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Dee-1 has always been positioned as a Hip-Hop artist with a message, and few have shown the level of conviction and criticism that he has for the music and culture of Hip-Hop. While attending Dreamville Festival last weekend, Dee-1 graciously gave us a few minutes of his time and shared details of his upcoming album, Hypocritical Hop.
While backstage at the Dreamville Festival, Dee-1’s towering frame and his always observant stance stood out, and as we approached him for questions, we asked what brought him to the festival.
“One of the things I’ve learned as an artist is the power of networking,” he began. “Getting out there helps because people can see my face and hold a conversation with me, and that helps in turn with the other work that I do.”
The former schoolteacher turned musical artist then explained the similarities of leading the youth in the position of guidance and leadership, and how that translates into his current role as a front-facing media figure.
“It’s very similar. As an artist and teacher, you have an audience that you can either pour positivity and light into them, or pour negativity and destruction into them,” he explained. “In both roles, I recognized that early on.”
In recent times, Dee-1 has been an unspoken critic of Hip-Hop music and culture, with some supporting his views while others find his critiques too harsh. When asked about the state of things, the L.O.A.D.E.D. artist did not mince his words.
“Whenever I see a problem, I feel compelled to be part of the solution,” he said. “It’s a huge problem in Hip-Hop, and I don’t even call it Hip-Hop anymore. I call it ‘hypocritical hop.’ What some of the culture has turned into with the glorification of murdering each other, the glorification of selling dope, or being a drug addict, that ain’t Hip-Hop!”
Dee-1 added that to support this line of thought, his latest album will be titled Hypocritical Hop, and he intends to release the project on Juneteenth of this year.
In closing, we asked Dee-1 to share a message with our readers as we came to the end of our interview.
“Don’t allow the distractions of the world, which are delicious distractions; they taste good, they look good, they smell good, but don’t allow those things to deter you from your God-given purpose,” he stated. “We were put here by God for God’s glory, and it’s that simple. Because God loves us, he gives us free will and autonomy, but don’t fall in love with any of these creations more than you love the creator.”
To learn more about Dee-1 and follow his journey, click here.
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Photo: Paras Griffin / Getty
Ravyn Lenae is officially a Billboard Hot 100-charting artist, as she scores her first career entry on the April 12, 2025-dated survey with “Love Me Not.”
Released in May 2024 on Atlantic Records, the song debuts at No. 81 almost entirely from its 6.3 million official U.S. streams (up 17% week-over-week) March 28-April 3, according to Luminate. The song was the lead single from Lenae’s sophomore album, Bird’s Eye, which she released last August.
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The Chicago native released a remix of the song, featuring Rex Orange County, in October. (Both versions of the song are combined into one listing on Billboard’s charts.)
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“Love Me Not” hits the Hot 100 nearly a year after its release after going viral on TikTok. The song picked up steam on the platform in January after users began making mashups of it with Solange’s “Losing You.” TikTokers also checked out the original “Love Me Not,” which has now soundtracked over 320,000 clips on the platform to date.
“Love Me Not” is also growing globally, rising 135-95 on the latest Billboard Global 200 chart and 200-149 on Global Excl. U.S.
“Love Me Not” was produced by DJ DaHi, Craig Balmoris and Ritz Reynolds. It earns DJ DaHi his 25th production credit on the Hot 100. He first charted via Drake’s “Worst Behavior” in 2013 and has since produced hits by acts including Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Big Sean, 21 Savage and J. Cole. Two of his entries have reached the top 10: Lamar, BLXST and Amanda Reifer’s “Die Hard” (No. 5 peak, 2022) and Lamar’s “Wacced Out Murals” (No. 4, 2024).
Balmoris adds his sixth production credit on the Hot 100 with “Love Me Not,” following four recorded by Lamar (including “Wacced Out Murals” and the No. 9-peaking “Man at the Garden” last year) and one by Hozier (“Empire Now,” 2024). Ritz Reynolds scores his first production billing on the chart.
Lenae first appeared on Billboard’s charts nearly two and a half years ago with “Skin Tight,” featuring Stevy Lacy. The track debuted on Adult R&B Airplay in November 2022 and climbed to No. 1 the following May, becoming her first leader on any list. It also reached No. 21 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. She also posted her first entry on Hot R&B Songs last August with the No. 21-peaking “One Wish,” featuring Childish Gambino.
Fifteen people have been confirmed dead and over 100 have been hospitalized early Tuesday when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub, a well-known venue in Santo Domingo, collapsed during a live performance.
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Authorities have launched extensive search and rescue efforts, with more than 100 individuals transported to hospitals across the city as emergency teams continue working to locate survivors beneath the rubble.
“We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations.
Among the injured is merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof collapsed, officials said.
