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13 Sep 2023

The Biggest & Blackest 2023 MTV VMAs Moments #VMAs

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2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Show

The 2023 MTV VMAs took place last night at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. on Wednesday (September 12) and the live show was the grand spectacle most hoped for. While not everything went smoothly as expected during a live event, Hip-Hop Wired takes a look at the biggest and Blackest moments of the 2023 MTV VMAs.

The VMAs, short for MTV Video Music Awards, is now in its 39th year. Given that this year the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop is being widely celebrated, many fixtures of the culture had their big moment during the awards ceremony.

2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Show

Opening the show was Lil Wayne, who came out to a portion of Juvenile’s “Back That Azz Up” before launching into a two-song medley of “Uproar” with live drums behind him, and a new track “Kat Food,” both appearing to be crowdpleasers. On social media and via the MTV cameras, celebrities and attendees alike were off their feet.

2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Show

While Weezy F. Baby had the crowd in the palm of his hand, the screams from the crowd for Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion were so loud that they bled into the performance of Bardi’s new single, “Bongos,” and there were indeed bongo players to complete the stage look.

2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Show

Doja Cat ran through a medley of “Attention,” “Paint The Town Red,” and her latest single, “Demons” and if the reaction from social media is any indication, it may have been the performance of the night.

2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Press Room

Diddy, who won the Global Icon VMA last night, also performed a medley of familiar Bad Boy hits with assistance from Yung Miami, Keyshia Cole, and Diddy’s son, King Combs. Diddy’s energy was infectious and had the entire venue rocking.

2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Show

Metro Boomin looked through his stacked Rolodex for his medley performance of “Superhero” and “Calling” with Future, Swae Lee, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and NAV on the assist for a vibed-out affair.

Nicki Minaj, who stepped away from emceeing the event to deliver a quick two-song performance got the crowd going with a rendition of “Last Time I Saw You” and an unnamed track from her upcoming Pink Friday 2 project.

Last but certainly not least, Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary couldn’t be ignored and an epic 10-minute performance still barely scratched the surface but Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Nicki Minaj, Lil Watyyne LL COOL J, and Daryl “D.M.C.” Daniels all turned in a performance that was arguably the best of the night.

The 2023 MTV VMAs was a spectacular night for the culture and impressive as it was all live so mistakes couldn’t be avoided but the professionalism and passion were still a sight to see. Keep scrolling to see the aforementioned moments we wrote about above.

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Photo: MTV/Getty

13 Sep 2023

Your Wildest Taylor Swift ‘Eras Tour’ Movie Dreams Came True: Cinemark Offering Private Swiftie Party Theater Rentals

Cinemark just seriously upped the game for the upcoming roll-out of the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour concert doc. The chain announced on Wednesday (Sept. 13) that it is offering Swifties an exclusive audience with the superstar in the form of Private Swiftie Parties.

Swifties can reserve an entire auditorium for themselves and their friends at Cinemark theaters across the U.S. for up to 40 people for $795 (plus taxes and fees, where applicable, or around $19.89 per person).

“We are excited to offer fans the ultimate Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour concert film VIP experience in their own private Cinemark auditorium,” said Cinemark chief marketing/content officer Wanda Gierhart Fearing in a statement. “We are wonderstruck by this event’s sensational ticket sales and are thrilled to add a new era to our fan-favorite Private Watch Parties with our Private Swiftie Parties. Our larger-than-life screens and captivating surround sound deliver a most enchanting environment to sing and dance along with friends and family to the concert of the decade.” 

The movie hits screens on Oct. 13 and Cinemark is offering the opportunity to reserve a private auditorium beginning on Oct. 19, with fans encouraged to dress up in their best Eras attire, with friendship bracelets strongly encouraged, of course; click here for details on booking a Private showing. If you have more than 40 Swifties in your crew you can get a quote for a Premium Private screening as well. Cinemark loyalty members can also enter into a Private Swiftie Party Sweepstakes for a chance to win their own private screening.

Like the record-setting Eras tour, the Eras film ran up a record $26 million in presale tickets, setting a one-day sales high mark for AMC Theatres, the film’s official distributor and world’s biggest theater chain. CNBC reported that opening weekend projections for the nearly three-hour movie are running at around $100+ million, which could instantly give the Eras movie one of the year’s biggest opening weekends to date and instantly make it the top-grossing music concert film ever.

The film will be available in AMC theaters in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as certain other movie operators that AMC is working as distributor for in those three countries (Cinemark, Cineplex and Cinepolis). Every U.S. AMC Theatre location will run the movie at least four times per day on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays while it’s showing; click here for information on how to get tickets here.

