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13 May 2024

Spotify’s Estimated $150M Songwriter Royalty Cuts: Music Industry Reactions (Updating)

Spotify is changing the way it pays songwriters and publishers in the United States — leading to an estimated $150 million cut to U.S. mechanical royalty payments — and the music business is speaking out.

By adding audiobooks into Spotify’s premium, duo and family tiers, Spotify now claims it qualifies to pay a discounted “bundle” rate to songwriters for premium streams given that it now has to pay licensing for both books and music from the same subscription price tag — which will only be a dollar higher than when music was the only offering.

Spotify argues that adding audiobooks reclassifies the service from a “standalone portable subscription” to a “bundled subscription offering,” according to the royalty rate formula provided in Phonorecords IV. The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) and Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), both of which represented the music business in Phono IV proceedings, disagree with Spotify’s reading of the settlement, with the NMPA calling it “a cynical and potentially unlawful move” that is a “perversion of the settlement we agreed upon in 2022.”

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Last week, Billboard calculated that this change will lead to an estimated $150 million cut in U.S. mechanical royalties from premium, duo and family plans for the first 12 months the bundle rate is in effect, compared to what songwriters would have earned if the three subscription tiers were never bundled. The change affects payments starting in March 2024, so it will not impact Spotify’s premium, duo or family payouts for the first two months of 2024. Specifically, the estimate refers to losses for the first 12 months after the premium, family and duo tiers are qualified as a bundle, not calendar year 2024.

As Spotify grows, the music business fears that the difference between what payments to songwriters and publishers would have been if premium continued to be counted as a regular standalone service versus what will be paid now that music and audiobooks have been bundled will continue to increase.

Spotify says it will soon offer a music-only subscription tier that will pay out in the same way Spotify premium used to, but there’s not yet a timeline for when this option will launch.

Back in March, Spotify released a statement about the change to the bundle rate, stating that the company is “on track to pay publishers and societies more in 2024 than in 2023. As our industry partners are aware, changes in our product portfolio mean that we are paying out in different ways based on terms agreed to by both streaming services and publishers. Multiple DSPs have long paid a lower rate for bundles versus a stand-alone music subscription, and our approach is consistent.”

Below is an updating list of music industry reactions to the news:

National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA)

“It appears Spotify has returned to attacking the very songwriters who make its business possible.  Spotify’s attempt to radically reduce songwriter payments by reclassifying their music service as an audiobook bundle is a cynical, and potentially unlawful, move that ends our period of relative peace. We will not stand for their perversion of the settlement we agreed upon in 2022 and are looking at all options.”

Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP)

“Two weeks ago, we spoke out about the potential consequences for independent music publishers should Spotify go forward with its plan to bundle a previously free service, audiobooks, with music subscriptions. Now that an actual number has been put to the potential lost revenue for music publishers, a staggering estimate of $150 million per year, we feel the need to speak out again.

“It is a deeply cynical move for Spotify to attempt to circumvent the CRB settlement agreed to by the NMPA & NSAI and DiMA in 2022 via this bundling ‘loophole,’ and further insulting that the price of a Spotify subscription will actually increase for users while cutting revenue for the songwriters who keep their business alive. This is especially problematic for independent music publishers, as they and all publishers are legally prevented from negotiating protections against bad-faith tactics such as this, while labels are allowed to do so in a free market.

“At this point, we still do not know how Spotify plans to notify its subscribers of this change. The right thing to do is to default existing subscribers to music-only accounts, and then give them the option to add-on the audiobook service for an additional $9.99 per month — Spotify’s proposed standalone rate for audiobooks. This ensures a proper, non-devalued royalty rate for both music and audiobook publishers and rightsholders, who will otherwise both be negatively affected by bundling.

“The AIMP offers its unequivocal support to the NMPA as they fight this critical battle to prevent Spotify’s scheme from taking effect. We encourage all independent music publishers to join us in this stance and make their songwriters aware of this attack on their livelihood. We cannot allow bundling to become a precedent that can be used to deprive songwriters of their well-earned royalties.

