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26 Mar 2024

Will Smith & Martin Lawrence Reunite In ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Trailer

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Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Source: Sony Pictures Entertainment / Bad Boys: Ride or Die

It’s been a few years since Will Smith alienated a chunk of his fanbase when he slapped fire out of Chris Rock during the Oscar Awards in 2022. But are those the same fans willing to let bygones be bygones and support him at the box office?

We shall find out as Will Smith and Martin Lawrence will once again reconnect to bring a brand new installment to the hugely popular Bad Boys franchise which dropped it’s first trailer for the film just this Tuesday (March 26). In the new upcoming Bad Boys: Ride or Die, we find Detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) on the run from the law as they’re being framed by some powerful people who made sure their Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano) died a “dirty” cop.

With authorities on their tail and a powerful cartel in their way, Lowrey and Burnett go on a mission to not only clear their names but also that of their dearly departed captain. Looking like they’re in the latest sequel to the Fast & Furious saga, the two men find themselves duking it out with bad guys everywhere from a military transport helicopter to the streets of Miami. And of course we get a shot of Will Smith running through highway traffic in a tank top with a gun in his hand. That must be in his contract for these movies.

Check out the trailer for Bad Boys: Ride or Die and let us know if you’ll be checking for this when it hits theaters on June 7th in the comments section below.



26 Mar 2024

Silvestre Dangond Has ‘Many Stories to Tell’ As He Returns to the Stage With His ‘Ta Malo Tour

After a one-year hiatus from the stage, Colombian vallenato star Silvestre Dangond is set to hit the road again — this time with his ‘Ta Malo Tour, which kicks off April 12 in Orlando. The 17-date stint, produced by Loud and Live, is a celebration of sorts. Not only does it mark Dangond’s return to live music, but also his 22-year anniversary in music.

“There are many stories to tell,” the hitmaker tells Billboard‘s Leila Cobo. “I think this is going to be one of those tours, although I always say this, but there is something really important because of all that is happening in Colombia is going to be reflected in the U.S. tour.”

A year away from the stage may not seem like a long time for many artists, but Dangond is the type to perform every weekend. His “retirement,” as he describes it, was because he needed a break after shooting the Leandro Díaz series inspired by the career of a Colombian musician who was born blind. “The character consumed me,” Dangond says today. “I devoted myself to that character from Monday to Saturday and I did it for nine months. Nine months being blind, feeling, listening, personifying a phenomenon of nature like Leandro.”

The break was a blessing in disguise. He get to spend time with his children and wife, and he also released his latest album, Ta Malo, in November.

Dangond’s 17-date stint will kick off April 12 in Orlando and wrap up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on June 9. See dates here. Above, watch the the interview with Dangond where he also talks in-depth about why he accepted the role of Leandro Díaz and his special connection to the city of Bogotá.

26 Mar 2024

Silvestre Dangond Opens Up About His Break From Music, Playing Leandro Díaz & More | Billboard News

Colombian vallenato singer Silvestre Dangond opens up about taking a break from music, playing famed blind Colombian vallenato singer Leandro Díaz, the great influence Diomedes Díaz has had on him, his new ‘Ta Malo Tour, how moving to Bogotá changed his life, sings “Cásate Conmigo” live and more!

Silvestre Dangond
Hi, I am Silvestre Dangond, and you are watching Billboard News.

Leila Cobo
Silvestre Dangond, welcome to Billboard!

Silvestre Dangond
Here I am!

Leila Cobo
Here I am, here we are, getting ready for the “Ta Malo” tour. It kicks off on April 12th in Orlando, then moves to Miami.

Silvestre Dangond
I am anxious!

Leila Cobo
April 12th, and then you will go to several cities across the U.S.

Silvestre Dangond
17 cities!

Leila Cobo
17 cities, 17 arenas?

Silvestre Dangond
17.

Leila Cobo
Only Vallenato?