13 Sep 2023

DistroKid Acquires Website Platform Bandzoogle

Digital distributor DistroKid has acquired Bandzoogle, a platform specializing in helping artists create websites and sell their wares to fans. Launched in 2003 and based in Ottawa, Canada, Bandzoogle powers more than 60,000 artist websites and e-commerce stores, and provides solutions for crowdfunding, subscriptions and mailing lists.

“At DistroKid, we’re always working on innovative ways to help artists,” said Philip Kaplan, founder and CEO of DistroKid. Bandzoogle CEO Stacey Bedford added, “DistroKid has always put artists first, just like we have, so we’re thrilled to join forces to continue to empower artists.”

It’s been a busy 2023 for DistroKid, which has launched an iPhone app and an AI-powered mastering tool called Mixed that helps artists prep their songs for radio. Last year, it introduced DistroVid, which enables artists to upload an unlimited number of music videos to leading digital service providers for one flat price. And in 2021, it rolled out Upstream, a service that allows artists to share data with record labels in hopes of grabbing attention — and hopefully signed.

Now in its 10th year, DistroKid helps artists distribute their music to streaming services and digital stores, and pays artists 100% of their earnings (minus banking fees and taxes).

With the Bandzoogle acquisition, artists will now be able to manage the digital and physical sales of their music and other merch all in one DistroKid ecosystem.

13 Sep 2023

TOMORROW X TOGETHER & Anitta Take Center Stage in ‘Back for More’ Video Teaser: Watch

The arrival of TOMORROW X TOGETHER‘s music video for “Back for More” featuring Anitta is imminent! The K-pop group — which consists of members Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun and HueningKai — released a teaser for the track on Wednesday (Sept. 13) to drum up excitement for MOA.

The teaser kicks off by panning to a marquee above a stage door, which reads “TOMORROW X TOGETHER ‘Back For More’ 2023. 09.15 #MOMENTSOFALWAYSNESS,” reveals when the track and the full video arrive. The video then pans over to the actual stage, where Anitta strikes a pose and her silhouette is illuminated by stage lights. The boys of TXT then come into the frame, each of them expertly hitting choreography as they lip-synch to the track’s lyrics. The teaser then cuts to the song’s name in bold blue letters, with the Sept. 15 release date below it.

TXT, who made their debut at the MTV VMAs on Tuesday night (Sept. 12), performed “Back for More” alongside Anitta during the ceremony. The performance marked the official debut of the track, which is set to be the pre-release single ahead of the group’s new studio album, The Name Chapter: FREEFALL, which arrives Oct. 13

“Back for More” will have more releases later throughout the month, including a performance version of the track, which also arrives on Sept. 15. “Back for More (TXT Ver.),” a house remix and an Afrobeats remix, will be released on Sept. 18.

Watch the music video teaser for “Back for More” in the video above.

13 Sep 2023

2023 MTV VMAs Performances: Watch Them All

Tuesday night’s (Sept. 12) 2023 MTV Video Music Awards had a little something for everyone, from Olivia Rodrigo‘s explosive “Vampire/Get Him Back!” medley to the night’s emcee, Nicki Minaj, previewing an unnamed Pink Friday 2 track and performing “Last Time I Saw You,” to Karol G‘s neon-drenched “Oki Doki/Ta OK” performance, Doja Cat‘s spooky “Attention/Paint the Town Red” trifecta and the show-closing all-star hip-hop 50th anniversary tribute featuring DMC, Doug E. Fresh, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL Cool J, Lil Wayne and Minaj.

The long, long night swung from country to hip-hop, pop, Latin and rock, with Kelsea Ballerini performing the world premiere performance of “Penthouse,” Fall Out Boy playing their updated Billy Joel cover of “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” Shakira‘s mind-bending, hip-shaking medley of hits before accepting her landmark Video Vanguard Award and a strong showing from K-Pop acts Stray Kids (“S-Class”) and Tomorrow X Together with Anitta (“Back For More”).

Peso Pluma represented for Regional Mexican music with an arresting run through his track “Lady Gaga,” NLE Choppa roped in Nelly for a medley of his “Ain’t Gonna Answer” and his take on the St. Louis legend’s “It’s Getting Hot,” while Metro Boomin’ flooded the zone with Future, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Swae Lee and Nav for the first broadcast performances of “Superhero (Heroes & Villains)” and “Calling.”

Italian rockers Måneskin returned to the VMA stage with slightly more clothes to rip through their new single, “Honey (Are U Coming?),” while Lil Wayne stacked up his new single, “Kat Food,” with a medley that also featured “Back That Azz Up” and “Uproar” and Global Icon Award winner Diddy presented a medley of his biggest hits, including “I’ll Be Missing You/Bad Boys For Life/I Need a Girl.”