“The AIMP has also been speaking with the Coalition of Concerned Creators and are happy to report that we are aligned on this issue. Please find their statement on this issue below.

“From the Coalition of Concerned Creators:

“All musicians, creator advocacy groups, unions and organizations, and other creator stakeholders — including authors and podcasters — must stand firm against Spotify’s recent policy shift. It is essential to advocate for equitable compensation for music creators, who are pivotal to the industry’s sustainability. Additionally, this is a clear pattern of behavior and we continue to be concerned about Spotify’s bridge into new audio formats, like audiobooks, and how this pattern of behavior will affect other creators, like authors, as well.”

Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)

“Spotify, we are writing regarding Spotify’s decision to ‘bundle’ music with audiobooks, resulting in an estimated annual loss of as much as $150 million in mechanical royalty payments to American songwriters, composers and music publishers. This attempt at lowering royalty payments to an already beleaguered songwriter community is in the worst bad faith and a perversion of the Copyright Royalty Board settlement that the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), the National Music Publishers Assn. (NMPA) and the Digital Media Assn. (DiMA) agreed to in 2022.  It counters every statement Spotify has ever made of claiming the company is friendly to creators.

“‘Bundling’ music with other offerings without a music-only option does not comport with our view of the intent of the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) in recent Phonorecord procedures in which the NSAI participated.  Further, this move negates gains awarded to songwriters by the CRB.  NSAI will not accept what we view as an attempt to manipulate the intent of the court through a ‘bundling’ gimmick. NSAI calls for Spotify to immediately reverse its course and offer separate music subscription choices at price points that will fairly remunerate songwriters.

“The American songwriter community is appalled that this is happening while Spotify is reporting record profits, and while founder Daniel Ek has recently cashed in a reported $180 million in stock options, including $118 million that practically coincided with the ‘bundling’ announcement which reduced Spotify’s yearly royalty obligation. The amount Ek cashed in conveniently mirrors the estimated amount that Spotify wants to leech off the back of songwriters who create the product on which streaming services are making billions.

“Reporting record profits while reducing songwriter royalties as the company founder cashed in millions in stocks proves a greedy, offensive and callous disregard for the songwriters on whose backs these revenues are generated.

“Signed unanimously by Nashville Songwriters Association International”

13 May 2024

Toby Keith’s Daughter Krystal Accepts His Honorary Degree From University of Oklahoma

The late Toby Keith was honored during the University of Oklahoma’s commencement ceremony on Saturday (May 11), as his daughter Krystal Keith accepted his honorary degree on his behalf.

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Keith, who is set to be posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year, died on Feb. 5, 2024, at age 62, following a battle with stomach cancer.

According to a post on Toby Keith’s Instagram page, the singer knew he would be honored by the University of Oklahoma prior to his death. “Toby learned he would be receiving an honorary degree from @uofoklahoma last fall, and yesterday, @krystalkeith accepted it on his behalf at the commencement ceremony,” his account captioned a photo of Krystal at the ceremony. “Congratulations to all of the OU graduates!”

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Additionally, University of Oklahoma president Joseph Harroz, Jr. posted on X, “So incredibly grateful to Tricia and Krystal Keith for joining us Saturday to celebrate the impact and legacy of @tobykeith with an honorary degree from @uofoklahoma. Miss you each and every day, TK.”

In February, Krystal posted on Instagram, sharing how she and her sister and brother each studied at the University of Oklahoma, and offered a sweet story of her father’s own lifelong support of the university’s sports teams.

“The @uofoklahoma is a HUGE part of our life,” she wrote. “I love that he is being honored by Sooner Nation. My dad started selling cokes at 12 or 13 yrs old in the stadium so he could see the games live. We have traveled as a family with the teams to bowl games and championships as long as I can remember. Planning weddings, vacations and big life events around team schedules.”

13 May 2024

They’re Ba-a-ck! ACM Welcomes New Group and Duo Nominees After a Lengthy Absence

Welcome back.

Neon Union, Restless Road and Tigirlily Gold are all nominated for the first time in the 59th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. But their arrival on the final ballot marks a return of the new vocal group or duo of the year trophy for the first time in five years.

