djfrosty

26 Jun 2023

Drake Releases Poetry Book, Announces New Studio Album

HipHopWired Featured Video

Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration Concert

Drake is a man of many talents and now he adds a new feather to his highly-decorated cap. The Canadian superstar just released a new book of poetry and also announced the title of his upcoming studio album.

Drake, along with collaborator Kenza Samir, released the book Titles Ruin Everything, A Stream Of Consciousness, a collection of poetry that serves to be the first of many books from the OVO Sound honcho. Announcing the book over the weekend on Instagram, Drake hoped that his fans would support his literary venture.

“I don’t know if I have ever wanted people to buy or support something more in my life…our first book is available tmrw on @drakerelated and other select retailers,” Drizzy wrote in the post with an image of the book.

Because everything Drake is always several moves ahead, he used the website address for the new book to announce his latest studio album, FOR THE ALL THE DOGS.

“I made an album to go with the book,” began the brief message on the titlesruineverything.com site. “They say they miss the old Drake girl don’t tempt me[.] FOR ALL THE DOGS[.]”

Drake’s last solo full-length album was the dance-heavy Honestly, Nevermind. It isn’t known in what direction FOR ALL THE DOGS will take but it appears that rapping Drizzy is coming back for his crown.

For fans who wish to pick up a copy of Drake’s book, Titles Ruin Everything, A Stream Of Consciousness, click here.

—

Photo: Getty

HipHopWired Radio

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

26 Jun 2023

Zach Bryan Teases New Music

In 2022, Zach Bryan released three projects, including his American Heartbreak album and Summertime Blues EP, followed by the live album All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster (Live From Red Rocks), which dropped in December.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

But according to Bryan, he’s already working on another album — and he brought receipts to prove it. On Sunday, he posted on Instagram, telling fans, “album soon.”

He also had a word of insight into the project, saying, “This one was for me, I do not care if you like it. I love you guys and thank you so much for getting us this far.”

Alongside his caption, Bryan posted 10 audio files of song snippets. Earlier this month, Bryan also shared that he has been in the studio working on new music. At that time, he also hinted at an album that could be different than what fans may be expecting, captioning a Twitter post with, “Some’ll love it some’ll hate it everything will be okay either way.”

Bryan’s recent hit song “Something in the Orange” crested inside the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January and spent six weeks atop the Hot Country Songs chart. The song currently sits at No. 20 on the Country Airplay chart.

In addition to working on a project, Bryan is set to return to the coveted Red Rocks venue in Denver for two shows on Monday and Tuesday night and has a slate of festival dates in the works, including performances at Summerfest, Windy City Smokeout, Rock the South and Cheyenne Frontier Days.

26 Jun 2023

Kenshi Yonezu’s New ‘Final Fantasy XVI’ Theme Now Available for Streaming

J-pop hitmaker Kenshi Yonezu released his new single “Tsuki wo Miteita” on Monday (June 26), also unveiling the cover artwork he illustrated himself.

Yonezu wrote the track for the new video game FINAL FANTASY XVI. The song was written in pursuit of music that would resonate specifically within the story of FF16, and is a moving number with deeply layered sound and emotional vocals.

The artwork was designed by the multi-talented 32-year-old himself and depicts a wolf with blue fur staring straight ahead unflinchingly.

Listen below:

26 Jun 2023

Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players’ Choice Award: Vote for the Most Impactful Executive (Semifinalists)

Billboard is introducing a peer-voted award to run alongside its annual R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players list of the genres’ most influential executives. This new R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players’ Choice Award will honor the executive in the genres whose peers believe has had the greatest impact across the music business over the past year, from recording and publishing to managing and touring and beyond.

Voting is open to all Billboard Pro members, both existing and new, with one vote per member.

Billboard launched its first Players’ Choice Award with the Power 100 list earlier this year, followed by the Country Power Players’ Choice Award that concluded last month.

The current, second round of voting will narrow down the top 15 nominees into the final five top executives.

