recent annual report.

Since Sonos redesigned mobile app in May, customers have complained the app did not recognize existing Sonos speakers and would not let them set up new speakers or headphones. The problems are such that Sonos chief executive Patrick Spence said earlier this month they would be lowering their company’s fourth quarter sales projections and delaying the launch of two major new products while it focuses on fixing the app.

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“It’s so painful to let customers down the way we have with our app,” Spence said on a call discussing the company’s most recent quarterly earnings with investors. “We needed the new app to set us up for the future. Far too many of our customers… are having an experience that is worse than what they previously had.”

The company expects to spend $20-$30 million fixing the app, investing in its customer support and other initiatives to win back peeved buyers. The layoffs will cost the company between $9 to $12 million, of which $6 to $8 million are expected to be related to severance packages and other benefits, most of which will hit the company this quarter, according to the filing.

15 Aug 2024

Lin-Manuel Miranda & Eisa Davis Tap Marc Anthony, Luis Figueroa & More for ‘WARRIORS’ Album

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis have chosen their fighters for the cast of their WARRIORS musical album, tapping Marc Anthony, Luis Figueroa, Flaco Navaja and Chris Rivers to lend their voices to the project.

As revealed Thursday (Aug. 15), Anthony will star as Tato on the LP, while Figueroa is locked in to play Miguel. Navaja will portray Jesús and Rivers receives billing as “The Bronx.” Additional voices will be announced “very soon,” according to a release.

WARRIORS will feature 26 tracks following the members of a fictitious New York City gang who are framed for the murder of a respected gang leader named Cyrus. The album was inspired by the cult-classic 1979 film The Warriors — which stars Michael Beck, James Remar, Deborah Van Valkenburgh and Marcelino Sánchez — as well as the movie’s source novel by Sol Yurick.

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“We’ve spent the past three years musicalizing the Warriors’ journey home, from the South Bronx to Coney Island,” said Miranda and Davis, who co-wrote the album, in a joint statement. “Along the way, we’ve gotten to work with a lot of our favorite artists, and we’ll be announcing their roles on the album in the weeks ahead. We can’t wait to share these songs with you on Oct. 18.”

As previously announced, Grammy Award winner Nas is on board as executive producer, bringing his New York City roots to the table. Plus, Grammy winner Mike Elizondo takes the helm as producer.

WARRIORS marks just the latest high-profile musical project created by Miranda, who found global fame in 2015 for writing and starring in the Broadway musical Hamilton. The following year, its cast recording won a Grammy for best musical theater album and became the first-ever Broadway cast recording to be certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America, while its follow-up project, The Hamilton Mixtape, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2016.

Later, the Tony winner wrote and produced the soundtracks for the Disney films Moana and Encanto. The former made history for weeks spent at No. 1 on Billboard’s soundtracks chart, while the latter topped the Billboard 200 for several weeks.

Davis is also a prolific actor, writer and singer-songwriter known for her work on stage and screen, as well as a former finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for her play Bulrusher. In addition to writing and starring in Angela’s Mixtape, she’s lent her pen to television series such as Netflix’s She’s Gotta Have It and FX’s Justified: City Primeval, and she has appeared in numerous theater productions and films.

15 Aug 2024

Adele Sees Global Chart Gains Amid Her Germany Concert Residency

On Aug. 2, Adele kicked off a 10-show run at Germany’s Munich Messe, playing the only concerts since the release of her 2021 album 30 other than her Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. In turn, her catalog is seeing gains in worldwide consumption, leading to several re-entries on the global charts.

Leading the pack, “Easy On Me,” from the album, returns to the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart (dated Aug. 17) at No. 128, while reappearing on the Billboard Global 200 at No. 170. Then, the trio of chart-topping smashes from 2011’s 21: “Someone Like You” at Nos. 144 and 178, respectively, “Rolling In the Deep” at Nos. 149 and 200, and “Set Fire To the Rain” at No. 152 on Global Excl. U.S.

In total, Adele’s catalog generated 142.4 million official streams worldwide in the week ending Aug. 8, according to Luminate, up 29% from the previous frame, and sold 6,000 downloads (up 65%). Sales particularly surged outside the U.S., up 113% compared to a domestic bump of 19%. Still, video footage from her Germany residency went wide, sparking a 23% U.S. increase in streams, not far behind the 31% boost internationally.

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Of her four charting tracks, “Someone Like You” achieves the biggest percentage gains in both metrics, up 73% in sales and 33% in streams. In doing so, it leapfrogs the other 21 singles.

