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Retail giant Walmart removed a T-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt that depicted a Nazi salute emblazoned on the front, after a multitude of complaints on social media. The T-shirt and hoodie carried the phrase “Paper Beats Rock,” and it showed one hand raised with a flat hand in the upper right corner towering over a raised clenched fist in the lower left corner, holding a rock. The symbolism suggested that fascism would beat Black activism, which prominently uses the raised fist in its protest movements.
The T-shirt and hoodie were made by multiple third-party groups, who listed them for sale on Walmart. One of them, “The Basic Shop,” was identified by online watchdog group LeftCoastRightWatch. There were also reports that the offensive items were available on Amazon. In response, social media users began to work to get the shirts removed, with a Reddit forum dedicated to combating far-right ideologies providing a contact phone number and an online form. According to Snopes, the items were removed from Walmart’s site on Nov. 10.
“We have zero tolerance for any prohibited or offensive products appearing on our marketplace,” a statement from Walmart said. “The items in question were listed by a third-party seller and have been removed from our site for violating our prohibited products policy. When issues like this are identified, we act immediately to remove them and strengthen our systems to prevent a recurrence. The trust of our customers and the integrity of our platform remain paramount.”
It isn’t the first time that Walmart has been called out for having offensive items like this for sale on its website. According to Rolling Stone, the superstore was in hot water last September when a third-party retailer posted two T-shirts promoting the infamous white-power group Skrewdriver on their website.
In an email to LeftCoastRightWatch, Walmart’s Director of Global Communications for the U.S. Marketplace, Blair Cromwell, said: “We have clear guidelines in place, and when items are identified as not meeting our standards or requirements, they are promptly removed and remain blocked from the site. We take these matters seriously and are committed to maintaining a trusted and respectful experience for our customers and communities.”
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Photo: Getty
Trending on Billboard
The life and career of 13-time Grammy winner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds will take center stage in a documentary that’s now in production and backed by HarbourView Equity Partners. Helming the documentary are Emmy-nominated director Chris Moukarbel (Gaga: Five Foot Two, Cypher) and Kenya Barris (black-ish, grown-ish).
According to a press release announcing the project, the documentary will feature Babyface during in-depth interviews talking about the triumphs and challenges he’s encountered in the music industry, his songwriting and production process and his star-filled list of collaborators over the years such as Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Beyoncé, Eric Clapton, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men and SZA. As such, the documentary will also feature interviews with many of Babyface’s key collaborators as well as behind-the-scenes and concert footage of his upcoming shows at The Palms in Las Vegas.
The documentary will also encompass his trajectory as a co-founder of Atlanta-based LaFace Records with Antonio “L.A.” Reid in the ‘90s and early 2000s. In addition to Braxton, the storied label’s roster included OutKast, Usher, TLC, P!nk and Ciara.
“I’ve often wondered how an unassuming kid from Indianapolis got to where he is today, working with artists and achieving dreams I could’ve never imagined when I first started,” commented Babyface in the press release. “This documentary is giving me a chance to go down memory lane with a fine-tooth comb, reexamining the highs and lows of my life and career. I’m discovering where all the songs really came from — and perhaps just as important, the how and why.”
That “unassuming kid” went on to write and produce seminal film soundtracks and songs as well. Those credits include The Bodyguard, Boomerang, Soul Food and Waiting to Exhale — the latter of which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. He also produced “When You Believe,” the Academy Award-winning duet between Houston and Carey from the animated film The Prince of Egypt. Beyond his 13 Grammy Awards. the prolific music man is a seven-time BMI pop songwriter of the year honoree. He also counts 16 No. 1 pop singles, 45 No. 1 R&B singles and 125 top 10 hits per the Billboard charts.
“Babyface and his music has always been part of the soundtrack of my life,” said director Moukarbel. “His imprint on the music world is massive and I feel really honored to be even a small part in sharing his story through directing this film.
Sherrese Clarke, founder/CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners, said, “We’re passionate about investing in stories and creators who’ve shaped culture in lasting ways. Babyface’s influence on music and artistry is immeasurable — his songs have defined generations. We’re proud to support this project celebrating his genius, legacy and the emotional honesty behind his work.”
