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20 Feb 2025

President Donald Trump Implies He’s A King For Declaring End To Congestion Pricing, Social Media Reacts

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Trump White Hosue

Source: The Washington Post / Getty

President Donald Trump has sat just over a month in his second term. but already has transformed the fabric of the White House rapidly via several controversial moves and alignments with unelected officials. Taking to his Truth Social platform, President Donald Trump celebrated his move to end congestion pricing in New York and ended his salvo by framing himself a king which sparked some responses on X.

On Wednesday (Feb. 20), President Donald Trump wrote, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!” via Truth Social, sparking immediate backlash on the X platform and other social media spaces. Adding to this, the official Instagram account for the White House shared an AI-generated image of President Trump with a crown affixed to his head.

Trump continued to praise his plans to end the pricing hike for commuters while aboard Air Force 1.

“Congestion pricing is not a good situation. They’re treating the people of New York very badly,” Trump said. “Supposing you worked at a shoe shop or you worked in a restaurant as a waiter, and you have to come into Manhattan and they’re taking, you know, many, many dollars out of your pocket. You can’t afford to do it.”

Congestion pricing, also known as the Central Business District Tolling Program or CBDTP, was approved early last month ahead of Trump’s inauguration and was approved to slow the crush of traffic that slammed the Manhattan business district while promising an impressive influx of cash for the city and state. Further, it incentivized drivers to find alternate and often environmentally safer routes into the city.

New York’s Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Authority (MTA) dug their heels in with a pair of responses decrying Trump’s plans to end congestion pricing.

From Gov. Hochul:

“Since this first-in-the-nation program took effect last month, congestion has dropped dramatically and commuters are getting to work faster than ever. Broadway shows are selling out and foot traffic to local businesses is spiking. School buses are getting kids to class on time, and yellow cab trips increased by 10 percent. Transit ridership is up, drivers are having a better experience, and support for this program is growing every day.

“We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. The MTA has initiated legal proceedings in the Southern District of New York to preserve this critical program. We’ll see you in court.”

On X, many are reacting to President Donald Trump declaring himself a king for the move. We’ve got reactions to the moment below.

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Photo: Getty

20 Feb 2025

President Donald Trump Implies He’s A King For Declaring End To Congestion Pricing, Social Media Reacts

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Trump White Hosue

Source: The Washington Post / Getty

President Donald Trump has sat just over a month in his second term. but already has transformed the fabric of the White House rapidly via several controversial moves and alignments with unelected officials. Taking to his Truth Social platform, President Donald Trump celebrated his move to end congestion pricing in New York and ended his salvo by framing himself a king which sparked some responses on X.

On Wednesday (Feb. 20), President Donald Trump wrote, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!” via Truth Social, sparking immediate backlash on the X platform and other social media spaces. Adding to this, the official Instagram account for the White House shared an AI-generated image of President Trump with a crown affixed to his head.

Trump continued to praise his plans to end the pricing hike for commuters while aboard Air Force 1.

“Congestion pricing is not a good situation. They’re treating the people of New York very badly,” Trump said. “Supposing you worked at a shoe shop or you worked in a restaurant as a waiter, and you have to come into Manhattan and they’re taking, you know, many, many dollars out of your pocket. You can’t afford to do it.”

Congestion pricing, also known as the Central Business District Tolling Program or CBDTP, was approved early last month ahead of Trump’s inauguration and was approved to slow the crush of traffic that slammed the Manhattan business district while promising an impressive influx of cash for the city and state. Further, it incentivized drivers to find alternate and often environmentally safer routes into the city.

New York’s Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Authority (MTA) dug their heels in with a pair of responses decrying Trump’s plans to end congestion pricing.

From Gov. Hochul:

“Since this first-in-the-nation program took effect last month, congestion has dropped dramatically and commuters are getting to work faster than ever. Broadway shows are selling out and foot traffic to local businesses is spiking. School buses are getting kids to class on time, and yellow cab trips increased by 10 percent. Transit ridership is up, drivers are having a better experience, and support for this program is growing every day.

“We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. The MTA has initiated legal proceedings in the Southern District of New York to preserve this critical program. We’ll see you in court.”

On X, many are reacting to President Donald Trump declaring himself a king for the move. We’ve got reactions to the moment below.

—

Photo: Getty

20 Feb 2025

Cloud Music Profit More Than Doubled in 2024 on Subscription Gains

Cloud Music’s revenue from subscriptions grew 22.2% year over year, helping the Chinese music streaming company post a 113% increase in profit, to 1.7 billion RMB ($233.4 million), as revenue increased by only 1%, to 7.95 billion RMB ($1.09 billion), the company announced Thursday (Feb. 20).

