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23 May 2023

Davido On Being Called “The King of Afrobeats”, His Album ‘Timeless’, Going On Tour & More | Billboard News

Davido talks about Forbes calling him “The King of Afrobeats”, how he created his album ‘Timeless’, what he has planned for his tour, the future of Afrobeats, and more!

Davido 0:00
I’m ready for the genre to just go crazy

Davido 0:02
I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.

Davido 0:09
Yo what up my people, it’s your boy Davido and you’re watching Billboard News

Raina Aniftos 0:20
Hey everybody, it’s Raina Aniftos with Billboard News and we’re here with singer songwriter, producer, the king of Afro beats Davido.

Raina Aniftos 0:31
You just dropped your new album ‘Timeless.’ So tell me a bit about the album and the inspiration behind it.

Davido 0:39
You want very out on the record out, I didn’t put out an album in like three years. So I’m just happy that you know, it’s breaking records everywhere

Raina Aniftos 0:50
You have the most first day streams of any African artists on Apple Music and Spotify. What is it like to represent your home country like in such a successful way?

Davido 1:03
I mean, was dope. We just made the album. You know, with low criteria, we just wanted to just go into studio and make good music. Like we didn’t plug most of it. We were just like natural vibes, you know, in the studio, not putting pressure. You know, even when picking the records, you know, normally I’d pick the whole album myself or like I’m very, very sensitive. So I pick 17 songs out of like, 68

Raina Aniftos 1:28
How do you even go about picking the songs like..?

Davido 1:31
So kind of like made up this formula where I said, I sent songs to like everybody, like even my friends. So I was like everybody votes and it kind of worked out.

Raina Aniftos 1:41
What was the one song that was kind of common throughout everybody’s list?

Davido 1:47
Definitely like unavailable.

Davido 1:54
Like the intro of the album. I wasn’t gonna put it by everybody. I was like, do and then my dad liked it.

Davido 2:06
The one with Angelique Kidjo. I have veto power. That one’s going

Davido 2:12
Regardless if there’s no vote

Raina Aniftos 2:18
That’s cool, too, that you get to also work with other artists.

Davido 2:22
Definitely, there’s this is girl I found on I found on the internet doing like a cover to a song. And then I dmed her and like, “yo, your voice is amazing. Wow.” She doesn’t even believe like, I’m the one talking. She’s so good.

Raina Aniftos 2:35
And now she’s on a record breaking album with you.

Davido 2:37
Yeah and I signed her too.

Raina 2:41
Forbes named you the “King of Afrobeats.” How does it feel to be named something like that? And to represent a genre, be the face of it.

Davido 2:51
I mean, it’s true.

Davido 2:55
You know, I’ve lived in both places. I’ve lived in America. I went to school out here too.

Davido 3:00
In Alabama. So I was always like spreading the gospel of like, African culture. Food, the fashion you know what I’m saying. When it was time to do music like my dream was always the crossover. Where we were without crossover happen. You know, I was one of the first to get signed by major label from dead on everything just got lit.

Raina Aniftos 3:31
Who were some of your musical influences growing up that have led you to create such a unique sound.

Davido 3:36
I mean, growing up I was like, really like a hip hop fan. I love that. Yeah, I was like, really, really into like rap. Like I love like 50 cent. Ja Rule like I dressed like a rapper.

Raina Aniftos 3:54
As far as Afro beats as a genre, it’s really been blossoming over the past few years. What do you think it is about the genre that’s connecting so much with people recently?

Davido 4:03
Man it’s fresh yet you don’t say it’s been here for years? You know? Even when I was in college, I’d always play like African music because that’s what I was listening to. At the time. My friends my like, American friends always like ah, like it sounds good. So I always knew that if he got the opportunity to get heard people would like it.

Raina Aniftos 4:31
You’re about to go on tour. Tell me a bit about what we can expect what you have in store what’s going on with this tour is like

Davido 4:41
Man you know, I’m gonna need to challenge myself in my last tour. You know, Afrobeats wasn’t as crazy as it is now. So it’s like, Now all eyes on us

Raina Aniftos 4:57
Where do you want to see the future of Afrobeats go?