Describing Babyface as “one of one — a culture-defining hitmaker whose impact cannot be denied or overstated,” Barris added, “We’re honored to be a part of telling his story and grateful that we’re teaming with Harbourview, a company that understands the importance of investing in culture and storytelling like this, to do so. I hope this project not only spotlights Babyface’s remarkable career but also gives people a glimpse into the man behind the musical genius, who just might be one of the funniest motherfuckers I’ve ever met.”
Trending on Billboard
Damian Lazarus’ longstanding Day Zero party will debut in Bali in 2026. The Indonesian island’s first edition of the event is set to happy April 17, with the lineup to be announced in the coming months.
The expansion makes an already major year for Day Zero even bigger, as in June Lazarus announced that Day Zero’s first Brazil edition will also happen on Jan. 3 in São Miguel dos Milagres, Brazil, located on the country’s northern coast in the state of Alagoas. Day Zero also returns to its original location in Tulum, Mexico on Jan. 10, 2026 with a lineup featuring Mau P, Seth Troxler, Nicola Cruz, Lazarus himself and many others. The event has happened annually in this location since 2012, taking off in 2018 and 2021.
“There was never a concrete plan for Day Zero beyond our spiritual home in Tulum,” Lazarus tells Billboard of Day Zero’s new editions. “Over the years, however, my team and I have traveled to many far-flung places, exploring new opportunities—often at the invitation of established event producers and promoters. We’ve been deliberate in our expansion, never wanting to rush into anything that didn’t feel completely right for all of us.”
Day Zero Bali will be produced in partnership with the Savaya Group, a production team that puts on dance-focused events in Bali, Jakarta and beyond, and with whom Lazarus crossed paths with during his travels to the island.
“Some years ago, I also began exploring Bali as a potential destination to weave our magic,” he continues. “As I spent more time there, immersing myself in its rich culture, traditions, and cosmic energy, I fell deeply in love with the island. That connection led me to begin a dialogue with the Savaya Group, whom I immediately recognized as the perfect partners to help bring to life the vision I had been nurturing—a spectacular festival set in a truly extraordinary place I discovered.
Lazarus continues that the reason for the two new editions of Day Zero in 2026 is that it “just feels like the correct time to expand, in my soul. The Day Zero team comprises of incredibly talented people who connect in a very special way once a year in Mexico to create an other-worldly experience. We discussed the idea of bringing our love and honorable intentions to other special places and agreed that we were capable of building on what we have created so far; we all heard the call to make this kind of magic in a handful of other places.”
He adds that each site helps inspire the artist he books to play the event, saying that “every location speaks to me in different ways. I have to look at the location and try to imagine what would and would not work in each. I try to create a list of artists whilst walking the site, imagining how we will transform the site and what kind of sound and which kind of artist and personality will shine there.”
He also advises that these will be the only three editions of Day Zero to happen in 2026, given the demands of producing these shows. “We never want to water down our ethics, our care and attention to detail, our sustainability activations, or our performance led, heartfelt connections to mystical indigenous people and traditions.”
Trending on Billboard
Actor Chadwick Boseman will be honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Nov. 20. Ryan Coogler, the director of Boseman’s biggest hit, Black Panther, and Viola Davis, the co-star of his final film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, are set to speak at the event. Boseman’s widow, Simone Ledward-Boseman, will accept the award on the star’s behalf.
Boseman’s star is located at 6904 Hollywood Blvd., in front of the Hollywood Experience. Fans who can’t be there in person can watch a livestream WalkOfFame.com.
Steve Nissen, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, will emcee the event, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the Walk of Fame for the City of Los Angeles and has hosted the star ceremonies for decades.
“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is deeply honored to celebrate Chadwick Boseman’s extraordinary legacy with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame producer, said in a statement. “His powerful performances and enduring impact both on and off screen continue to inspire generations around the world.”
Boseman’s breakout performance came in 2013 when he portrayed Jackie Robinson in 42. Boseman received accolades for his portrayal of James Brown in Get On Up. He next starred in the title role in Marshall, which followed a young Thurgood Marshall as he battles through a career-defining court case.
Boseman then joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the African superhero Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War. This marked the film debut of the character T’Challa. Boseman brought the character to the forefront starring in Black Panther, which received seven Academy Award nominations, including Marvel’s first-ever best picture nomination. Boseman won the NAACP Image Award for outstanding actor in a motion picture, and shared in the Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture.
