Author: djfrosty
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We’re only a few weeks into 2025 but from the looks of things Kendrick Lamar has the Midas touch going for him as everything he touches turns to gold and with Captain America: Brave New World struggling to garner much buzz, it couldn’t be a better time to announce that Kung-Fu Kenny done contributed a little something-something to the upcoming Marvel film.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Captain America star, Anthony Mackie let it “slip” that the hottest revolutionary rapper in the world actually has a new song for the film’s soundtrack.
Say word?!
Casually talking about the film, Mackie revealed to ET that “Kendrick did the title song for my movie,” before catching himself and adding “Hope that’s not supposed to be a surprise!”
Well, it’s not a surprise anymore as heads are now curious to see what kind of bars Kendrick spits when rapping about a Black Captain America. As shocking as the revelation was, it actually makes sense as Kendrick did add a banger to the Black Panther soundtrack with the SZA assisted “All The Stars.” Now that Marvel is releasing another film with a Black superhero at the forefront, of course K. Dot would be lending his talents to such a project.
If at least a portion of the record 133 million viewers that tuned into Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show head to theaters just to hear what Kendrick laid down for the Captain America film, Marvel Studios is gonna make a pretty penny by the time it’s all said and done.
While fans are now eagerly awaiting the new Kendrick Lamar cut for Captain America: Brave New World, we at least won’t have to wait long as the film is set to hit theater this coming Friday (February 14).
Are you looking forward to seeing Captain America: Brave New World now that Kendrick Lamar crafted a new cut specifically for the film? Let us know in the comments section below.
It’s well established that a song which becomes popular on TikTok often becomes popular on streaming services soon after. The platform aims to quantify this effect in its second annual Music Impact Report, released on Thursday (Feb. 13): On average, “an artist can expect an 11% increase in on-demand music streaming over the course of the three days following a peak in TikTok total views.”
TikTok commissioned the latest report, and it hits the same themes as its predecessor, repeatedly emphasizing the extent to which music fans on the platform are more engaged than average listeners, and thus more supportive of the larger music ecosystem. (Luminate conducted the analysis.)
“TikTok’s role as a driver of music discovery and artist success is already well known,” Ole Obermann, global head of music business development at TikTok, said in a statement. “However, Luminate’s report goes even further in laying out the many ways in which TikTok and its community of highly-engaged and high-spending music fans are proven to drive incremental revenues, chart success, and added value to artists and the music industry.”
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The study finds that 40% of U.S. TikTok users “listen to a new album on release week — a rate that is 27% higher than that of the average U.S. music listener.” And they are more likely to seek out additional information about musicians they like: “50% of U.S. TikTok users say they enjoy watching videos about music artists, such as interviews and behind-the-scenes content — 47% higher than the average U.S. social and [short-form video] user.”
The report also finds that American TikTok users are more willing to shell out for music (“spending 46% more money on [it] each month than the average U.S. music listener”), live experiences (52%), and artist merch (62%).
On top of that, they like to watch the charts — and try to influence them. “TikTok users are 40% more likely to make music purchases with the specific goal of boosting an artist’s chart position compared to the average consumer who makes music purchases,” according to the report.
In 2024, TikTok went wide with the “add to music app,” which allows users to quickly save music they find on the platform to their streaming service of choice. The latest report indicates that users have saved more than 1 billion songs to their streaming service of choice, though it’s hard to make much of this number without any additional context, as TikTok has a large user base.
The report also serves up two case studies that suggest a strong correlation between TikTok views and saves (for Sabrina Carpenter the week she released Short n’ Sweet) and between saves and streams (for Korn’s catalog). But the overall impact of the feature on the interplay between TikTok and streaming services remains unclear.
In his statement, Obermann said the “add to music app” “is already positively influencing artist success and chart placements, and the most exciting thing is that we are just getting started.”
BMG has a new look, with the company unveiling their fresh brand identity as part of their continuing BMG Next strategy.
Unveiled on Thursday (Feb. 13), the new branding is described as a “significant milestone” for the Berlin-based company’s evolution as a leader in the global industry. Dubbed a “comprehensive refresh”, the nascent design is said to represent the company’s bold approach to continuity and innovation, while still honoring its heritage.