Davido 5:00
I’m like just happy everybody’s doing well. You know what I’m saying The future of Afrobeats

Davido 5:06
I feel like it’s in good hands. So hopefully a documentary soon n aboutot only me also about the culture as well. Up we go

Raina Aniftos 5:16
Up you go so many cool things ‘Timeless’ your album is out now you’re about to head out on tour. Thank you so much for speaking with me today.

23 May 2023

Rolf Harris, Disgraced Entertainer Who Once Dominated the Airwaves In U.K. And Australia, Dies at 93

Rolf Harris, the disgraced entertainer who, prior to his downfall, enjoyed hits in the U.K. and his homeland, Australia, and who was once commissioned to paint Queen Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 93.

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Born March 30, 1930 in Perth, Australia, Harris’ life and career will be remembered in two halves.

At the peak of his celebrity, following a relocation to the U.K., Harris enjoyed a-list status on both sides of the globe, a star of TV and popular music, an enthusiast for the wobble board and didgeridoo who had a string of hit singles, and collaborations with The Wiggles and others.

Harris was, for decades, the face of British Paints in Australia, and was lampooned in the popular ‘70s and early ‘80s British comedy series The Goodies. For millions of Australians and Britons, he was a broadcast star from their youth.

He enjoyed a string of U.K. chart hits including “Two Little Boys” (Columbia), which has the distinction of being the very last No. 1 in Britain in the 1960s. “Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport” reached No. 9 in Britain back in 1960, and he had a No. 3 hit with “Sun Arise” in 1962. He enjoyed another U.K. top 10 in 1993, when his cover of “Stairway to Heaven,” a spin-off from the Australian TV show Money or the Gun, reached No. 7.

The Guinness World Records book of British Hit Singles had summed-up Harris as a “lovable Australian musician, artist and presenter.”

Along the way, he was elevated into the highest circles, by being named as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

In 2005, another honor, when he was tapped by the BBC to create an oil painting of the Queen for the occasion of her 80th birthday, the sittings for which were captured for a documentary. The following year, in 2006, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

In 2013, Harris was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), in recognition for his distinguished service to the performing and visual arts, to charitable organizations and to international relations through the promotion of Australian culture, following his induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2008.

When his downfall was complete, Harris’ name had been scrubbed from those history books.

His spectacular fall from grace began in 2013, when Harris was questioned and arrested police under Operation Yewtree, the investigation into sexual abuse among members of the English media elite, including the late Jimmy Savile.

Following a trial in 2014, Harris was found guilty of various indecent assaults between 1968 and 1986, and was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison. He was released in 2017, but denied any wrongdoing and never issued an apology to his victims.

According to the BBC, Harris passed May 10, and has already been buried, though details have been kept under lock and key until now. His death certificate, the Corporation reports, notes that he died from neck cancer and “frailty of old age” at his home in Bray, Berkshire.

A statement from his family reads: “This is to confirm that Rolf Harris recently died peacefully surrounded by family and friends and has now been laid to rest. They ask that you respect their privacy. No further comment will be made.”

23 May 2023

From Affordable to Splurge-Worthy: The 32 Best Graduation Gifts for High School & College Grads

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.

Graduation season has arrived! The last few years have been challenging for all students, so it makes sense that the class of 2023 has so much to celebrate. When it comes to gift options, you can’t really go wrong with gift cards or a maybe a streaming subscription, but if you’ve been searching for a wider variety of thoughtful, affordable or splurge-worthy gifts, we’ve put together a list of over a two dozen of the best gifts for high school, college grads and more.

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From meaningful keepsakes to must-have gadgets, see our roundup of great gift ideas below.

Amazon

2023 New Graduation Gift Money Holder, DIY Double-Layer Cash Holders with 25 Holes

$13.99 $14.99 7% OFF

Cold, hard cash is a welcomed gift for most (if not all) graduates. This money holder includes more than 25 slots that you can fill up with bills.

Amazon

Joycuff Graduation Bracelet

$11.87 $15.97

Joycuff has snagged over 26,000 positive customer reviews at Amazon, and this personalized cuff is among the fan favorites! The budget-friendly, grad bracelet features an uplifting message and it arrives in a cute little gift box.