Boseman next starred in 21 Bridges, which he produced with his partner Logan Coles through their shingle, X●ception Content. In 2020, he appeared in Da 5 Bloods, directed by Spike Lee, as fallen soldier “Stormin’ Norman.” In Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, a screen adaptation of the classic August Wilson play, Boseman starred as Levee, opposite Davis. His performance garnered an Academy Award nomination and brought him the NAACP Image Award and Screen Actors Guild Award, among other honors.
Boseman died of colon cancer on August 28, 2020. He was just 43.
Trending on Billboard
When Hurricane Melissa made history as the strongest storm ever to make landfall in Jamaica, the island nation’s biggest stars immediately sprang into action to help provide relief to their home’s most devastated areas. Now, led by Sean Paul, Shaggy and Kes, several of the Caribbean’s brightest stars have teamed up for a massive benefit concert to further support relief efforts.
Announced Wednesday (Nov. 12), the Jamaica Strong benefit concert will take place Dec. 12 at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York. At press time, additional confirmed performers include Chronic Law, T.O.K, Tessane Chin, Aidonia, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Teejay, Richie Stephens, Gramps Morgan, and Mikey Spice, with more artists yet to be announced. Pre-sale begins on Thursday (Nov. 13) at 10 a.m. E.T., while general on-sale kicks off on Friday (Nov. 14).
“This is more than a concert — it’s a movement,” Jammins Events organizer George Crooks said in a statement.
With a death toll of over 75 across the Caribbean, Hurricane Melissa significantly impacted the region, particularly Jamaica, Cuba and parts of Haiti. Jamaican superstars like Shenseea, Beenie Man, Sean Paul and Spice have all documented their respective relief efforts via their social media channels.
Earlier this month, Shaggy spoke with Billboard about the destruction he witnessed in the days immediately following Melissa’s landfall. “We got [to Jamaica] early enough to reach the people, because it took me around six hours to get from Kingston to St. Elizabeth in Black River, which is normally a two-and-a-half-hour drive at most,” the reggae icon said. “We had to chop [tree] limbs down, move things out the way, and drive through high puddles of [runoff], so we got there in the middle of the night. At that point, all we could do was pass water out, so we had to regroup and drive six hours back to Kingston. The next day, we went to the Junction side of St. Elizabeth, which took us four hours. The square itself was shut down. It was ground zero because it wasn’t livable anymore. Nobody could stay there.”
UBS Arena is a worthy venue for the benefit concert, given its connection to New York’s Caribbean diaspora. This spring, Billboard reported that, in under a year, New York’s UBS Arena hosted five $1 million-grossing Caribbean-headlined shows across four different genres. From Buju Banton and Carimi to Machel Montano and Beres Hammond, the rhythms of reggae, dancehall, konpa, and soca ricocheted across the arena in 2025.
As Jamaica continues to rebuild, its people can find a moment of solace in the 2026 Grammy nominations. At the upcoming ceremony, all five nominees for best reggae album — Vybz Kartel, Lila Iké, Mortimer, Jesse Royal and Keznamdi — hail from Jamrock.
Check out the official Jamaica Strong benefit concert announcement below.
Trending on Billboard Shakira is set to return as pop star Gazelle for Disney’s Zootopia 2, and the colorful music video for “Zoo,” her original song in the film, premiered on Wednesday (Nov. 12). In the three-minute clip, the Colombian hitmaker channels her character appearing in multiple Gazelle-inspired looks, and she shares a number of […]
Source: @maxb140 / Instagram
Max B and French Montana had plenty of reason to celebrate this week.
The “Coke Wave” artists slid through the town in SoHo this past Sunday for dinner at Ayah Restaurant to celebrate both French’s 41st birthday and Max coming home after spending 16 years in prison. TMZ caught the pair with French’s fiancée, Princess Sheikha Mahra of Dubai, as they walked into the upscale restaurant, where they were joined by London rapper Central Cee.
Witnesses say the dinner was a dope celebration, with laughter, hugs, and all-around good vibes. As we know, Max B was arrested in 2007 for his role in orchestrating an armed robbery gone wrong, leading to a man’s death. He was initially sentenced to 75 years, but after his conviction was overturned, he struck a deal to serve a shorter sentence after pleading to aggravated manslaughter.
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After serving more than a decade behind bars, Max B and French were ready to celebrate…but also ready to get back to work. On Monday, French posted a video of him and Max in the lab, teasing that another joint project is on the way..