Revenue from online music services increased 23.1% to 5.35 billion RMB ($734 million). Subscription revenue increased to 4.46 billion RMB ($612 million) from 3.65 billion RMB ($TK). Social entertainment revenue decreased 26.2% to 2.6 billion RMB ($501 million). The company attributed the decline to “more prudent operational approach” and “a focused emphasis on our core music business.”

The company cited “the rollout of enhanced membership benefits” for the “rapid growth in our subscription-based memberships, further driving robust revenue growth in our core online music business and profitability.” The premium offerings were enhanced with an expanded catalog (including K-pop labels JYP Entertainment and Kakao Entertainment), improved personalized recommendations, “innovative” features and the fostering of a “stronger sense of community,” according to the earnings release.

Trending on Billboard

Improving the user experience and content offerings led to gains in subscriber retention rates, time spent listening and a better gross margin, which jumped to 33.7% from 26.7% in 2023. A one-time adjustment of some content licensing fees increased gross profit margin by approximately 1.3 percentage points.

Cloud Music also expanded its long-form audio content offerings of podcasts and audiobooks. The company launched several podcasts that focus on different music genres, and offered more self-produced audiobook content. Time spent listening to long-form audio jumped 35.8% in 2024.

Looking forward, Cloud Music plans to further differentiate its content offerings, improve its independent artist incubation platform, NetEase Musician, and put greater emphasis on its in-house music production. As hip-hop, rock, Japanese ACG (animation, comics, games) and Western music surged in popularity on Cloud Music, the company added content through a partnership with Modern Sky Entertainment. Cloud Music is also pursuing collaborations with Western artists and recently signed an agreement with U.S. artist Galen Crew.

20 Feb 2025

50 Cent Continues To Troll Lil Meech, Reveals He Was “High As F*** On Set” & Sent Him To Rehab, X Reacts To His Pettiness

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50 Cent Reveals Lil Meech Went To Rehab, X Reacts

Source: Prince Williams / Getty / 50 Cent / Lil Meech

Lil Meech is finding out the hard way that his boss, 50 Cent, has pettiness levels through the roof.

50 Cent is taking his foot off BMF star Lil Meech and his father Big Meech’s necks. The Southside Jamaica Queens rapper shared on social media that the actor has a drug addiction that required him to send him to rehab.

On his favorite tool for antagonizing those he feels have wronged him, 50 Cent accused Big Meech of being jealous of the relationship he developed with his son while filming the hit Starz series BMF, which the rapper, born Curtis Jackson, serves as an executive producer on.

Lil Meech Was Allegedly “High As F*** On Set” According To 50 Cent

He also claimed in the eye-opening post that “MeMe,” that’s what he was calling Lil Meech, had a drug problem while adding that Big Meech did not like the fact that the “Wanksta” rapper helped his son.

“I thought about it I think he was uncomfortable with me and MeMe’s relationship,” 50 Cent wrote. “I’m telling MeMe I don’t want him doing drugs. He telling him he use to do X like it’s cool. I tell meme chill stop spending all ya money, he telling him how much money he blew. people don’t know I had to send MeMe to rehab.”

He continued, “Russell Hornsby peeped he was high as fuck on set he started throwing up at a weapons test then Ian told me the little [ninja] had whippets in his truck.I said what the fvck is whippets I look it’s the shit that be in Bebe guns.”

The post, which is hilariously still up, features a video clip of Gene Deal talking about Big Meech, born Demetrius Flenory Jr., being a snitch and working with “officers,” referring to Rick Ross.

How Did This All Begin?

50 Cent’s continued attacks on Big Meech and Lil Meech stem from his disgust for Big Meech taking a flick with longtime nemesis Rick Ross ahead of the now-canceled Welcome Home Concert and Lil Meech standing up for his dad.

We hope this doesn’t affect the show in any way. We still need our entertainment, Fif.

Social media has been reaction to the ongoing drama between the rapper and the Flenory family, you can see those reactions in the gallery below.

2. Points were made here

3. We guess

20 Feb 2025

‘Billboard Unfiltered’: A$AP Rocky’s Not Guilty Verdict, Reviewing Drake & PartyNextDoor’s ‘$$$4U’

Billboard Unfiltered returned with a new episode on Wednesday (Feb. 19), and instead of the traditional Friday taped release, the crew elected to go with a raw, live version of this week’s show.

Deputy director of R&B/hip-hop Carl Lamarre was back in the saddle after a few weeks off, and he was flanked by staff writer Kyle Denis and senior charts analyst Trevor Anderson.