Silvestre Dangond
Only Vallenato Ventiao. Only Vallentato Ventiao. A 22-year career, many stories to tell. I think this is going to be one of those tours… I always say this, but there is something really important. Because of all that is happening in Colombia is going to be reflected in here in the U.S. tour.

Leila Cobo
Like what? What is happening in Colombia that we…

Silvestre Dangond
Well, for a time, for almost one year I kept away from the stage, and well now I came back kind of recharged in every sense.

Watch the full interview above!

26 Mar 2024

Drake Bell Reveals That 2005 Song From Debut Album Chronicled Sexual Abuse

Trigger warning: the following story contains descriptions of sexual assault.

In an emotional TikTok video posted over the weekend, former Drake & Josh star Drake Bell shared that a ballad from his 2005 debut album Telegraph, entitled “In the End,” featured lyrics alluding to his sexual abuse at the hands of Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck. That abuse was explored in the recent docuseries Quiet on the Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, which chronicled stories of emotional abuse and traumatic experiences suffered by teen and tween actors on the sets of a variety of Nickelodeon programs.

“Wrote this song when I was 15 about what happened before I said anything to anyone,” Bell captioned the one-minute video, in which he sits with a forlorn, pained look as the song’s emotional lyrics play out. “Wake up/ It’s time to get your things together and drive away/ ‘Breathe out, future days will treat you better’/ That’s what they say,” he sings. “Another day gone without a say/ But it’s okay if you turn around/ And feel the memories bringin’ you down.”

The song’s lyrics never appear to explicitly mention abuse, but the chorus (not included in Bell’s video) hints at dark themes. “Wake up/ The monsters in your head have left you/ All to yourself, it’s alright/ If ugly little things remind you of how it felt,” he sings, adding, “Another day, no one tells you what it means/ What’s in your way and poisonin’ your dreams/ The darkest place that you’ve ever been.”

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Bell, now 37, detailed his abuse for the first time in the four-part series that plumbed the toxic work environment at the Viacom children’s network on sets run by Dan Schneider, creator of such hit programs as Drake & Josh, The Amanda Show, Zoey 101, iCarly, Victorious and Sam & Cat, which launched the careers of such superstars as Ariana Grande, Amanda Bynes, Kenan Thompson, Victoria Justice and more.

In the series, Bell discussed his abuse by Peck — who was convicted of sexually assaulting a Nickelodeon child actor (Bell) in 2004 — for the first time, alongside other then-underage actor’s stories alleging abuse, sexism, racism and inappropriate alleged predatory behavior at the network.

Peck was convicted in 2004, a year before Bell’s debut album was released and several years after authorities said the abuse of the then 14/15-year-old actor took place. Peck was accused of molesting a child in 2003 and later convicted of a lewd act against a child and oral copulation of a person under 16 — resulting in a 16-month sentence and registration as a sex offender.

“Now that Drake Bell has disclosed his identity as the plaintiff in the 2004 case, we are dismayed and saddened to learn of the trauma he has endured, and we commend and support the strength required to come forward,” Nickelodeon said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter prior to the series’ debut earlier this month.

Bell is slated to release his sixth studio album, Non-Stop Flight, later this year. The video for the album’s power pop first single, “I Kind of Relate,” features scenes that directly allude to the abuse some other difficult chapters in the singer/actor’s personal life. “I kind of relate
I found beauty in my pain/ I’m running away/ From the abuse and all the shame,” he sings on the Beach Boys-esque tune. “‘Cause no one comes/ To my house anymore/ No one knocks on my door.”

Watch Bell’s TikTok video below.

Stories about sexual assault allegations can be traumatizing for survivors of sexual assault. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can reach out to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). The organization provides free, confidential support to sexual assault victims. Call RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) or visit the anti-sexual violence organization’s website for more information.

26 Mar 2024

Hot 100 First-Timers: Bryan Martin Scores His First Chart Hit With ‘We Ride’

Bryan Martin lands his first career entry on the Billboard Hot 100 (dated March 30) as his breakthrough single “We Ride” arrives at No. 96.

