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24 Aug 2023

Bob Feldman, Songwriter/Producer Behind ‘My Boyfriend’s Back’ & More ’60s Hits, Dies at 83

Bob Feldman, the influential songwriter and producer behind some of the biggest hits of the 1960s, has died. He was 83 years old. A cause of death has yet to be revealed.

The news was announced in a statement from his close friend, musical collaborator and business partner Richard Gottehrer.

“It’s with great sadness that I announce the passing of Bob Feldman, my friend and legendary songwriting partner, in Grand Canyon Music and FGG Productions – Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein and Myself,” Gottehrer wrote in a statement sent to Billboard. “As a team we go back to the 1960’s and the Brill Building days where we wrote and/or produced classics like ‘My Boyfriend’s Back,’ ‘I Want Candy,’ ‘Hang on Sloopy’ and ‘Sorrow,’ which was eventually recorded and became an everlasting hit by David Bowie. We were even an ‘Australian’ band that called ourselves The Strangeloves.

“We were young and inexperienced but learned how to produce by making demos of our songs; this led each of us to ongoing active careers in music after we went our separate ways,” his statement continued. “We remained friends and to this day 60 years later are still partners in those same companies we started back then.”

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Feldman and his neighbor Jerry Goldstein would frequently write songs together before meeting Gottehrer in 1962. The trio formed FGG Productions and wrote several hits together, including The Angels’ No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit “My Boyfriend’s Back” and The McCoys’ “Sorrow,” which was later popularized by The Merseys and Bowie. The group also produced The McCoys’ Hot 100 No. 1 “Hang on Sloopy” — which endures as an unofficial theme song at Ohio State University sports events — all while making it big in their own group, The Strangeloves. As a band, they scored Hot 100 top 40 hits with “I Want Candy” (No. 11), “Cara-Lin” (No. 39) and “Night Time” (No. 30). Bow Wow Wow famously covered “Candy” in 1982, taking it back to the Hot 100 (it reached No. 62 that July).

Feldman was also a published author, releasing his own book of verse, lyrics and memoirs in 2019 titled Simply Put! Thoughts and Feelings from the Heart.

Gottehrer concluded his statement by writing, “The memories of the times we shared; the songs we wrote and the adventures that filled our lives remain. Sooner or later we’ll all pass but the music will live on. Rest in peace Bob….we’ll meet again.”

Feldman is survived by his two daughters, Kyle and Mahri. He is also the biological father of actor Corey Feldman, who emancipated himself from Bob and his mom Sheila as a teenager.

24 Aug 2023

Tim McGraw on Country Music’s Current Hot 100 Moment: ‘The More We Can Bring to the Party, The Better’

Country music is having a major moment in 2023, with country songs making history by holding down the top three slots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. During a recent interview with Tetris Kelly for Billboard News, three-time Grammy winner Tim McGraw offered his thoughts on country music topping the all-genre chart, as a further evolution of the genre’s continued growth.

“I love it. The more we can bring to the party, the better,” McGraw said, referencing the Hot 100 success of Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town,” Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” and Luke Combs’ “Fast Car”; since this interview was filmed, another country song — Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men in Richmond” — skyrocketed straight to No. 1 on the chart. “Country music has consistently grown, for a long time. When new people discover it, and they find out — if they didn’t think they liked it, then they will hear something and all of a sudden they will discover other people. I think for a long time, the country music industry fought that — fought the crossover idea, or the idea that other people are listening to their music or other stations are playing their music.”

He noted that his wife, fellow artist Faith Hill, was on the receiving end of that mind-set when her songs “Breathe” and “The Way You Love Me” reached the top five on the Hot 100 in the early aughts. “I mean, my wife got the brunt end of that quite a bit when she was having a lot of crossover success. In my mind, I think you miss the point when you feel that way, because not only is it good for the artist that that happens to, but it’s good for all the other artists as well.

“As an artist, you just make your music and it lands where it lands and you take the consequences of it, either way,” he added. “I can’t speak to what other artists do when they’re making music; what I can say is I’ll let my music…and the kind of messages I put out, speak for itself.”

McGraw does just that with the music he’s recently released, including “Standing Room Only” and “Hey Whiskey” from his upcoming album Standing Room Only, out Friday.

Speaking with Billboard News, McGraw recalled the inspiration for one of the songs on the album, which he wrote, called “Nashville, California; LA, Tennessee.” The song is inspired by his eldest daughter Gracie’s move to Los Angeles.

“I have this 19-year-old Cadillac Escalade that I can’t get rid of,” McGraw laughs. “We call it the Griswold Family cruiser. I’d ripped all the seats out of it and loaded all of Gracie’s stuff into it. Her and I did a road trip from Nashville to L.A. to move her out there. We spent about four days traveling, staying in great spots and doing carpool karaoke, singing songs together. She’s a fantastic singer. We got to L.A. late at night, movin’ her into her place, moving boxes in. By that time, she was ready to get rid of me. Finally she said, ‘Daddy, you have to go,’ so I gave her a big hug and I just cried like a baby.”