“BMG has been through a significant transformation, and our refreshed brand reflects that journey,” said BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld. “From the beginning, we’ve been a forward-thinking music company. Now, we’re building on that foundation with a renewed focus on innovation and creativity. Our vision is to contribute to a world where music makes a lasting impact. By uniting creative intuition with cutting-edge technologies, we empower our clients and partners to achieve long-term success.”
The new redesign is part of the company’s BMG Next strategy. Launched in 2023, it’s described by BMG as emphasizing a localized yet globally scalable approach. As Coesfeld explained in 2024, it’s “local where necessary, global where possible”.
Trending on Billboard
The brand identity update features a new symbol and an updated color scheme, moving away from the red color that has become associated with BMG for many years. According to a press release, the symbol is designed to bring “energy and movement” to the company’s visual identity, while still reinforcing its status as a modern music company that continues to integrate services related to music publishing and recorded music.
“While the BMG logo remains the same, our new symbol and brand hero colors reflect the company’s dual commitment to stability and forward-thinking innovation,” explained BMG Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications Kristal McKanders Dube. “‘Midnight,’ a deep emerald-blue, represents parent company Bertelsmann’s enduring commitment to music and BMG’s independent strength. The accent colors—‘Limelight,’inspired by the iconic stage spotlight, and ‘Platinum,’ along with other metallic tones, pay tribute to the industry’s highest achievements.”
“Our new visual identity isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a statement of intent,” added Coesfeld. “At its core, it redefines our ambition and who we are today: we put artists and songwriters at the heart of everything we do. We embrace technology, collaborate with an ecosystem of partners, and stay true to our distinctive approach to artist advocacy.
“With the implementation of our BMG Next strategy, we have reached a new level in how we deliver for music creators, how we partner with the industry, and how we operate as a whole.”
The brand identity refresh was developed in collaboration with global brand consultancy Wolff Olins, and its launch coincides with the unveiling of BMG’s first phase of a redesigned website, which aims to showcase its offerings while celebrating the achievements of its artists and songwriters.
Universal Music Group (UMG) and Nashville-based non-profit Music Health Alliance (MHA) are expanding their relationship to launch the Music Industry Mental Health Fund, which will provide comprehensive, high-quality outpatient mental health resources for music industry professionals across the United States, it was announced Thursday (Feb. 13).
The new partnership, which builds upon the healthcare access program launched by UMG and MHA in April 2021, will provide a range of mental health services, including individualized recommendations for mental health professionals; grants to help offset costs; and funding resource recommendations to ensure continuity of care through additional financial and mental health support. Clients from UMG and beyond will have access to MHA’s team of advocates, with initial inquiries receiving a response within 24 hours.
“Music Health Alliance possesses the comprehensive resources necessary to address the full spectrum of mental health needs for music industry professionals,” said MHA founder/CEO Tatum Hauck Allsep in a statement. “This includes financial assistance, a continuum of care for both mental and physical health, and wraparound services such as psychiatric support, facilitation of intensive outpatient and inpatient programs, and data collection. MHA’s holistic approach ensures a long-term commitment to the health, well-being, and sustainability of the music industry workforce.”
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Services will be open to current and former music professionals, including those outside of UMG.
“We have been working on ways to establish a streamlined pathway for mental health access, funding and care planning,” said UMG chief impact officer Susan Mazo. “Growing and continuing our partnership with Tatum and the Music Health Alliance was the most natural way to ensure continuous and effective mental health support for anyone working in our industry.”
In addition to the expanded services, MHA offers a full spectrum of mental health and healthcare advocacy services, including dental care resources via the Richard M. Bates SMILE Fund, group health services, healthcare advocacy and confidential guidance. MHA, which boasts more than 32,000 members from across the music community, also offers individual/family healthcare insurance, senior care support via Price Legacy Fund and vision care resources.
According to UMG and MHA, the entities’ earlier healthcare access program, which provides a healthcare concierge to clients, has served nearly 1,000 clients to date and saved them more than $12.5 million in healthcare costs.
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Dave Chappelle will receive the President’s Award at the upcoming NAACP Image Awards, which will be held later this month.