The third round of voting will begin July 10, to select the winner from that list. Voting concludes July 23 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Vote here:

26 Jun 2023

Cardi B Slams Rumors She Cheated on Offset: ‘Stop Playing’

Cardi B is not happy about recent infidelity rumors about her, and she took to Twitter Spaces on Monday (June 26) to shut down claims that she cheated on her husband Offset.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“Listen. Don’t pay attention that country man y’all,” she said in the three-minute clip, after singing the opening lines of Keyshia Cole’s “I Should Have Cheated.” “Don’t pay attention the country man. That Spaces the other day got motherf—ers spiraling and thinking s—. Come on now. I’m f—ing Cardi B, n—. I think sometimes mother—ers forget. I’m Cardi B. If I was giving this p—- to anybody it be not just anybody. Can’t f— regular-degular-shmegular, ’cause they gonna tell the world. And I can’t f— anybody in the industry, ’cause they gonna tell too. Y’all ever heard that Rubi Rose record where she says ‘got a big a– mouth?’”

She concluded, “So please boy, stop acting stupid. Stop acting Stupid. Going crazy over a f—ing space. Don’t play with me. What the f—. Stop playing. Thats all I’m gonna mother—ing say.”

Cardi’s response comes after a series of events, beginning with another Twitter Space audio message the “I Like It” rapper shared over the weekend. “Every time you try to bring turmoil to my marriage, I’m just saying, y’all know what’s gonna happen next. We’re gonna get a divorce, and people are gonna be mad nosey, and mad happy,” she said during the clip. “I’m gonna make an album, and people are gonna wanna hear the album because of it. Another rich n—-‘s gonna cuff me. And what? What’ll be the point that y’all are tryna make?”

Just hours before Cardi’s most recent Spaces defending herself, Offset seemed to have posted and quickly deleted an Instagram Story accusing his wife of cheating on him.

Listen to Cardi’s latest response below.

26 Jun 2023

Taylor Swift’s Trendy Skort: Where to Shop the Fashionable Look for Summer

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.

Taylor Swift has proven herself to be more than just a chart-breaking sensation, but also a fashion icon. This summer she’s debuted everything from stylish denim-crossover shorts to a floral dress that sold out fast after she sported it. Her latest fashion moment? A Free People skort that is not only adorable, but only $78!

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The Midnights singer paired the skort with an oversized button-down top while taking a break from her Eras Tour to hang out in New York City on Monday (June 26). The exact style is still available on Free People, but we don’t expect it to stay in stock long. It’s not uncommon for Swifties to quickly sell out everything from her tour to Swift outfit finds.

While she donned the skort in blue there are, thankfully, three colors total allowing you to still wear the same style piece.

Keep reading to shop the skort before it’s sold out and similar styles (just in case).

model wearing blue mini skort with blue and white t-shirt

Free People

Heartbreaker Skort

$78

Free People’s Heartbreaker Skort will add the Y2K aesthetic to any outfit as it features a low-rise waist and mini length. The design also features pleated paneling and shorts in the back giving new meaning to party in the front, business in the back.

model wearing denim mini denim skort

Free People

Pleated Micro Mini Denim Skort

$78

Give your skorts a ’90s-Y2K makeover with Free People’s Micro Mini Denim Skort. It comes in four washes to customize to your style and is made with a side zipper, shorts underneath and a soft denim material for added comfort.

model wearing denim pleated skort with frayed edges

Forever21

Pleated Frayed Denim Skort

$18.39 $22.99 20% off% OFF

For an edgier look, Forever21’s denim skort features frayed edges and shorts underneath. The pleats give it that casual tennis skirt look — minus the stretchy spandex material. Plus, you can easily style it with a belt, band T-shirt and a leather jacket for added trendiness.

model wearing light wash asymmetrical skort

Nordstrom

Circus NY Raw Hem Denim Skort

$54.50

For those who want a similar look with less pleats, this denim skort comes with an asymmetrical waist while the back looks like a pair of classic jean shorts. The cotton denim material will also get softer the more you wash and wear them for added comfort.