A$AP Rocky was found not guilty on both counts in the 2021 felony shooting case involving his former friend A$AP Relli (born Terrell Ephron). When the verdict was read, Rocky exhaled and jumped over the railing into the gallery to embrace Rihanna, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.

“Only Rocky and God know the truth here. The way that man was breathing heavy, the way he crowd-surfed over to Ri, he was shaking his boots a little bit,” Denis said. “He got off. I love seeing a brother beat the system.”

Anderson harkened back to right before the trial began, when Rocky shrewdly declined a final plea deal offer, which would have seen him spend 180 days behind bars. “They gambling in that situation and came up big,” he said. “The system played out how it does … Glad they could put this behind them.”

$ome $exy $ongs 4 U arrived on Valentine’s Day, and Denis believes the Drake and PartyNextDoor album didn’t live up to the hype. “I think my biggest issue with the album is it’s really not sexy at all,” he suggested. “Drake using women, love, sex, relationships to get back in the good graces of men whose approval he really wants the most. There’s not much warmth in these songs. Nothing about this makes me want to link with my special somebody and have a night to this album.”

Denis continued: “As a fan, I’ve wanted a Drake-Party album for such a long time, but none of these songs live up to ‘Come and See Me’ or ‘Wednesday Night Interlude.’ … But I don’t think it’s a disaster either.”

Lamarre, a noted OVO fan, thought the album “OK.” “I do wish there was more Party involved,” he said. “Overall, it was OK. There’s probably a good seven or eight songs I will go back. Does this put Drake back in the driver’s seat, culturally speaking? No, it’s still Kendrick.”

Watch the full episode above.

20 Feb 2025

Christian Alicea Signs Label Deal With Rimas Entertainment

Puerto Rican salsa singer Christian Alicea has signed a record deal with Rimas Entertainment, Billboard can announce. The announcement comes ahead of the release of Alicea’s upcoming single “Hello, What’s Up?,” which is set to drop Thursday (Feb. 20) at 7 p.m. ET.

“I’m feeling a lot of emotions but mainly I feel proud,” Alicea said of the deal in a statement. “Proud because it’s been several years of work. Proud of my team because I am surrounded by people who dream together towards the same goal. So many years, so much work, so much sacrifice every day and to know that there are people who are willing to join us, it’s really nice. I hope this is the beginning of something big, something beautiful, not only for Rimas, not only for Therapist [Music], not only for me but also for Latin music and my Puerto Rico.”

“Christian Alicea is an artist with a fresh sound and a unique energy that connects with the public in a special way,” added Rodrigo Prichard, GM at Rimas Entertainment. “We are very excited to join him on this journey and be part of this new salsa movement.”

Trending on Billboard

A leading force among the new generation of salsa hitmakers, Alicea — who was Billboard‘s Latin Artist on the Rise in December — ended 2024 on a high note. His Yo Deluxe set scored a best salsa album nomination at last year’s Latin Grammys, where he also performed alongside superstars Marc Anthony and La India in a riveting salsa number.

Alicea kicked off his music career in 2019 and debuted on the Billboard charts three years later with “Cobarde,” which entered the Tropical Airplay tally in March 2022. He’s since placed seven titles on that chart including “Es Un Secreto” with DJ Buddha, which peaked at No. 6 and also landed on the Latin Airplay chart in September.

“We are thrilled to partner with Rimas Entertainment to amplify Christian Alicea’s incredible talent on a global scale,” said Urales “Dj Buddha” Vargas, who manages Alicea and is CEO/president of Therapist Music. “This new chapter is a testament to the dedication and passion that has fueled his career. Having Loud And Live and now with the powerful Rimas team and our shared vision, the future is brighter than ever for Christian and his music. Thanks to Rodrigo and everyone at Rimas for believing in this project.”

20 Feb 2025

Doechii Calls Hip-Hop an ‘Intellectual Genre,’ Says Assumptions Otherwise Are ‘Rooted in Racism’

Over its 50-plus years in existence, hip-hop has long been underestimated. And in a new interview, Doechii calls it for exactly what it is: racism.

In her new cover story with The Cut published Wednesday (Feb. 19), the Florida native was introspective about her place in a long lineage of rap legends, noting that the ingenuity of her predecessors — shouting out Lauryn Hill, specifically — has historically gone unappreciated. “Old-school hip-hop is vulnerability,” Doechii began.

“I’m gravitating towards the pure skill that was incorporated,” she continued. “Anyone who doesn’t think that hip-hop is an intellectual genre, I think that assumption is rooted in racism.”

Now that she’s taken the baton from the “Ex-Factor” hitmaker, Lil’ Kim, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott and more game-changing women in rap, the “Denial Is a River” artist says she strives to inspire the next generation of young Back girls who love the genre. “The first album I ever purchased and ever remember listening to in full length was The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” she told the publication. “The feeling that I have when I listen to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is the same feeling I want some other Black little girl to have when she listens to me. And in order for her to have that feeling, I have to talk about my feelings.”

