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Shane Gillis is pumped to host Saturday Night Live for the second time this weekend, but the cast members are still in recovery. In a new promo for the upcoming episode, Gillis walks backstage at Studio 8H with cast member Ashley Padilla, who asks how the comedian is feeling about his upcoming hosting gig. “I’m […]
The Lumineers’ Automatic debuts in the top 10 of multiple Billboard charts dated March 1, paced by its No. 2 starts on the Top Rock Albums and Americana/Folk Albums tallies. In the week ending Feb. 20, Automatic, The Lumineers’ fifth studio album, starts with 29,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S., according to Luminate. […]
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Source: Tom Williams / Getty / Jasmine Crockett
Democratic Congresswoman and political star Jasmine Crockett kept it real when asked what she would say if she had the opportunity to speak with Elon Musk directly.
Crockett spoke for many Americans who are no fans of Donald Trump, especially Elon Musk, following the ridiculously mass firings within the federal government due to federal budget cuts made by Musk’s DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency).
In a video that has since gone viral on X, formerly Twitter, Crockett was asked “”If you could speak directly to Elon Musk, what would you say?”
Without any hesitation, Crockett responded, “F*** off.”
The Texas politician has been making a name for herself for the verbal takedowns of her MAGA rivals like Marjorie Taylor Green, Nancy Mace, Trump, and now Musk.
As expected, many appreciated Crockett for saying what many would love to tell the Tesla chief to his face.
“Patriot. She has more cojones than every single republican in congress,” one user on X said.
Another user added, “i’m sorry but my favorite thing about her is that she doesn’t give a singular f**k.
Writer and director Matthew A. Cherry echoed many folks’ sentiments in his post on X, saying, “I’d vote for her.”
But not everyone is happy with Crockett’s comments. “Jasmine Crockett tells Elon Musk he should “f*** off.” Is this how elected representatives should talk?” the account Road to The Election asked on X.
That’s rich when Donald Trump constantly goes off the rails during his rants; oops, we mean speeches and curses.
Anyway, Jasmine Crockett’s energy towards Donald Trump and the MAGA crew is what’s needed, so we hope she doesn’t change.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
To launch the new series Billboard Live, Isaiah Falls exclusively performs “Diva,” “Butterflies” and an unreleased track. He also sits down with Billboard’s Tetris Kelly to chat about the inspiration behind his music and more!
Isaiah Falls:How are y’all doing? My name is Isaiah Falls, and we’re at Billboard Live. I’m here with The lovers, Luxury Lane, and we’re going to perform a few songs for y’all, so let’s get it.
Isaiah Falls:[Sings “Diva”]
It’s big love over here baby. Shout-out to all my lovers out there. If you know this s–t, vibe with me. We good? Y’all chillin’, that s–t felt amazing man. So my name is Isaiah Falls, and we’re here at Billboard Live. Big shout-out to Billboard. Thank y’all for having us for real. We gon’ get into this next song, it’s one of my favorite songs to perform. This song right here is called “Butterflies.” Man, big shout-out to my sister, Joyce Wright, she couldn’t be here today, but we gon’ rock out, so y’all ready? Let’s vibe.
Isaiah Falls:[Sings “Butterflies”]
Tetris Kelly:What’s up, man? Thank you for bringing the swag to Billboard, man. If i could just have, like, an ounce of that, I would be doing pretty good.
I appreciate that, man. Thank you, brother, I appreciate it for real.
But let’s talk about your swag in general. Listening to your music and watching your performance like in “Diva,” you say, “You know i’m not ashamed to love my b—h.” How are you with that in life and in music?
Keep watching for more!
Andy Reid is not happy about the Taylor Swift slander. The Kansas City Chiefs coach joined NFL on NBC this week for a wide-ranging conversation about the Super Bowl, where he came to the “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” singer’s defense after she was met with boos from the crowd at the […]
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Source: Theo Wargo / Getty
The controversial founder of Fyre Festival announced that the second edition of the concert event will take place on a Mexican island, causing many online to express disbelief.
On Monday (February 24), Fyre Festival founder Billy McFarland announced that the second edition of the ill-fated music fest will take place this year. In a press release that was shared on social media, McFarland stated that it would be a “three-day escape to the Mexican Caribbean where you’ll explore by day alongside your favorite talent and come together at night to celebrate with music,” with patrons being hosted in “world-class accommodations” with the ability to take part in “adventures led by international and local talent, taking guests on boundary-pushing excursions by day and uniting for intimate beach-side performances at night.”