Uncommon Goods

The 10-Year Plan Deck

$10

“Life is what happens when you’re making plans,” but it doesn’t hurt to write your goals down anyway. This unique card deck inspires graduates (and anyone, really) to formulate a life plan for the next decade. The deck includes a guidebook, 30 prompts and a journal to track you progress.

Walmart

Beats Studio Buds

$169.95

Beats Studio Buds are now available in a transparent design, in addition to ebony black/gold and ivory. The popular earbuds deliver immersive sound for listening to music but also taking calls and more. The battery lasts for up to 36 hours (27 hours in the case and nine hours outside of the case).

Amazon

Apple iPad (9th Generation): with A13 Bionic chip, 10.2-inch Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi, 12MP front/8MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Silver

$269.99 $329.00 18% OFF

For the new grad who could use a tablet or notebook. This ninth generation iPad is on sale for less than $300. The device is equipped with a 10.2-inch retina display with an ultra-wide front camera, A13 Bionic chip and a battery that lasts all day for reading, browsing the web, watching videos, streaming music and more.

Personalization Mall

This personalized frame is perfect for commemorating academic achievements. The glass frame features reverse-laser engraving; it measures 8 x 11 inches document and a 4-inch x 6-inch photo — and it’s on sale for $23. Find more frames here.

Best Buy

Sony ZV-1 20.1 Megapixel Digital Camera

$749.99

For the grad who could use a professional camera, Sony’s ZV-1 20.1 megapixel digital camera is perfect for dedicated vloggers and novices. The 4K digital camera captures video and photo, fast-action optical speed and 44x digital zoom. The camera has high-speed, continuous shooting capabilities with 20.1 MP sensor and up to 24 fps of continuous shooting and a three-inch LDC screen.

Coach

Coach Venturer Bag in Signature Canvas

$349 $698 50% off% OFF

You can’t go wrong with a sturdy weekend bag. Designed to keep you organized for short and longer trips, this Coach duffle bag features a removable shoulder strap with ample space inside and a convenient side pocket. Click here for a selection of affordable duffle bags.

Sephora

Replica by the Fireplace

$85

Looking for an affordable cologne? Maison Margiela’s Replica is a unisex fragrance with a large fan following. The “By the Fire” scent features spicy and woody notes of clove oil, chestnut, pink pepper, orange flower and vanilla layered above a woody base.

Nordstrom

Versace Bright Crystal Perfume

$from $32

Have more room in the fragrance budget? Versace’s Bright Crystal Perfume has earned hundreds of positive customer reviews for its fresh and floral scent. Bright Crystal perfume serves up a lovely fruity and floral fragrance featuring pomegranate, lotus flower, peony, vegetal amber, acajou and musk.

Nordstrom

Cap & Gown Cufflinks

$60

Looking for a gift that’ll go with a cap and gown? Try these silver cuff links shaped like tiny grad caps.

Amazon

A new adventure begins! Gift a graduate with a motivational bracelet that comes with an inspirational card to help motivate them through this new chapter.

LJ Jewelry

LeahJessica Hand Cut Name Necklace

$175 $

Looking for a more expensive piece of jewelry? Try a personalized necklace like the one featured above LeahJessica Jewelry. The Southern California-based jewelry brand carries necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and other pieces that are perfect for gifting, no matter the occasion. The LJ Hand Cut Name Necklace can be made in rose gold, sterling silver, 14k yellow, white or rose gold and measures approximately 7mm.

Polaroid

Polaroid Go Instant Camera

$89.99 $99.99 10% off% OFF

Life is all about capturing memories, and who doesn’t love a picture-perfect selfie? The pint-sized Polaroid Go instant camera measures 5.9-inches tall and 3.33-inches wide, making it small enough to slip right into a pocket or bag. This pocket-sized camera is available in white, black or red.

Target

The Bucket List Journal

$33.99

It’s never too soon to start checking off that bucket list! This gift-worthy keepsake allows you to keep your adventures in one place. The Bucket List Journal has enough space to document 20 bucket list experiences and it comes packaged in a mini keepsake bag with a foil-printed mini pencil.

Papier

Happy Stripes Wellness Journal

$35

Regardless of whether you’re graduating, retiring or just getting started, finding joy is a key component to happiness. Gift a lucky grad with a wellness journal covered in “happy stripes.”