The interview arrives just a few weeks after Doechii made history as the third woman to ever win best rap album at the Grammys with Alligator Bites Never Heal, following none other than Ms. Hill and Cardi B. During her acceptance speech, she echoed, “I know there is some Black girl out there [watching], and I want to tell you that you can do it … you are exactly who you need to be.”

Elsewhere in her Cut feature, Doechii recalled her own struggles as a young girl with dreams of being an artist someday. Before she had a spiritual experience in the sixth grade during which her stage name suddenly came to her as if through divine intervention, pulling her out of a dark place. The musician says she “was getting bullied so bad,” she considered suicide.

“[Then] I realized, ‘Oh, f–k, I’m gonna kill myself and then I’m gonna be the only one dead,’” she added. “The bullies aren’t gonna be with me, and everything they said is not coming with me either. I would just be gone. And then I was like, ‘F–k that!’”

If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 for confidential help and support. You can also call or text 988 to get connected to a trained counselor.

See Doechii on the cover of The Cut below.

20 Feb 2025

Premio Lo Nuestro 2025: Full List of Winners (Updating)

The 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony has arrived, and the first winners have been announced on social media. Before noon ET on Thursday (Feb. 20), Carín León had already won two awards, as had Shakira with Cardi B, and more winners will be announced before the ceremony.

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Broadcasting live at 8 p.m. ET from the Kaseya Center in Miami and co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia and Alejandra Espinoza, this year’s gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present and future of Latin music.

Reflecting the diversity of genres including urban, pop, tropical and Mexican music, six of the 44 categories this year are new additions: best dembow song, best Latin fusion pop song, best Christian music song, best “EuroSong,” Mexican music fusion of the year and best electro corrido.

Trending on Billboard

Becky G and Carín León start the night with the most nominations: 10 mentions each. They are followed by Shakira and Myke Towers with nine nods each and Ángela Aguilar, Emilia, Grupo Frontera and Leonardo Aguilar with eight nominations each. But, who will be the biggest winners?

Check out our updating list below.

Premio Lo Nuestro Artist of the Year 

Carín León
Feid
Fuerza Regida
Grupo Frontera
Karol G
Maluma
Myke Towers
Peso Pluma
Shakira
Xavi

Song of the Year

Feid & Rema, “Bubalu”
Prince Royce feat. Gabito Ballesteros, “Cosas De La Peda
Óscar Maydon & Fuerza Regida, “Tú Boda”
Xavi, “La Diabla”
Myke Towers, “La Falda” Los Ángeles Azules & Emilia, “Perdonarte ¿Para Qué?”
Becky G, Ángela Aguilar & Leonardo Aguilar, “Por El Contrario”
Carín León, “Primera Cita”
Shakira & Cardi B, “Puntería”
Karol G, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”

Album of the Year

Carín León, Boca Chueca, Vol.1 
Ángela Aguilar, Bolero
Becky H, Esquinas
Grupo Frontera, Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada
Shakira, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran
Prince Royce, Llamada Perdida
Myke Towers, Lveu: Vive La Tuya…no La Mía
Marc Anthony, Muevense
Bad Bunny, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana
Fuerza Regida, Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada

Best Female Combination

Kim Loaiza, Fariana, Ptazeta, Bellakath & Yami Safdie, “5 Babys”
Ha*Ash & Elena Rose, “A Las 12 Te Olvidé”
Bad Gyal, Tokischa & Young Miko, “Chulo Pt. 2”
Becky G & Chiquis, “Cuidadito”
Belinda & Kenia Os, “Jackpot”
Emilia & Tini, “La_original.Mp3”
Kali Uchis & Karol G, “Labios Mordidos”
María José & Ana Bárbara, “Mi Rey, Mi Santo”
Kany García & Carla Morrison, “Que Vuelva”
Thalia & Ángela Aguilar, “Troca”

Crossover Collaboration of the Year

Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Afrojack Feat. DJ Buddha, “The Moon”
Grupo Firme & Demi Lovato, “Chula”
Myke Towers feat. Benny Blanco, “Degenere”
Carin León & Leon Bridges, “It Was Always You (Siempre Fuiste Tú)”
WINNERS: Shakira & Cardi B, “Puntería”
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Regard, Natti Natasha, Sash!, “To the Beat”
Black Eyed Peas & El Alfa feat. Becky G, “Tonight (Bad Boys: Ride Or Die)”
Ozuna & David Guetta, “Vocation”