“WORKING ON THE GDAY COKE WAVE 3 LOADING”
The project would mark Max B’s first in 4 years. His last album, “Negro Spirituals“, was released in 2021, while he was still incarcerated. Also on Monday, Max took to his X account to announce a 7-date club appearance tour along the East Coast.
Max also wasted no time putting a ring on his lady, Ms.B’s finger. Gotta love it.
One thing is clear: The wave is definitely back.
1. The city came out to welcome Max B home
2. Max B’s drip
3. New chain alert
4. Max B proposes to his ol lady
5. French Montana pulls up
6. The beanie God
8. Life’s good
9. Let the Wave God be great
Trending on Billboard
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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
This week: Gordon Lightfoot’s signature story song sees massive gains due to an anniversary of its titular tragedy, HAVEN. inspires odd trends and strange questions with a mysterious dance smash, Lily Allen grows buzz for her comeback album and more.
The Legend of ‘The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald’ Lives On With 50th Anniversary Spike
Even among recent unlikely bringback streaming hits, few could’ve seen this one coming. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” the sweeping and highly dramatic story song first captained by the late great Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot in 1976 — about a real-life 1975 tragedy at sea that struck the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, with all 29 on board dying — has found a second life among TikTok audiences.
The song had gone viral in recent weeks, with videos and merch and even Chicago bar nights celebrating the song and the ship that inspired it, in commemoration of the wreck’s then-upcoming 50th anniversary (ultimately observed on Nov. 10, 2025). According to Luminate (and Billboard’s own reporting), the song had begun to rise in streams solidly in advance of that anniversary, with “Wreck” racking up 1.4 million official on-demand U.S. streams for the tracking week ending Nov. 6 — up a strong 77% from the prior week.
And then, of course, on the actual date of the anniversary, it exploded: “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” amassed over one million streams on Monday (Nov. 10) alone — while also selling over 1400 digital songs — up a whopping 436% and 930%, respectively, from its numbers the previous Monday (Nov. 3), according to early data provided by Luminate. It was enough to get “Wreck” onto the top 100 of the Spotify Daily Top Songs USA chart — and towards the top of the iTunes real-time chart, where it remains in the top five two days later. — ANDREW UNTERBERGER
Enigmatic Artist HAVEN. ‘Run’s Into Streaming Breakthrough
Thanks to a viral trend likening the nondescript dance-pop of department store playlists to that of ski resorts and clubs, HAVEN. — an enigmatic artist with minimal musical footprint — has scored a streaming smash.
“I Run” earned over 290,000 official on-demand U.S. streams during the four-day period of Oct. 31-Nov. 3. During the comparable four-day period the following week (Nov. 7-10), the viral EDM track exploded over 1,106% to 3.5 million streams, according to early data provided by Luminate.
Though the song has quickly overtaken TikTok, opinions have been split on its quality. To date, the official “I Run” TikTok sound plays in over 25,000 posts. Last month (Oct. 21), Jorja Smith denied the narrative that the song’s vocal was sourced from an old demo of hers, leading some users to question if AI was used in the creation of “I Run.” At press time, “I Run” is unavailable on Spotify, but remains playable on Apple Music and TIDAL; the track appears to have been pulled from streaming due to possible rights issues.
On Wednesday (Nov. 12), Andre Benz, the CEO of Broke Records, the label through which HAVEN. released “I Run,” shared an image to his Instagram Story that read “All my homies hate Sony.” Billboard has reached out to Benz, Sony Music Publishing and SoundOn for comment. — KYLE DENIS
Lily Allen Word-of-Mouths Her Way Into Top ‘End’ of Billboard 200
Veteran U.K. pop star Lily Allen hadn’t released an album since 2018’s tepidly received No Shame, which debuted at No. 168 on the Billboard 200 and No. 8 on the UK Official Albums Chart, becoming her first album to miss the top 100 and top two on the respective listings. Now, she’s back in both chart regions thanks to the slowly building embrace of her late-October-released new LP, the explosive concept album West End Girl.
While West End Girl arrived with little fanfare, having only been announced by Allen four days prior, the minor detonation it sparked slowly grew over the course of last week, largely thanks to its subject matter: her recent separation from Stranger Things actor David Harbour, which the album details in often uncomfortable (if still quite catchy) detail. As the album captured headlines for its tabloid-y narrative, it also won over critics with its accessible melodies, biting lyrics and strong structuring, becoming a new favorite of pop fans who didn’t realize how much they’d missed Allen in her absence.