Speaking of killer career overviews, Demi Lovato previewed her new Revamped album, with rocked-up versions of “Heart Attack/Sorry Not Worry/Cool For Summer,” on a night when Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion performed their new NSFW single “Bongos” live for the first time and Anitta danced across the stage to “Used to Be/Funk Rave/Grip.”

Check out all the night’s main stage performances below.

NLE Choppa feat. Nelly — “Ain’t Gonna Answer/It’s Getting Hot”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=LNw3hYQi3Ng&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Olivia Rodrigo — “Vampire/Get Him Back!”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=OFNt5OvGt98&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Anitta — “Used to Be/Funk Rave/Grip”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=TWFcZ70aeSw&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Lil Wayne — “Back That Azz Up/Uproar/Kat Food”


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

Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion — “Bongos”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=XaK2vYOFXps&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Demi Lovato — “Heart Attack/Sorry Not Sorry/Cool For Summer”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=N4q5Ez1QJuw&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Doja Cat — “Attention/Paint the Town Red/Demons”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=8PbHkuy03g8&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Shakira — “She Wolf/Te Felicito/TQG/Objection (Tango)/Hips Don’t Lie/Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=zAxmn4ihqNg&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Nicki Minaj — “Last Time I Saw You” (plus snippet of unnamed new song)


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

Diddy (feat. King Combs, Keyshia Cole)– “Ill Be Missing You/It’s All About the Benjamins/Last Night/Mo’ Money, Mo Problems/Bad Boys For Live/I Need a Girl”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=9EKhDTBfalI&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Stray Kids — “S-Class”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=ES9sGfEgelg&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Peso Pluma — “Lady Gaga”


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

Metro Boomin feat. Future, Swae Lee, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Nav — “Superhero/Calling”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=H4MQkJMxyy0&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Karol G — “Oki Doki/Tá Ok”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=y52O69VCOR4&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Fall Out Boy — “We Didn’t Start the Fire”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=y8sVt6FhV9Q&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Tomorrow X Together feat. Anitta — “Back For More”


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

Måneskin — “Honey (Are U Coming?)”


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

Kelsea Ballerini — “Penthouse”


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

Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Medley feat. Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh and Grand Master Flash & the Furious Five


https://youtube.com/watch?v=RqZXOsFa3B0&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

13 Sep 2023

Despite What X Initially Thought, Megan Thee Stallion & Justin Timberlake Were Not Arguing Backstage At The VMAs

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Megan Thee Stallion Did Not Beef With Justin Timberlake At VMAs

Source: Taylor Hill / Getty / Megan Thee Stallion

With the VMAs, there always seems to be some drama. Many viewers thought Megan Thee Stallion had some drama with Justin Timberlake backstage, but the leader of the Hot Girls shut that all down.

On a night when Megan Thee Stallion made her big return to the music world, hitting the VMAs’ red carpet looking as fine as she wanted to be in a sheer number, as fans waited to see her join Cardi B on the VMAs’ stage to perform their new released single “Bongos.”

Before the two rappers and good friends hit the stage, an incident caught on MTV VMAs’ backstage camera had users on X (formerly known as Twitter) reacting.

A video of Megan Thee Stallion while getting ready for her “Bongos” performance, seemingly involved in a heated back and forth with Justin Timberlake, who was in attendance as part of the N’Sync reunion, began making its rounds.

What Really Happened Between Megan Thee Stallion & Justin Timberlake

Following their performance of “Bongos,” reports quickly surfaced that the exchange between Thee Stallion and Justin Timberlake was much ado about nothing.

Per Vulture:

While fans were ready to ride for their stallion, Variety confirmed with a source that there was no fight at all, saying the interaction was actually “very cute.” Timberlake allegedly told Megan that it was nice to meet her, but Megan wanted more than a quick hello. “She said, ‘No, no, this don’t count, this don’t count. We gotta meet proper,’” the source explained. Maybe a Megan Thee Stallion and’ N Sync collab was the surprise Taylor Swift was hoping for.

To further debunk there is no bad blood between them, the Houston rapper shared a video on her Instagram account to prove everything is all good, writing in the caption, “I just talk with my hands.”

People love manufacturing drama. Hit the gallery below for Megan Thee Stallion-related VMAs action.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=XaK2vYOFXps&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

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Photo: Taylor Hill / Getty

4. They did

13 Sep 2023

‘Shrek’ Crocs Are Finally Here & They’re Swamp-Stomping Ready: Shop Them Here

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.