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President Luis Abinader wrote on X that all rescue agencies are “working tirelessly” to help those affected.
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred,” he wrote.
Abinader arrived at the scene and hugged those looking for friends and family, some with tears streaming down their faces. He did not speak to reporters.
An official with a megaphone stood outside the club imploring the large crowd that had gathered to search for friends and relatives to give ambulances space.
“You have to cooperate with authorities, please,” he said. “We are removing people.”
At one hospital where the injured were taken, an official stood outside reading aloud the names of survivors as a crowd gathered around her and yelled out the names of their loved ones.
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the roof to collapse.
This is a developing story.
Natti Natasha, Ha*Ash and Belinda will be honored at the third annual Billboard Latin Women in Music event, Billboard and Telemundo announced on Tuesday (April 8). The artists join Olga Tañón, Chiquis and Anitta, who were previously announced as honorees for this year.
Hosted by Mexican star Ana Bárbara, the two-hour ceremony will air live exclusively on Telemundo on April 24 at 9 p.m. ET and will celebrate “groundbreaking women shaping the future of Latin music,” according to a press statement. The show will also stream on the Telemundo app, Universo and Peacock.
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Dominican hitmaker Natti Natasha will be honored with the Unstoppable Artist Award, a nod to her sustained influence in the music industry. Natti initially burst onto the Billboard charts when she earned her first No. 1 in 2012 as a featured artist on Don Omar’s hit “Dutty Love.” Since then, she has amassed 34 career entries on the overall Latin Airplay ranking, including 17 top 10 hits, 10 of which soared to No. 1.
On the album front, her debut studio project, Iluminatti, reached new heights in 2019, breaking into the top 10 on both the Top Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums charts, with a peak at No. 3. More recently, her LP Natti Natasha en Amargue, produced by Romeo Santos, earned her a top 10 debut on the Tropical Albums chart.
Sister-duo Ha*Ash, comprised of Hanna and Ashley, will receive the Unbreakable Award, celebrating the collaboration between Latin women artists who have made an indelible impact on the music industry. Honored for their resilience, innovation and empowerment, Ha*Ash made an impressive debut in 2004, scoring their first top 10 hit on Latin Pop Airplay with “Estés Donde Estés,” which peaked at No. 9.
Over the years, they have proven their staying power, accumulating a total of 16 entries on the chart, four of which reached the top 10. The sisters recently made a notable comeback with “El Cielo Te Mandó Para Mí,” a standout track from Haashville, which reached a No. 7 high on Latin Pop Airplay. Currently, the duo is on their Haashville Tour across the U.S. and Canada
Meanwhile, Belinda is set to be honored with the Evolution Award, a special honor that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional growth, transformation, and innovation throughout their artistic journey, and an enduring impact and commitment to evolving their vision and voice. Belinda’s self-titled debut album catapulted her into the spotlight in 2003, earning her a first top 10 entry on a Billboard chart as the set reached a high of No. 6 on the Latin Pop Albums tally.
Since then, she’s had three additional top 10 albums, including Catarsis, which peaked at No. 2 in 2013. Showcasing versatility, Belinda has most recently dabbled in regional Mexican music, specifically in corridos bélicos, collaborating with the likes of Natanael Cano, Tito Double P and Netón Vega.
As previously announced, Anitta will receive the Vanguard Award, Chiquis the Impact Award and Olga Tañón will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, with the remaining honors to be announced soon.
Eric Andre has a well-earned reputation as a guy who is not afraid to try just about anything once. Well, except for going on a date with Madonna. On Monday night’s (April 7) Jimmy Kimmel Live! the Bombing With Eric Andre podcast host revealed that “Madonna has a bit of a crush on me.” In […]
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Nintendo / Nintendo Switch 2
Unfortunately, Nintendo is sticking to its no-achievement formula for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Switch 2 will not join PlayStation and Xbox because Nintendo is sticking to its guns by not adding its own version of achievements. Nintendo confirmed the sad news in a recent interview with Polygon.
Nintendo’s vice president of player and product experience simply said “Nope” when Polygon asked if potential Switch 2 owners can expect to see trophies or achievements on the console.
With the Switch 2 passing on an achievement system, the console stays in line with its predecessor by leaving the ball in the developer’s courts to implement their own in-game trophies.
Ubisoft already does that with Ubisoft Connect, which rewards players for completing tasks in their games and gives them points they can redeem and use towards in-game purchases. Those achievements do pop up while playing games on the Switch.
But there is some sliver of an achievement system when you play the Switch 2 versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild and Tears of The Kingdom.
The company revealed that players will earn medals for completing in-game tasks like traveling long distances or collecting large amounts of rupees via Zelda Notes inside the Nintendo app.
You can also compare your progress to that of other players globally.
