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27 Jun 2024

Chance the Rapper Gives Update on New Project ‘Star Line’

Chance the Rapper has just dropped a major update on his upcoming release, Star Line, and it’s the news fans have been waiting for.

In a recent chat with Complex, the Chicago native revealed that his next studio project is about 83 percent complete, bringing us one step closer to hearing what he’s been working on.

Initially, Chance estimated the collection was 85 percent done but quickly adjusted his estimate.

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“That’s a little generous. I’ma say 83. 83.5, 82.7, you know what I’m saying? We’re living in the project right now,” he joked, giving fans a peek into his creative process.

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Reflecting on the journey from his debut album The Big Day (2019) to Star Line, Chance shared how different this experience has been.

“For my last project, I’d just gotten married, I just had a baby, I was about to separate from my management. Like, I had so many things going on. Now, it’s not like there isn’t a lot going on, but I’m really able to enjoy the creative process and be 100 percent myself.”

Star Line draws inspiration from Marcus Garvey’s historic Black Star Line, a shipping company aimed at connecting the global Black diaspora in the early 1900s.

Chance elaborated on this during a 2022 interview with Sway.

“He started and ran this very important, integral shipping line. He had a fleet of ships, these giant ocean liners which are the size of cruise ships, that he owned and funded with common Black folks’ money.”

Garvey’s vision of global Black connectivity deeply resonates with Chance, who aims to channel that spirit into his music. “When I think about the Black Star Line and all the spaces that it’s been in, the black star [on the line’s flag] is [also] the representation of Ghana, in their flag, in the fabric of how their country was set up,” he said.

“They believe in global Blackness, Black connectivity and a free Africa.”

Although the album was initially slated for a Spring 2024 release, Chance hasn’t confirmed a new date yet.

To keep fans engaged, he dropped “Together,” produced by DJ Premier, in May, and “Buried Alive” in April, a track that touches on his recent divorce and legal battles with his ex-manager.

In Buried Alive, Chance gets real with lines like, “Where’s his money now? Where his wife at?/ Where his manager? Where his hype at?/ Then they threw the dirt on the casket,” showcasing his raw, introspective side.

Earlier this year, Chance posted an IG Reel of “Buried Alive,” asking fans if he should drop a video. The clips he’s shared of his new direction have featured a darker tone, with black backgrounds and white subtitles, addressing the drama he’s faced since The Big Day.

“I’m really able to revel in the creative process and put everything into that and be 100 percent myself and present in the now,” he said.

27 Jun 2024

Kelsea Ballerini & Noah Kahan Saddle Up on New Duet ‘Cowboys Cry Too’: Stream It Now

Say howdy to Noah Kahan and Kelsea Ballerini‘s new duet “Cowboys Cry Too,” which dropped midnight Friday (June 28).

Featuring reflective lyrics, twangy guitar and fiddle, finds the two stars’ voices blending beautifully together with the refrain, “I never knew cowboys cry too.”

“I grew up wishing I could close off the way my dad did,” Kahan sings on his verse, as teased in a clip he posted to Instagram ahead of the song’s release. “‘Cause that man never felt a d–n thing he didn’t wanna feel/ I’ve burned too many miles trying to ride out all the sadness/ But you can’t outdrive pain someday it’s gonna take the wheel.”

The day before the track arrived, Ballerini shared a video on her Story listening to it on her car radio with boyfriend Chase Stokes and their two dogs. “Good morning! ‘Cowboys Cry Too’ is on the radio!” she tells the camera excitedly as the Outer Banks star sings along. “Let’s go!”

Kahan and the “Peter Pan” singer gave fans just two days’ heads-up before “Cowboys Cry Too” dropped, with Ballerini sharing the single’s contemplative cover art on social media. “so proud and excited to release this first song in a new chapter of music,” she wrote Wednesday (June 26).

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“Can’t wait for this,” added Kahan, reposting the announcement on his Story.

The emotional duet comes nearly a month and a half after the two musicians teamed up for a joint performance of Ballerini’s “Mountain With a View” and Kahan’s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit “Stick Season” at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards. In a red-carpet interview with Billboard ahead of the ceremony, Kahan recalled meeting his collaborator for the first time at the Billboard + NMPA Songwriter Awards during Grammy Week in February.

“I kind of felt overwhelmed and out of place,” he said. “[She] made me feel really comfortable, and I think that’s why I was so excited to work with her. Kelsea’s just one of those people that the voice is so special, but the songwriting is so real, and you can see that she lives her songs. I really look up to her and admire her for that.”

Listen to Kahan and Ballerini’s “Cowboys Cry Too” below.