For more summery product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best jelly shoes, crochet bikinis and corset tops, and a must-have, viral sticky bra that will make you say goodbye to traditional bras.

26 Jun 2023

Drake’s Poetry Book & Album, All the Drama That Went Down at the BET Awards & More | Billboard News

Drake has announced his first poetry book and a new album. The 2023 BET Awards took place Sunday night and we have your full recap. ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’ season 3 winner Landon Cider talks about finding drag, being inspired by David Bowie and Stephen Sondheim. And more!

Tetris Kelly:
Drake is not just a rapper; he’s a poet as well. Billboard was on the scene at the BET Awards. Country music dominates the charts, we played Never Have I Ever with Madeline Edwards, and ‘Dragula’ winner Landon Cider gives us his musical inspiration. Happy Monday, I’m Tetris Kelly for Billboard News, it’s June 26, and we’ve got to talk about Drake. Drake revealed over the weekend that he is releasing both a book of poetry and a new album. Drake revealed on his Instagram that he will drop a collection of poems, named ‘Titles Ruin Everything,’ a stream of consciousness he kept in the post. “I don’t know if I have ever wanted people to buy or support something more in my life.” The rapper and poet promoted the project with ads in major newspapers that included a QR code leading to a website where he revealed a new album is also on the way. The text on the side reads, “I made an album to go with the book. They say they missed the old Drake, girl don’t tempt me. For all the dogs.” The book of poetry is out now and no word yet on when we’ll get the new album.

Last night was the BET Awards and there was music on the stage and drama in the audience. From high notes to a couple at each other’s throats and hip-hop tributes to the GOATs.

Watch the full video above!

26 Jun 2023

Thousands of People Are Using a $30 Weighted Heating Pad to Help Relieve Aches & Cramps

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.

Much has been written about the benefits of a weighted blanket, which millions of people swear by to help them fall asleep each night. But the bulky blankets can get understandably heavy, and a thick, full-sized covering doesn’t always feel the most comfortable in the balmy summer months.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Fortunately, we’ve found a great weighted blanket alternative on Amazon, with a number of companies introducing weighted heating pads. As the name suggests, a weighted heating pad uses pressure and heat to help ease cramps, muscle soreness, tension and stress.

This one, from the wellness brand OCOTRO, is one of the best-reviewed weighted heating pads online, with more than 70% of users giving it a full, five-star review. At just $27.99 right now, it’s an easy pick up to help with stress relief and recovery.

weighted heat pad

Amazon

Weighted Heating Pad for Back Pain Relief

$27.99 $29.99 7% OFF

The pad weighs just over 2 pounds, with tiny weighted beads set inside 32 “grid pockets.” Because the beads are stitched into individual grids, the weight is evenly distributed throughout the pad, with no worries about any beads sliding around.

Four different temperature settings let you adjust the heat to your desired level, with a range of 95 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Measuring 12 x 24 inches (about the size of a hand towel), this heat pad is easy to use and lets you wrap it around your legs and shoulders, or set it on your waist and back. The plush microfiber material is soft and cozy, while staying super breathable; it’s machine-washable too.

This set gets you the weighted heat pad and a seven-foot-long power cord with an attached remote control to adjust settings. Built-in safety settings prevent overheating, and the heating pad will automatically shut off after two hours (most reviewers say they use it for 15-20 minutes at a time).

If you’re looking for a way to ease muscle tension, back aches, cramps, bloating or just everyday stress, you’ll want to try a weighted heating pad. An Amazon deal gets you this best-selling weighted heat pad for just $27.99 right now. See full details here.

26 Jun 2023

Noah Cyrus Engaged to Fashion Designer Pinkus: ‘I’ve Never Felt More Loved or In Love’

Here comes the bride! Congratulations are in order for Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Noah Cyrus and fashion designer Pinkus, as the two are officially engaged.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Cyrus shared the news via an Instagram post Monday (June 26). “The greatest moment of my entire life was saying ‘yes’ to spending the rest of ours together,” she wrote in a caption. “This past month of being your fiancé and being in our own little world of just us two has been so perfect and I wish I could never leave this time.”

