djfrosty

12 Jan 2024

Yeah! Usher Rewinds It Back, Gets Support From LeBron, J Balvin, Jung Kook in Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show Teaser

Take that, rewind it back, Usher is about to make the Super Bowl go smack! This year’s Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show star dropped the trailer for what promises to be a super-hype game break on Friday morning (Jan. 12).

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The first look at what Usher has in store came via a one-minute hype video taking viewers on a kaleidoscopic trip through 30 years of Ush. It opens with a gospel choir singing “Peace Up,” as various other fans second that emotion over a church organ and the choir adds “A-town down” in a tribute to the clip’s soundtrack song: 2004’s smash with Lil Jon and Ludacris, “Yeah!”

After a woman says “take that and rewind it back,” the camera rolls into the past to 1998, after Usher’s second album, 1997’s My Way, blew the singer up into a global superstar thanks to such hits as “You Make Me Wanna…” and “Nice & Slow.” The clip even includes some old video of a pre-fame, teenage, babyfaced Usher smiling in the studio as a group of double-dutching girls reveal that “Yeah!” is their favorite song.

The song that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks in 2004 bubbles up and gets reworked by a marching band, subway flutist, teenage string quartet, late night diner beatbox crew, pianist and pal J Balvin — who recreates the famous oven door meme — amid footage of Ush killing it on stage. Another friend, BTS singer and “Standing Next To You” collaborator Jung Kook makes a brief cameo, along with NBA superstar LeBron James, who also can’t help singing along to the hit’s indelible chorus.

The clip ends with Usher, 45, standing against a red background wearing shades and an open-to-the-navel shirt black shirt and matching gloves as he swings his signature U pendant around his neck framed by the words “One performance. 30 years in the making.”

Usher announced he was taking on the iconic gig in September, saying in a statement, “It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list. I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before. Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”

The inaugural Apple Music-sponsored Super Bowl Halftime Show took place last year with Rihanna setting new viewership records as she unveiled her second pregnancy during a performance. Usher will bring his hits to the stage in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium for this year’s game on Feb. 11 as he gets ready to release his upcoming ninth studio album, Coming Home, on Feb. 9. The big game will air live on CBS and stream live on Paramount+, NFL+ and Vix.

Watch the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show preview below.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=QcRLTbQxgcI&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

12 Jan 2024

‘Saltburn’ Sends ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ Into Australia’s Top 40

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is murdering Australia’s singles chart, too.

The British pop veteran’s 2021 hit “Murder On The Dancefloor” (Universal) returns to the top 40 on the ARIA Singles Chart, published Friday, Jan. 12, powered by the dark-energy of Saltburn.

“Murder On The Dancefloor” shuffles to No. 25 on the latest tally, still some way off its peak of No. 3, achieved more than 22 years ago.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The song is enjoying fresh life thanks to its appearance late in the hit Amazon Prime film, which stars Australian newcomer Jacob Elordi, and is separately making climbs up the Billboard Hot 100 and Official U.K. Singles Chart.

“Murder” is platinum certified in Australia and is one of Ellis-Bextor’s three top five hits in these parts, including Spiller’s 2000 leader “Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love),” for which she was the uncredited vocalist.

At the pointy end of the ARIA Single Chart is Jack Harlow’s “Lovin On Me” (Atlantic/Warner), which enters an eighth non-consecutive week at No. 1. “Lovin On Me” was bounced from the summit when the Christmas songs chimed in, then returned to the top when the fest season came to a close.

Tate McRae’s “Greedy” (RCA/Sony) is unmoved at No. 2 while U.S. singer and songwriter Noah Kahan continues his ascent with “Stick Season” (Universal), up 6-3. That’s easily Kahan’s best-performing single in Australia, eclipsing the No. 14 peak for 2017’s “Hurt Somebody” and the No. 45 peak for 2023’s “Dial Drunk.” “Stick Season” is the current No. 1 in the U.K., his first leader there.