Marshall Major IV Bluetooth Headphones

$139.99 $149.99 7% off% OFF

For long commutes, studying, working or gaming, headphones make a great gift, and you can usually find a decent pair on sale like these Marshall Major IV Bluetooth headphones, or Beats Solo 3 Wireless Headphones ($129). Both are designed to immerse listeners in rich sound, plus they’re durable and foldable and provide up to 80 hours of battery life.

Amazon

Crosley Voyager Vintage Portable Turntable

$79.95

Vinyl records are still a popular form of music media, so if you know a grad who could use a record player, this vintage-style Crosley Bluetooth turntable is a thoughtful gift item that can be treasured for years to come. It’s also available in a bunch of different colors. See more record players and turntables here.

Calpak

Calpak Luka Laptop Bags

$108

Another nod to the grad who’s going places! Calpak’s Luka Laptop Bag is equipped with padded shoulder straps, multiple compartments, heavy-duty zippers and a luggage sleeve. The bag is available in over a dozen colors including watermelon, khaki, green apple, celery, winter sky, dijon, matte black, chocolate, rose quartz and oatmeal.

Etsy

Personalized Vintage Suitcase

$287.88

Know anyone who needs a nice luggage set? This vintage, personalized suitcase from Etsy includes a matching hat box. The set is available in a handful of colors including pink, blue, green, plaid and floral.

Nixon

Nixon Sentry Chrono Watch

$350

Smart watches are great, but there’s nothing like a classic timepiece. Nixon’s Sentry Chrono watch features a 45mm dial, stainless steel case and double-lock clasp. The watch is available in gunmetal, matte black/gold, gold/blue-sunray, all gold, and all gold/black.

Amazon

MyPupSocks Personalized Graduation 2023 Blanket, 30×40

$16.99

Personalized gifts are the absolute best! This graduation blanket is available in 30 different colors and designs and in five different sizes. The blanket pictured above measures 30 inches x 40 inches.

Best Buy

Sonos Era 300 Speaker

$449

Gift a grad with rich, immersive sound in the form of a 9.85 pound speaker. Sonos Era 300 offers up wall-to-wall sound without taking up too much space. Available in black or white, Era 300 can power through all of your favorite playlists with ease. It’s equipped with dual woofers, four tweeters and compatible with Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal and Amazon Music. If you’re shopping for a handheld, portable bluetooth speaker, try the Marshall Emberton. 

Amazon

Graduation Party Decorations – 2PCs Signature Board for Class of 2023

$12.99 $20.00 35% OFF

The nice thing about this graduation board is that it works as a party favor, a personalized grad gift or a fun alternative to the typical graduation book. The board measures 11 inches x 17 inches and at less than $15, you’ll have room in the budget for a second gift.

Amazon

I Graduated Can I Go Back To Bed Now T-Shirt Graduation T-Shirt

$19.95

It’s not easy crossing the finish line. Gift your grad with a funny T-shirt that expresses just how it feels to pass all of your classes and walk the graduation stage. This cotton tee is available in 10 different colors and in sizes ranging from S-3X Large.

New Balance

New Balance Unisex 580

$129.99

A fresh pair of kicks for the graduate! New Balance‘s Unisex 580’s features an OG design with a modern upgrade. The retro-style shoe is available in blue and black.

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs Medium Tote Bag

$195

The Tote Bag by Marc Jacobs has an adjustable strap providing convenient carrying capabilities for the roomy canvas tote that folds flat for easy storage or travel. This tote is available at MarcJacobs.com, Nordstrom, Amazon and other retailers.

Masterclass

Masterclass

$15/month $

Yes, it might seem odd to gift classes to a new graduate, but this isn’t your average course! Choose from over 150 classes in categories that include music, wellness, sports & gaming, writing, science & tech, business, arts and entertainment. Mariah Carey, John Legend, Questlove, Christina Aguilera, Gordon Ramsay, Gloria Steinem, Hillary Clinton, Bill Nye, and Lewis Hamilton are some of the popular Masterclass courses available.

