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12 Aug 2024

Reviewers Are Calling Fjallraven’s Sleek Backpack Their ‘Forever’ Bag for Its Sturdy Construction (And It’s On Sale for Under $50)

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Before the first day of school or college, there are certain back-to-school supplies and dorm essentials you’ll need in order to feel prepared. The most important is a backpack that’s sturdy, roomy and shows off a bit of your personality.

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Fjällräven Kånken’s unisex backpack has been a top-rated pick since its debut in 1978, with Amazon reviewers even claiming it as their “forever backpack.” Normally, Fjallraven’s backpack is priced at $90, but for a limited time you can score a back-to-school deal for up to 44% off, dropping the bag to under $50.

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The design comes with a luxurious build featuring a Vinylon fabric that’s rip-resistant and comes with a unique foam back panel that can also double as a seat cushion. In addition to providing your shoulders with comfort, the backpack comes built with various handles, allowing you to seamlessly switch how you carry it.

Keep reading to shop the deal below.

Black Fjallraven Kanken backpack

Amazon

Fjallraven Kanken Unisex Backpack

$49.98

$90

44% off

$69.22

$90

23% off

This simple backpack comes with a sturdy construction that’ll carry your journals, pencils, laptop and more without weighing you down. There are two different ways you can carry the bag, including the traditional backpack, or you can use the top straps to carry the backpack like a handbag. You can choose from 40 shades depending on your style preferences.

More than 1,000 of the Fjallraven backpacks have been purchased this month on Amazon and the style has even earned a 4.6-star rating. Reviewers have been blown away with how many things they can pack inside the backpack. One Amazon shopper even claimed they could fit their 13-inch MacBook, iPad, a compression packing cube with up to four outfits, a rain jacket, a pair of sandals, a portable charger, a book, large wallet, water bottle and any accessories they needed easy access to.

Plus, it’s “super comfortable when carrying heavy items since the straps are made to support the back,” another shopper added.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best vinyl record player accessories, tablet deals and spring break travel gear.

12 Aug 2024

Sabrina Carpenter Receives Support From Kacey Musgraves & SZA | Billboard News

Sabrina Carpenter performed with Kacey Musgraves at Outside Lands, and SZA took to TikTok to show her support. We have the details!

Tetris Kelly:

Sabrina Carpenter and Kacey Musgraves did some walking at Outside Lands as SZA gets shook at some of Sabrina’s vocals. Grab a shot of espresso and let’s dive in. That was Sabrina Carpenter singing “In Love with Another Man” by Jazmine Sullivan and when noticing the video online, SZA commented “Wait huh !??????? Am I crazy for not know she got down like this ?” Well SZA now you know and fans are begging for a collab. Meanwhile at Outside Lands, Kacey Musgraves joined Sabrina onstage. The pair sang the Nancy Sinatra classic at the San Francisco fest on August 10th. Kacey gushed about the post online, even giving us an inside peek at rehearsals.

12 Aug 2024

Mannie Fresh Reveals Bun B Originally Was Going to Be in Big Tymers

While appearing on DJ Self’s YouTube series Apt. 5H, Cash Money Millionaire Mannie Fresh talked about the early days of the Big Tymers — the group he was in with Birdman — and how there was supposed to be a third member from another legendary Southern rap group.

“Bun [B] actually was supposed to be in the Big Tymers. A lot of people don’t know that,” Mannie told DJ Self. “But I think for reasons that — it kinda conflicted because you gotta think about how weird the dynamics of the South was.” Adding, “Pimp [C] was doing stuff with No Limit; Bun was doing stuff with us. So I think it would’ve made a ripple in their group if any of them would have joined [No Limit or Cash Money].”

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Bun B still maintained a good working relationship with Fresh, as he made guest appearances on three of the group’s five albums and other Cash Money projects like the Hot Boys’ 1997 debut album Get It How U Live!! and the legendary producer’s 2004 debut album The Mind of Mannie Fresh. “I swear, some of the verses that Bun put down on some of the Cash Money sh– is like, ‘Oh my God.’ I used to be like, ‘How you gonna keep up with that sh–?,’” he said. “He just said some incredible sh– and his flows!”