Further details revealed that the festival will be held at Isla Mujeres, a luxury tourist destination just off the coast of Mexico from May 30 to June 2. Specifically, the festival will be staged at “Playa Fyre”, which is just west of Isla Mujeres according to coordinates on the event’s website. The local government of Isla Mujeres stated that it has not received any permits from organizers when contacted by The New York Times. 2,000 tickets are now available, with prices ranging from $1,400 to $1.1 million. The latter price is for an all-inclusive “Prometheus” package promising round-trip airfare from Miami to Cancun as one of the perks.
There are no performers scheduled so far for Fyre Festival 2, and in an interview with NBC’s Today, McFarland said “I’m not in charge of booking the talent,” adding that the musical acts would be from different genres including Hip-Hop, rock and electronic pop. “I’m sure many people think I’m crazy for doing this again. But I feel I’d be crazy not to do it again,” McFarland said in a statement, adding: “After years of reflection and now thoughtful planning, the new team and I have amazing plans for FYRE 2. The adventure seekers who trust the vision and take the leap will help make history. Thank you to my partners for the second chance.”
The news of the festival potentially taking place caught the attention of numerous skeptics online, who had jokes for those considering going to the festival after the first iteration failed spectacularly leading McFarland to spend six years in prison beginning in 2018. He was released in 2022. “We have Trump round 2 so why not Fyre Festival round 2,” wrote Blue Sky user Daniel Braten.
Another week means another new episode of Billboard Unfiltered. This episode was broadcasted live on Wednesday (Feb. 26) with the core four back together.
Drake and PartyNextDoor topped the Billboard 200 with $ome $exy $ongs 4 U earning 246,000 first-week units. The feat brings Drizzy to 14 No. 1 albums, which ties him for the most ever among soloists.
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Deputy Director Damien Scott thinks Drake cracked the code with his album sequencing in the streaming era with Views. “Views, to me, is where Drake figured it out. He’s like, ‘Oh, this long-ass album with a multitude of genres.’ He figured out how to make an album for the way people consume music now and then he kept trying to make that album over and over again,” he said. “He’s never dropped below a certain qualitative point where people are like, ‘I’m not gonna pay attention to this.’ … I’m curious to see what the staying power is.”
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Staff Writer Kyle Denis considered the first-week sales for Drake to be “soft” when comparing to his previous bodies of work. “I’ll never take away this kind of feat. Tying the record for most No. 1 albums by a rapper, that’s something to celebrate about. But at the same time, when you contextualize these numbers they’re kind of soft,” he said. “I think him not clearing 300,000 is pretty surprising to me… This is squarely more in his wheelhouse and he’s still 100K behind his collab albums he did with Future and 21 Savage.”
When looking ahead to the all-time No. 1 albums list, Billboard charts expert Trevor Anderson wonders if Drake albums will continue to remain events. “Will Drake ever come out and it’s eh, fine, top 10 or will they always be events?” Anderson pondered.
Deputy Editor Carl Lamarre reported that he’s hearing that Drake could possibly come with his next heavily-anticipated solo album this summer surrounding his three-night headlining performance across the pond at Wireless Festival.
Meanwhile, J. Cole returned with “Clouds” last week, and it appears a possible feud with Freddie Gibbs is brewing on the horizon. After side-stepping the Kendrick Lamar feud last year, would Cole step into the ring with Freddie Kane?
“If he were to go at Cole, I don’t have any inside information, but I don’t think Cole would be like, ‘I’m alright, man.’ Gibbs is basically calling him a b—h, like you’re not gonna squeeze off with anybody. The dude’s still an amazing rapper,” Scott said. “The circumstances around the Kendrick beef are very particular… It won’t be like that otherwise.”
Ye and The Game also reunited earlier this week and appeared to be using Tina Knowles as the duo’s creative muse while Yeezy teased Game’s The Documentary 3.
“He’s just too old to be acting like this,” Denis said. “45 and 47, really? It’s just so desperate and so pathetic and it’s so clear you want their attention and they haven’t given you it in recent years.”
Watch the full episode below.
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Tobe Nwigwe is no stranger to making statements. Whether through his music, his visuals, or his unmistakable aesthetic, the Houston-based artist has built a movement rooted in authenticity, culture and empowerment. Known for his socially conscious lyrics, intricate wordplay and powerful storytelling, Nwigwe has created a lane that seamlessly fuses hip-hop, African rhythms and spoken-word poetry. Now, he’s taking that same approach to fashion with his first-ever sneaker and apparel collaboration: “Reebok x Chukwu.”Since breaking onto the scene in the mid-2010s, Nwigwe has captivated audiences with his unique sound and bold visuals. His 2020 breakout moment, fueled by viral hits and a distinct creative vision, solidified his place as an artist who refuses to conform. Everything he does carries deeper meaning—from the messages in his songs to the mint green color that has become synonymous with his brand. His music isn’t just about beats and rhymes; it’s a movement that celebrates identity, heritage, and purpose.