In addition to his album, McGraw is gearing up for his Standing Room Only Tour, which will launch in 2024 and feature opener Carly Pearce. McGraw says the tour will be “probably one of the biggest productions we’ve ever had.”

“I’m pretty excited to have all the bells and whistles,” he says. “It’s fun for me. I like to put on a show for everybody else, but that stuff up there is fun for me as well.”

Watch his full interview in the video above.

24 Aug 2023

Carlos Santana Apologizes for ‘Insensitive Comments’ About Transgender Community

After a video clip circulated showing legendary guitarist Carlos Santana making anti-trans statements during a concert, the “Smooth” performer is apologizing to the transgender community.

In a statement sent to Billboard on Thursday (Aug. 24), Santana shared his regret for what he said onstage. “I am sorry for my insensitive comments. They don’t reflect that I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs,” he wrote. “I realize that what I said hurt people and that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to the transgender community and everyone I offended.”

The statement comes after a clip of Santana made the rounds on social media, showing the performer sharing his beliefs about the act of transitioning. “When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are. Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right,” he said during a set in Atlantic City, N.J., in July. ““Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man — that’s it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business. I’m OK with that.”

In another statement obtained by Billboard, the “Black Magic Woman” performer walked his statements back, saying that he wanted to “honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not.” He continued, saying that he would “pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear. It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments.”

Santana is far from the only performer to share negative comments about the trans community in recent weeks. In the last month, both Ne-Yo and Alice Cooper shared anti-trans rhetoric, specifically making disproven claims about gender-affirming care.

24 Aug 2023

Mya ft. Bounty Killer “Whine,” Moneybagg Yo “Nun Like Me” & More | Daily Visuals 8.24.23

HipHopWired Featured Video

Source: Prince Williams / Getty

While we continue to marvel at Ashanti and shower her with praise for remaining a stunner after decades in the music game, let’s not forget that Mya is still a traffic stopper herself and can still carry a melody with the best of them 25 years after bursting onto the R&B scene.

Linking up with another music OG in Bounty Killer for her visuals to “Whine,” Mya heads to Kingston Jamaica where she shows she still ain’t lost a step and can still give this new generation of R&B singers a run for their money both physically and vocally. How has no one wifed her up yet?!

Back on the rap scene, Moneybagg Yo decides to go on a shopping spree and in his clip for “Nun Like Me” Moneybagg hits the streets of Memphis with his peoples where he blows some trees and drops some paper on kicks, ice and some fancy grub. That man eating well.

Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from Lil Duval, Boosie Badazz, and more.

MYA FT. BOUNTY KILLER – “WHINE”

MONEYBAGG YO – “NUN LIKE ME”

LIL DUVAL – “SQUEEZE”

BOOSIE BADAZZ – “DIFFERENT SAUCE”

D SMOKE & SIR – “WORK HARD PLAY HARD”

DDG – “BILLIE JEAN FREESTYLE”

ANITTA – “USED TO BE”

BIC FIZZLE FT. BIGWALKDOG – “KNOWING”

HipHopWired Radio

Our staff has picked their favorite stations, take a listen…

24 Aug 2023

Miley Cyrus & Selena Gomez on the Charts: Ahead of ‘Used to Be Young’ & ‘Single Soon,’ How Do They Compare?

08/24/2023

As the Disney Channel alumni’s parallel careers meet again, Billboard looks back on both stars’ biggest chart achievements.

08/24/2023

Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus during the 2008 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheater on August 3, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Kevin Mazur/TCA 2008/WireImage

From ruling Disney Channel with Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place to dominating the 2023 Billboard Hot 100 with “Flowers” and “Calm Down,” Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez have been mainstays in the pop culture zeitgeist for the better part of two decades.

On Friday, the Grammy-nominated multi-hyphenates will both unleash their newest singles.

Cyrus’ “Used to Be Young” serves as her first piece of new music since the release of Endless Summer Vacation back in March. The song finds Miley getting self-reflective on her wilder days of yesteryear while allowing “sadness and joy to be happening simultaneously,” as she said in a snippet of her Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions) ABC special. Of the song’s creation, Cyrus revealed, “Although my work is done, this song will continue to write itself everyday. The fact it remains unfinished is a part of its beauty. That is my life at this moment… unfinished yet complete.”