Amazon

Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Pro chip with 10‑core CPU and 16‑core GPU: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage. Works with iPhone/iPad; Space Gray

$1,935.50

For the post-grad in need of a new computer, MacBooks are among the best. This 2023 model is equipped with a 14.2-inch display screen and the Apple-designed M2 Pro chip offering a faster and more improved CPU, GPU and machine learning performance.

Amazon

Google Pixel 7-5G Android Phone – Unlocked Smartphone with Wide Angle Lens and 24-Hour Battery – 128GB – Snow

$559.99 $599.00 7% OFF

If you happen to know a grad who needs a new smartphone, Google Pixel 7 is worth every penny.

Walmart

Sony PS5

$489.55

Speaking of gaming, perhaps you know someone who wants a new Playstation? There’s no denying that the PS5 is still one of the hottest consoles on the market. Find more PS5 retailers here and click here to shop TVs on sale.

Amazon

Dowinx Gaming Chair Type LS-6689

$248.18 $289.99 14% OFF

Having the right equipment can vastly improve your game. This gaming chair makes a nice graduation gift for gamers and it’s one of the more affordable, and highly-rated options that you’ll find at Amazon. It features an ergonomic design with an adjustable, swivel seat and a weight capacity of 350 pounds. Find more gaming gift ideas and deal at Amazon’s Gaming Week hub.

23 May 2023

Cord Cutting? Here Are the Most Affordable Streaming Options for Live TV

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.

Thinking about switching from cable to a streaming platform? Cutting the cord is a lot easier than you might think and can save you more on your monthly bill than certain basic cable plans.

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For TV lovers who want to make the leap to streaming, we’re breaking down some of the best platforms for live TV. Check below for a roundup of streaming options that range from $25 a month up to $150 a month. The services recommended below offer month-to-month subscription plans that can be canceled at any time.

From Fubo to Peacock: Best Streaming Services for Live TV

Though major league streamers like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Paramount+ produce mostly on-demand content, YouTube TV, Sling TV and Philo, and DirectTV Stream are some of the more affordable options for live content.

If you’re on a tight budget, Philo TV is the cheapest among the plans on our list at $25/month after a one-week free trial. Stream 70+ channels including MTV, BET, A&E, Food Network, Discovery, Hallmark, ID, Nickelodeon, OWN, AMC, IFC, Lifetime, WeTV, HGTV, Comedy Central, Hallmark, TLC, TV One, OWN and the Paramount Network. Philo also comes with unlimited DVR and like all other streamers, you can watch content from any compatible device.

Philo TV

$25/month after 7-day free trial

When it comes to sports, it can be tricky finding an affordable streamer that offers your favorite games and other sporting events along with other channels. Thankfully, Fubo has a bit of everything.

Sports fans can stream NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games along with NASCAR, MLS, MMA, tennis, soccer, boxing, golf, college sports and more on Fubo. Plans start at $76 a month (after the free trial) to access over 156 channels and 100+ sporting events. Watch ABC, NBC, Fox and CBS, along with MLB Network, Golf TV, NBA League Pass and other sports-only channels in addition to MTV, ESPN, VH1, E!, FX, MSNBC, TLC, MGM+, Paramount Network, TV Land, TRVL channel, USA, Bravo, Telemundo and more.

The subscription includes 1,000 hours of DVR space and family share to simultaneously stream on up to 10 screens at home and two outside of your home internet network.

Want more channels? Subscribe to Fubo Elite and stream 224 channels for $84.99/month or join Fubo Premier to access 233 channels for $94.99/month (and free Showtime). Fubo’s Spanish Only plan is $24.99/month to stream 52 channels, 250 hours of cloud DVD and up to two screens.

Fubo TV

$74.99

On the scale of affordability, Sling TV rivals Philo as streaming plans start at $30 for your first month ($40 after). Sling’s Orange plan includes 31 channels — Bravo, ID, AMC, BET, ESPN, TLC, A&E, BET, TNT, TCM, FX, E!, Freeform, HLN, HGTV, etc. — 50 hours of DVR storage and one device stream. The Blue plan unlocks access to 42 channels, three device streams and 50 hours of DVR. The Orange and Blue plan comes with 48 channels for $50 a month.