Crocs may be described by most as the ugly shoe brand, but celebrities have given it their stamp of approval, coming out with sold-out collaborations and pairing them with their street wear (looking at you, Justin Bieber). Its latest partnership, though, is taking the ugly shoe trend to the next level, as Crocs just dropped Shrek clogs inspired by the big green ogre from the DreamWorks film franchise.

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When can you snag a pair of these shoes? The brand dropped them on Wednesday (Sept. 13), but not before giving a tease to fans on Instagram the previous day.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY SWAMP??? Run, don’t walk to crocs.com!” the caption reads alongside a video with the shoe rising from swamp water (of course).

The brand described the shoes as “wonderfully hideous” in a press release — and it’s easy to see why. The style spotlights Shrek with a bright lime-green foam paired with ogre ears and a nose Jibbitz. To complete the look, the back strap is made with a fuzzy brown teddy material inspired by the character’s outfit from the movies.

Prices range from $45 to $60, and the shoes are available in toddler, kids and adult sizes. The collection doesn’t end there, though. You can also collect more movie-inspired Jibbitz, including the Shrek characters Donkey, Princess Fiona and Puss in Boots charms, which cost $5.

green shrek crocs

Crocs

Classic DreamWorks “Shrek” Clog

$59.99

Expect people to do a double take when they see your feet showing off these shoes. Not only do the Crocs sport the classic low-profile, but the foam material is waterproof, and the shoe features holes on the upper for added ventilation and breathability.

Size out of stock? You still have a chance to snag a pair through resale retailers such as StockX and eBay.

This isn’t the first movie collaboration Crocs has done. The shoe brand also teamed up with Barbie for a pink-filled collaboration you can wear with your Barbiecore outfits as you watch the movie digitally or on DVD.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best platform boots, jelly shoes and men’s sneaker deals.

13 Sep 2023

CMA Announces 2023 CMA International Awards Nominees (Full List)

The Country Music Association has announced the nominees for the 2023 CMA International Awards. The awards, which encompass six categories – two for artists and four for industry players – honor those who have impacted the growth of country music in the international marketplace.

Luke Combs, Kip Moore and Morgan Wallen are vying for the International Artist Achievement Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the U.S. during the eligibility period. 

“As we continue to see country music grow globally, it is thanks in large part to those who have supported our mission and spearheaded events, initiatives and programming to reach new territories around the world,” Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO said in a statement. “The dedication from each of these nominees has made them a vital part of the success of our genre internationally, and we cannot wait to celebrate them in the coming months.” 

This year’s nominees hail from Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S.

Nominees are voted on by international members of CMA along with a select panel of U.S.-based professionals who have knowledge in the international country music industry. Voting is open now through Thursday, Sept. 28. Winners will be announced later this year.

Here’s a complete list of nominees:

International Artist Achievement Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the U.S. during the eligibility period. 

  • Luke Combs
  • Kip Moore
  • Morgan Wallen

Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the U.S. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the country music format in their foreign-based territory.

  • Casey Barnes (Australia)
  • Kaylee Bell (New Zealand)
  • Tebey (Canada)

Jo Walker Meador International Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the U.S. 

  • Jon Cauwood (U.K. – music consultant)
  • Sina Hall (Germany – Semmel Concerts)
  • Natalie Waller (Australia – ABC Music)

Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for country music outside of the U.S.

  • Susan Heymann (Australia – Frontier Touring)
  • Anna-Sophie Mertens (U.K. – Live Nation)
  • Ron Sakamoto (Canada – Gold and Gold Productions, LTD.)
  • Neil Warnock, MBE (U.K. – United Talent Agency)

Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the U.S. 

  • Jill Johnson (Sweden – ‘Jills Veranda’ SVT)
  • Ross Jones (U.K. – Holler)
  • Richard Murdoch (Scotland – BBC Radio)
  • Dayna Bourgoin (Canada – Pure Country Radio, iHeart Radio)

International Country Broadcaster Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the U.S. who has made important contributions for the development of country music in his/her country.

  • Stefanie Jüneman (Germany – FM Maximum Roc)
  • Joakim Richardson (Sweden – Go Country)
  • Ricky Ross (U.K. – BBC Radio Scotland)
  • Justin Thomson (Australia – KIX Country)
  • Wimpie van der Sandt (South Africa – Bok Radio)

13 Sep 2023

Metro Boomin to Headline Return of Red Bull Symphonic

Grammy-nominated producer Metro Boomin is set to headline the next Red Bull Symphonic. The one-night-only event will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Oct. 26. In reimagining his multiple hits, Metro Boomin will be joined onstage by conductor Anthony Parnther and the Symphonic Orchestra.