Gomez’s “Single Soon” is her first non-soundtrack English-language solo single since 2020’s “Boyfriend.” Following the release of that track, which introduced the deluxe edition of her 2020 album Rare, Gomez earned her first Grammy nomination for her Latin pop EP Revelación; guested on songs from Camilo, Coldplay and Rema; and released “My Mind & Me,” a standalone single for her 2022 documentary of the same name. “Single Soon” finds Gomez reveling in the joy of not being in a relationship. The Emmy-nominated Only Murders in the Building actress even promoted the song with a Kim Cattrall-approved Sex and the City homage.

Both Cyrus and Gomez have played into the joint release date for their new singles. On her Instagram Story (Aug. 18), Gomez shared a clip of her guest appearance on Hannah Montana with the caption “@mileycyrus and I both have a SINGLE SOON and we are releasing on the same day. We have been friends since we USED TO BE YOUNG. Excited for August 25th!” Cyrus quote-tweeted the same clip on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “@selenagomez and I are both dropping our new SINGLEs SOON… I say we USED TO BE YOUNG.”

As Barbenheimer gives way to another pop-culture double-header, read up on all of Miley Cyrus’ and Selena Gomez’s most impressive Billboard chart achievements thus far.

Best-Selling Albums & Singles

According to Luminate, Miley Cyrus has sold 15.9 million albums in the U.S., including her music credited to “Hannah Montana.” She has shifted more than 30.7 million album equivalent units. Her best-selling album in pure sales is 2006’s Hannah Montana soundtrack (3.7 million copies sold). Cyrus’ overall most-consumed album is 2007’s Hannah Montana 2 / Meet Miley Cyrus, with 4.4 million units shifted.

In terms of singles, 2009’s “Party in the U.S.A.” is fittingly Cyrus’ best-selling song in the United States with 6.3 million copies sold. It is also her most-streamed song in the country with 1.11 billion official on-demand U.S. streams.

Selena Gomez has sold 3.6 million albums in the U.S., including her Selena Gomez & the Scene credits. She has shifted more than 11.5 million album equivalent units. Her best-selling album in pure sales is 2009’s Kiss and Tell, with 932,000 copies sold. Gomez’s overall most-consumed album is For You, her 2014 greatest-hits collection, with 2.9 million units shifted.

For Gomez, her best-selling song in the United States is 2011’s “Love You Like a Love Song,” with 2.8 million copies sold. Her most-streamed song across all credits is DJ Snake’s “Taki Taki” in 2020 (also with Ozuna & Cardi B), which has garnered 1.02 billion official on-demand streams. Her most-streamed song as a lead/co-lead artist is her 2017 Marshmello collaboration “Wolves,” which has earned 759.4 million official on-demand streams.
Hot 100 Stats

On the Hot 100, Cyrus has earned 58 career entries. Ten of those songs have reached the top 10, including “Party in the U.S.A.” (No. 2), 2013’s “We Can’t Stop” and 2017’s “Malibu” (No. 10). Of those 10 top 10 hits, two have reached No. 1: 2013’s “Wrecking Ball” (three weeks) and 2023’s “Flowers” (eight weeks).

As for Gomez, she has earned 39 career Hot 100 entries. Nine of those songs have reached the top 10, including 2015’s “Same Old Love” (No. 5), 2016’s “We Don’t Talk Anymore” (with Charlie Puth, No. 9) and 2017’s “It Ain’t Me” (with Kygo, No. 10). Of those nine top 10 hits, just one has reached the Hot 100 summit: 2019’s “Lose You to Love Me.”
Longest-Charting Hot 100 Hits

Both Cyrus and Gomez have two songs that have spent more than 30 weeks on the Hot 100. Here are the five longest-charting Hot 100 hits for each artist:

Miley Cyrus

“Wrecking Ball” – 32 weeks (Hot 100 peak: No. 1)

“Flowers” – 31 weeks and counting (Hot 100 peak: No. 1)

“Party in the U.S.A.” – 29 weeks (Hot 100 peak: No. 2)

“The Climb” – 28 weeks (Hot 100 peak: No. 4)

“See You Again” – 27 weeks (Hot 100 peak: No. 10)

Selena Gomez

“Calm Down” (with Rema) – 50 weeks and counting (Hot 100 peak: No. 10)

“Love You Like a Love Song” – 38 weeks (Hot 100 peak: No. 22)

“It Ain’t Me” (with Kygo) – 29 weeks (Hot 100 peak: No. 10)

“Same Old Love” – 28 weeks (Hot 100 peak: No. 5)

“Back to You” – 26 weeks (Hot 100 peak: No. 18)
Billboard 200 Stats

On the Billboard 200 albums chart, Cyrus has earned 16 career entries; 14 of those have reached the chart’s top 10, including 2017’s Younger Now (No. 5), 2020’s Plastic Hearts (No. 2) and 2023’s Endless Summer Vacation (No. 3). Of those 14 top 10 projects, five have reached No. 1: 2006’s Hannah Montana, 2007’s Hannah Montana 2, 2008’s Breakout, 2009’s Hannah Montana: The Movie and 2013’s Bangerz.