We guess it’s a start, but honestly, Nintendo needs to stop being stubborn about achievements. Players do enjoy them, and they keep playing games for a longer period of time.
Who wouldn’t want to see a trophy pop for collecting all 900 Korok Seeds in Breath of The Wild?
We’re just saying.
Metallica will be teaming up with the American Red Cross for blood drives on the upcoming spring 2025 U.S. dates on the band’s ongoing M72 tour. The band announced on Monday (April 7) that its foundation, All Within My Hands, will be encouraging fans at select shows on their spring run to give blood to […]
First the good news. Adam Levine confirmed on Monday night’s (April 7) Tonight Show that Maroon 5 will be be back in our ears this year. The bad news is that, for now, the details are a bit fuzzy. “I am gonna confirm the rumors are true,” Levine said to huge shouts from the studio […]
In Monday night’s (April 7) episode of American Idol, Jelly Roll returned to the franchise as its first-ever artist-in-residence, offering support, wisdom and one unforgettable surprise during one of the most intense rounds yet.
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With 42 contestants still vying for just 20 remaining spots in the Top 24, the singers faced an overnight duet challenge that tested their stamina, chemistry, and vocal control.
Jelly Roll, who has become one of country music’s biggest breakout stars, didn’t just coach from the sidelines — he helped elevate the emotional stakes of the episode. After contestants Breanna Nix and Rylie O’Neill bonded over their shared experiences as mothers and performed Brandon Lake’s Christian worship anthem “Gratitude,” Jelly Roll paused the judges’ feedback to surprise them with a live FaceTime call from the songwriter himself.
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“That was the most gorgeous version of ‘Gratitude’ I’ve ever heard,” Lake said.
Carrie Underwood, visibly moved, praised both women. “I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you. It is a brave thing to do… I want to tell you that I’m proud of you guys.”
Only one could move forward, and while both performances struck a chord, the judges advanced Breanna Nix into the Top 24, prompting her to collapse to the stage in tears.
Elsewhere, controversy stirred as Baylee Littrell — son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell — advanced despite a shaky performance alongside standout vocalist Keilene. While Keilene delivered a powerful version of “Shallow,” the judges focused on Baylee’s ability to perform with a partner.
“It was not a unanimous decision,” Underwood warned him. “So moving forward, I need you to step it up.”
The final Top 24 includes Thunderstorm Artis, Ché, Breanna Nix, Slater Nalley, Olivier Bergeron, and more. Their next stop? Hawaii’s Aulani Resort, with performances airing April 13 and 14 on ABC.
Speaking to Billboard during a recent sit-down interview, Jelly Roll said, “Hollywood Week is even more chaotic than what you see on TV. The episodes are pretty chaotic, but the camera can’t catch all of the chaos.“
“I love it because it reminds me of the music business. It’s real. They’re not hazing these kids. This is stuff that happens in our business all the time. I can’t wait for the world to see this – the show brings me in when the kids are picking their head-to-head songs, so I am in the trenches with these babies. I watch them pick their songs. I give them advice and I catch them picking their partners. Some of them probably picked the wrong partner,” he shared.
Britton Moore stepped into unfamiliar territory during The Voice Season 27 Knockouts — and came out with a win.
The 21-year-old Texan, known for his pop-leaning vocals, embraced his country roots on Monday’s (April 7) episode with a soaring, heartfelt rendition of Zac Brown Band’s “Free,” drawing major praise from all four coaches.
Moore, who originally turned four chairs in the Blind Auditions with Coldplay’s “Yellow,” delivered a masterclass in control and tone, earning him the Knockout win over teammate Ari Camille.
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“There’s this youthful beauty and this clear gorgeous tone,” said coach Michael Bublé following Moore’s performance. John Legend added, “It was like pitch-perfect, but also you made some really great stylistic choices.”
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Coach Kelsea Ballerini was so impressed with his precision that she joked, “Every note is so crisp and perfect, it’s almost like you’re self-auto-tuned.” Legend jumped in with a laugh, calling Moore “God-o-tuned.”
Coach Adam Levine, who had to make the final call between Moore and Camille, didn’t hold back in his praise. “You just sing the living crap out of everything you sing,” he told Moore, ultimately declaring him the winner of the round.
In a feel-good twist, John Legend used his only steal of the round to keep Camille in the competition, bringing her back to his team for the Playoffs.
Moore’s Knockout performance marked his first time singing country on the show, despite growing up in Texas with a strong appreciation for the genre. His version of “Free,” originally released on The Foundation in 2008 by Zac Brown Band, stayed true to the original’s spirit while infusing his smooth vocals and gentle grit.
The young artist has impressed week after week this season. During the Battles, he delivered a haunting version of Radiohead’s “Creep,” with Bublé exclaiming, “You hit that top note!” and Legend calling his vocal power “stunning.”