LANCO took home the hardware when it was last presented in 2019, but it’s been a veritable desert for qualifying acts since then. The ACM requires a minimum of three eligible nominees to field each of its three new artist categories — new male, new female and new group or duo — and while there were duos and groups in circulation during the interim years, they didn’t quite meet the criteria. The key data point was the ACM’s requirement that an artist needed to hit the top 40 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart or in Mediabase. The only act that met that goal was now-defunct Gone West, who reached the top 30 in 2020, but since member Colbie Caillat was already an established artist, the group was not eligible.

For this year’s ballot, the ACM expanded the criteria to top 50 and — voilà! — three artists made the grade as finalists for the May 16 ceremony.

“That was a really big topic of discussion with our awards voting and membership committee,” says ACM chief of staff/vp of artist and industry relations, board administration and governance Tommy Moore. “At the Academy, we really try to pride ourselves on being on the forefront of inclusivity for new artists and really want to give them the opportunity to shine.”

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Not surprisingly, the nominees in the category appreciate that opportunity.

“We had heard through the grapevine that they were bringing back the new duo or group of the year category, but we still thought it would be a long shot to get nominated,” Neon Union’s Andrew Millsaps notes.

The lack of new duo or group options is a glaring reality. The prospects have been so glum during the last four years that even if the ACM had loosened the chart requirement to the top 50 during that window, the industry still would not have mustered three qualifying entries.

Part of that dearth is the nature of the beast. Particularly in the digital era, it’s much easier for a solo artist to make simple videos and post them on YouTube or TikTok and start building a following. The effort required to form a band or duo, schedule rehearsals and plan marketing schemes is far more challenging for an ensemble. And handling relationships — both inside the act and with a larger ring of family and associates — creates more tension, making it harder during the hungry years when meager earnings are split.

“Being a group or duo is such a delicate dynamic,” Tigirlily Gold’s Krista Slaubaugh says. “You can’t just slap two people together and call them a duo. You have to stick it out through the hard years because it’s not always going to be easy.”

Even filling out the new group/duo field is challenging. To get three nominees this year, the ACM allowed Restless Road into the category, even though it did not have a top 50 single in 2023. It had reached that level in 2022, and the group is currently charting with “Last Rodeo” (No. 58, Country Airplay).

“There’s been a slower rollout of bands, but I’m definitely starting to notice a lot more,” says Restless Road’s Zach Beeken. He cites Flatland Cavalry, which secured its first ACM vocal group nomination this year.

Notably, The Red Clay Strays could have been considered for new group or duo on the strength of “Wondering Why,” which hit No. 18 on the Hot Country Songs chart dated Dec. 30, 2023. But, Moore says, no one submitted them for consideration.

The ACM’s three new artist categories differ from the Country Music Association, which has a single new artist of the year field. And it’s advantageous, since it means more artists get their first major nomination from the ACM. All of 2024’s new group or duo finalists are first-time nominees, and they’ll always associate that with the ACM.

“We try to get them into the fold early on,” Moore says, “and we find that the more we can educate them on the Academy and the charitable aspect of ACM Lifting Lives, the more inclined they are to stick with us throughout the years.”

Despite their first-time-nominee status, the three new group or duo contenders should feel a bit at home. They all attended 2023’s ACMs in Frisco, Texas, and they will return to the same venue this year, trodding familiar turf as they perform at the ACM Kickoff Concerts and walk the same red carpet. But they’ll be doing it as finalists, which presents its own uncertainties. The winner will perform at the show, though they won’t know who that is until two days before the event. All the acts have musicians on hold in case they’re needed. They’ll also discover, perhaps for the first time, what it’s like performing a truncated version of a song for their peers.

“Obviously, I’d be focusing so much on doing a good job,” Slaubaugh says, “but then you look at, like, Chris Stapleton in the crowd? I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

Subscribe to Billboard Country Update, the industry’s must-have source for news, charts, analysis and features. Sign up for free delivery every weekend.