The Perfect Mix of the Year

Shakira & Grupo Frontera, “(Entre Paréntesis)”
Maluma, Octavio Cuadras & Grupo Marca Registrada, “Bling Bling”
Prince Royce feat. Gabito Ballesteros, “Cosas De La Peda”
Fariana & Oro Solido, “El Caballito”
Ricky Martin & Christian Nodal, “Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Día”
Alejandro Fernández & Anitta, “La Tóxica”
Sergio George & Wisin, “La Vida Es Una Fiesta”
Los Ángeles Azules & Emilia, “Perdonarte ¿Para Qué?”
Becky G, Ángela Aguilar & Leonardo Aguilar, “Por El Contrario”
Camilo & Carín León, “Una Vida Pasada”

Tour of the Year

Aventura, Cerrando Ciclos Tour
Feid, Ferxxocalipsis Tour 2024
Luis Miguel, Luis Miguel Tour 2023-24
Karol G, Mañana Será Bonito Tour
Bad Bunny, Most Wanted Tour

Urban Male Artist of the Year

Bad Bunny
Chencho Corleone
Don Omar
Eladio Carrión
Feid
Myke Towers
Ozuna
Rauw Alejandro
Wisin
Yandel

Urban Female Artist of the Year

Anitta
Bad Gyal
Bellakath
Fariana
Greeicy
Karol G
Maria Becerra
Natti Natasha
Nicki Nicole
Young Miko

Urban Song of the Year

Ozuna, “Baccarat”
Peso Pluma & Anitta, “Bellakeo”
Farruko & Sharo Towers, “Carbon Vrmor”
Bad Gyal, Tokischa & Young Miko, “Chulo Pt. 2”
Floyymenor & Cris MJ, “Gata Only”
Myke Towers, “La Falda”
Lyanno & Rauw Alejandro, “La Nena”
Kapo, “Ohnana”
Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel, “Sandunga”
Bad Bunny, “Un Preview” 

Best Trap/Hip-Hop Song

Ryan Castro, “Gata G”
Bad Bunny, “Monaco”
The Academy: Segunda Misión, Justin Quiles, Sech, Lenny Tavárez, Dalex, Dímelo Flow feat. Eladio Carrión, Bryant Myers & Dei V, “Si Si Si Si”
Anuel AA, “Tacos Gucci”
Trueno, “Tranky Funky”
Young Miko, “Wiggy”

Urban Collaboration of the Year

Kim Loaiza, Fariana, Ptazeta, Bellakath & Yami Safdie, “5 Babys”
Tiago Pzk, Anitta & Emilia, “Alegría”
Wisin & Mora, “Bien Loco”
Yandel & Myke Towers, “Borracho y Loco”
Blessd & Ovy on the Drums, “Mírame”
Luar La L & Ozuna, “Otra Vibra”
Zion & Lennox & Anuel AA, “Para Siempre”
Bad Bunny & Feid, “Perro Negro”
J Balvin & Chencho Corleone, “Polvo De Tu Vida”
Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel, “Sandunga”

Best Dembow Song

Chimbala, “Che Che”
Rochy Rd & Donaty, “Déjenme Rulay”
Fariana & El Alfa, “Dora”
El Alfa & Nfasis, “Este”
Lomiiel, “Hay Lupita”

Urban Album of the Year

Young Miko, Att.
Farruko, CVRBON VRMOR [C_DE: G_D.ON]
Feid, Ferxxocalipsis 
Bad Gyal, La Joia
Myke Towers, Lveu: Vive La Tuya…no La Mía
Karol G, Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season)
Wisin, Mr. W (Deluxe)
Bad Bunny, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana
Eladio Carrión, Porque Puedo
J Balvin, Rayo

Pop Male Artist of the Year

WINNER: Carlos Rivera
Danny Ocean
Luis Fonsi
Maluma
Manuel Medrano
Pedro Capó

Pop Female Artist of the Year

Belinda
Elena Rose
Emilia
Kali Uchis
Kany García
Laura Pausini
Shakira
Thalia

Pop/Rock Group or Duo of the Year

Camila
Darumas
Ha*Ash
Rawayana
Reik
The Warning

Pop-Rock/Urban Male New Artist of the Year 

Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso
Clarent
DND | Do Not Disturb
Floyymenor
Izaak
Kapo
Luar La L
Maisak
Timø
Venesti

Pop-Rock/Urban Female New Artist of the Year 

Bellakath
Darumas
Daymé Arocena
Ela Taubert
Irepelusa
Judeline
Letón Pé
Mari
Paola Guanche
Yami Safdie