Taylor Swift has just been crowned queen of Australia’s year-end 2023 albums chart, with 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (via Universal), having dominated the previous year’s ARIA tally with Midnights. Some things never change. 1989 (Taylor’s Version) holds at No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart for its 11th straight week, while Midnights is unchanged at No. 3. Swift, whose The Eras Tour winds its way to Australia next month, has five of the top 10 titles on the latest weekly tally.

12 Jan 2024

21 Savage Is Living the ‘American Dream’: Stream It Now

21 Savage turns the dream into reality by unleashing American Dream (via Slaughter Gang and Epic Records), his first solo studio album in nearly six years.

Dropping at the stroke of midnight, Savage’s third set features a dreamy lineup of collaborators, including Brent Faiyaz, Summer Walker, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Lil Durk and Mariah the Scientist.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

In a novel campaign for the LP, the Atlanta, GA-based British-American rapper revealed his guest artists ahead of release by sharing their baby pictures on his Instagram.

Fifteen tracks in total, American Dream was announced earlier in the week, and is said to serve as the soundtrack for 21 Savage’s debut film American Dream: The 21 Savage Story, for which he unveiled a trailer on Monday (Jan. 8).

American Dream is the followup to his 2018 sophomore album I Am > I Was, which earned the hip-hop artist his first Billboard 200 No. 1 album and was nominated for best rap album at the 2020 Grammy Awards. Its hit single “A Lot,” featuring J. Cole, won the Grammy that year for best rap song.

Then, in 2020, Savage Mode II with Metro Boomin went to No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Another collaborative project, Her Loss, recorded with Drake, bowed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2022, for his third leader. In December of that year, the state of Georgia recognized Dec. 21 as 21 Savage Day in recognition of his philanthropic efforts, which include his foundation Leading by Example, established in 2018 to provide financial literacy education to underserved youth nationwide providing thousands of scholarships, access to bank accounts and job placement for youths and more.

Directed by Donald Glover, American Dream: The 21 Savage Story rolls out in theaters on Independence Day 2024. Savage’s live commitments this year include spots on the U.K.’s Reading and Leeds Festivals.

Stream American Dream in full below.

12 Jan 2024

Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus Reign Over Australia’s End Of Year Charts

All hail Taylor Swift. That’s how Australians reacted to TayTay in 2023, as the pop superstar dominated the year-end charts.

Swift reigned supreme on the 2023 ARIA End Of Year Albums Chart, published Friday, Jan. 1, with 1989 (Taylor’s Version) taking out top spot.

The fourth re-recorded album from Swift’s repertoire, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) logged nine weeks at No. 1 on the national chart last year, the longest consecutive streak of any LP.

That’s just the start of Swift’s sweep. The “Shake It Off” singer bagged five of the top 10 albums in the land Down Under, including the runner-up spot with Midnights, ARIA confirms, and 10 of the top 50.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Following a two-week stay at No. 1 in 2023, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) finishes the year at No. 7 overall; Lover is at No. 8; and the original version of 1989 is at No. 9. Also impacting the tally is Reputation (No. 11), Folklore (No. 12), Red (Taylor’s Version) (No. 29), Evermore (No.36) and Fearless (Taylor’s Version) (No. 46).

Swift is accustomed to the high life. Midnights was No. 1 album of 2022, meaning Swift has had the best-selling album in Australia for two-straight years. A third isn’t out of the question. Swift has two more re-recorded albums in the works (though release dates haven’t been announced), and her The Eras Tour will storm into Australia in February for seven stadium shows across Sydney and Melbourne.

Canadian R&B star The Weeknd’s The Highlights completes the annual albums podium with his career retrospective, The Highlights, ahead of Morgan Wallen’s One Thing At A Time and SZA’s SOS, respectively.

The country comeback is in full swing as Luke Combs lands three titles in the top 25: This One’s For You at No. 14, Gettin’ Old at No. 17 and What You See Ain’t Always What You Get at No. 24.

Meanwhile, U.S. artists lock-up the four best-selling singles of 2023, a list led by Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” a single that stood tall atop the ARIA Singles Chart for 12 weeks during the calendar year. Just eight songs have spent more than time at No. 1, ARIA reports. Tones and I’s “Dance Monkey” remains the all-time leader, notching 24 weeks at the top in 2019-20.