13 May 2024

Rihanna Had a Red Hot Mother’s Day While Out With A$AP Rocky in NYC

Leave it to Rihanna to be the most stylist mom on Mother’s Day.

The “Needed Me” superstar stepped out for a date with partner A$AP Rocky on Sunday night (May 12), as they were photographed getting out of a taxi in New York City. Rihanna paired her freshly blonde locks with a sleek, red Comme des Garçons maxi dress with a slit at the thigh. She completed the look with red mesh gloves, a red lip and a chunky black purse. Rocky, meanwhile, opted for a cozy navy blue cardigan and trousers.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcomed RZA as first-time parents in May 2022, and then Riot Rose in August 2023.

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Earlier this month, for a cover story with Interview magazine, RiRi opened up about the possibility of expanding her family even more. “As many as God wants me to have,” the nine-time Grammy winner told her former stylist Mel Ottenberg in their all-encompassing chat regarding having more children down the line. “I don’t know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl. But of course, if it’s another boy, it’s another boy.”

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She also shared that baby RZA’s first word was “hey,” among other sweet anecdotes about the toddler. “I used to try to get his attention all the time, and I would say, ‘Hey, hey, hey.’ And one day he said it back to me in the same melody, and I kept singing it and he kept following it over and over again,” she said of the learning process, before revealing his current favorite songs. “Oh my gosh. There’s ‘Penguins Salute.’ There’s ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.’ Oh my gosh. RZA gets really emotional about that. Now he’s really into ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”

13 May 2024

Offset Gifts Cardi B With Three Icy Chains & Bouquets of Flowers for Mother’s Day

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and Offset is making sure Cardi B has plenty of new besties in her life. Set went above and beyond to deliver on Mother’s Day (May 12), as he showered the Bronx rapper with lavish gifts, including three icy diamond chains and enough beautiful flowers to create their own garden.

Cardi was nearly left speechless after she came home to discover the sparkling jewelry and her mansion turned into a botanical garden on Sunday night following a multi-course dinner at Italian hotspot Tucci New York.

“Thank you, babe,” she said in a post to her Instagram Story showcasing the chains from Imperial Jewelry. “I’m so spoiled.”

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She continued to gush as rose pedals covered the stairs and bouquets filled the dining room: “I told you I didn’t want any flowers! How beautiful are these? Thank you, babe!”

Cardi then opened a heartwarming card from Offset and their two children, Kulture and Wave. “We love you mommy. Thank you so much for all you do. – Kiari, Kulture and Wave,” the card reads. (Offset’s real name is Kiari Cephus.)

The Grammy-winning rapper also posted her gifts to Instagram. “Spoiled,” she captioned a post features some of the flowers and diamond jewelry on Monday (May 13).

Recent link-ups would indicate that Cardi B and Offset appear to be on good terms once again, and have possibly rekindled their romance.

The couple enjoyed a date night on April 30 as they sat courtside at Madison Square Garden for a New York Knicks playoff game. Earlier in May, they were holding hands following a Met Gala afterparty.

Cardi B declared she was single in December to bring an end to the up-and-down six-year relationship, but things appear to be different this spring.

Cardi and Offset originally tied the knot in 2017, and they share two children together: 5-year-old daughter Kulture Kiari and 2-year-old Wave Set.

13 May 2024

Duke Graduates Walk Out On Jerry Seinfeld At Commencement

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The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating

Source: Noam Galai / Getty

Students at Duke University walked out on the commencement speech by Jerry Seinfeld over his pro-Israel stance on the war in Gaza.

On Sunday (May 12), comedian Jerry Seinfeld was introduced at the commencement at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Before rising to speak, about 30 graduates got up and walked out during the introductory remarks by Duke University President Vincent Price, with chants of “Free, Free Palestine” being heard as they left the stadium mixed in with booing from some of the 7,000 in attendance. They were protesting Seinfeld’s presence as well as the school’s investment in Israel, calling for Duke to divest.