Pop Song of the Year

Ela Taubert, “¿Cómo Pasó?”
Reik, “Abril”
Enrique Iglesias & Yotuel, “Fría”
Emilia & Tini, “La_original.Mp3”
Sebastián Yatra, “Los Domingos”
Diego Torres, “Mejor Que Ayer”
Luis Fonsi & Carlos Vives, “Santa Marta” 
Manuel Medrano, “Verano En NY”

Pop/Ballad Song of the Year

Camila & Eden Muñoz, “Corazón En Coma”
Ricky Martin & Christian Nodal, “Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Día”
Jesse & Joy, “Lo Que Nos Faltó Decir”
Olga Tañón & Lenier, “No Sé Quien Soy”
Carlos Rivera, “Para Ti”
Kany García & Carla Morrison, “Que Vuelva”
Luis Fonsi & Laura Pausini, “Roma”
Ángela Aguilar Ft. Trío Los Panchos, “Somos Novios”

Best Pop Latin Fusion Song

Judeline , “Brujería!”
Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, “La Que Puede, Puede”
The Marías, “Lejos De Ti”
Latin Mafia, “Siento Que Merezco Más”
Rawayana & Akapellah, “Veneka”

Christian Song of the Year

Daddy Yankee, “Bonita”
Gocho, Redimi2 & Wisin, “Conéctate Conmigo”
Farruko & Kairo Worship, “Hermoso Momento (Remix)”
Alex Campos & Tauren Wells, “Libre”
Juan Luis Guerra 4.40, “Mambo 23”
Matthew Hotton & Marcos Witt, “Primero Nos Amó”

Pop-Urban Album of the Year

Emilia, .MP3 
Luis Fonsi, El Viaje
Anitta, Funk Generation
Kany García, García
Mau y Ricky, Hotel Caracas
Shakira, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran
Natti Natasha, Nasty Singles
Reik, Panorama
Danny Ocean, Reflexa
Pitbull, Trackhouse

Pop-Urban Collaboration of the Year

Feid & Rema, “Bubalu”
Nicky Jam & Beéle, “Calor”
Zhamira Zambrano & Jay Wheeler, “Extrañándote”
Piso 21 & Wisin, “La Misión”
Anuel AA, Quevedo, Maluma Ft. Mambo Kingz & Dj Luian, “Oa”
WINNERS: Shakira & Cardi B, “Puntería”

Pop-Urban Song of the Year

Danny Ocean, “Amor”
Lenny Tavárez, “El Yate”
Venesti, “Fanática del Reggaetón”
Anitta, “Funk Rave”
Daddy Yankee, “Loveo”
Manuel Turizo, “Ojos. Labios. Cara”
Mau Y Ricky, “Pasado Mañana”
Peso Pluma & Kenia Os, “Tommy & Pamela”
Rauw Alejandro, “Touching The Sky”
Natti Natasha, “Ya No Te Extraño”

Pop-Urban/Dance Song of the Year 

Play-N-Skillz, Natti Natasha & Deorro, “Como La Flor”
Pitbull & Nile Rodgers, “Freak 54 (Freak Out)”
Thalia & Deorro, “Te Va A Doler – Deorro Remix”
Rauw Alejandro, “Touching The Sky”
Ozuna & David Guetta, “Vocation”

“Eurosong” of the Year

Aitana, “4to 23” 
Bad Gyal, Tokischa & Young Miko, “Chulo Pt.2”
Quevedo, “Columbia”
Lola Indigo, “La Reina”
Ana Mena, “Madrid City”

Tropical Artist of the Year

Carlos Vives
Gente De Zona
Jerry Rivera
Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
La India
Luis Figueroa
Marc Anthony
Olga Tañón
Prince Royce
Silvestre Dangond

Tropical Song of the Year

Marc Anthony, “Ale Ale”
Luis Figueroa, “Bandido”
Myke Towers, “La Capi”
Juan Luis Guerra 4.40, “Mambo 23”
Jerry Rivera, “No Le Cuentes”
Víctor Manuelle Ft. Frankie Ruiz, “Otra Noche Más”
Natti Natasha, “Quiéreme Menos”
Karol G, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”
Kany García, “Una Vida Buena”
Camilo & Carín León, “Una Vida Pasada”

Tropical Collaboration of the Year

Gente De Zona & Celia Cruz, “Celia”
Prince Royce Ft. Gabito Ballesteros, “Cosas De La Peda” 
Fariana & Oro Solido, “El Caballito”
La India & Jacob Forever, “Fuera Fuera”
Sergio George & Wisin, “La Vida Es Una Fiesta”
Venesti, Nacho & Maffio, “No Es Normal”
WINNERS: Camilo & Evaluna Montaner, “Plis”
Motiff, Jonathan Moly, Luis Figueroa Ft. Jimmy Rodriguez, Ronald Borjas & Nesty, “Salsa De Ahora”
Silvestre Dangond & Carlos Vives, “Tú o Yo”
Olga Tañón & Christian Alicea, “Vamos A Ser Feliz”