Slotting in at No. 2 on the 2023 ARIA End Of Year Singles Chart is country star Morgan Wallen with “Last Night,” ahead of SZA’s “Kill Bill” and Swift’s “Anti-Hero,” respectively, while English artist PinkPantheress finishes the year at No. 5 with “Boy’s A Liar.”

“Congratulations to all the artists who dominated 2023, but particularly to Taylor, who has completely reset the narrative for what a solo artist can accomplish,” comments ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd. “She is a truly once-in-a-lifetime artist, storyteller, performer and businessperson. Similarly, Miley Cyrus’ incredible achievement on the Singles Chart over the past year – solidified at No. 1 on the 2023 Singles Chart – is cause for celebration… as is women at the top of both the Singles and Albums Charts for 2023.”

The dearth of homegrown artists on both lists, however, is no cause to celebrate. Just four Australian albums cracked the top 100 this year, led by INXS hits collection The Very Best (at No. 58), and just three Australian-made singles impacted the top 100, none of which were released in 2023. The best-placed Australian recording was The Kid Laroi’s 15-times platinum 2021 collaboration with Justin Bieber, “Stay.”

“It’s frustrating, but the data provided by these charts is an unbiased view of how Australian audiences consume music, and we need to use this data to understand we have a very urgent, very complex problem to solve,” adds Herd. “We need to address the damaging lack of data about contemporary music.

Help is on the way. With renewed support for Ausmusic from the federal government and various state governments, the establishment of Music Australia, Sound NSW, and the Centre for Creative Workplaces, notes Herd, the industry is optimistic that “we can change the narrative this time next year.”

Check out ARIA’s year-end singles and charts.

11 Jan 2024

Lil Nas X Resurrects Himself on New Single ‘J CHRIST’: Stream It Now

After going to hell and back (literally) during his last album cycle, rapper and pop provocateur Lil Nas X is ready to walk through the Pearly Gates.

On Friday (Jan. 12), the singer unveiled his long-awaited new single “J CHRIST,” a pounding pop-rap track that sees the “Call Me By Your Name” singer reveling in his own comeback — much like the “MAN WHO HAD THE GREATEST COMEBACK OF ALL TIME” Jesus Christ, as Lil Nas X described him.

Lil Nas X wrote and directed the official music video, which arrived at midnight and features the artist in various roles — playing hoops, as a cheerleader, in the gladiatorial ring, and strapped to the cross.

“Is he up to somethin’ only I-I know?/ Is he ’bout to hit ’em with the high-igh note/ Is he ’bout to give ’em something vi-iral,” he sings on the slick chorus, before later declaring that “B—h, I’m back like J Christ.”

“J CHRIST” marks Lil Nas X’s first official release in over a year — his last release, the League of Legends collaborative anthem “Star Walkin’,” released in September 2022.

The release comes on the heels of a major marketing push from the “Industry Baby” singer, who spent much of the week promoting the single through a series of viral posts. In one string of TikToks, Lil Nas X joked that he was releasing new gospel music independently, while threatening to “expose y’all favorite artists” with his new song. An Instagram post, meanwhile, saw the singer post a fake acceptance letter to Christian college Liberty University, telling his followers that “not everything is a troll” (representatives for the university have since said that they did not admit Lil Nas X for the fall 2024 semester).

The rapper drew intense criticism in the run-up to releasing “J CHRIST” for his use of religious iconography, with commentators claiming that he was “mocking” and “disrespecting” Christianity.

Lil Nas shut down the claims in a tweet, saying “Jesus’s image is used throughout history in people’s art all over the world. I’m not making fun of shit. yall just gotta stop trying to gatekeep a religion that was here before any of us were even born. stfu.”

Watch Lil Nas X’s “J CHRIST” below:

11 Jan 2024

Here Are the Lyrics to Ariana Grande’s ‘Yes, And?’

On Friday (Jan. 12), Ariana Grande made her return with the late-’80s-inspired single “Yes, And?”