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“I’m very excited to be part of such an amazing music moment with Red Bull. I have a deep love and appreciation for orchestral music, which can be heard in many of the records I’ve produced,” Metro Boomin said in a release announcing the event. “Now, with Red Bull Symphonic, we’re able to reimagine a whole body of work that I’m proud of in a live show with the talent of the Symphonic Orchestra, which has always been a dream of mine that I’m finally seeing come to life.”

A Red Bull Records alumnus, Metro Boomin executive produced the star-studded soundtrack Metro Boomin Presents Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse. Boasting a hip-hop talent lineup that included Future, Don Toliver, 21 Savage, Coi Leray and Lil Uzi Vert, among others, the album was released in June and opened at No. 1 on the Billboard Soundtracks chart, No. 2 on Top Rap Albums and No. 7 on the Billboard 200. Prior to that, Metro Boomin claimed his third Billboard 200 No. 1 album with Heroes and Villains, which spun off the hit “Creepin’” with Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and 21 Savage, plus Diddy on the remix.

Parnther has collaborated with a diverse array of artists ranging from classical legends Joshua Bell, Jessye Norman and Frederica von Stade to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Imagine Dragons and Rihanna. His TV and film work includes Encanto and Encanto Live on Disney+, Oppenheimer and the Black Panther, Star Wars and Avatar franchises.

The Metro Boomin and Parnther engagement marks the second installment of Red Bull Symphonic in the U.S. Last year’s inaugural show at Atlanta Symphony Hall featured Rick Ross. He was accompanied by the all-Black Orchestra Noir, trap choir Sainted and Grammy-winning violinist Mapy. Maestro Jason Ikeem Rodgers conducted, with Ross performing songs such as “Hustlin’,” “Ima Boss,” “Tears of Joy” and “The Devil Is a Lie.”

The Red Bull Symphonic concert with Metro Boomin is created in partnership with Red Bull and NVE Experience Agency. For more information, visit the Dolby Theatre’s website. 

Metro Boomin

Courtesy Photo

13 Sep 2023

Jason Mraz, Lele Pons & More Join ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 32 Cast

Another year, another heated competition to claim the mirrorball trophy! On Wednesday morning (Sept. 13), Good Morning America revealed the full celebrity cast for season 32 of Dancing With the Stars.

Among the cast — which includes NFL stars and Emmy nominees — there are a few notable musicians. As previously reported, Jamie Lynn Spears will be competing on America’s favorite celebrity ballroom dance competition alongside pro Alan Bersten. In 2014, Spears, the younger sister of pop icon Britney Spears, reached the Billboard 200 (No. 193) with her debut country EP The Journey.

Other musicians include two-time Grammy winner Jason Mraz and “Celoso” singer Lele Pons. Mraz — who is paired with Daniella Karagach — boasts a pair of top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “I’m Yours” (No. 6) and “I Won’t Give Up” (No. 8). In a little over a week (Sept. 22), he will release the deluxe version of We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. — which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 — in honor of its 15th anniversary.

Pons, a social media influencer, actress and singer who will be dancing with Brandon Armstrong, has charted several hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs ranking. In 2018, “Celoso,” her second entry on any Billboard chart, debuted and peaked at No. 11 on Latin Songs. A collaboration with Puerto Rican rapper Guyanaa, whom she married earlier this year, titled “Se Te Nota” is her most recent entry on the chart, peaking at No. 33.

Check out the full season 32 DWTS cast below:

  • Singer Jason Mraz with pro Daniella Karagach
  • Singer-actress Jamie Lynn Spears with pro Alan Bersten
  • Singer and social media influencer Lele Pons with pro Brandon Armstrong
  • Brady Bunch actor Barry Williams with pro Peta Murgatroyd
  • Veep actor Matt Walsh with pro Koko Iwasaki
  • American Pie actress Alyson Hannigan with pro Sasha Farber
  • Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and real estate agent Mauricio Umansky with pro Emma Slater
  • Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix with pro Pasha Pashkov
  • Too Hot To Handle star and social media influencer Harry Jowsey with pro Rylee Arnold
  • Model and actor Tyson Beckford with pro Jenna Johnson
  • NFL running back Adrian Peterson with pro Britt Stewart
  • Multiverse of Madness actress Xochitl Gomez with pro Val Chmerkovskiy
  • Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino with pro Gleb Savchenko
  • The Bachelorette star Charity Lawson with pro Artem Chigvintsev

Dancing With the Stars season 32 will be hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and former pro and judge Julianne Hough. At the judging table are Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough. The competition kicks of Sept. 26 on ABC.