Gomez has earned eight career entries on the Billboard 200. Six of those projects have reached the ranking’s top 10, including 2009’s Kiss and Tell (No. 9). Half of those top 10 projects have hit No. 1: 2013’s Stars Dance, 2015’s Revival and 2020’s Rare.
Longest-Charting Billboard 200 Entries

Both Cyrus and Gomez have at least three projects that have spent over one year on the Billboard 200. Here are the five longest-charting Billboard 200 entries for each artist:

Miley Cyrus

Hannah Montana – 78 weeks (Billboard 200 peak: No. 1)

Hannah Montana: The Movie – 71 weeks (Billboard 200 peak: No. 1)

Hannah Montana 2 / Meet Miley Cyrus – 65 weeks (Billboard 200 peak: No. 1)

Bangerz – 55 weeks (Billboard 200 peak: No. 1)

Breakout – 48 weeks (Billboard 200 peak: No. 1)

Selena Gomez

Revival – 69 weeks (Billboard 200 peak: No. 1)

Kiss and Tell – 59 weeks (Billboard 200 peak: No. 9)

A Year Without Rain – 55 weeks (Billboard 200 peak: No. 4)

When the Sun Goes Down – 41 weeks (Billboard 200 peak: No. 3)

Rare – 26 weeks (Billboard 200 peak: No. 1)
Pop Airplay

On Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart, which measures songs’ weekly plays on over 150 U.S. mainstream top 40 radio stations, as tabulated by Mediabase and provided to Billboard by Luminate, Cyrus has earned 17 career entries, including the No. 1 hits “Party in the U.S.A.” (one week), “Wrecking Ball” (two weeks), and “Flowers” (10 weeks). Her longest-charting song on the ranking is “Flowers” (31 weeks and counting). Cyrus has six overall top 10 hits on Pop Airplay.

Gomez has earned 26 entries on Pop Airplay, including the No. 1 hits “Hands to Myself” (one week), “Same Old Love” (one week), “Good for You” (with A$AP Rocky, one week) and “Calm Down” (with Rema, four weeks), which also ranks as her longest-charting song on the chart (43 weeks and counting). Gomez boasts 12 overall top 10 hits on Pop Airplay.
Radio Songs

On Billboard‘s Radio Songs chart, which measures the airplay of songs on radio stations throughout the U.S. across all genres, Cyrus has earned 15 career entries, including her sole No. 1 hit “Flowers” (18 weeks). The Endless Summer Vacation lead single is also her longest-charting song on the ranking (31 weeks and counting). Cyrus has four overall top 10 hits on Radio Songs.

Gomez has earned 20 entries on Radio Songs, including her sole No. 1 hit “Calm Down” (with Rema, nine weeks). Her historic duet with Rema also ranks as her longest-charting song on the chart (30 weeks and counting). Gomez boasts nine overall top 10 hits on Radio Songs.
Streaming Songs

On Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart, which measures each week’s top streamed radio songs, on-demand songs and videos on leading online music services in the U.S., Cyrus has earned 14 career entries, including four No. 1 hits: “Adore You” (one week), “We Can’t Stop” (11 weeks), “Flowers” (four weeks) and “Wrecking Ball” (13 weeks), which also ranks as her longest-charting song on the chart (45 weeks so far). Cyrus has five overall top 10 hits on Radio Songs.

Gomez has notched 21 entries on Streaming Songs, including her sole No. 1 hit, “Lose You to Love Me” (one week). She boasts seven total top 10 hits, ranging from 2013’s “Come & Get It” (No. 4) to 2020’s “Ice Cream” (with BLACKPINK, No. 8). Her longest-charting song on the tally is the Rema-assisted “Calm Down” (33 weeks and counting).
Digital Song Sales

On Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart, which ranks the best-selling digital songs in the U.S., Cyrus has logged a whopping 63 career entries, including three No. 1 hits: “Party in the U.S.A.” (six weeks), “Wrecking Ball” (one week) and “Flowers” (five weeks). “Party” is also her longest-charting song on the ranking (55 weeks). Cyrus has earned 17 total top 10 hits on Digital Song Sales.