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That same energy translates directly into “Reebok x Chukwu.” The collection dropped February 21st and is a tribute to his Nigerian roots, blending archival sportswear aesthetics with modern design. At the center of it all is the Chukwu OTU, a reimagined version of the classic Reebok Preseason Turf Trainer. The name “OTU” means “One” in Igbo, symbolizing unity and greatness—core themes in Nwigwe’s music and personal journey. With a mix of hairy suede, nubuck leather, and textile overlays, the sneaker merges past and present, honoring tradition while pushing the boundaries of style.
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Chukwu Mint Sneaker
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But this isn’t just about footwear. The Chukwu collection also includes a lineup of apparel inspired by sport and culture. The standout piece? A football jersey featuring the number 88 — a tribute to his wife, Fat, and their five children, who are his biggest inspirations. There’s also a heavyweight graphic hoodie, a mock-neck tee and a pair of zip-off pants designed for versatility and so much more products. All executed in Nwigwe’s signature mint green and black. Every detail is intentional, every stitch tells a story.
For me, this collection is an absolute Flex. I need just about everything in it, from the jersey to the OTU sneakers. The design, the storytelling, and the deeper cultural meaning make it more than just another sneaker collab — it’s a true reflection of Tobe’s artistry. If you’re like me, you’ll be online trying to grab every piece before they continue to sell out. The question is: Where do you stand? Is this collection a Flex, a Trade or a Fade?
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Jukebox, a music platform where retail investors can buy royalty shares linked to songs like Adele’s “Rumour Has It” or Taylor Swift’s “Welcome to New York”, has appointed Mike Coppola to be its new CEO and board member, the company announced Wednesday (Feb. 26).
Coppola, previously a senior adviser at the fintech growth fund WestCap who was an executive at TouchTunes when it was acquired by Searchlight Capital, assumed the CEO role in January. He succeeds Scott Cohen, former chief innovation officer at Warner Music Group and co-founder of The Orchard, who has led Jukebox since its launch in 2022.
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Previously referred to as JKBX, Jukebox says it’s entering a pivotal new phase aimed at growing its investor base through partnerships with popular retail brokerages, and Coppola’s background and network is key to developing the company’s market presence and recruiting talent.
“Mike’s proven track record as an operator, driving growth, fostering innovation, and scaling companies across finance and technology makes him the ideal leader for Jukebox’s next chapter,” Sam Hendel, Jukebox’s co-founder/chairman, said in a statement. “Together, we are pioneering an SEC-qualified offering to take music public, unlocking investment opportunities for both institutional and retail investors. Mike is a crucial component in bringing this vision to life, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner leading this charge.”
Founded on the idea that investing in iconic music catalogs should not be exclusively available to record labels, private equity funds and institutional investors, Jukebox launched its first investment offering last year — a Tier 2 Regulation A offering approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Visitors to Jukebox’s website can buy royalty shares in songs like Beyoncé’s “Halo,” Ellie Goulding’s “Burn” and “Lean On,” performed by Major Lazer, MØ and DJ Snake — and, as of this year, they can earn dividends when those songs are played. Through founders Hendel and John Chapman, whose Dundee Partners owns a controlling stake in the catalog investment company Chord, Jukebox has exclusive access to Chord’s 60,000 music copyrights that could be packaged into future offerings.
For now, Coppola tells Billboard they’re focused on growing Jukebox’s market presence and that it’s currently in a pilot phase with one major investment platform. Notably, retail brokerages such as Robinhood, Charles Schwab and Fidelity are expanding their list of alternative investment offerings beyond cryptocurrency to reach eager young investors.
In addition to reaching more investors through inclusion on those investment platforms, Coppola says the company is working through several regulatory steps to develop a secondary marketplace for Jukebox royalty shares.
“It took Jukebox a year and a half to get SEC approval, and the founders here spared no expense … to make sure they could get that done and they did,” says Coppola. “The next thing we have to build is the ability for these securities to be tradable anywhere, and not just on our website.”
Welcome to Billboard Pro’s Trending Up newsletter, where we take a closer look at the songs, artists, curiosities and trends that have caught the music industry’s attention. Some have come out of nowhere, others have taken months to catch on, and all of them could become ubiquitous in the blink of a TikTok clip.
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This week: A viral TikTok is remixed into a best-selling protest song, an indie rock institution is introduced to younger fans (again) through a big movie synch and Philadelphia gets to celebrate yet another February win via a breakout rap hit.