Seinfeld has been more vocal about his support of Israel and their military’s response to the attacks by the Hamas militant group on Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in hundreds of Israeli people killed with over 300 hostages taken. The Israeli Defense Forces’ attacks have been blamed for the reported deaths of almost 35,000 Palestinians and other civilians including aid workers. The comedian’s stance (including social media posts and a trip to Tel Aviv last December) has brought him heavy backlash as he was on campus to receive an honorary doctorate. “I don’t preach about it,” he said in an interview with GQ. “I have my personal feelings about it that I discuss privately. It’s not part of what I can do comedically, but my feelings are very strong.”

The students who walked out, with some carrying the Palestinian flag, made their way to a green space on campus where they were greeted by parents and faculty members who gave them a makeshift ceremony. Back at Wallace Wade Stadium, Seinfeld regaled the crowd while only hinting at the protesters by saying he admired their commitment to inclusivity but felt “it is worth the sacrifice of occasional discomfort to have some laughs.”

The protests by college students over the war in Gaza have led to increased tensions with over 2,900 arrested at 57 collegiate institutions nationwide. Some of the incidents were sparked by agitators involved in pro-Israel counterprotests such as one that took place at UCLA last month – that one was promoted by Seinfeld’s wife, Jessica, who publicized her donations to the organizing group. She would go on to denounce the violence that took place afterward.

13 May 2024

Diddy’s Son King Combs Drops A Diss Track For 50 Cent

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Giggs And Diddy Perform At O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire In A Special One Night Only Event

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When authorities raided Diddy’s home a few weeks back, 50 Cent had a field day trolling the man on social media, and it got to the point where Diddy’s right-hand man, Stevie J, challenged 50 to a fist fight.

Though the fight never happened, Diddy’s son, King Combs, has come out swinging on Fiddy in a new diss track that no one saw coming. Coming for 50 and everyone else who’s taken shots at Diddy for his alleged crimes against humanity and other rappers, Combs kicks off the song saying, “I dare one of you n****s scream out ‘no diddy,’” before going at 50 with, “When all they had was 50 Cent who put the city on the map? Stop lying. Pops been hated on by many men and ni**a that’s fine/They gon’ try to stop they M and M’s and they gon’ die tryin.’”

The bars weren’t exactly stellar, but it is what it is, and we get the point.

Of course, 50 Cent was quick to respond with hilarious sarcasm saying, “I feel so threatened by the things Christian is saying on his record. I’m afraid for my life, please don’t hurt me guys. I never mentioned or posted anything about puffy’s kids ?because KEEFE D said he killed 2Pac ??‍♂️ LOL.”

We’re not gonna lie, that was low-key hilarious.

That being said, we hope this is the last diss track dropped by King Combs and that 50 refrains from releasing one of his own as no one asked for this, no one wants to hear this and no one is going to be entertained by this.

In short, it’s pointless. Just sayin’.

What do y’all think of King Combs dropping a 50 Cent diss track? Let us know in the comments section below.

13 May 2024

Grupo Frontera Announces Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada Tour: Here Are the Dates

Just days after releasing sophomore studio album Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada, Grupo Frontera has unveiled dates for its upcoming tour, set to kick off Aug. 2 in Las Vegas.

The Mexican-American group, known for megahits such as “No Se Va” — the Morat cover that catapulted them to stardom — “Tulum” and “un x100to” will embark on a 38-date trek across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The arena tour, also titled Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada, will visit major U.S. cities including New York (Barclays Center), Dallas (American Airlines Center), Los Angeles (Intuit Dome) and Nashville (Bridgestone Arena). After wrapping the U.S. leg on Oct. 5 at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas, the band will head out to Mexico for 10 dates.

After having breakout year in 2022, the six-member group from Texas has since eight songs on the Billboard 100, including top 10 hit “un x100to” with Bad Bunny. The norteño/tejano band’s debut album, Un Comienzo, peaked at No. 4 on the Top Latin Albums chart (dated Aug. 19).

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Besides releasing the new album — which includes collabs with acts such as Nicki Nicole, Maluma and Morat — Frontera recently nabbed its eighth No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart thanks to the Christian Nodal-assisted “Ya Pedo Quien Sabe.”

The Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada U.S. Tour general onsale will begin Friday, May 17, at 10 a.m. local time at LiveNation.com.