Beyond the 200-position charts, 25’s “Love In the Dark” is up 47% in streams (to 9.2 million) and 214% in sales, making it the week’s most popular song from the 2015 album despite not being one of the set’s four promoted singles. It’s one of six 25 tracks performed during her Munich shows.

Adele’s residency continues through Aug. 31, likely spurring continued chart activity throughout the month.

15 Aug 2024

AEG Presents’ Jay Marciano to Be Honored at City of Hope Gala Featuring Elton John

City of Hope will present Jay Marciano, chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, with its prestigious Spirit of Life Award at a Oct. 22 gala headlined by legendary singer and songwriter Elton John.

City of Hope is one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and a leading research center for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. The Spirit of Life Gala, organized by the City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) volunteer and fundraising group’s, will take place at the historic Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Marciano is the 51st executive to be honored during the annual affair, recognizing individuals for their longtime philanthropic and humanitarian efforts. Besides managing some of the largest tours in history — Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” and Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” — Marciano is focused on galvanizing the industry to accelerate cancer research at City of Hope so that more people around the world may benefit from its findings.

In addition to the performance by John, attendees will experience a curated menu by chef Evan Funke, a master of the old-world techniques of handmade pasta, and an unprecedented act by magician and mentalist David Blaine — both experiences promise to round out an evening of magic. Comedian, actor, musician and writer Fred Armisen will emcee the event.

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“I am honored to be receiving The Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope and to be able to contribute to raising awareness and funds to speed its important work of eradicating cancer and improving lives for so many,” Marciano said in a statement. “I am also humbled and grateful that Elton John, a true superstar in every regard, has agreed to lend his immeasurable talents to this event with a performance that’s sure to inspire support for a cause that unfortunately touches so many lives.”

John’s historic, final tour saw the musical icon play 330 shows worldwide to over 6.25 million fans across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. The U.S. leg of the tour concluded with three sell-out shows at Dodger Stadium. The concert was livestreamed on Disney+ in every territory the channel broadcasts in, a global first. He later headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2023, the final UK show before the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concluded in July 2023, marking the end of more than 50 years on the road. Now, the stage has been set for another very special performance at the Spirit of Life Gala.

“Jay is more than a colleague; he is a dear friend,” John said. “It is my pleasure to lend my support to him as he receives the Spirit of Life honor, especially given City of Hope’s dignity-giving supportive care for people who face cancer, along with its unmatched research for other life-threatening illnesses. Their important work has led to advancements in the field that have fortunately enabled so many people to live beautiful, long lives. Everyone should have that opportunity, and I’m honored to play a part in City of Hope’s work towards that goal.”

Founded more than a century ago to serve people who had trouble accessing high-quality, effective cancer treatment, City of Hope combines inclusive, compassionate care with big dreams realized through breakthrough scientific research.

“Our longstanding supporters in the entertainment industry are helping us deliver on our most important goal: saving lives,” said Robert Stone, CEO of City of Hope and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair. “Thank you, Jay, and our partners for helping us ensure that people with cancer, regardless of race, socioeconomic status or geography, have equitable access to the most advanced cancer treatments available.”

In its 50-plus year history, MFEI raised over $150 million to benefit City of Hope research and care programs.

“The music industry has the power to unite millions of people for a cause, and when that cause is cancer research, the impact can be transformative,” said Kristin J. Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope. “Jay’s support will amplify awareness, raise crucial funds, and inspire hope for millions of cancer patients and their families. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about saving lives through the power of philanthropy,” Bertell continued.

“City of Hope’s MFEI Board cannot thank Jay Marciano, and his entire team, enough for all they are doing to help fight these horrible diseases,” said Evan Lamberg, president of Universal Music Publishing Group. “There is not a single person I meet that has not, in some way directly or indirectly, been affected by cancer. City of Hope continues its battle against cancer around the clock and looks to continue to make the quality of people’s lives better.”

MFEI’s Spirit of Life Gala will conclude a year-long fundraising initiative which will also include auctions and a dinner series to benefit City of Hope. Tickets and sponsorship information can be found here.

15 Aug 2024

Dad of the Year? Charlamagne Tha God Talks Cardi B’s Surprise Appearance at Daughter’s Sweet 16

Charlamagne Tha God is in the running for dad of the year after pulling off the ultimate surprise for his daughter’s Sweet 16 party. He also now owes Cardi B a huge favor after The Breakfast Club co-host had the Bronx rapper pull up to the party back in June.