Sling TV

$30 $40 25% off% OFF

Hulu is one of the oldest platforms in the streaming realm (subscribe for $2/month for three months) and one of the more affordable. Hulu + Live TV is $69.99 a month for 75+ channels and Hulu’s on-demand streaming library where you’ll find exclusives like The Kardashians, ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Kourtney & Travis, White Men Can’t Jump, How I Met Your Father, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Clearing and Only Murders in the Building. Hulu + Live TV also includes ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, NTVM BETM ESPN, ID, HGTV, Own, USA, TRVL channel, Oxygen, FX, Freeform and more; along with access to Disney+ and ESPN+.

DirectTV Stream plans start at $64.99/month to stream 75+ live channels and DVR recordings. Subscribe to the Premier plan and stream 150+ live channels, plus free Max, Showtime and Starz. The Choice and Ultimate plans range from $85-$110 per month for up to 140+ channels.

Streamers That Offer Live Channels

One of the perks of Peacock is that you’ll get a good mixture of live and on-demand content for $4.99/ month for ad-supported streaming but Peacock Premium subscribers can enjoy live access to NBC and commercial-free streaming for $9.99/month. Peacock gives you next-day access to current NBC programs; Premier League, WWE, Sunday Night Football, Indy 500 and other sporting events; plus movies, beloved TV shows (including Yellowstone) and original series such as Bel-Air, Poker Face, Bupkis, Ms. Davis and episode of Bravo shows like Vandperpump Rules and Below Deck.

Peacock Premium

$9.99/month

Prime Video has live CBS stations, depending on your streaming plan. Add Paramount+ to your Prime channels (or subscribe separately) to access your local CBS channel along with hit shows, movies, soccer and other sports.

Paramount+ Premium

$9.99/month after free 7-day trial

Some of the shows and movies currently streaming on Paramount+ include Fatal Attraction, The Family Stone, Rabbit Hole, School Spirits, Star Trek: Picard, 1923, 1883, Mayor of Kingstown, Seal Team, Star Trek Discovery, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Why Women Kill, Scream VI, Dungeons & Dragons and 80 for Brady.

23 May 2023

Sony Music Chairman Urges Streamers to Regulate ‘Poor Quality Content,’ Strikes Positive Note on AI

Sony Music Group chairman Rob Stringer said on Tuesday (May 23) that the company is focused on the fight against low-quality content — which he called ”the lowest common denominator” — flooding top streaming platforms.

“We have to look after the premium quality artists at the top of our business,” Stringer said during a company-wide presentation to investors. “We think that’s what draws people to [digital service providers].”

It’s top Sony artists like Harry Styles, Beyonce, SZA and Miley Cyrus who draw subscribers to the streaming platforms, Stringer said, before calling on those platforms to regulate “poor quality content” and streaming fraud and/or move to new payment models that disincentivize that content.

Stringer was also peppered with questions about artificial intelligence and the impact it may have on Sony, for better or worse. Striking an overall positive tone, Stringer said he’s optimistic about the ways in which AI can be used to police the unauthorized use of Sony’s copyrighted material and to enhance musicians’ artistry.

“We’re in the early stages of AI in terms of how it can be developed for the music business,” Stringer said. “We are particularly interested in the tech that can protect our content so that when musical content goes through the generative AI process we basically know if it’s our content or not. We are particularly interested in how we tag our content” for this reason.

In prepared remarks during the presentation, Stringer also said AI will help uncover greater levels of insight and potentially new licensing channels and “avenues for commercial exploitation.”

“There is a lot of opportunity in this area to be excited about throughout our company,” he said. “We are greatly aware of the challenges ahead too. We will protect our creators on every level possible whether it be creative, financial or legal in basis. Infringement and unauthorized usage of their rights should be the basis for a unique new set of artist and songwriter protections industry-wide. Tech does not simply overrule art.”

23 May 2023

Rosalia Slams ‘Disgusting’ Artist Who Shared Photoshopped NSFW Photos of Her

Rosalía is seemingly standing up for herself after artist JC Reyes attempted to benefit from her fame by posting photoshopped nude photos of her on social media.

“Ir a buscar clout faltando el respeto y sexualizando a alguien es un tipo d violencia y da asco pero hacerlo por 4 plays de + lo q da es pena,” the Spanish superstar tweeted on Tuesday (May 23). In English, the tweet translates to: “Going to look for clout by disrespecting and sexualizing someone is a type of violence and it’s disgusting, but doing it for four more plays is embarrassing.”

