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Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet hits No. 1 for the first time on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart, as the six-month-old set jumps 6-1 on the list dated March 1. It vaults to No. 1 following its deluxe reissue on Feb. 14 with five additional bonus tracks on CD, digital download and two vinyl variants.
In the week ending Feb. 20 in the U.S., Short n’ Sweet sold 71,000 copies across all versions – old and new combined – increasing by 616% in sales. It’s the second-largest sales week for the project, following its opening week (Sept. 7, 2024-dated chart), when it launched at No. 2 with 184,000 copies sold.
Short n’ Sweet marks Carpenter’s first No. 1 on Top Album Sales out of seven total entries on the list.
Short n’ Sweet also returns to No. 1 on the Vinyl Albums chart, for a third nonconsecutive week, as it sold nearly 48,000 copies on vinyl (up 626%). Of Short n’ Sweet’s total overall sales to date, vinyl sales comprise 61% (372,000 of 606,000).
Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks the top-selling albums of the week based only on traditional album sales. The chart’s history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first week Billboard began tabulating charts with electronically monitored piece count information from SoundScan, now Luminate. Pure album sales were the sole measurement utilized by the Billboard 200 albums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, 2014, after which that chart switched to a methodology that blends album sales with track equivalent album (TEA) units and streaming equivalent album (SEA) units. The new March 1, 2025-dated chart will be posted in full on Billboard‘s website on Feb. 25.
Elsewhere on the latest Top Album Sales chart, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX falls 1-2 with 30,000 copies sold (down 74%) while PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake’s $ome $exy $ongs 4 U bows at No. 3 with 25,000. The Lumineers’ Automatic arrives at No. 4 with 16,000 while Chappell Roan’s chart-topping The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess rounds out the top five, falling 4-5 with 11,000 sold (down 22%).
The Weeknd’s former No. 1 Hurry Up Tomorrow falls 2-6 (11,000; down 63%), Stray Kids’ chart-topping HOP rises 9-7 (8,000; down less than 1%), Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft slips 7-8 (nearly 8,000; down 21%), the Wicked film soundtrack falls 8-9 (nearly 7,000; down 24%) and Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city is a non-mover at No. 10 (6,000; down 10%).
Billy Joel is in a New York and New Jersey state of mind. During his 2025 tour, which kicks off March 15 in Toronto, Joel will play all three New York City-area sports stadiums, making him the first artist to ever play all three in one summer. His impressive feat will come over a month-long […]
Kendrick Lamar and SZA made waves with their latest team-up, “Luther” off Lamar’s newest album, GNX.
“Luther” made its way up to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, marking Lamar’s sixth leader and SZA’s third. The single’s title is an ode to late R&B legend Luther Vandross, who is sampled on the track.
“Luther” replaced Lamar’s Drake diss track “Not Like Us” atop the Hot 100, just week after the latter returned to to the top spot, thanks to the performance during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. “Luther” was also a part of the halftime set, with SZA appearing as a surprise guest.
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Below, find the full lyrics of Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther.”
If this world were mine
Hey, Roman numeral seven, bae, drop it like it’s hotIf this world was mine, I’d take your dreams and make ’em multiplyIf this world was mine, I’d take your enemies in front of GodIntroduce ’em to that light, hit them strictly with that fireFah-fah, fah-fah-fah, fah-fah, fahHey, Roman numeral seven, bae, drop it like it’s hotIf this world was mine, I’d take your dreams and make ’em multiplyIf this world was mine, I’d take your enemies in front of GodIntroduce ’em to that light, hit them strictly with that fireIt’s a vibe, do your dance, let ’em watchShe a fan, he a flop, they just wanna kumbaya, nah
In this world, concrete flowers growHeartache, she only doin’ what she knowWeekends, get it poppin’ on the lowBetter days comin’ for sure (if this world were)If it was up to meI wouldn’t give these nobodies no sympathyI’d take away the pain, I’d give you everythingI just wanna see you win, wanna see (if this world were mine)
It go in (when you), out (ride it), do it real slow (slide)Baby, you a star, strike, pose (right)When I’m (when you), with you (with me), everything goes (slow)Come and (put that), put that (on my), on my (titi), soul (soul)‘Rari (red), crown (stack), wrist (stay), froze (really)Drip (tell me), pound (if you), on the way home (love me)
In this world, concrete flowers growHeartache, she only doin’ what she knowWeekends, get it poppin’ on the lowBetter days comin’ for sure (if this world were)If it was up to meI wouldn’t give these nobodies no sympathyI’d take away the pain, I’d give you everythingI just wanna see you win, wanna see (if this world were mine)
I can’t lie, I trust you, I love you, I won’t waste your timeI turn it off just so I can turn you onI’ma make you say it loudI’m not even trippin’, I won’t stress you outI might even settle down for you, I’ma show you I’m a proI’ma take my take my time and turn it offJust so I can turn you on, babyWeekends, get it poppin’ on the lowBetter days comin’ for sure
I know you’ll comeI know you’re comin’ for(Anything)(If this world were mine)
Lyrics licensed & provided by LyricFindWRITERSSam Dew, Atia Boggs, Kendrick Lamar, Marvin Gaye, Solana RowePUBLISHERSLyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
It’s incredible to think about the evolution of Tyler, The Creator’s music. From the days of Odd Future in Fairfax, where his music felt like controlled chaos, to now—headlining arenas, selling out shows, and having a Billboard No. 1 album. Despite his success, Tyler remains the same person from Los Angeles, CA. His return to […]
Leila Cobo sat down with Nicky Jam where he opens up about meeting Donald Trump and how he reacted to the “She’s Hot” comment, his sobriety, stories about Enrique Iglesias, Fher of Mana, his relationship with his wife, getting bariatric surgery and more!