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Charlamagne joined Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Wednesday night (Aug. 14) where he was asked about how he managed to keep that secret and have the Grammy-winning rapper make an appearance.

“Cardi’s the homie. I’ve been supporting Cardi since the beginning way, way back when she was just on Instagram making all of us laugh,” he said. “I don’t ask artists for anything. My daughter turned 16 and all her friends be having cool little people show up to their events.”

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The NYT best-selling author continued: “So I’m like, ‘Ay Bardi, would you do me this favor?’ And she was like, ‘Of course.’ So thank you to Bardi for that. My daughter and her friends loved it because nobody had any idea she was gonna show up.”

Charlamagne posted some footage from the magical night for his daughter featuring Cardi’s cameo as he championed her as one of “the most genuine spirits ever.”

“THANK YOU To The Good Sister @iamcardib for popping out to my daughters Sweet 16 this past Sunday,” he wrote to Instagram. “Big Bardi really one of the most genuine spirits ever and I truly appreciate her. This moment is now a memory that will last forever in my daughter and all her friends hearts and I will forever be grateful to Bardi for making that happen. I Truly Thank GOD for it ALL!!!”

The media mogul went on to rave about Cardi in a clip pulled from The Breakfast Club where he gushed about how he she danced with the girls, took photos with everyone who asked and sang along to her own anthems to complete a night nobody will forget.

“Cardi took mad to-go plates,” CTG even joked. “We got her right. I know the internet likes to say I’m biased towards Cardi B, yes I am.”

Watch both clips below.



15 Aug 2024

Jordan Adetunji Scores No. 1 on TikTok Billboard Top 50 With ‘Kehlani’

Following the release of the music video for a remix featuring its namesake, Jordan Adetunji’s “Kehlani” jumps to No. 1 for the first time on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart dated Aug. 17.

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The TikTok Billboard Top 50 is a weekly ranking of the most popular songs on TikTok in the United States based on creations, video views and user engagement. The latest chart reflects activity from Aug. 5-11. Activity on TikTok is not included in Billboard charts except for the TikTok Billboard Top 50.

“Kehlani” becomes the fourth straight new No. 1 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. After a 10-week reign by Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” Blood Orange’s “Champagne Coast” rose to the top of the July 27 list, followed by Clairo’s “Juna” (Aug. 3) and Sevdaliza, Pabllo Vittar and Yseult’s “Alibi” (Aug. 10) before “Kehlani.”

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“Kehlani” initially debuted on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 in June. It spent two weeks in the top 10 in early summer and began to rebound in August. By ruling in its 10th week on the chart, the song holds the mark for longest wait between debut and hitting No. 1 since the ranking began in September 2023.

Its initial virality was accompanied by a dance trend, one that continues with the release of the remix, which adds Kehlani on vocals (it came out June 20, and its music video followed Aug. 2).

“I broke the simulation,” reads Adetunji’s TikTok upload announcing the video on July 30 while Kehlani lip-synchs to the tune.

“Kehlani” concurrently hits a new peak on the Billboard Hot 100 dated Aug. 17, zooming 53-26 with 13 million official U.S. streams, 8.2 million radio audience impressions and 1,000 downloads in the week ending Aug. 8, according to Luminate.

The rest of the top four on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 is made up of previous No. 1s, as “Kehlani” is followed by the aforementioned “Alibi,” “Champagne Coast” and “Million Dollar Baby” at Nos. 2-4, respectively. Charli XCX’s “Apple,” which had reached a new peak of No. 3 on the Aug. 10 survey, falls to No. 5.

Lower in the top 10, one song hits a new peak while another reaches the region for the first time. Alphaville’s “Forever Young” lifts 10-7, while Hanumankind and Kalmi’s “Big Dawgs” jumps 33-10.

“Forever Young” was a No. 65 hit for Alphaville in 1988. It’s mostly been used in videos and trends about nostalgia, from creators remembering when they were younger to edits recalling people who have since passed away.

The song reached the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts for the first time in August. It reaches new peaks of No. 74 on the latter and No. 112 on the former as of the Aug. 17 tallies. In the U.S., it enjoyed a boost of 11% in streams to 2.2 million in the week ending Aug. 8.

“Big Dawgs,” meanwhile, hits the top 10 of the TikTok Billboard Top 50 for the first time as the track continues to explode across many platforms, particularly TikTok and YouTube thanks to its viral music video. Many top-performing TikTok uploads featuring the Indian rapper’s song are reacting to the music video, while others emulate Hanumankind’s dancing in the clip.