‘Hostile Government Takeover’ Dance Remix Turns Bleak Current Events Into a Bop
A few weeks after Donald Trump returned to the White House and started dismantling norms left and right, the TikTok user AGiftFromTodd recorded a 30-second video of himself getting ready to leave his house while crooning an original song that began with the line, “We’re in the middle of a hostile government takeover/ I wanna talk about it, but I’ll be late for work.” Todd’s soulful alarmism went viral, with thousands of likes and shares on TikTok upon its Feb. 4 upload, and while he posted a few new versions of the song in the following weeks, the one that’s crossed off to streaming services in a major way is an EDM remix that pairs hopelessness with a club thump, courtesy of producer Vinny Marchi.
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“Hostile Government Takeover” by AGiftFromTodd & Vinny Marchi spent a good chunk of last weekend at No. 1 on iTunes, selling 4,800 downloads from Feb. 21-24, according to initial data provided by Luminate. Meanwhile, its streams keep climbing — the dance remix earned 597,000 official U.S. on-demand streams over that four-day span, up from 153,000 streams from the previous Friday-to-Monday tracking period. As the song continues to spread, the good news for Todd Givens Jr. is that the next four years will offer plenty of new material to riff on for follow-ups. – JASON LIPSHUTZ
Yeah Yeah Yeahs ‘Edge’-ing Towards Another Newly Viral Hit Thanks to ‘Gorge’ Synch
If there’s one rock act from 20 years ago that doesn’t especially need any more bumps from newfound Gen Z virality, it’s probably New York’s the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The trio, which reunited in 2022 for its first album together in nearly a decade, spent a stunning eight weeks atop the Billboard TikTok Top 50 chart last year for signature 2003 power ballad “Maps,” racking up millions of streams a week for the revitalized (and re-viralized) hit. Now, the group is surging again with a catalog hit – though this time, it’s not with another decades-old song, but rather a song from that reunion album.
“Spitting Off the Edge of the World,” which was the lead single of 2022’s Cool It Down and featured an assist from acclaimed alt-pop singer-songwriter Perfume Genius, has gotten a big look in Apple TV’s original movie The Gorge, released on Valentine’s Day. The song plays during a pivotal love scene between the film’s co-leads – played by film stars Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy – and it shot to near the top of the Shazam charts almost immediately after the film’s release, still sticking around there a week later, as folks scrambled to find out what the doomy song playing in the action romance was.
A whole lot of those Shazamers undoubtedly ended up streaming “Spitting” as well – as the song racked up 629,000 official on-demand U.S. streams for the tracking week ending Feb. 20, a 375% gain for the song from the previous week, according to Luminate. And many ended up purchasing the song, too: “Spitting” sold nearly 3,000 copies in that week, a massive gain from the just-over-100 it moved the week before, and good enough for a No. 15 debut on the Digital Song Sales chart – the group’s first-ever appearance on that listing. – ANDREW UNTERBERGER
Philly MC Skrilla Taps RWE Basketball Star & TikTok ‘Clipfarming’ for Latest Viral Hit
Last fall (Sept. 9, 2024), a nameless TikTok account uploaded a snippet of a then-unreleased Skrilla song titled “Doot Doot.” The snippet quickly rent viral due to his rambling opening verse, 1ellis’ gritty production and his memorable delivery of the phrase “six, seven.” Since September, the snippet has been used in over 126,000 TikTok posts, eventually giving way to an official DSP release on Feb. 7, 2024.
As the “Doot Doot” snippet continued to make the rounds on TikTok going into 2025, the song earned an unforeseen supporter in Taylor “TK” Kinney, a basketball star for RWE of the Overtime Elite league. Hailing from Newport, Kentucky, the baller has found a way to say “six, seven” in Skrilla’s cadence in nearly every interview from the past few months. The phrase is now synonymous with both TK and Skrilla on socials, and the two young men got to link up in person at an RWE game two weeks ago.
For weeks, TikTok users have been responding positively to TK’s “clip farming” — a practice that basically entails purposely doing something in hopes that it will be clipped and reuploaded across social media – by making edits of his game highlights that are soundtracked by his “six, seven” quip merged with the “Doot Doot” snippet.
According to Luminate, “Doot Doot” earned 1.7 million official on-demand U.S. streams during its first week of released (Feb. 7-13). That figure shot up 105% the following week to over 3.5 million streams. The track has already racked up 3.2 million streams over the first four days of this tracking week (Feb. 21-24), according to initial data provided by Luminate, which marks an 88% jump from the same period the prior week.
With its official music video garnering over 1.26 million YouTube views in just over a week and no signs of slowing down on TikTok, there’s tons of room for Skrilla ‘s latest hit to continue growing. – KYLE DENIS