27 Jun 2024

Megan Thee Stallion Returns With New Album ‘Megan’ Featuring Victoria Monét, GloRilla & UGK: Stream It Now

It’s officially a Hot Girl Summer. Megan Thee Stallion unleashed her anticipated Megan album to streaming services on Friday (June 28).

Filled with 18 tracks, Meg sheds her skin for a rebirth of sorts on her third studio album. She calls on Victoria Monét, GloRilla and UGK for assists throughout the 18-track project. The effort is filled with three previously released singles in the No. 1 hit “Hiss,” “Boa” and “Cobra.”

“This is music I would like if I wasn’t Megan Thee Stallion. I don’t want to say I’m tapping into other genres. I’m just tapping into other sounds. But it’s still very much Megan Thee Stallion. It won’t feel like I went so left. It’ll feel true to me,” she told L’OFFICIEL of the project in May. “You’ll almost be like, ‘I wouldn’t have thought she would’ve rapped over that, but this sounds great.’”

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It’s going to be a busy weekend for the Houston Hottie, who will be starting the party at the BET Awards, kicking off the show with an electric performance on Sunday (June 30).

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BET is bringing the stars out with Will Smith, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Ms. Lauryn Hill with YG Marley, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tyla and Victoria Monét also performing at the award show.

The “WAP” rapper has a couple of more rescheduled shows on the U.S. leg of her Hot Girl Summer Tour slated for Atlanta on July 2 and Charlotte, N.C., on July 3, before heading to Europe for a run of dates throughout July.

Stream Megan below.

27 Jun 2024

Camila Cabello’s Miami Love Letter ‘C,XOXO’ Has Arrived: Stream It Now

Camila Cabello‘s fourth studio album C,XOXO, a love letter to her home city of Miami marked by experimental hyper-pop influences, has finally arrived.

Dropping Friday (June 28), the LP features 14 tracks — two of which are Drake collaborations. It was led by the singles “I Luv It” with Playboi Carti — which peaked at No. 81 on the Billboard Hot 100 — and “He Knows” with Lil Nas X.

The Fifth Harmony alum first signaled that her next era was on its way in February, when she debuted a blonde hair makeover. The drastic change was her first hint that C,XOXO would find her looking and sounding totally different from her past work, with the vocalist last releasing an album in 2022 — Familia, which reached No. 10 on the Billboard 200. Before that came 2018’s Camila and 2019’s Romance, which peaked at Nos. 1 and 3, respectively.

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“The voice that I found with my new album has this big baddie energy vibe,” Cabello told Billboard about her latest project in May. “Part of that spirit is taking risks, not giving a f–k and doing whatever you want.”

The former Voice coach also spoke about working with Drizzy on the record, calling him “the f–king GOAT.” “It felt like shooting for the stars,” she continued, recalling how she approached the rapper by sliding into his Instagram DMs. “I showed him the album when I felt comfortable enough and he really liked it. [The feature] came out of a nontransactional place. He had this idea of a song called ‘Hot Uptown,’ and it just felt like I was in the city. I was in Miami.”

Stream Cabello’s C,XOXO below.

27 Jun 2024

Bette Midler, Big Boi & More React to Biden/Trump Debate: ‘How Many TV Screens Are Going to Be Broken Tonight?’

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off Thursday night (June 27) in their first debate ahead of November’s general election, and among the audience of voters tuning in to CNN were a handful of musicians and celebrities taking to social media to weigh in.

Most active among them was Bette Midler, who was a vocal critic of Trump’s first term and stuck to her guns in a string of posts on X (formerly Twitter) throughout the debate.

“All my friends are taking their blood pressure medicine now, preparing for the debate,” Midler tweeted ahead of the face-off. “I wonder how many TV screens are going to be broken tonight?” It remains to be seen whether Midler’s TV will stay intact on Thursday, as her posts called out Trump’s “astonishing” comments. “Every word out of his mouth is a lie. Every single word.”

Midler made her stance even clearer with this tweet: “The Worst President In The History of The United States. The absolute worst, Donald Trump, now and forever.”

Outkast rapper Big Boi kept things a little briefer in his X posts, typing “WTF” and a red-faced, wide-eyed emoji during the debate.

The first presidential debate ahead of the 2024 general election aired on CNN and was moderated by the network’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

27 Jun 2024

LISA Is an Undeniable ‘Rockstar’ in New Single & Video

LISA is back with the new single “Rockstar,” and she released a music video to match the song’s bombastic title.

The BLACKPINK rapper, singer and dancer went to her native Thailand to shoot the dance-heavy video, taking over the streets of Bangkok for the shoot. “​​Gold teeth sitting on the dash, she a rockstar/ Make your favorite singer wanna rap, baby, la la/ ‘Lisa, can you teach me Japanese?’ I said, ‘Hai hai’/ That’s my life life, baby I’m a rockstar,” LISA raps on the chorus.