It concurrently debuts at No. 24 on Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart dated Aug. 17 with 12.1 million streams, up 58%. The song also zooms 57-31 on the Hot 100.

One must travel all the way down to No. 34 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 to find the week’s biggest debut. That distinction belongs to The Sundays’ “Life Goes On.” Originally released as part of the CD single for the since-disbanded group’s 1997 single “Cry,” the track was given a digital release for the first time on Aug. 3. While some recent TikTok uploads featuring the song had decried how it wasn’t available on most streaming services previously, others follow a trend that follows the prompt “they hate when [you/we] serve.”

See the full TikTok Billboard Top 50 here. You can also tune in each Friday to SiriusXM’s TikTok Radio (channel 4) to hear the premiere of the chart’s top 10 countdown at 3 p.m. ET, with reruns heard throughout the week.

15 Aug 2024

The IRS Is King: Kanye West’s Sunday Choir Stripped of Charity Status

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Kanye West's Sunday Service Loses Charity Status

Source: Kent Nishimura / Getty / Kanye West / Sunday Service

This is more bad news for Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, and Jesus won’t be able to save him.

Spotted on the U.S. Sun, Kanye West’s Sunday Service has been stripped of its charity status because the troubled rapper failed to file his tax returns with Uncle Sam, aka the IRS.

According to the publication, the popular choir gained its charity status on December 12, 2021.

West introduced the choir to the masses in January 2019 through invite-only musical events that also served as “inspirational” promotional concerts for his gospel album “Jesus Is King.”

The group, led by choir director Jason White, became a hit with fans and eventually performed at one of the biggest music festivals in the world, Coachella, as well as at the Hollywood Bowl and other events.

Speaking with Nick Cannon, the often boastful West claimed he spent $50 million on Sunday Service in his first year.

“I spent every dime that I have for marketing from Yeezy on Sunday Service. Every dollar I had,” Ye claimed.

He continued, “I spent $50 million last year on Sunday Service if you add up the operas if you add up the flights. It was 120 people going to Jamaica.”

“The Yeezys, they were selling themselves. So, instead of paying for ads, I invested it in the church. I invested in spreading [the] gospel. I invested in saying Jesus’ name on high.”

West’s involvement with the choir would become nonexistent in recent months, with the IRS sharing the bad news about the choir on its website.

Per The U.S. Sun:

But it appears he’s had little to do with the choir in recent months, and a revocation date on the IRS website is listed as May 15, 2024, confirming it has lost its charity status.

It was posted for the first time on August 12, showing it is still current.

Welp.

Kanye West has been in the news lately, but not for anything good. Whether it’s because he dresses his wife, Bianca Censori, in what he thinks are clothes or the numerous lawsuits, like the most recent one for his unauthorized use of some photos featuring him and Censori.

If there is any good news about Mr. West, his new album featuring Ty Dolla $ign is out. We don’t know how long it will be available because he can pull it at any moment.

15 Aug 2024

Taylor Swift Fans Think Her New Wax Figure in Germany Is an ‘Atrocity’: See Photo

It’s a cruel summer indeed for Taylor Swift‘s new wax figure, which has garnered not-so-positive reviews from fans after the Panoptikum Wax Museum unveiled the attraction earlier this week.

Located in Hamburg, Germany, the pop star’s latest wax reincarnation was inspired by her 2019 iHeart Radio Music Awards look and features a replica of the spangly purple bodysuit she wore on the red carpet. But that’s pretty much where the similarities end, according to Swifties online, who’ve taken to social media to share their dislike for the statue on social media.

“WHO IS THAT,” one person tweeted.

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“They did my girl so dirty ?,” another fan wrote.

The Panoptitkum also tried to recreate Swift’s famous hand-heart, but several fans pointed out that they also missed the mark there; though the 14-time Grammy winner usually does the symbol with all of her fingers tucked in, the statue’s fingers are fanned out.

“the real atrocity here is the inaccurate hand heart im gonna be sick,” one person added on X.

Swift has served as the muse for many a wax figure over the course of her career, with Madame Tussauds crafting several for its various locations all over the world. In 2022, for instance, the museum’s Dubai location unveiled a clone of the “Anti-Hero” singer dressed in the look she sported at the 2020 Academy of Country Music Awards. Before that, Madame Tussauds London displayed a Swift figure inspired by her “Shake It Off” music video.

See a photo of Swift’s wax figure in Hamburg below.

wax figure taylor swift

The wax figure of Taylor Swift is unveiled at Panoptikum on Aug. 13, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany.

Tristar Media/Getty Images