Dripping with confidence, the upbeat song serves as the lead track for Grande’s anticipated seventh album, which she started teasing online in late December.

The single is built upon the cheeky title, as Grande sings of healing and being done with caring for other people’s projections. “Yes, and?” she asks repeatedly, begging listeners to question why they care so much to comment on her life — and, hopefully, reducing such actions in the future.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Here are the lyrics to Ariana Grande’s “Yes, And?”

in case you haven’t noticed
well, everybody’s tired
and healing from somebody
or something we don’t see just right
boy come on put your lipstick on
(no one can tell you nothing)
come on and walk this way through the fire (don’t care what’s on their mind)
and if you find yourself in a dark situation just turn on your light and be like

“yes, and?”
say that sh– with your chest
and be your own f—in’ best
friend say that sh– with your chest
keep moving like “what’s next?”
“yes, and?”

now i’m so done with caring what you think
no i won’t hide underneath your own projections or change my most authentic life
boy come on put your lipstick on
(no one can tell you nothing)
come on and walk this way through the fire (don’t care what’s on their mind)
and if you find yourself in a dark situation just turn on your light and be like

“yes, and?”
say that sh– with your chest
and be your own f—in’ best
friend say that sh– with your chest
keep moving like “what’s next?”
“yes, and?”

my tongue is sacred
i speak upon what i like
protected, sexy, discerning with my time
your energy is yours and mine is mine
what’s mine is mine
my face is sitting i don’t need no disguise
don’t comment on my body, do not reply
your business is yours and mine is mine
do you care so much whose ! i ride

“yes, and?”
why
why?
say that sh– with your chest
and be your own f—in’ best
friend say that shit with your chest
keep moving like “what’s next?”
“yes, and?”

11 Jan 2024

Ariana Grande’s ‘Yes, And?’ Single Is Here: Stream It Now

Ariana Grande is back — and she has some things to say.

On Friday, Jan. 12, the pop star returned with her inquisitive and gleaming new single “Yes, And?” The song serves as the first taste of Grande’s forthcoming seventh album.

Inspired by late ’80s dance-pop production, the catchy track is made all the better by Grande’s unshakeable confidence and comfort in her own skin. “Yes, and? Say that s— with your chest, and, be your own f—ing best friend,” she instructs, seeming to lead by example.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The overall message is loud and clear: she’s seen the comments, and she’s not taking s— from anybody.

“I’m so done with caring what you think, no I won’t hide underneath your own projections or change my most authentic life,” she sings in a soft and syrupy sweet tone, evoking a “kill ’em with kindness” energy.

And later, during a spoken word interlude, Ari even declares: “Your energy is yours and mine is mine…don’t comment on my body, do not reply.”

And while her message is firm, the upbeat and retro production is less so, helping drive home Grande’s laid back, carefree attitude. Written and produced by the pop star alongside Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh, the thumping and rallying chorus is prime for a dancefloor — there are even elements that call back to Madonna’s “Vogue,” which could very well be a tease to the album’s overall sound).

Yesterday, on Thursday, Jan. 11, Grande released a teaser clip to the song’s visual. It opened with a hand holding a red card that read “AG7.” The other side of the card read: “Your presence has been exclusively requested.”

The clip then cuts to various voices saying things like: “You know, I think I liked her better when her ponytail was a few centimeters higher”; “I mean, who cares if she’s happy? I don’t want happy. I want Ari.”; and ““Well, I read it on the Internet, so it must be true!”

“Yes, And?” is a direct response to such critiques. And in typical Ariana fashion, she leans into one of her greatest strengths: being oh so sweet.

Stream “Yes, And?” and view the single art and below.





Ariana Grande

Katia Temkin

11 Jan 2024

Pentagon Denies Fox News Conspiracy Theory That Taylor Swift Is a Political ‘Asset’

The Pentagon is shutting down one of Fox News’ more bizarre conspiracy theories.

After Fox News host Jesse Watters suggested this week that Taylor Swift could be “a front for a covert political agenda,” the Department of Defense shared a statement on Wednesday (Jan. 9) refuting the claims, according to Politico.