“We Ride” has been steadily climbing Billboard’s charts since its release in October 2022 on Average Joes Entertainment. With 35 weeks and counting on the Hot Country Songs chart, and after 18 weeks on the Hot 100’s Bubbling Under ranking, it enters the Hot 100 with 8.7 million all-format radio audience impressions (up 13%) and 4 million official U.S. streams (up 4%) in the March 15-21 tracking week, according to Luminate.

The song also ranks at No. 22 on Country Airplay, a new high, and No. 25 on Hot Country Songs after reaching No. 24.

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Activity on TikTok has contributed to the song’s growing profile. Martin began teasing it on the platform in September 2022, performing acoustic clips on his profile ahead of its official release. To date, the song has soundtracked more than 26,000 clips on TikTok, where Martin boasts nearly 400,000 followers. Many users are resonating with the lyrics detailing Martin’s struggles with everyday life, including the line, “rubbin’ two nickels just tryin’ to make a dime/ hard to make a livin’ while the gas is so high.” Such autobiographical elements have also helped spark the success of other country stars of late, including Jelly Roll and Oliver Anthony.

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“We Ride” is on Martin’s third solo LP, Poets & Old Souls, which was released in March 2023 and reached No. 12 on the Heatseekers Albums chart this January. He previously released Self Inflicted Scars in 2022 and If It Was Easy in 2019.

Martin has charted two other songs on Billboard’s charts. He made his first overall chart appearance in May 2021, when “Beauty in the Struggle” debuted and peaked at No. 23 on Country Digital Song Sales. In 2022, “Fafo (Part 1)” — featuring Charlie Farley, Austin Tolliver and OG Caden — reached No. 10 on Rap Digital Song Sales.

Martin hails from Logansport, La., and worked on an oil rig before pivoting to music. Much of his musical catalog details his difficult life experiences — addiction, attempted suicide, brain injury and relapse.

Martin has a string of tour dates scheduled through October, including opening spots for Morgan Wallen and Chris Young. Last summer, he made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, where he performed “We Ride” and “Goin for Broke.”

26 Mar 2024

Rihanna Opens Up About Raising Her Sons & Choosing to ‘Let Go of Everyone’s Expectations’

Rihanna opened up about motherhood, individuality and chasing her dreams for her Vogue China cover story.  

Speaking with Editor-in-Chief Margaret Zhang, the 36-year-old Fenty mogul shared what she thinks is “the most beautiful thing” about raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, 22-month-old RZA and 7-month old Riot Rose. “[Children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity, which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group,” she said, as shared in an Instagram post Tuesday (March 26). “It’s really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be.”  

“They should embrace it completely, because it’s beautiful, and it’s unique,” Ri added. “I love them just that way.” 

The “Rude Boy” singer also spoke about chasing her dreams as an artist and businesswoman, two endeavors that have led her to 14 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, nine Grammy awards and an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, to name just a few of her accomplishments. “We always want our parents to be proud … I [certainly] wanted to make my mom and my dad proud,” she told the publication. “But the reality is, I did it by standing up for what I believed in and pursuing my own path and dreams.” 

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“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.” 

During her Vogue China photo shoot — for which Ri personally provided creative direction — the superstar rocked her hair long and straight as well as in beautiful braided patterns. Since then, she’s chopped her hair into a blonde pixie cut, which she debuted while stepping out in Santa Monica, Calif., last week. 

See footage and photos from Rihanna’s Vogue China shoot below. 

26 Mar 2024

BMG Nears $1 Billion in 2023 Revenues on Catalog Deals, Publishing Business

BMG reported record high revenues of 905 million euros ($998 million) in 2023 as catalog acquisitions and growth in its publishing division from hit songs and albums by Bebe Rexha, the Rolling Stones and Lewis Capaldi contributed to 5.7% in organic revenue growth.

Operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) adjusted — BMG’s preferred metric for profit — was flat at 194 million euros ($214 million, based on the foreign exchange rate as of Dec. 31, 2023) compared to last year’s 195 million euros ($208 million, based on the year-end foreign exchange rate), as the German-owned music company incorporates a slew of changes introduced by new chief executive Thomas Coesfeld. Coesfeld said his strategy is improving revenue and operating EBITDA going forward, two metrics the company said have risen by roughly a third from 2021 to 2023.

“Many of these changes are having an immediate impact,” Coesfeld said in a letter to staff viewed by Billboard. “In the first two months of 2024 we have already seen a strong double-digit increase in revenue and an increase in EBITDA versus prior year.”

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Since Coesfeld took the helm in mid-2023, BMG announced a plan to take over digital sales of its artists’ music, a new physical distribution deal with UMG and increased investments in technology for a new client-facing mobile app, improved data analytics and speedier processing of royalties.

Catalog acquisitions have been a key component of Coesfeld’s contributions since he became BMG’s chief financial officer in 2021. Backed by the deep pockets of its parent company, the European media conglomerate Bertelsmann, BMG continued its steady pace of buying in 2023 with 30 catalog acquisitions, including those by The Hollies, Jet, Dope Lemon, Martin Solveig and Paul Simon’s music interests in Simon & Garfunkel’s recordings.

Major hits for the publishing division in 2023 included “I’m Good (Blue),” co-written by Bebe Rexha, and “Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2,” by BMG songwriter Mura Masa and performed by Pink Pantheress and Ice Spice, and the release of Hackney Diamonds by the Rolling Stones and Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent by Capaldi.

Country music was a big driver for BMG’s label business in 2023 thanks to Jason Aldean‘s “Try That In A Small Town,” which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart during the first week of August, and three country chart-topping hits from Jelly Roll, including “Save Me,” recorded with Lainey Wilson, another of BMG’s country stars.

Here are some of BMG’s 2023 highlights:

  • Operating EBITDA adjusted remained stable at 194 million euros ($214 million) from the previous year of 195 million euros ($208 million).
  • From 2021 to 2023, revenue has risen by more than 36% and operating EBITDA adjusted has risen by more than 34%.
  • EBITDA margin was 21.4 percent compared to the previous year of 22.5%.
  • BMG made 30 catalog acquisitions in 2023.

26 Mar 2024

J-Hope’s ‘Hope on the Street’: Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Photos

J-Hope‘s new album era is upon us. The BTS superstar is unveiling a six-part docuseries, Hope on the Street, which will “trail J-Hope’s dance journey” as he explores Osaka, Paris and New York, as well as Seoul and Gwangju in Korea, and meets street dancers throughout the cities.

To celebrate the upcoming series, Billboard can exclusively share photos from the documentary, in which the 30-year-old star is seen posing in his signature colorful outfits throughout the various cities.

Hope on the Street is directly tied to J-Hope’s forthcoming special album, Hope on the Street Vol. 1. Each episode of the docuseries is linked to a set of songs from the project through their narrative, sound and message.

J-Hope is currently completing his mandatory 18-month military service, which began in April 2023.

The first episode of Hope on the Street will premiere on Prime Video at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday (March 27). The accompanying album — which includes main track “Neuron (with Gaeko and Yonmirae)” — will launch at midnight ET on Friday (March 29).

The project follows J-Hope’s 2022 solo album, Jack in the Box, which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. A newly expanded HOPE Edition of the album was released in August 2023. It features the original album tracks, along with three live recordings from J-Hope’s history-making performance at Lollapalooza in 2022 in Chicago, plus two instrumental tracks.

See below for photos from Hope on the Street, shared exclusively with Billboard.

26 Mar 2024

Music Biz Conference Moving to Atlanta in 2025

The annual Music Biz Conference will move from its current Nashville home to Atlanta in 2025.