Keep watching for this in-depth and vulnerable conversation with Nicky Jam.
What was your favorite part of the interview? Let us know in the comments below!
Nicky Jam:
I would love to tell you that Trump story.
Leila Cobo:
Tell me the story.
Well I haven’t told anyone.
Tell me!
I’m going to take advantage and tell you about it.
Nicky, you came to La Industria hungry.
If they come to La Industria, you have to try these cheese arepas and cream.
And how involved are you in preparing the dishes on the menu?
In almost everything. I mean, my DNA is all over the menu.
Ok, then wait, because I have the menu here.
Oh, no wait.
You just touched it and it moved a little.
The man-
Here comes the most handsome man in the world. So here is the most handsome man in the world. And how are you? Oh, what a delight. Thank you!
Server:
With pleasure.
So, these are the famous arepas with “queso de mano.” “Queso de mano” is the one that is shredded inside?
No.
The reverse?
Yes, the soft one over there, try it! Take a little bite, it’s fine. You’re going to stick a fork in an arepa?
Yeah…
D*amn! You know that I’m a real thug.
Let’s see, but is this a Colombian or Venezuelan arepa?
But you are a lady. This is a Venezuelan arepa.
You clearly know that it is not Colombian.
Keep watching for more!
On the 10th anniversary of his hit song, “El Perdón,” and as he readies to release new music, reggaetón superstar Nicky Jam spoke with Billboard about quite literally everything.
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We chatted with the Puerto Rican star for over an hour, about his new marriage and his love for his new wife; about the story behind “El Perdón;” quitting alcohol; regrouping mentally and preparing new music — due out at the end of the month — that is rooted in happiness.
He also spoke about the infamous, yet hilarious, Donald Trump introduction at a rally in Las Vegas last September, when the President invited Nicky Jam, who at the time announced he was endorsing Trump, to the stage saying, “Do you know Nicky? She’s hot!”
“You want to know why he said, ‘She’s hot?’” Nicky Jam asked over a brunch of arepas at his restaurant, La Industria, in Miami. “I’ll tell you. I haven’t told this story to anyone.”
Before turning to Trump-Gate, Nicky Jam spoke at length about the history of “El Perdón,” the breakout hit he recorded with Enrique Iglesias, which when released in 2015, spent 30 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart.
“Don’t give that song to anyone. That song is mine!” Nicky Jam recalls Iglesias telling him about the romantic track, which was also released in a bilingual version.
Nicky Jam also spoke about his new record deal with Virgin. And yes, he did get into the details of the Trump faux pas.
Turns out when Nicky Jam went to meet the now-President for the first time at the rally, he allowed his wife to go inside first. “Obviously, I let my wife go first, and when he saw her he said, ‘Wow, she’s beautiful!’” recalls Nicky Jam. “It’s flattering to have the president tell my wife that she’s hot. But when I met him, in his mind she was Nicky Jam.”
“So that’s when he said, ‘Latin superstar Nicky Jam, she’s hot.’ I’m sure when I went onstage he thought, ‘Oh my God.’ Because, what does he know about Nicky Jam? He doesn’t listen to reggaetón.”
Of course, the faulty intro was the tip of the iceberg. Nicky Jam was criticized for endorsing Trump, and just a few days, he rescinded his endorsement after a comedian referred to Puerto Rico as a floating island of garbage at another Trump rally.
“I can’t support your campaign because I have to support my country,” said Nicky Jam. “I learned my lesson.” However, he admits, the onslaught of negativity online was jarring. “Had this happened when I was in my twenties, I’d have gone crazy!” he says.
The one good thing?
“Trump called and apologized” for the “hot” comment. “He said, I never call nobody, but you’re a standup guy.”
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. Roberta Flack’s life story was detailed by the late singer in a 2023 children’s book that’s back in the spotlight, following […]
Megan Thee Stallion (Megan Pete) and her legal team have been granted permission to depose Tory Lanez (Daystar Peterson) behind bars following a ruling by a federal judge on Monday (Feb. 24). “Plaintiff may take the oral deposition of Daystar Peterson, either remotely via videoconference technology or as otherwise arranged upon agreement with the California […]
The BRIT Awards has announced that A.G. Cook is the recipient of this year’s producer of the year award.