Mannie and Bun still have that same bond. “To this day, our relationship is still like that. Bun is like, ‘Sh–, whatever you doing, I’m on it.’”

You can watch the full interview below:

12 Aug 2024

Jelly Roll & Travis Barker Join Machine Gun Kelly for Surprise MGK Day Performance in Cleveland

Machine Gun Kelly’s bond with his hometown of Cleveland is stronger than ever. The rapper-rocker hosted MGK Day on Sunday along with a slew of other charity events celebrating The Land throughout the weekend.

Kelly reportedly ripped through a 25-track headlining set Sunday evening in the streets of Cleveland, but saved a few tricks up his sleeve when surprising his die-hard hometown fans with appearances from Blink-182’s Travis Barker and Jelly Roll at the block party.

Barker, who produced the Billboard 200-topping Tickets to My Downfall, played the drums on hits such as “My Ex’s Best Friend” as well as Jelly Roll and MGK’s new collab “Lonely Road.” The John Denver-sampling track debuted at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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“Today is all about my brother right her,” Jelly Roll told the crowd of the hometown hero standing next to him. “This is his day, this is his week, this is his city. And right now I want you to be the loudest you’ve been all f—ing night for MGK!”

Detroit’s Tee Grizzley also made the trip to hit the stage with Machine Gun Kelly, where he performed his “First Day Out” banger as well as his “The Sopranos” collaboration with MGK.

Following the block party’s festivities, MGK took a moment on X to get emotional about his love letter to Cleveland and his journey with the fans that has been running high since the late 2000s.

“My eyes too dry to cry but damn cleveland that was legendary tonight wtf. WE DID THAT,” he wrote.

The 34-year-old thanked Barker and Jelly Roll for coming out and making the night special. “Can’t believe you pulled up. love you so much dude,” he wrote to JR, before focusing on Travis Barker, who made quite the commute to get to MGK Day.

“Dude you really hopped off a plane and drove 3 hours to show up for me today @travisbarker i can’t thank you enough for being a big brother to me,” Kelly said. “Playing Lonely Road with you and jelly in front of my city after all those studio nights working on it meant more than you know.”

It was a nonstop busy weekend for Machine Gun Kelly, who also hosted a Skate & BMXing showcase, a nightclub party featuring Nelly performing “Air Force Ones,” as well as a charity softball game.

Find more of the highlights from MGK Day below.

12 Aug 2024

Megan Thee Stallion Turns Into A Snake & Catches A Few Bodies In New Visuals To “Mamushi”

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It looks like Megan Thee Stallion has really taken a liking to Asian culture thanks to her recent trip to Japan as her latest offering “Mamushi” is set in a Far East environment with a touch of the supernatural.

For the Yuki Chiba-assisted visuals to “Mamushi,” Megan finds herself to be a part of a bathhouse bordello of sorts as the only Black woman amongst a team of Japanese hotties. Unfortunately, for the man who chooses to spend time with her, Thee Stallion quickly shape-shifts into a snake and makes quick work of the men in her vicinity. Luring them with her amazing physical, Megan proves Bell Biv Devoe right by reminding us to never trust a big butt and a smile ’cause that girl is poison.

We’re not gonna lie though, we’d still take that chance. Just sayin’.

Check out the Yuki Chiba-assisted visuals to “Mamushi” below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Photo: Getty

12 Aug 2024

Chucho Valdés Dazzles With Cuban Piano Mastery in NPR Tiny Desk Concert: Watch

Chucho Valdés delivered a captivating solo performance at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, where he showcased his profound mastery and improvisational skills on the piano. He kicked off with the classic 1978 “Mambo Influenciado,” in which he juxtaposed traditional Cuban piano rhythms on one hand with more progressive melodies in the other in six unpredictable minutes.

“This work that I’m going to perform, it doesn’t exist,” he told the crowd in attendance at NPR’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. “I am going to improvise something and when I finish, it will be a [new] song. I want to do it like that, spontaneous, natural, I don’t want to plan.” He appropriately called the song “Impromptu Desk.” This rare appearance by the virtuoso offered an intimate glimpse into his expansive musical journey and ongoing influence.