Gomez has earned 40 entries on Digital Song Sales, including two No. 1 hits: “Good for You” (with A$AP Rocky, one week) and “Lose You to Love Me” (two weeks). She also boasts 17 total top 10 hits, ranging from 2009’s “Send It On” (No. 9) to 2023’s “Calm Down” (with Rema, No. 5). Her longest-charting song on the tally is “Love You Like a Love Song” (39 weeks).
“Flowers” & “Calm Down”: Records and Achievements
Both Cyrus and Gomez have spent ample time in the Hot 100 top 10 this year. In fact, the concurrent success of “Flowers” and “Calm Down” mirrors the success of “We Can’t Stop” and “Come & Get It” a decade ago. Here are some Billboard records that “Flowers” and “Calm Down” now hold:

Flowers
- 18 weeks at No. 1 on Radio Songs, the longest run for a song by a woman
- 17 weeks at No. 1 on Adult Pop Airplay, the longest run for a song by a woman
- 10 weeks at No. 1 on Pop Airplay, the longest run for a song by a woman in a lead role since 2005
Calm Down
- 51 weeks at No. 1 on U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, which launched in 2021, the longest-running No. 1 song in the chart’s history
- First Afrobeats song to reach No. 1 on Radio Songs

24 Aug 2023

15 TV Shows Based on Books to Add to Your Watch List in 2023

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.

Some of the best shows on TV in 2023 have been adapted from books, just like some of the biggest television series of all time (hint: just look at Outlander or Game of Thrones). These types of series allow readers to see worlds brought to life before their eyes while allowing those who aren’t bookworms an opportunity to dive into new dramatic and thrilling storylines.

See latest videos, charts and news

If you’ve been looking for something new to watch outside The Kardashians or NFL Kickoff, there are various affordable streaming options with a mix of TV shows based on books for you to binge and add to your watch list.

Prime Video most recently teased its latest book adaptation titled Wilderness with its first trailer that debuted Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version).” It follows a seemingly perfect British couple who live in the United States, but once Liv (Jenna Coleman), the wife, finds out her husband, Will (Jackson-Cohen), had an affair, she begins to plot a killer revenge. The thriller/drama will air starting Sept. 15 on Prime Video, which you can learn more about how to stream below.

Keep reading to see how to stream Wilderness and more books turned into TV adaptations, so you can clear your schedule, get cozy and enjoy binge-watching your new favorite shows.

How to Watch TV Shows Based on Books in 2023

Whether you’re a fan of mysteries, fantasy, romance or all of the above, there is a book-turned-TV show out there for you to sit back and enjoy. Some of the most popular and highly anticipated ones include: Wilderness, The Last Thing He Told Me, The Summer I Turned Pretty, City on Fire, Tiny Beautiful Things, Daisy Jones & The Six, American Born Chinese, Mayfair Witches, Harlan Coben’s Shelter, The Power, The Crowded Room, Will Trent, Silo, The Big Door Prize and Lessons in Chemistry.

Prime Video has a vast library of shows to binge, and through a Prime membership or subscription to Prime Video, you’ll have access to them all as well as premium channels. New subscribers can take advantage of the 30-day free trial to watch shows including: Wilderness, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Daisy Jones & The Six, Harlan Coben’s Shelter, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and The Power.

After the trial ends, you’ll be charged $14.99/month or $139 annually, but qualifying students and EBT/Medicaid recipients can join for half off the regular price. You’ll also have the ability to add premium channels including Max, Starz, AMC+, Showtime, Paramount+ and more, which will give you access to even more shows based on books, such as Mayfair Witches.

Prime Video

$14.99/month after 30 days free

In need of some drama? Hulu‘s TV shows based on books will provide suspense and lots of dramatic plot points. Whether you’re looking for live TV or just streamable content, the streamer has a variety of plans to fit your needs, so you can focus on watching shows like Tiny Beautiful Things and Will Trent. Current subscribers can watch these shows for free (though Will Trent will require a Hulu + Live TV plan as it’s on ABC).

The subscription is $7.99/month after a 30-day free trial, but Hulu offers student discounts and bundle deals to save you money.

If you want to expand your streaming library and save money, subscribe to Hulu + Live TV and enjoy Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+ and over 75 live channels including ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, MTV, BET, FX, E!, Bravo, Pop TV, VH1, TV Land, Paramount Network, OWN, TLC, Lifetime and more for $69.99/month.

Hulu

$7.99/month after 30 days free

If you love a classic Disney movie, then Disney+ has a library of original shows and movies including the book adaptation of American Born Chinese, which reunites actors from the Oscar-winning movie Everything Everywhere All at Once. While Disney+ doesn’t offer a free trial, there are a few budget-friendly ways to save and at least one promo that will get you a free subscription for up to six months. Disney+ provides various plan options depending on your budget and needs with the basic plan being $7.99/month (or $79.99/year) with ads.

Looking for more money-saving options? Right now, Verizon customers can get the Disney+ Bundle for $10/month with Verizon’s MyPlan, which can help save up to $4.99/month. The best part? You can toggle off perks each month and only pay for what you use.

Disney+

$7.99/month

Finally, Apple TV+ has been churning out a variety of TV shows based on books that you can look forward to enjoying including: The Crowded Room, Silo, The Last Thing He Told Me, The Big Door Prize, City on Fire and the upcoming series Lessons in Chemistry starring Brie Larson. Already subscribed? Simply login in to your Apple account to start streaming these shows.