“Rockstar” was released under the new partnership between RCA Records and LISA’s management company, LLOUD Co., which she founded earlier this year.

The song — which LISA co-wrote with Brittany Amaradio, James Essien, Lucy Healey, Ryan Tedder and Sam Homaee and was produced by Tedder and Homaee — was first teased on TikTok earlier this month when LISA joined the social media site and set a Guinness World Record by gaining 1 million followers in just over two hours. She officially announced the “Rockstar” release details last week.

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In September 2021, LISA made her solo debut with the two-track single album Lalisa, released via YG Entertainment and Interscope Records, which included the title track and “Money.” She made history when “Lalisa” won best K-pop at both the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2022, making her the first K-pop solo artist to win an award at both shows. Two years earlier, LISA’s group BLACKPINK became the first all-female K-pop group to win a VMA.

Watch the “Rockstar” video below:

27 Jun 2024

Shifty Shellshock of Crazy Town’s Cause of Death Revealed

The cause of death for Shifty Shellshock, the frontman of rap rock band Crazy Town, has been revealed.

The star, who was born Seth Binzer, died of accidental overdose, according to People. “Seth Binzer, after struggling with addiction and Crazy Town’s rapid success with ‘Butterfly,’ never was able to reach out on a more successful level to deal with his addictions,” Crazy Town’s manager told the publication. “We all tried, but ultimately we all failed, or Shifty would still be here.”

He continued, “The cause of death was a combination of prescription drugs and street purchased drugs. Shifty was a friend and really wanted to get himself fixed — unfortunately no one had the exact tools to do this, myself included.”

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner is still awaiting a toxicology report for more information.

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On Monday (June 24), it was revealed that Shellshock died at home at age 49, per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. 

Shellshock met Crazy Town co-founder Bret Mazer in 1992, and the band went on to add various members, including Adam Goldstein (better known as DJ AM, who died from an accidental overdose in 2009), Rust Epique, Antonio Lorenzo Valli, James Bradley Jr., among others. The band released its debut album The Gift of Game in November 1999. It peaked at No. 9 on the all-genre Billboard 200 on the chart dated March 3, 2001, and remained on the tally for 34 weeks.

27 Jun 2024

Selena Gomez Gives ‘Only Murders’ Co-Star Martin Short a Mini-Makeover on Jimmy Kimmel Live: Here Are 3 Rare Beauty Products You Need

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

On Wednesday night (June 26), Selena Gomez made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live to chat with guest host and co-star on Only Murders in the Building, Martin Short on shooting Only Murders in the Building Season 4 and all her career success up to this point. “I do what I can with what I have. And I’m so grateful. And I mean, my grandparents are here, I just want to make my family proud,” she said.

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In the interview, Gomez reveals she will star in the first episode and take on the Executive Producer hat of the highly anticipated Disney Channel reboot Wizards of Waverley Place. “It brings me to tears because that is the beginning of where I started and honor it in this way is truly been a blast and I can’t wait for people to see it,” she said. Along with the many roles Gomez takes on she’s also the Founder of her own beauty line, Rare Beauty.

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For those of you who haven’t experienced Gomez’s highly praised Rare Beauty line, during her interview with Martin Short, she demonstrates the application process by giving him a makeover. She uses three essential Rare Beauty products including, contouring with the Rare Beauty’s Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick, Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, and Always An Optimist Powder Brush.

Keep scrolling down to recreate Gomez’s step-by-step makeup routine with Rare Beauty’s three key products.

Selena Gomez Gives Martin Short a Mini-Makeover With Rare Beauty

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Rare Beauty By Selena Gomez Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick

Selena Gomez Gives Martin Short a Mini-Makeover With Rare Beauty

Sephora

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Selena Gomez Gives Martin Short a Mini-Makeover With Rare Beauty

Sephora

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always an Optimist Powder Brush

Selena Gomez‘s beginner-friendly makeup tutorial is a great way to start your makeup journey. So, make sure you add these to your cart.

For more product recommendations, check out this travel-friendly Rare Beauty puffy makeup bag, these stylish Uggs inspired by Selena Gomez, and more Rare Beauty products to add to your self-care routine.

27 Jun 2024

Loft’s Straw Tote Bag Is Almost Identical to the Coveted Loewe Version (And It’s Only $50)

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Loewe has quickly become a celebrity favorite brand, with artists including Troye Sivan, Ariana Grande, A$AP Rocky, Griff and Jennifer Lopez all spotted in the luxury label. A$AP is especially a fan of Loewe’s accessories including its straw bags, which he’s been photographed with numerous times.