“It’s real. The Pentagon psy-op unit pitched NATO on turning Taylor Swift into an asset for combating misinformation online,” Watters said during the show, sharing a video from a 2019 conference organized by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence, during which a presenter names Swift as an example of a powerful influencer.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

In response, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh referencing Swift’s 1989 hit “Shake It Off” in a statement by noting, “as for this conspiracy theory, we are going to shake it off.”

Singh continued with the reference-filled statement, “But that does highlight that we still need Congress to approve our supplemental budget request as Swift-ly as possible so we can be out of the woods with potential fiscal concerns.” 

While Swift is not a political “asset,” she does important work in encouraging her fans to vote. “Voters gonna vote!” she wrote on her Instagram Story on Election Day. “If you are registered to vote in Colorado, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas or Virginia, it’s time to use your voice.”

She also encouraged voters to be informed before arriving. “Find out what’s on your ballot before you arrive to the polls by visiting Vote.org.” Her link takes followers to Vote.org’s See What’s on Your Ballot tool, which gives voters a preview of what will be on their ballots.

The 12-time Grammy winner’s latest Instagram Story is part of an ongoing partnership she has with Vote.org, a non-profit, non-partisan voter registration organization that aims to increase voting behavior and reach underserved and underrepresented voters.

11 Jan 2024

Michael Jackson Biopic Gets Release Date

The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has been dated for a global release on April 18, 2025.

Lionsgate is behind the project, which will be directed by Antoine Fuqua. Jackson‘s nephew Jaafar Jackson will play him in the film about the singer’s life. Universal Pictures has international rights for the film, excluding Japan.

Graham King, a seasoned hand at biopics with the Oscar-winning Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody under his belt, is producing along with John Branca and John McClain, who are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. John Logan, who penned Gladiator and The Aviator, wrote the script.

According to Lionsgate, the film will cover all aspects of Jackson’s life, though it is unclear how — or even if — it will address the many controversies involving the late music icon, given that the biopic is being made in conjunction with his estate, which has defended him against accusations of sexually abusing children. Those accusations were returned to the public discourse thanks to the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.

The official synopsis for the film reads: “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.” 

The Minecraft film is currently the other major studio film dated for April 2025. The Warner Bros. movie is set to star Jason Momoa and Jack Black.

This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.

11 Jan 2024

ByteDance to Shut Down Resso Streaming Service in India

ByteDance will shut down its music streaming service Resso in India at the end of January, Billboard has confirmed with a ByteDance representative.

The decision, which was first reported by India-based outlet Moneycontrol, was made after Resso was removed from the Google Play and the Apple App stores in December on the orders of the Indian government. Billboard had not been able to determine the reason behind those removals at press time.

Notably, India was Resso’s last remaining market after the app was previously shuttered in Brazil and Indonesia.

“Unfortunately, owing to local market conditions, we can no longer continue to serve users of Resso in India,” said a ByteDance spokesperson in a statement sent to Billboard. “We have therefore taken the decision to shut down Resso and its associated operations on January 31st. Users will be offered a refund of their remaining subscription fees.”

Another factor working against Resso in India — where streaming competitors include such widely-used platforms as Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn and Wynk — was Sony Music’s removal of its catalog from the service in September 2022.

ByteDance, the Chinese-owned company behind TikTok, first launched Resso in India and Indonesia in March 2020, offering both free and paid tiers, before introducing it in Brazil later that year. In May 2023, ByteDance ended the free tier, making Resso a premium-only service.

In July, ByteDance announced it would roll out its new social music streaming service, TikTok Music, in Brazil and Indonesia, leading to the shutdown of Resso in both markets. Just two weeks later, TikTok Music was launched in closed beta in three additional countries: Mexico, Australia and Singapore, followed by a public launch in those markets in October.

ByteDance confirmed with Billboard that it has no plans to launch TikTok Music in India, where the government banned TikTok in June 2020, along with 58 other Chinese-owned apps, citing data privacy concerns. Those bans were made permanent in January 2021.