Not subscribed? Apple TV+ is offering a one-week free trial that will allow you to catch the premiere for free. After the trial, you’ll be charged $6.99/month for a subscription. If you’re looking for additional ways to save money, you can get three months free with the purchase of an eligible Apple device or a free month trial when you sign up for Apple One, which bundles Apple TV+ with up to five other services.

Apple TV+

$6.99/month after 7 days free

24 Aug 2023

‘Barbie’ Bests ‘Super Mario Bros.’ as 2023’s Top-Grossing Film in U.S.: Here’s the Top 10

It’s official: On Thursday (Aug. 24), Barbie topped The Super Mario Bros. Movie to become the highest-grossing film in the U.S. for 2023, according to boxofficemojo.com. Barbie has grossed $575.4 million in the U.S., compared to $574.3 million for The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Barbie became the year’s box-office champ in just a little more than a month. The film was released in the U.S. on July 21. The Super Mario Bros. Movie was released on April 5. Barbie has been both a commercial and critical hit. It has provided joy and escapism for millions in a summer dominated by grim headlines about climate change, multiple indictments of a former president and a war in Ukraine that grinds on.

Five of the films in the top 10 are the latest installments in franchises. A sixth is a reboot of a previous film of the same name.

As we previously reported, Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, has also become the top-grossing film in the U.S. that was directed or co-directed by a woman. The previous record-holder was Frozen II (2019), which was co-directed by Jennifer Lee. The previous record-holder for a film that was solely directed by a woman was Wonder Woman (2017), which was directed by Patty Jenkins.

If Barbie winds up as the No. 1 box-office hit of 2023 – that is to say, if nothing comes along in the next four months or so to surpass it – this will be the first time that a film directed or co-directed by a woman has become the year’s top hit. Shrek, co-directed by Vicky Jenson, came closest; it was the No. 2 box-office hit of 2001.

Barbie has also been a hit on the Billboard charts. Barbie: The Album has climbed as high as No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Two singles from the album – Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” and Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s “Barbie World” – have made the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. A third single, Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?,” has come close, so far peaking at No. 14.

Here are the 10 top-grossing films in the U.S. in 2023, through Thursday (Aug. 24), according to boxofficemojo.com. All release dates are in 2023, unless otherwise noted.

Sound of Freedom

Domestic Gross: $178.5 million

Release Date: July 4

Director: Alejandro Monteverde

Music: Javier Navarrete

Notes: Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino and Bill Camp starred in this action film. Caviezel plays Tim Ballard, a former U.S. government agent who embarks on a mission to rescue children from sex traffickers in Colombia. The film received mixed reviews, but audiences turned it into a sleeper hit. Monteverde, who was born in Mexico, is one of four directors with films on this list who was born outside the U.S. The others: James Cameron (Canada), Christopher Nolan (England) and Joaquim Dos Santos (Portugal).
John Wick: Chapter 4

Domestic Gross: $187.1 million

Release Date: March 24

Director: Chad Stahelski

Music: Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard

Notes: This was the fourth installment in the John Wick franchise, which is that rare franchise where each film does better at the domestic box office than the one that preceded it. The initial John Wick was the No. 79 film of 2014. John Wick: Chapter 2 was No. 36 for 2017. John Wick Chapter 3—Parabellum was No. 14 for 2019. This film stars Keanu Reeves as the title character, alongside Laurence Fishburne and Rina Sawayama, among others. A spin-off, Ballerina, is set for release on June 7, 2024.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Domestic Gross: $214.5 million

Release Date: Feb. 17

Director: Peyton Reed

Music: Christophe Beck

Notes: This was the third film in the Ant-Man franchise, following Ant-Man (the No. 14 film of 2015 at the domestic box office) and Ant-Man and the Wasp (which was No. 9 for 2018). It stars Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly, with a supporting cast that includes Bill Murray, Michelle Pfeiffer and Michael Douglas.
Avatar: The Way of Water

Domestic Gross: $283.1 million

Release Date: Dec. 16, 2022

Director: James Cameron

Music: Simon Franglen

Notes: This film grossed $401 million in the U.S. in its first 15 days of release (Dec. 16-31, 2022), which made it the fourth highest-grossing film of 2022 in the U.S. (Those dollars of course are not counted in this tally of its 2023 box-office receipts.) Cast members Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Giovanni Ribisi, Dileep Rao, and Matt Gerald reprised their roles from the first Avatar (2009), with Sigourney Weaver returning in an additional role while Kate Winslet joined the cast.