  • Aug. 2 — Las Vegas — T-Mobile Arena
  • Aug. 3 — Phoenix — Footprint Center
  • Aug 4 — El Paso, Texas — Don Haskins Center
  • Aug. 9 — Dallas — American Airlines Center
  • Aug. 10 — Houston — Toyota Center
  • Aug. 15 — Laredo, Texas — Sames Auto Arena
  • Aug. 16 — Austin — Moody Center
  • Aug. 17 — San Antonio — Frost Bank Center
  • Aug. 18 — Oklahoma City — Paycom Center
  • Aug. 21 — Nashville — Bridgestone Arena
  • Aug. 22 — Atlanta — State Farm Arena
  • Aug. 24 — Orlando, Fla. — Kia Center
  • Aug. 25 — Sunrise, Fla. — Amerant Bank Arena
  • Aug. 27 — Greensboro, N.C. — Greensboro Coliseum
  • Aug. 29 — Brooklyn, N.Y. — Barclays Center
  • Aug. 31 — Washington, D.C. — Capital One Arena
  • Sept. 4 — Montreal, Quebec — Place Bell (Canda_
  • Sept. 7 — Chicago — Allstate Arena
  • Sept. 8 — Milwaukee — Fiserv Forum
  • Sept. 11 — Kansas City, Mo. — T-Mobile Center
  • Sept. 13 — Salt Lake City — Maverik Center
  • Sept. 15 — Tacoma, Wash. — Tacoma Dome
  • Sept. 20 — Los Angeles– Intuit Dome
  • Sept. 22 — San Francisco — Chase Center
  • Sept. 26 — Sacramento, Calif. — Golden 1 Center
  • Sept. 27 — Fresno, Calif. — Save Mart Center
  • Oct. 2 — San Diego — Viejas Arena
  • Oct. 5 — Edinburg, Texas — Bert Ogden Arena
  • Oct. 24 — San Luis Potosí — El Domo (Mexico)
  • Oct. 26 — León, Guanajuato — Mega Velaria (Mexico)
  • Oct. 31 — Torreón, Coahuila — Coliseo Centenario (Mexico)
  • Nov. 2 — Guadalajara, Jalisco — Arena VFG (Mexico)
  • Nov. 7 — Monterrey, Nuevo León — Arena Monterrey (Mexico)
  • Nov. 9 — Tijuana, Baja California — Plaza de Toros (Mexico)
  • Nov. 15 — Mexico City — Palacio de los Depoartes (Mexico)
  • Nov. 20 — Mérida, Yucatan — Foro GNP Seguros (Mexico)
  • Nov. 22 — Puebla — Auditorio GNP Seguros (Mexico)
  • Nov. 23 — Veracruz — WTC (Mexico)

13 May 2024

SKIMS Teams Up With WNBA for New ‘Fits Everybody’ Campaign Spotlighting Cameron Brink, Candace Parker & More Players

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Caitlyn Clark makes her WNBA debut this year, but that’s not all the basketball league is celebrating. SKIMS, the official underwear for the women’s basketball teams, has partnered with the WNBA for its new Fits Everybody campaign, which officially launched Monday (May 13) to align with the 2024 season’s tip-off.

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The new campaign is the first one that spotlights the WNBA, featuring legends and rising stars including Candace Parker, second-overall draft pick Cameron Brink, Dijonai Carrington and All-Stars Kelsey Plum and Skylar Diggins-Smith. Each player models their favorite underwear style in the official campaign video that was posted on Monday via Instagram.

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“As the official underwear partner of the @WNBA, SKIMS is as comfortable as it gets. Just in time for the season tip-off,” the caption says.

Right now you can bundle and save on the WNBA player’s favorite underwear styles and buy three pairs for $36. No promo code is required, the discount will automatically be applied once you add pieces to your cart.