On Tuesday (February 11), the NAACP announced that the iconic comedian Dave Chappelle will be the recipient of their lauded President’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards ceremony, which will be held on February 22. The award, which is bestowed “in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service”, has been given to such luminaries as Usher, Gabrielle Union-Wade, Dwyane Wade, Rihanna, LeBron James, Kerry Washington, Spike Lee, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, and Ms. Lauryn Hill. The honor comes at a keen moment for Chappelle, as he’s preparing to embark on another tour this year, and was the host of Saturday Night Live after the 2024 presidential election last November. He’s slated to take part in the variety show’s 50th anniversary special which will be aired on February 16.
“The President’s Award honors an unwavering dedication to community, and throughout his distinguished career, Dave Chappelle has consistently been recognized as a powerful voice of social consciousness,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in the press release announcing the honor. “Through his unique ability to transform complex political issues into thought-provoking humor, Dave has solidified his place as one of the most impactful voices of our time. His work sparks conversations that compel people to examine their own beliefs, proving that in an age where open dialogue is increasingly rare, comedy can be both a powerful truth-teller and a driver of progress.”
The 56th NAACP Image Awards will be held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California on February 22 at 8 P.M. EST, and aired live on BET and CBS. This year, the event will be extended to run for 2.5 hours and honor the Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena communities who have been affected by the recent wildfires. The ceremony will also provide support for the Altadena Community Preservation Fund, which was created to preserve the area’s cultural heritage and to defend homeowners from being displaced. The fund was created through a partnership between BET Media Group, NAACP, Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole (JSSK), and WME with LA County. The fund collaborated with and received feedback from several local community organizations, including Community Aid Dena, Altadena Heritage, and WalkGood LA,
Debut albums by Jay-Z, Luther Vandross and Big Star and breakthrough singles by Miami Sound Machine and Eddie Floyd are among the 13 recordings that were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame this year. This year’s additions (eight albums and five singles) meet the main requirements – they exhibit “qualitative or historical significance” and […]
Sum 41 singer Deryck Whibley offered up his sincerest apologies to the pop punk band’s Australian fans in a video posted this week after the group were unable to play what were slated to be the final-ever shows Down Under in December due to his illness. “This is the part that I hate… The fact […]
Sony Music reported 14% revenue growth in the quarter ending last year — or total revenue of 482 billion yen ($2.72 billion) — bolstered by big releases from ATEEZ and Tyler, the Creator and subscription streaming growth across recorded and music publishing divisions, its parent company Sony Group Corp., reported Thursday (Feb. 13). Sony Music’s […]
Kendrick Lamar hid a bunch of Easter eggs in his historic Super Bowl LIX halftime show. But there’s one little nod you may have missed, but Paramore‘s Hayley Williams sure didn’t. The rocker slipped into the comments on the Instagram feed of Good Dye Young earlier this week to jump for joy after see that […]
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Valentine’s Day is this Friday (Feb. 14) and we’re already seeing the evidence of such with flowers, cards, and candies on full display online, where we shop, and beyond. For Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together a cannabis gift guide for the lovers out there, even those flying solo.
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday this year, we can expect every restaurant that’s been buzzing online to be fully booked and that there won’t be many empty spaces where folks socialize as couples take to the streets. Beyond the cute dates and nightlife, some folks will stay indoors and find ways to connect in loving ways. Safely adding cannabis to the could have some very positive effects, especially for couples.
In this roundup, we’ve got some brands we’ve featured in previous cannabis gift guides along with some items especially tailored for sexy time. Also, we’ve got devices that can be shared with your loved one, rolling papers, cones, and other communal applications to enjoy each other’s time with a little enhancement. We even have drinks for those engaging in the California sober trend (and we’ll cover that trend very soon too).
I want to wish our readers a happy, safe, and enjoyable Valentine’s Day. As I always like to say, indulge responsibly and keep your wares tucked safely away. We’ve got a lot of celebrating to do this weekend and for the rest of the year.
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Photo: Getty
1. Blazy Susan V-Day
Source:Blazy Susan
Blazy Susan is one of our favorite brands to feature and they’re always doing some cool things with their rolling papers and accessories, including their Honey Lemon line. However, since it’s V-Day, we suggest going for their pink pre-roll cones or rolling papers.