With a production budget estimated to fall somewhere between $350–$460 million, this is one of the most expensive films ever made. But the film delivered. It is the third-highest-grossing film of all time in the U.S., behind the first Avatar and Avengers: Endgame. The film was nominated for four Oscars, including best picture. Three additional sequels are in production, with the next installment set to be released in December 2025.
Oppenheimer

Domestic Gross: $289.7 million

Release Date: July 21

Director: Christopher Nolan

Music: Ludwig Göransson

Notes: Based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus, the film chronicles the career of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. The film stars Cillian Murphy in the title role; Emily Blunt as his wife, “Kitty”; Matt Damon as Leslie Groves, head of the Manhattan Project; Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, a member of the Atomic Energy Commission; and Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock, a member of the Communist Party USA. Oppenheimer is already the seventh highest-grossing R-rated film of all time at the U.S. box office.
The Little Mermaid

Domestic Gross: $297.2 million

Release Date: May 26

Director: Rob Marshall

Music: Alan Menken

Notes:The Little Mermaid is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1989 animated film of the same name. The film stars Halle Bailey in the title role, alongside Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy and more. Composer Alan Menken, who won two Oscars for the original film, returned to compose the score and write new songs alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also serves as a producer with director Marshall, Marc Platt and John DeLuca.
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3

Domestic Gross: $359 million

Release Date: May 5

Director: James Gunn

Music: John Murphy

Notes: This is the sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy (the No. 1 domestic box-office hit of 2014) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (which was No. 4 for 2017). Written and directed by James Gunn, it features an ensemble cast that includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Linda Cardellini, Nathan Fillion and Sylvester Stallone.

Gunn announced his return to write and direct the film in April 2017. Disney fired him from the film in July 2018 following the resurfacing of controversial posts on Twitter, but, following a strong show of support from the cast, the studio reversed course and reinstated him.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Domestic Gross: $381 million

Release Date: June 2

Director: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson

Music: Daniel Pemberton

Notes: This sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse has outperformed that film, which was the No. 29 hit of 2018 at the domestic box office. Like that film, this film has three directors – but none carried over from the first film. This film represents the feature directorial debuts for both Dos Santos and Thompson. This film’s third director, Powers, is the only Black director with a film on this list.

As on the 2018 film, Shameik Moore voices Miles, starring alongside Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Vélez, Jake Johnson, Jason Schwartzman, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Mahershala Ali, Oscar Isaac and others.

Sony began developing a sequel to Into the Spider-Verse even before that film’s 2018 release. With a run-time of 140 minutes, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the longest animated film ever produced by an American studio. A third installment in the trilogy, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, and a female-focused spin-off, Spider-Woman, are both in development.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Domestic Gross: $574.3 million

Release Date: April 5

Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic

Music: Brian Tyler

Notes:The Super Mario Bros. Movie is based on Nintendo’s Mario video game franchise. The ensemble voice cast includes Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen and Fred Armisen.

After the critical and (relative) commercial failure of the live-action film Super Mario Bros. (which grossed $20.9 million domestically to become the No. 74 box-office hit of 1993), Nintendo became reluctant to license its intellectual properties for film adaptations. Good thing the company reconsidered.
Barbie

Domestic Gross: $575.4 million

Release Date: July 21

Director: Greta Gerwig

Music: Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt

Notes: This film, based on a phenomenally successful fashion doll which Mattel launched in 1959, was announced way back in September 2009. It went through numerous changes in studios, writers, directors and actors on its way to this year’s commercial and critical bonanza. Amy Schumer and Anne Hathaway were, at various points, cast in the lead role, while Gal Gadot turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts, before Margot Robbie finally got the part, with Ryan Gosling in tow as her faithful (if comically frustrated) boyfriend, Ken. The supporting ensemble includes America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Helen Mirren, Issa Rae, Simu Liu, Michael Cera, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell.

In addition to being the top-grossing film in the U.S. so far in 2023, this is the top-grossing film in the U.S. directed or co-directed by a woman.

24 Aug 2023

Ariana Grande’s R.E.M. Beauty Foundation Just Dropped & It’s Already a ‘Skin Savior’: Shop Here

Ariana Grande is keeping fans well fed this week with not one but two new drops. On top of reissuing her first album Yours Truly in honor of its 10-year anniversary on Friday (Aug. 25), the “NASA” singer and her beauty brand just dropped its very first foundation — and no, it’s not a powder foundation.

See latest videos, charts and news

Clear some space on your bathroom shelves as this R.E.M. Beauty’s Sweetener Foundation was officially released on Thursday (Aug. 24) and fans are already raving bout it. Not only does it come in 60 (!!!) shades to customize to your skintone, but it uses a formula that aims to hydrate skin while leaving behind a more matte appearance.

The 30-year-old singer couldn’t wait to share the news with her followers and took to Instagram the moment it was released.

“@r.e.m.beauty Sweetener Foundations out now ♡” the caption read.