The British musician was an executive producer for Charli XCX’s Brat LP, which hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and No. 1 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart.
Cook has had co-writing and co-producer credits on a number of albums, including Beyoncé’s Renaissance in 2020, but he is best known for his working relationship with Charli XCX. Cook has played executive producer on several of Charli’s projects: 2017 mixtapes Number 1 Angel and Pop 2; 2019 LP Charli; and 2020’s How I’m Feeling Now.
Speaking on the news, Cook said, “As someone who’s always felt like a bit of an outsider, I’m very flattered to be recognized by The BRITs. From the early PC Music days to the Charli mixtapes and beyond, I’ve been lucky to work on so much music that I truly believe in. In particular, I’d like to dedicate this moment to Sophie, whose vision and artistry is still a driving force for producers everywhere.”
The honorary producer of the year prize was first awarded in 1977 to The Beatles producer George Martin, and in recent years has been won by Fred Again.. (2020), Inflo (2022), David Guetta (2023) and Chase & Status (2024). Cook was selected for the prize by a panel of expert judges.
Cook has been a key player in the British and international pop scene for the past decade. In 2013, he established the influential PC Music record label, which is credited with spearheading the hyperpop sound. In 2024, he released his third studio album, Britpop, which appeared on Billboard U.K.’s albums of the year list, with Sophie Williams writing that the LP “felt like a safe, uplifting, candy-striped wonderland where one could hide from growing global anxiety.”
The BRIT Awards ceremony will take place Saturday (March 1) at London’s O2 Arena, and will be hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall. Performances on the night will come from Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Fender, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey and more, and the ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV and on streaming service ITV X from 8:15 p.m. GMT.
Kate Bush, Damon Albarn, Annie Lennox and Hans Zimmer are among the artists who have contributed to a new “silent” album to protest the U.K. government’s stance on artificial intelligence (AI).
The record, titled Is This What We Want?, is “co-written” by more than 1,000 musicians and features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces. In an accompanying statement, the use of silence is said to represent “the impact on artists’ and music professionals’ livelihoods that is expected if the government does not change course.”
The record was organized by Ed Newton-Rex, the founder of Fairly Trained, a non-profit that certifies generative AI companies that respect creators’ rights. The tracklisting to the 12-track LP reads: “The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.”
Is This What We Want? is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Also credited as co-writers are performers and songwriters from across the industry, including Billy Ocean, Ed O’Brien, Dan Smith (Bastille), The Clash, Mystery Jets, Jamiroquai, Imogen Heap, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Riz Ahmed, Tori Amos, James MacMillan and Max Richter. The full list of musicians involved with the record can be viewed at the LP’s official website. All proceeds from the album will be donated to the charity Help Musicians.
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The release comes at the close of the British government’s 10-week consultation on how copyrighted content, including music, can lawfully be used by developers to train generative AI models. Initially, the government proposed a data mining exception to copyright law, meaning that AI developers could use copyrighted songs for AI training in instances where artists have not “opted out” of their work being included.
The government report said the “opt out” approach gives rightsholders a greater ability to control and license the use of their content, but it has proved controversial with creators and copyright holders. In March 2024, the 27-nation European Union passed the Artificial Intelligence Act, which requires transparency and accountability from AI developers about training methods and is viewed as more creator-friendly.
Speaking at the beginning of the consultation, Lisa Nandy, the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said in a statement: “This government firmly believes that our musicians, writers, artists and other creatives should have the ability to know and control how their content is used by AI firms and be able to seek licensing deals and fair payment. Achieving this, and ensuring legal certainty, will help our creative and AI sectors grow and innovate together in partnership.”
Industry body UK Music said in its most recent report that the music U.K. scene contributed £7.6 billion ($9.6 billion) to the country’s economy, while exports reached £4.6 billion ($5.8 billion).
“The government’s proposal would hand the life’s work of the country’s musicians to AI companies, for free, letting those companies exploit musicians’ work to outcompete them,” said Newton-Rex in a statement on the album release. “It is a plan that would not only be disastrous for musicians, but that is totally unnecessary: the UK can be leaders in AI without throwing our world-leading creative industries under the bus. This album shows that, however the government tries to justify it, musicians themselves are united in their thorough condemnation of this ill-thought-through plan.”
Jo Twist, CEO of the British Phonographic Institution (BPI), added, “The UK’s gold-standard copyright framework is central to the global success of our creative industries. We understand AI’s potential to drive change including greater productivity or improvements to public services, but it is entirely possible to realise this without destroying our status as a creative superpower.”
Speaking to Billboard U.K. in January, alt-pop star Imogen Heap — a co-writer on Is This What We Want? — expanded on her approach to AI. “The thing which makes me nervous is the provenance; there’s all this amazing video, art and poetry being generated by AI as well as music, but you know, creators need to be credited and they need to tell us where they’re training [the data] from.”