His 20-minute performance also included “Ponle la Clave,” translating to “add the clave,” a traditional percussion instrument that’s popular in his native country. “Generally, Cuban music — four by four, six by eight, the measures — are not simple ones. Many years ago, it occurred to me to make a symmetrical theme, to see how to put the clave in a seven … I composed this song when I was very young, in the ’60s,” he added.

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At 82 years old, Valdés, whose career spans six decades, continues to blend jazz, classical and Cuban musical traditions into breathtaking improvisations. On Aug. 30, he will release a new album called Cuba & Beyond.

Throughout his prolific career, the Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning artist has landed on multiple Billboard charts, including 2010’s El Último Trago at No. 8 on Latin Pop Albums and No. 40 on Top Latin Albums, and earned a total of eight entries on the Jazz Albums chart.

He is scheduled to headline the 20th annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival on Sept. 7.

Watch Valdés’ “Tiny Desk” performance below:

12 Aug 2024

LISA of BLACKPINK Raves About Taylor Swift’s 3-Hour Eras Tour Show: ‘I Maybe Could Do It With a Lot of Practice’

As she embarks on her new solo era, LISA of BLACKPINK is taking notes from Taylor Swift.

In an interview published Monday (Aug. 12), Elle‘s latest cover star raved about the “Anti-Hero” singer’s global Eras Tour, which she saw when the trek stopped through Singapore in March. “She’s incredible!” LISA told the publication of Swift. “Singing alone on a stage for three and a half hours is crazy…I maybe could do it with a lot of practice.”

While at the Eras concert, LISA met the 14-time Grammy winner backstage and posed for pictures. “Had such a blast at The Eras Tour! Amazing performance @taylorswift,” she wrote on social media at the time alongside an emoji of a heart with an arrow through it.

The Thai singer-rapper is fresh off the release of “Rockstar,” which debuted at No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July. She’s also already started teasing that her next solo track is on the way, posting a Y2K-inspired snippet on TikTok earlier this month.

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Going forward, LISA will retain ownership of her solo master recordings thanks to a deal she signed with RCA Records in April in partnership with her own LLOUD company. Swift has had her own challenges in acquiring the masters to her first six albums, hence her “Taylor’s Version” re-recorded releases over the past couple years.

“I don’t think it’s easy for anyone to be able to get that,” LISA said of of owning one’s masters. “It feels like a dream. I’m not sure if it’s real or not.”

And though her solo era is in full swing, LISA also took a moment in the interview to assure fans that her work with bandmates ROSÉ, JISOO and JENNIE isn’t going anywhere. “Of course we’re continuing, for sure,” she said. “We’re so proud of BLACKPINK, and I love BLACKPINK. It is not just because of our fans, it’s for ourselves.”

12 Aug 2024

‘I Got A Little Sad’: André 3000 Has Something To Say About Rap Beef Between Kendrick Lamar And Drake

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Syd For Solen In Copenhagen

The fanfare and hysteria surrounding the beyond-viral feud between rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake have finally wound down since the former’s smash hit “Not Like Us” became the cultural phenomenon that ended any lingering doubts about who “won” this rap beef, but one veteran emcee who is somewhat of a cultural phenomenon all by himself, André 3000, is weighing in on the spectacle and what it meant for Hip-Hop.

“I got a little sad, at a certain point,” the Outkast member said in a recent interview with Crack Magazine. “In early rap battles, you had kids in the park rapping against each other. But it’s not just people rapping now. You got people with 100 employees. You have livelihoods, empires, companies, deals — all of it can be jeopardized. If you don’t have anything to lose, sure, go for it. But if I already made it, I’m not sure it’s even worth it anymore.”

Yeah—the beef between Drizzy and K-Dot certainly didn’t have the feel of pure Hip Hop competition that the culture felt during the rivalry between Boodie Down Productions and Juice Crew. This beef was more reminiscent of the post-NWA split-up, when Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E really seemed to be out to destroy each other. Drake vs. Kendrick got really ugly, and it’s undoubtedly the reason it had the whole internet in a chokehold for multiple months.