You probably won’t even want to find a beauty dupe of this as shoppers can’t stop praising the foundation. One person went as far as labeling the liquid foundation a “skin savior” while another reviewer described the experience of using it as “a dream” praising how well it pairs with the brand’s Sweetener Concealer.

Keep reading to shop the new foundation below.

clear and silver bottle of foundation — R.E.M. Beauty

Sweetener Foundation

$35

Whether you’re looking to cover acne or dark spots, the Sweetner Foundation is here to try and give you a smoother appearance. Using ingredients like raspberry leaf extract and hyaluronic acid spheres, the foundation aims to deliver hydration that can last up to four weeks. It also comes with niacinamide, which is typically used to help reduce the look of pores, correct dullness, brighten skin and leave behind a more matte skin texture.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best press-on nails, beauty deals and celeb-loved beauty products.

24 Aug 2023

Prince & The New Power Generation’s ‘Diamonds & Pearls’ Getting Reissue With 47 Unreleased Tracks

Prince fans: Get ready to put on your “Diamonds and Pearls” once more.

Paisley Park Enterprises announced Thursday (Aug. 24) that it will release a super deluxe edition of Diamonds and Pearls, the 13th studio album by the High Priest of Pop. Diamonds and Pearls — which marked Prince’s first album with backing band The New Power Generation — will be reissued through a partnership with Sony Music and will be available through all physical, digital and streaming partners. The album will contain a total of 47 previously unreleased tracks, in addition to an unreleased two-hour concert from Prince’s vault.

The album will be released in three formats: The largest reissue, the super deluxe edition, will have seven CDs plus a Blu-ray or a 12 LP plus Blu-ray with audio-only download and streaming. The deluxe edition will contain a double CD or four LPs on 180 gram vinyl, and the remastered album will contain, depending on the buyer’s choice, a single CD, a double off white “pearl” colored 180 gram vinyl LP (US only), or a double clear “diamond” colored 180 gram vinyl LP with download and streaming.

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Diamonds and Pearls first arrived in 1991 and peaked at No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200, spending a total of 46 weeks on the chart. Each of the set’s singles charted on the Billboard Hot 100: “Gett Off” (No. 21), “Cream” (No. 1), “Money Don’t Matter 2 Night” (No. 23), “Insatiable” (No. 77) and the title track, “Diamonds and Pearls” (No. 3).

The new edition of Diamonds and Pearls will arrive Oct. 27. The various versions of the album range from $12.98 to $394.98 and are available to pre-order here.

24 Aug 2023

HHW Gaming: Relive Kobe Bryant’s On-Court Heroics In ‘NBA 2K24’s Mamba Moments Mode

HipHopWired Featured Video

NBA 2K24 Celebrate Kobe Bryant With Mamba Moments Trailer

Source: 2K Sports / Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24

NBA 2K23 allowed players to relieve Michael Jordan’s greatest moments thanks to the Jordan Challenge, and now it’s time to embrace your inner Mamba Mentality with NBA 2K24’s Mamba Moments game mode.

Fittingly, on Thursday, 8/24, the official day we celebrate the life of the late and always great Kobe Bryant, 2K Sports dropped its latest Courtside Report focusing on NBA 2K24’s Mamba Moments game mode.

Players can relieve some of Bryant’s iconic moments during his playing days with the Los Angeles Lakers, harnessing his skills and the killer instinct he was beloved for.

“The NBA 2K24 MAMBA MOMENTS were selected to celebrate Kobe and remember how he was the most unique competitor the world had ever seen,” said Erick Boenisch, VP of NBA Development at Visual Concepts. “Our team took great care in building a realistic and authentic experience to inspire and educate a new generation of basketball fans on the legacy of the lifetime Laker that left his mark on the sport.”

A breakdown of Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Moments In NBA 2K24:

The NBA Three-Point Record. In 2003, Kobe’s record-breaking three-point shooting performance against the Seattle Supersonics, converting 12 of his 18 attempts from behind the arc.x
The King of Sac. Up 3-0 against the Sacramento Kings, Kobe slammed the door shut on the division rival’s postseason hopes with a remarkable 48 points and 16 rebounds. At just 22 years old, the then-three-time All-Star proved that the stage wasn’t too big for him.
62 Points, Three Quarters. Kobe exploded for 62 points in three quarters vs. Dallas in 2005, outscoring the entire Mavs team by himself and leading the Lakers to a blowout win in the process.
Three-Point Barrage Leads to 65-Point Game. The Black Mamba’s 65-point effort on the road in Portland propelled the Purple and Gold to an overtime victory in March of 2007.
2010 NBA Finals Game 7. Looking to win back-to-back titles for the first time since the early 2000s, Kobe did a little bit of everything during his clutch close-out performance against Boston.

NBA 2K24 arrives on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 8.

Hit the gallery below for photos of Kobe Byrant’s Mamba Moments.

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Photo: 2K Sports / Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24