Learn more here.
2. Cantrip
Source:Cantrip
I may have shared this before but my first time realizing that you can drink your THC occurred when I attended the Cannabis Cup in 2014 in the Bay Area. It was legitimately mind-blowing to have an infused soda pop. Cantrip satisfies that urge for a sweet, fizzy treat boosted with hemp-derived cannabis and fantastic effects. Ships to 34 states nationwide too!
Learn more here.
3. DaySavers Toke With Me Cones
Source:DaySavers
DaySavers, co-founded by Harrison Bard, who also co-founded Custom Cones, is offering a cute, Valentine’s Day-themed pre-roll set that just needs your flower and finishing construction before passing them off to your boo. They even have a V-Day bundle that features their Perfect Pack device, which I am eager to try out.
Learn more here.
4. Fable
Source:Fable
Created in 2016 by Kristin and Benjamin Kennedy, Fable takes the concept of canned mocktails but instead of spirits like the typical RTDs (ready-to-drink) options, their focus was on cannabis as the special sauce. Fable comes in three distinct flavors that definitely have all the flavor and balance of an artfully crafted cocktail.
Learn more here.
5. Flower Union Artisan Gummies
Source:Flower Union
Flower Union Artisan Gummies brings something new to the edibles game by way of infusing its treats with the entire plant. The brand boasts that this gives a true-to-flower effect and promises fast-acting effectiveness. The brand even tailors its gummies for whatever you might need for the day.
Learn more here.
6. Indacloud Chronic Crystals
Source:Indacloud
Indacloud Chronic Crystals are designed to take you back to the days of Pop-Rocks and come in two formulas: Day or Night. Hemp-derived cannabis is all the rage now and Indacloud has D8, D9, and THC-A products.
Learn more here.
7. Jaunty
Source:Jaunty
Jaunty owns the distinction of being the top-selling 510 vape cart brand in New York City, and now has some new flavors coming soon to the marketplace.
Learn more here.
8. Muha Meds Mambas
Source:Muha Meds
Muha Meds, founded by Ali Garawi, is one of the fastest-rising cannabis brands out there, specializing in all kinds of varieties to consume your medicine. We’re featuring their Mambas gummies for Valentine’s Day, which ships nationwide.
Learn more here.
9. Neno’s Naturals
Source:Neno’s Naturals
Neno’s Naturals is all about CBD, the cannabinoid that is praised for its potential to deliver health benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. They even have an offering for your pets.
Learn more here.
10. Puffco Peak – Bliss
Source:Puffco
I didn’t get a Puffco pitch for V-Day but that’s not an issue. Anytime I can mention this fantastic brand, I will. Given the theme of the weekend, we’re highlighting their Peak Smart E-Rig in its new Bliss color.
Learn more here.
11. Sauce Essentials
Source:Sauce Essentials
Sauce Essentials has an array of potent pre-rolls, their Dream Pen AIO, their Sauce Bars carts, and the delicious Bursts gummies with sectioned dosage. Available in eight states so far with two more on the horizon, Sauce Essentials is making some moves.
Learn more here.
12. STIIIZY
Source:STIIIZY
STIIIZY is a brand cannabis connoisseurs are well aware of, and now, they’re in the seltzer biz via their D9-infused sips. The THC is hemp-derived so it can be shipped to several states across the nation.
Learn more here.
13. Vessel
Source:Vessel
Vessel continues to be one of the most innovative brands around when it comes to cannabis accessories. The brand’s new Tide carrying case for its Pipe offering just launched, but they also have the Compass, Core, Vista Edge, and more.
Learn more here.
14. WYNK
Source:WYNK
WYNK was the first infused seltzer I tried and I am happy to share that I’m still crushing cans of their offerings every chance I can. The award-winning brand is available to ship to 37 states nationwide.
Learn more here.
15. Zone Opto
Source:Zone Opto
Zone Opto aims to disrupt the 510 vape cart market with its customizable battery that counts draws, three modes, one of which includes the option to increase flavor, and also a handy “puffs remaining” feature.
Learn more here.