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According to Rolling Stone, altered versions of this photo set — making the singer look naked — were shared to Reyes’ Instagram Stories, but have since been removed. The publication noted that in a subsequent live stream, Reyes implied that the “Chicken Teriyaki” singer sent the photos to him. “I can’t be posting photos of a woman who sends that to me. That would be shameless. I was just thinking about how bad she felt. It wasn’t for her to get so upset about it,” he said in Spanish during the video.

Rosalía, meanwhile, is happily engaged to fellow Latin star Rauw Alejandro, which she revealed back in March. For a recent Billboard interview, Rauw admitted it was “100 percent, without a doubt, love at first sight.”

“Not at first sight, [but] from the photo I was already in love with you,” he shared, to which the “Despechá” singer replied, “Me too, since I heard your name.”

23 May 2023

Swizz Beatz ft. Jadakiss, Benny The Butcher & Scar Lip “Take ‘Em Out,” Dave East ft. Katt Rockell “Feel Like” & More | Daily Visuals 5.23.23

HipHopWired Featured Video

Swizz Beatz has been blessing Hip-Hop with exceptional production for a few decades now and if he calls on your number to drop a hot 16, you better bring that heat because the culture will call you out for lacking on a Swizz beat.

Luckily for us, the OG Ruff Rydin’ producer recruited the likes of Jadakiss, Benny The Butcher and Scar Lip for his black-and-white visuals to “Take ‘Em Out,” who set the microphone ablaze with their bars as chaos erupts out in the streets of New York.

Keeping the scene in New York, Dave East keeps his video grind going and in his latest clip to the Katt Rockell assisted “Feel Like,” the Harlem representative takes to the streets of his neighborhood to kick it with his peoples while onlookers pull out their phones to capture a celebrity in the wild.

Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from GloRilla, Key Glock, and more.

SWIZZ BEATZ FT. JADAKISS, BENNY THE BUTCHER & SCARLIP – “TAKE ‘EM OUT”



DAVE EAST FT. KATT ROCKELL – “FEEL LIKE”



GLORILLA – “LICK OR SUM”



KEY GLOCK – “WORK”



PARIS TEXAS – “BULLET MAN”



FREDO BANG – “ON DAT”



SOFAYGO – “YE”



SHORDIE SHORDIE – “BETTER WITH EACH OTHER”



23 May 2023

SNIPES Pro Breaking Tour To Embark On 12-City Cross Country Journey

HipHopWired Featured Video

young boy dancing in the street breakdane

SNIPES, the leading one-stop shop for fresh apparel and footwear, has long kept shoppers looking fly when it comes to the latest in streetwear fashion. SNIPES is now putting its support behind the Pro Breaking Tour, which just announced a 12-city nationwide tour featuring some of the best breaking dancers from around the world.

The Pro Breaking Tour is one of the leading breaking competitions, expanding its reach around the globe. Working with big sponsors in the past, the tour is excited to name SNIPES as a sponsor given the connection to street style and fashion.

The tour will make its first stop at Massive Monkees Day in Seattle, Wash on May 28. Most major markets will be included on this tour before it ends this fall in Los Angeles.

Beginning on May 27 during Memorial Day Weekend, preliminary competition battles will take place at Pier 62. The main event takes place on May 28 at the Neptune Theatre. The following day (May 29), Massive Monkees, one of Seattle’s most legendary breaking crews, will host a youth battle at Seattle Center followed by a community party and BBQ at Jefferson Park the same day.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Pro Breaking Tour,” Paula Barbosa, VP of Marketing for SNIPES, said in a statement. “Breaking is an essential part of our culture and the sneaker community. Our passion for style and self-expression aligns with the spirit of breaking. Our partnership is a natural fit, and we can’t wait to see what we will achieve together.”

“Breaking has always been an art form that reflects the diverse cultures and communities from which it originates,” Chris “Cros One” Wright from the Pro Breaking Tour, added in the statement. “We are excited to partner with Snipes to bring our events to even more fans across the country. Together, we will continue to elevate breaking to new heights.”