Still, the Dungeon Family alumnus acknowledged that Hip Hop has always been a competitive sport and that rap beefs are part of the game. He also didn’t seem to mind his name being dropped in Lamar’s verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” the very verse that catalyzed the feud.

“If he walk around with that stick, it ain’t André 3K,” Lamar rapped in the song.

“As a 49-year-old rapper, you’re just happy to get a shoutout,” André told Crack Magazine. “But as a rapper, I’ve noticed myself walking around with this stick. So It was a line for me, too, and I was trying to find a way to use it. But Kendrick used it, so I had to say ‘Yeah, he got it.’”

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12 Aug 2024

Bobby Shmurda & Loud Luxury on ’90s Rap Inspo for ‘Cool Like That’ | How It Went Down | Billboard

Bobby Shmurda & Loud Luxury sit down and share how “Cool Like That” was created, the ’90s rap vibe they were going for and more!

Joe De Pace:

What’s up, everybody? We’re Loud Luxury.

Bobby Shmurda:

This is Bobby Shmurda.

Andrew Fedyk:

And this is how it went down with our new song “Cool Like That.”

Joe De Pace:

We had some demos lying around, and one of them in particular really stuck when we were in the studio, because we were getting Bobby to freestyle on a bunch of stuff just to see and like, vibe it out. I could just feel one of the demos. And I was like, “This is the one, we gotta work on this one.” I was like, “Bobby, hop on this one.” And then he just, like, immediately, like, it came to him, like, on the spot.

Bobby Shmurda:

I’m not gonna lie to you, everything that was playing, I was jumping around to like, everything they said, this the one I said, “Let’s go.” But everything they was playing I was just jumping around, like d*mn they got so much f***ing fire in here.

So we got his recordings, and we literally just took four bars of it and just looped it over and over again and turned it into a song. And then we just told him, “I think your voice was strained by the end of it, we’re just, like, shout it louder and louder,” like we were kind of trying to do, like, a Mo Mamba thing to it, where we’re just trying to let out a scream.

Keep watching for more!

12 Aug 2024

Jay-Z Files Legal Notice That ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Will Be His In A Matter Of Years

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44th GRAMMY Awards - Family Tree OutKast Pre-Grammy Party

Recently, it was reported that a court-ordered Dame Dash‘s share of Roc-A-Fella records to be auctioned off to satisfy his mounting debt. Now, Jay-Z is hitting potential bidders with a “Buyer Beware” notice as his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, is the crown jewel of Dash’s stake in the record label.

According to TMZ, Jay-Z is taking legal action regarding the auction of Dame Dash’s 33.3% ownership of Roc-A-Fella Records, which will begin with a starting bid of $1.2 million. While we assumed Jay-Z would just participate in the auction and put up whatever amount of money is needed to get back the majority of his old record label, it seems like he’s going a different route and letting potential buyers know that Reasonable Doubt will be his in just a few years regardless of who ends up with Dame Dash’s share of the label.

Per TMZ:

While Roc-A-Fella currently holds the copyright on the record and all its tracks … Jay’s attorneys have now filed notice that those rights will revert to one Shawn Carter/”Jay-Z” in 2031.

Even though Jay and Dame ain’t exactly vibing these days, this legal move isn’t about revenge, it’s just biz — the rights would have gone back to Jay 35 years after the record was released, anyway. His lawyers have just filed the paperwork to make it official.

So, what does this mean for the August 29 auction? Whoever ends up winning Dame’s shares — minimum bid is $1.2 million — will enjoy one-third of all “Reasonable Doubt” revenues … but only for about the next 6 years and change. Then it’s all Jay’s.

Well, that certainly won’t sit well with anyone bidding on Roc-A-Fella’s illustrious catalog.

How will this affect the auction remains to be seen but putting down more than $1.2 million on something that’s going to have its biggest asset removed in six years doesn’t seem like a sound investment. Just saying.

What do y’all think? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Photo: Getty