Cyrus and Pinkus confirmed their relationship with an April 16 TikTok, which found the couple sharing a romantic kiss in a car. The “I Got So High That I Saw Jesus” singer’s fiancé is fairly mysterious, but there are a few details floating around about him. According to his Instagram profile, Pinkus designs for a clothing brand called COLORS. In her caption, Cyrus gushed about her soon-to-be husband. “I never thought I would ever meet a man like you or someone so selfless and filled with so much love to give,” she mused. “You’re the least judgemental human being I’ve ever met. The most talented, the most loyal, the kindest person.”

In response to his fiancée’s love letter, the German designer commented: “U want kids?” Cyrus’ comments section has been overflowing with congratulations from fans and famous friends alike. The “July” singer closed her caption promising that she “would say ‘yes’ to [Pinkus] every day for the rest of [her] life.”

Noah Cyrus has earned two entries on the Billboard Hot 100: 2016’s Labrinth-assisted “Make Me (Cry)” (No. 46) and 2019’s Leon Bridges duet “July” (No. 85). In 2020, she made her first appearance on the Billboard 200 at No. 124 with her sophomore EP The End of Everything.

Check out the announcement here:

26 Jun 2023

‘The Story of Rap’ Is No. 1 on Amazon, 3 Years After Its Release: Get the Children’s Book on Sale for $5

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.

Hip-hop is celebrating its golden anniversary this year, and an adorable children’s book topped Amazon’s bestseller’s list in the rap/hip-hop category, more than two years after its release. The Story of Rap, originally released in May 2019, shares the story of how rap music “shaped generations and brought a voice to the voiceless,” according to the book’s description.

The picture book notes the birth of hip-hop in 1973 and mentions other important components in hip-hop culture such as DJing. “DJs mixed beats for dancing crowds, speakers thumped, and the bass was loud,” reads a passage from the book.

top 50 greatest rappers

50 Greatest Rappers of All Time

Grandmaster Flash, Run-DMC, A Tribe Called Quest and other rap pioneers are featured in The Story of Rap along with newer stars like Kendrick Lamar. There’s even a mention of the East Coast/West Coast beef complete with childlike illustrations of Tupac and Biggie.

“Tupac faced Biggie as East battled West,” reads one page while another notes that “soul met hip-hop with A Tribe Called Quest.”

The Story of Rap is a cute way to help commemorate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. The genre is being celebrated with brand collaborations, tours, TV specials, documentaries, commemorative concerts, albums and more.

On Sunday (June 25), the 2023 BET Awards honored five decades of hip-hop with a jam-packed lineup that featured performances from Migos, Trick Daddy, Trina, E-40, Warren G, Uncle Luke, Big Daddy Kane, Chief Keef, 69 Boyz, Remy Ma, Ja Rule, Kid ‘N Play, MC Lyte, Master P, Soulja Boy, Redman, Jeezy, Tyga, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Latto, Crime Mob, Doechii, Freeway, Lola Brooke and Busta Rhymes who also received this year’s lifetime achievement.

The Story of Rap is part of The Story Of book series by Silver Dolphin Books, which includes The Story of Country, The Story of Pop and The Story of Rock.

The book typically retails for $8.99, but if you’re looking to save a couple of bucks, it’s on sale for $5. Other hip-hop kid’s books joining The Story of Rap on the bestseller’s list include When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc & the Creation of Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop Speaks to Children: 50 Inspiring Poems with a Beat and The Notorious A.B.C. Board Book.

Want more ways to teach music to the kiddies? A Little Golden Book Biography is another popular series of children’s book featuring Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson and other music stars. Some of the upcoming titles in the series include Bruce Springsteen: A Little Golden Biography due on Sept. 5 and The Beatles: A Little Golden Biography on Nov. 7.

Purchase The Story of Rap below.

The Story of Rap

$5.02 $8.99 44% OFF