These days, Breaking is more than just a street dance art form that got its start in the early 1970s as part of Hip-Hop’s continuing evolution. Breaking will now be seen on the world stage in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as a medal event, pushing the style of dance to heights never before achieved.

The tour dates are listed out below. Learn more about the events at this link or on the Pro Breaking Tour Instagram page.

· Massive Monkees Day – Seattle WA – May 28th

· Rock City – Los Angeles, CA – July 1st

· United Styles – Boston, MA – July 16th

· Deuces Wild – Atlanta, GA – August 19th

· Who Got the Props – Detroit, MI – September 2nd

· Philly Open – Philadelphia, PA – Sept 9th

· Bboy City – Austin, TX – Sept 23rd-24th

· Pro Breaking Tour Invitational – Miami, FL – TBA

· Pro Breaking Tour Open – New York, NY – Oct TBA

· Temple Rock – Miami, FL – October 21st-22nd

· Freestyle Session World Finals – Los Angeles, CA – November 11th-12th

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Photo: Alberto Menendez / Getty

23 May 2023

Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs Brand Heads to Sephora U.K.

Lady Gaga‘s makeup empire is expanding. The superstar revealed on Tuesday (May 23) that her Haus Labs beauty brand is heading across the pond to Sephora U.K. on June 6.

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In a video shared to social media, the “Bad Romance” singer is seen dancing with various models against a mint-colored background, holding various products from the makeup line. “UK, are you ready for our supercharged artistry makeup? ?? @HausLabs is launching exclusively at Sephora UK in-store and online on June 6, and we can’t wait for you to join us,” the caption reads, before encouraging fans to sign up for the waitlist.

The announcement comes after Gaga teased the news through a cryptic video in which she’s seen tapping a spoon on her cup of tea. She then takes a big sip, before shrugging her shoulders and putting her index finger up to her lips in a “Shhh” gesture. 

The Haus Labs makeup brand relaunched in 2022 and has skyrocketed in popularity ever since. Many of the innovative products go viral on TikTok, including the wide range of foundations and illuminating blushes, colorful lip crayons, glosses and everything in between.

See below for Gaga’s Sephora U.K. announcement. For U.S. customers, Haus Labs is available to shop on Sephora’s website here.

@ladygaga

UK, are you ready for our supercharged artistry makeup? ?? @HausLabs is launching exclusively at Sephora UK in-store and online on June 6, and we can’t wait for you to join us! Sign up for the waitlist on sephora.co.uk to shop the moment we drop! xx, LG

♬ original sound – ladygaga

23 May 2023

Here’s What the Jonas Brothers Almost Named ‘The Album’

Jonas Brothers took to social media on Tuesday (May 23) to reveal the alternate title the band almost chose for their new studio set The Album.

The pop trio shared the nugget after one fan asked on Twitter, “If The Album wasn’t called the album what would you name it,” prompting them to reply, “We actually almost named it ‘Blue Jeans and Marijuana.’”

The line is borrowed from the opening lyrics of album cut “Americana,” on which they sing, “Americana, blue jeans and marijuana/ Type of friends that show their love by picking on ya/ On the phone or on the lawn or on the corner/ Springsteen to Billie Jean,” over plucky acoustic guitar.

Plenty of Jonatics replied to the tweet with their own ideas for The Album’s other titles, including “The 7th Album” in hilarious reference to the bridge of the JoBros’ early hit “Year 3000.” (“I took a trip to the year 3000/ This song had gone multi-platinum/ Everybody bought our seventh album/ It had outsold Kelly Clarkson.”)

Containing singles “Wings” and “Waffle House,” The Album bowed at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 (chart dated May 27) behind Morgan Wallen’s seemingly unstoppable One Thing at a Time and Taylor Swift’s Midnights and also earned the trio their fourth consecutive No. 1 on the Top Album Sales chart, following 2008’s A Little Bit Longer, 2009’s Lines, Vines & Trying Times and their 2019 comeback effort Happiness Begins.

On Tuesday night, the JoBros are set to return to their New Jersey roots for a special concert at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City ahead of kicking off their North American tour in support of The Album later this summer with two back-to-back shows at Yankee Stadium.

Check out the Jonas Brothers’ original idea for the name of The Album below.