Keep reading to shop the SKIMS x WNBA styles seen on the athletes below.

brown bandeau

Fits Everybody Bandeau

$14

$28

50% off

Ditch the wire bra and try this soft bandeau on for size. It’s not only seamless and wire-free for a smoother appearance, it also comes with a little bit of support to keep your chest comfortable whether you’re going for a morning walk or just working at the office.

black skims briefs

Fits Everybody Brief

This classic pair of briefs provides comfy coverage using a mid-rise waist and SKIMS’ bestselling soft fabric. It also comes in 16 colors to stock up on (including some limited-edition shades that are quickly selling out).

nude skims cheeky briefs

Everybody Cheeky Brief

These cheeky briefs aim to provide stretch and comfort while forming to your body without digging into your skin. It utilizes the brand’s top-rated fabric that looks to feel like a “second skin” so you can walk around in complete coziness.

brown skims boy shorts

Fits Everybody Boy Short

After feeling these boy short’s soft fabric made from the brand’s signature second-skin material, you’ll want to buy one in every color. The design aims to feel as though you’re wearing nothing and uses a fabric that will hold its shape over time.

nude skims full brief

Fits Everybody Full Brief

With 16 shades to pick from, you can easily stock up on these full briefs if you prefer even more coverage. The style features a “no-cut” finish that aims to prevent any digging in for more comfortable, all-day wear. They’re great for sports too.

SKIMS is no stranger to tapping the shoulders of artists and celebrities as the center of their campaigns. The brand previously used Sabrina Carpenter for a Y2K-themed campaign as well as Usher for their growing men’s collection and Lana Del Rey as the model for its sultry Valentine’s Day campaign.

For Parker, this was the perfect opportunity to continue leaving an everlasting legacy while connecting with new WNBA players.

“I’m thrilled to be included in the first-ever SKIMS WNBA campaign alongside this amazing group of rising stars and all-stars,” she said in a press statement. “As I move onto this next chapter in my life, I hope to leave the game in a better place and continue to be an example of what is possible both on and off the court.”

Whereas for Brink, it was a chance to combine two of her favorite passions.

“My fans know how much I love fashion,” she said in a press release. “SKIMS has been an underwear staple in my wardrobe for years. I’m really grateful to be included in this lineup of players, especially with the greats who I have looked up to for so long. It’s truly a dream come true to be working with a brand that I love so much.”

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best SKIMS dupes, Lululemon dupes and running shorts.

13 May 2024

Remi Wolf’s Scintillating ‘Toro’ and 4 More Cool New Pop Songs This Week

Looking for some motivation to help power you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.

These tracks from artists including RM, Charli XCX, Dora Jar and more will get you energized to take on the week. Pop any of these gems into your personal playlists — or scroll to the end of the post for a custom playlist.

Coolest Pop Song of the Week: Remi Wolf, “Toro”



In March, Remi Wolf previewed her sophomore album, Big Ideas, with “Cinderella,” a single that wore its audacious instrumentation like a badge of honor. Funk guitar, jazzy synths, big-band horns and whistle blasts are coated in a nostalgic ‘70s glow by Wolf and co-producer Solomonphonic, resulting in a likable track with a lot of whirring parts; “Cinderella” allowed beamed out the personality that has made Wolf a quickly ascending pop star, but also matched its lyrical theme of constant motion with a tireless arrangement.

By contrast, “Toro” — one of two follow-up tracks from Big Ideas released last week, along with “Alone in Miami” — synthesizes the brash charm of “Cinderella” but more firmly centers its pop melodies, letting Wolf fully shine by avoiding a production pile-up. An ode to hotel-room sex, “Toro” immediately tosses out frothy lyrical details (“Dancing around and spilling wine, you look good / In my hotel robe,” she sings) and leans into a nu-disco strut, applying the funk from “Cinderella” to verses that sneak forward and a chorus that revs up.

And for her part, Wolf is a force of nature on the track, proudly declaring her lust and spinning around each bull-fighter simile with ease; if you still had doubts that Wolf had the chops to score a mainstream pop breakthrough, the second verse explosion on “Toro” should quickly put them to rest. Big Ideas arrives on July 12, and if this new single is any indication, Wolf’s second album could be one of the defining pop projects of the summer.

Here are some more new pop songs worth checking out this week…