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But the bag that seems to be on all fashion influencers’ minds (or in their hands) since 2023 is the coveted Raffia Tote Bag, which has already gathered 2.4 million videos on TikTok. The Lyst Index also ranked the cult-favorite straw bag at No. 4 for the hottest products of Q2 in 2023 and the brand’s status has only skyrocketed from there as searches for the designer have increased 19%.

As a luxury brand, that means the purse comes with a higher price tag ($650 to be exact), but if you’re on the fence about splurging, Loft has an almost identical style that’s $600 less than the original.

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brown leather and straw loft bag

Straw Basket Tote

$50.97

$84.95

40% off

For $51 you can pick up Loft’s Straw Basket Tote that possess similar designer-like qualities, but for a major steal. The bag comes with a front leather pocket that reviewers say is perfect for your “cellphone and other accessories.” For larger items, you can use the main compartment to store commuter gadgets and the rest of your travel necessities. We like the contrast color trim and the longer handles, which let you hold this as a tote or sling it over your shoulders.

loewe straw and leather bucket tote bag

Loewe Basket Bag in Palm Leaf

$690

$690

$690

If you want the real thing, Loewe’s Raffia Basket Bag shows off a high-grade look with its authentic leather front patch with embossed logo and a handcrafted straw body that gives off major summer vibes. The strap is also adjustable to turn it from a shoulder bag into a longer tote depending on what your needs are.

Loft’s straw tote bag isn’t the only Loewe alternative that you can pick up — below you can find more affordable options to stock up on.

What Are the Best Straw Tote Bags?

To help you find luxury on a budget, ShopBillboard rounded up some of the most identical-looking Loewe Raffia Bags on the market you can buy online now.

straw and brown leather tote bag

Basket Bag with Studs Detail

Mango’s Basket Bag brings some flair to the design with stud accents that’ll add some shimmer to your look. There are also two handles attached that’ll easily transition the accessory from a handbag to a tote bag.

brown leather and straw tote bag from amazon

JAYAVENTURA Straw Basket Bag

Amazon’s under $50 option brings a simple yet elevated style you’ll want to show off all summer. The body has a wide main compartment with an adjustable strap to adjust to your needs. On the edges is a rounded thicker perimeter to add extra texture and style.

brown leather and straw veronica beard basket bag

Small Raffia Crest Market Tote

If you’re willing to spend a little extra, then Veronica Beard’s straw tote bag is one you shouldn’t sleep on. Similar to Loewe’s version, the basket bag comes with an embossed leather front and straw detailing made in Spain. You can also use the larger main compartment to store your book, wallet and even a picnic blanket.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best backpacks, tote bags and belt bags.

27 Jun 2024

Watch Jelly Roll Jam Out to ‘Old Time Rock & Roll’ With Bunnie XO, MGK & Mod Sun

That kind of music just soothes the soul! Bunnie XO shared a sweet moment to TikTok this week, in which she’s seen jamming out with her husband, Jelly Roll, at a bar to Bob Seger’s classic 1978 hit, “Old Time Rock & Roll.”

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In the clip, the “Need a Favor” star is seen belting the lyrics to the chorus as Bunnie dances nearby. Soon enough, the couple’s famous pals, MGK and Mod Sun, join in and the whole group jams out together.

“The sweetest widdle family,” Bunnie captioned the video.

Earlier this month, Jelly made an appearance on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast, where he revealed that he and Bunnie are trying to have a baby. “My wife and I are talking about having a baby, and it really made me realize that at almost 40, I was like, it means I got to live to at least 60. I got to see this kid into college,” Jelly Roll said. “My plan was never to be 60. It was to be like 55. I think [the Grateful Dead lead singer Jerry] Garcia died at 56. I was young, so I was like, ’56 would be great for me! …It’s better than 27 when all the other stars died. It’s 27 or 56 in the celebrity world. Let me be 56.’ But now I’m like, ‘I’d like to see my 60s.’ You know what I mean? And that really lit it up.”

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Meanwhile, Bunnie XO also shared a snippet from the podcast on her social media, adding in the caption, “God willing–Baby DeFord 2026,” and revealing that the couple is undergoing their own IVF journey.

Bunnie XO added, “Papa Bear dropped a surprise on this pod today. We had planned on doing this privately, but decided our IVF journey needed to be shared because we’ve always been so open. And w/ all odds stacked against us, it’s already been hard and we have only just begun. We have been meeting with IVF doctors & exploring all our options to add to our family.”

Jelly Roll has notched three Billboard Country Airplay chart-toppers to date with “Son of a Sinner,” “Need a Favor” and his Lainey Wilson collaboration “Save Me.”