Specific dates and venues for Music Biz 2025 will be announced later. The conference will continue in its usual May timeframe.

Music Biz, which attracts more than 2,300 music business professionals each year, has been held in Music City for nearly a decade, and returns this year, from May 13-16.

“We’ve had a wonderful 10 years in Nashville. We love Nashville,” Music Business Association president Portia Sabin tells Billboard. “It’s been such a great place for us to grow and we are so appreciative and are very much looking forward to this year’s conference in Nashville.”

The move was inspired by the September 2022 launch of the Music Biz Roadshow program, which has traveled to cities including Atlanta, Dallas and Miami.

“With the Music Biz Roadshow, we bring our members to different cities across the U.S. for free educational programs for artists and musicians,” Sabin says. “We got inspired by doing that because there are so many great music cities out there in the U.S.”

Atlanta felt like a natural evolution for Music Biz. “When we first brought the conference to Nashville, it was a smaller version of what it is now. We feel like Atlanta has that growth potential,” Sabin adds, noting that music industry professionals from more than 30 countries attend Music Biz each year. “Atlanta has that great international hub airport, which will make it easier for people from abroad to get to [the conference]. We are excited to showcase another great American music city.”

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In 2013, the organization formerly known as the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) rebranded as the Music Business Association. Following a four-year stint in Los Angeles from 2011-2014, the Music Biz conference has been in Nashville since 2015. The Music Business Association headquarters continues to be located in Nashville.

Beginning in 2025, the Music Biz event will revert to the way it was scheduled in its NARM days when the conference frequently moved to a new city.

“We will be on probably a two-year schedule, staying in a town for two years before going to another town,” Sabin says, noting the conference could potentially be hosted in cities such as Miami and San Diego in the coming years.

“And I’m sure we will be back in Nashville at some point,” Sabin adds. ‘Nashville’s a fabulous city and we are so grateful to have been here for 10 years. We’re looking forward to this year’s conference in Nashville. Atlanta has so much going on in terms of the music industry there, and I think it has somewhat been overlooked in general. It’s a great spot to have the conference and have this important group of people showing up to do business there.”

26 Mar 2024

Billboard & Smirnoff Take SXSW: Cardo Got Wings Performs, Pickleball & More | Billboard News

Billboard teamed up with Smirnoff Smash Vodka Soda to bring some fun to Austin, Texas, at SXSW.

Tetris Kelly:
From pickleball to custom cocktails, the merging of the unexpected took place when Smirnoff Smash Vodka Soda took over Billboard’s South by Southwest festivities. Fans of music, tech and more came together in Austin, Texas, for the annual music festival, and our visit down south saw an unexpected pickleball court appear on the ever-popular Rainey Street.

To highlight the vibrant new Smirnoff Smash Vodka Soda line, 21+ festivalgoers had the opportunity to work up a sweat at a custom pickleball experience. Decked out in colors to match the new line, the court was a show-stopping affair with players going head to head in a showdown to remember. After flexing their skills, attendees grabbed free swag, local bites from food trucks and tried the new line, among a variety of flavors including watermelon lime, pineapple orange, strawberry dragon fruit and red berry peach, just 100 calories each.

While a referee led the game, super producer Cardo Got Wings was on site to offer the tunes and show some love to the event.

Cardo Got Wings:
With your drinks in the air, one time for Smirnoff again! Make some noise for them making this beautiful event take place, please!

Tetris Kelly:
He was joined by the DJ collective The Chopstars, who brought the vibes for the rest of the evening. Some of the attendees even won tickets to Billboard Presents The Stage concert series at the Moody Amphitheater. Smirnoff Smash Vodka soda brought the flavor to the venue with a specialty bar and samples while star-studded acts hit the stage. Fans were also treated to custom cocktails, including Smirnoff Mule and Smirnoff Texas Lemonade.

For more from our Austin, Texas, takeover head over to Billboard.com

Watch the full video above!