Tropical Album of the Year

Olga Tañón, Así Yo Soy
Luis Figueroa, Coexistencia
Camilo, Cuatro
Gente De Zona, Demasiado
Prince Royce, Llamada Perdida
Marc Anthony, Muevense
Juan Luis Guerra 4.40, Radio Güira
Víctor Manuelle, Retromántico
Silvestre Dangond, Ta Malo
Christian Alicea, Yo Deluxe

Mexican Music Male Artist of the Year

Alejandro Fernández
WINNER: Carín León
Christian Nodal
Gabito Ballesteros
Junior H
Leonardo Aguilar
Pepe Aguilar
Peso Pluma
Xavi
Óscar Maydon

Mexican Music Female Artist of the Year

Aida Cuevas
Ana Bárbara
Ángela Aguilar
Camila Fernández
Chiquis
Karina Sofia
Lila Downs
Lupita Infante
Majo Aguilar
Yuridia

Mexican Music Group or Duo of the Year

Banda Los Recoditos
Fuerza Regida
Grupo Firme
Grupo Frontera
Intocable
Los Ángeles Azules

Mexican Music New Artist

Calle 24
Chino Pacas
Codiciado
El Padrinito Toys
Gabito Ballesteros
Netón Vega
Óscar Maydon
Tito Double P
Victor Mendivil
Xavi

Mexican Music Song of the Year

Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda, “Buscándole a La Suerte”
Grupo Frontera & Manuel Turizo, “De Lunes a Lunes”
Óscar Maydon & Fuerza Regida, “La Boda”
Xavi, “La Diabla”
Christian Nodal & Peso Pluma, “La Intención”
Intocable, “Obsesión”
Los Ángeles Azules & Emilia, “Perdonarte ¿Para Qué?”
Becky G, Ángela Aguilar & Leonardo Aguilar, “Por El Contrario”
WINNER: Carín León, “Primera Cita”
Banda Los Recoditos, “Vas a Querer Volver”

Mexican Music Collaboration of the Year

Shakira & Grupo Frontera, “(Entre Paréntesis)”
Eugenio Esquivel, Grupo Marca Registrada & Sebastian Esquivel, “Alucin”
Leonardo Aguilar & Pepe Aguilar, “Bandido De Amores”
Maluma, Octavio Cuadras & Grupo Marca Registrada, “Bling Bling”
Tito Double P & Peso Pluma, “Dos Días”
Banda Los Sebastianes de Saúl Plata & Edgardo Nuñez, “El Humo de mi Gallo”
Los Ángeles Azules & Alejandro Fernández, “La Cumbia Triste”
Becky G Ft. Óscar Maydon, “Mercedes”
Bizarrap & Natanael Cano, “Natanael Cano: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 59”
Luis R Conriquez & Netón Vega, “Si No Quieres No”

Banda Song of the Year

La Adictiva, Grupo Marca Registrada & Montana, “Bandida”
Leonardo Aguilar & Pepe Aguilar, “Bandido de Amores”
Banda Los Sebastianes de Saúl Plata & Edgardo Nuñez, “El Humo de mi Gallo”
Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga, “Tu Perfume”
Banda Los Recoditos, “Vas a Querer Volver”

Mariachi/Ranchera Song of the Year

Majo Aguilar & Alex Fernández, “Cuéntame”
Alejandro Fernández & Anitta, “La Tóxica”
Pepe Aguilar & Carín León, “Lamentablemente”
Yuridia & Eden Muñoz, “Mi Eterno Amor Secreto”
Chayanne, “Necesito Un Segundo”
Becky G, Ángela Aguilar & Leonardo Aguilar, “Por El Contrario”

Norteño Song of the Year

Adriel Favela & Duelo, “¿Quién Te Crees Para Olvidarme?”
Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda, “Buscándole a La Suerte”
Intocable, “Mi Castigo”
La Fiera de Ojinaga, “Neta Que No” 
La Maquinaria Norteña, “Perro Amor”

Mexican Music Fusion of the Year

Oscar Ortiz & Edgardo Nuñez, “First Love”
Xavi, “La Diabla”
Victor Mendivil & Óscar Maydon, “Mejores Jordans”
Becky G feat. Óscar Maydon, “Mercedes”
Grupo Frontera & Christian Nodal, “Ya Pedo Quién Sabe”

Best Electro Corrido

Sebastian Esquivel, Blessd & Eugenio Esquivel, “Exceso”
Lalo Cruz, “Fresa Con Crema”
Codiciado, Joaquin Medina & Sheeno, “Gabachas”
Fuerza Regida & Marshmello, “Harley Quinn”
Peso Pluma & DJ Snake, “Teka”

Mexican Music Album of the Year

La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho, Aquí Hay Para Llevar
Carín León, Boca Chueca, Vol.1
Becky G, Esquinas
Grupo Frontera, Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada
Intocable, Modus Operandi
Fuerza Regida, Pa Las Baby’s y Belikeada
Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda, Presente
Lila Downs, Niña Pastori & Soledad, Raíz Nunca Me Fui
Leonardo Aguilar, Soy Como Quiero Ser
Alejandro Fernández, Te Llevo En La Sangre

20 Feb 2025

5 Reasons Why Chappell Roan’s ‘Pink Pony Club’ Finally Hit the Hot 100’s Top 10

At long last, ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Club’ has a top 10 hit on its track list. Here’s how it happened.

Chappell Roan at the 67th GRAMMY Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena on February 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Chappell Roan actúa durante la 67ta edición anual de los premios GRAMMY, el 2 de febrero de 2025 en el Crypto.com Arena en Los Ángeles.

Christopher Polk

The biggest song in the country is, once again, “Not Like Us”: After Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss became the centerpiece of his Super Bowl halftime performance earlier this month, the song shot back up to No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart for its third nonconsecutive week in the top spot. Yet in the same week that Lamar’s months-old anthem once again flexed its muscle on the chart, a years-old anthem, also boosted by a primetime performance, arrived in the top 10 for the first time, in arguably even more dramatic fashion.

Two weeks ago, Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” sat at No. 45 on the Hot 100, and any late chart push seemed out of the question for the synth-pop sing-along about a Tennessee girl finding a home at a West Hollywood gay club. The single had been originally released in 2020, and was featured on Roan’s 2023 debut, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess; even as that album became a late-breaking juggernaut last year, none of its songs reached the top 10 of the Hot 100, with the post-album single “Good Luck, Babe!” becoming Roan’s crossover hit upon its release last April.

Yet on this week’s Hot 100 chart, “Pink Pony Club” dances right into the top 10, streaking from No. 18 to No. 9 and becoming Roan’s second career top 10 hit, and first from Midwest Princess. During the same week that she’s hinting at the release of a new single, Roan has turned a nearly half-decade-old track into another marker for her ascendance to superstardom — as well as a feather in the cap of longtime fans who have been returning to “Pink Pony Club” since the early days.

So how did Roan do it? Here’s how “Pink Pony Club” managed to become the pop phenom’s latest top 10 Hot 100 hit:

20 Feb 2025

DJ Paul Denies Allegations Three 6 Mafia Was Satanic: ‘It Was Just an Image’

Three 6 Mafia had been hit with Satanism allegations in the past and DJ Paul hopped on Bunnie XO‘s Dumb Blonde Podcast earlier this week to clear the air.

Paul explained that the satanic imagery was essentially “just an image” for the Memphis crew, and it started with DJ Infamous referring to the group as Triple 6 Mafia.

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“Basically Lord Infamous said ‘Triple 6 Mafia’ in a song, that wasn’t even our group name,” he told Bunnie, who is married to country star Jelly Roll. “I liked that and I was like, ‘Whoa, that’s dope.’ And I started sampling ‘Triple 6 Mafia, Mafia.’ And that became really popular with us, but that still wasn’t our name.”

He continued: “I was just sampling that, and then it was time to form a group, I was like, ‘We should call ourselves Triple 6 Mafia.’ And everybody liked it … Next thing I know, white fans came like that [snaps fingers]. They flocked to us.”

DJ Paul downplayed the late Lord Infamous being involved with Satanism in any fashion when asked by Bunnie. “He was just high,” he quipped. “That n—a grew up singing ‘Amazing Grace’ in a church, and I was playing the organ … It was just an image. It was just something that was cool. We never studied Satan or nothing like that.”

Formed in the early ’90s by DJ Paul, Juicy J and Lord Infamous in Memphis, Three 6 Mafia went on to become one of the most influential rap groups in the genre’s history. The horrorcore crew saw stints from the late Gangsta Boo, Koopsta Knicca as well as Crunchy Black.

Best known for hits such as Billboard Hot 100 top 15 anthem “Stay Fly,” “Poppin’ My Collar,” “Slob on My Knob” and many more, Three 6 Mafia became the first rap group to win an Oscar Award in 2006 for “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” in Hustle + Flow, which took home best original song. The group’s last album arrived in 2008 with Last 2 Walk.

Watch the full interview below.