As a result, the album grew steadily in official on-demand U.S. streams over the course of its debut week, ultimately racking up 11.5 million for the tracking week ending Oct. 30 — helping to propel it to a No. 118 debut on the Billboard 200 (and a No. 4 bow on the UK Official Albums Chart). By the next week (ending Nov. 6), that stream count was up 17% week-over-week, pushing it to No. 93 on the Billboard 200, as it also climbed to No. 2 on its home country’s chart. – AU
‘Wicked: For Good’ Anticipation & Live Special Boost Streams for Film Soundtrack & A Judy Garland Classic
Wicked: For Good doesn’t hit theatres for another week and a half (Nov. 21), but the highly anticipated sequel to last year’s Oscar-winning, box office-topping musical epic is already boosting related songs on streaming.
During the period of Oct. 31-Nov. 3, the 2024 Wicked motion picture soundtrack, led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, earned 4.3 million official on-demand U.S. streams, according to early data provided by Luminate. By the comparable four-day period the next week (Nov. 7-10), the soundtrack spiked 55% to over 6.7 million official streams. Last year, the soundtrack reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200, and last week (Nov. 7), the compilation (and score soundtrack) earned three combined Grammy nominations, including best pop duo/group performance for Erivo and Grande’s rendition of “Defying Gravity.”
The two Oscar-nominated witches also led the cast in a Nov. 7 special titled Wicked: One Wonderful Night. Featuring appearances from the principal Wicked film cast, viral fans and Broadway OGs Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the Peacock special also churned out an accompanying live album. Billed to Grande and Erivo, the live album racked up over 4.3 million streams during the period of Nov. 7-10.
To close the special, Erivo and Grande recreated Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland’s iconic 1963 duet of “Get Happy / Happy Day Are Here Again.” In the four-day period preceding the special (Oct. 31-Nov. 3), Garland’s version of “Get Happy” earned just over 10,000 official streams. In the four-day period after the special aired (Nov. 7-10), “Get Happy” logged 33,000 official streams, marking a 214% boost.
The Wicked: For Good soundtrack, which features a pair of new original songs penned by three-time Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (“The Girl in the Bubble” and “No Place Like Home”), arrives on Nov. 21. — KD
Apple / iPhone Air
Apple tried something different with the iPhone Air, and according to reports, the company’s latest smartphone flopped.
Spotted on MacRumors, via The Information, the ultra-thin and very light iPhone Air sold poorly. It did so badly that Apple is delaying the next version of the iPhone Air that was supposed to be announced alongside the iPhone 18.
The website notes there have been numerous reports of poor sales and cuts in manufacturing.
Per MacRumors:
Apple’s supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has reportedly dismantled all but one and a half of its production lines for the iPhone Air, and all production is expected to be stopped at the end of the month. Luxshare, another supplier, stopped production at the end of October.
The company Steve Jobs built was counting on the iPhone Air’s unique design to spark excitement among Apple smartphone enthusiasts.
It appears to have accomplished the exact opposite, and that could be due to many design choices.
Due to its very slim design, many compromises had to be made, such as a smaller battery and a single rear camera. Yet the smartphone still had a hefty $999 price tag, which was definitely a turnoff for Apple smartphone users.
It seems like Apple fans felt it didn’t make sense to buy the iPhone Air when they could get the iPhone 17 Pro for $1,099, which offers a better triple-camera system and longer battery life.
The iPhone Air Is Looking Like Another Flop For Apple
It’s looking like the iPhone Air will sit right next to the iPhone Mini, Apple’s other attempt at selling a fourth model alongside the iPhone and iPhone Pro models, as an apparent failure.
According to MacRumors, Apple is still pushing to drop its first foldable smartphone alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone Pro 18 in 2026.
We will be interested to see how well the foldable sells for Apple.
You can see reactions about the iPhone Air reportedly flopping below.
Trending on Billboard
KATSEYE is learning that some parts of fame can be really gnarly — and not in a good way.
In a conversation with BBC News posted Wednesday (Nov. 12), the girl group opened up about the high volume of hate — and sometimes death threats — they’ve received since debuting in 2024. “I think as time goes on and on, the stakes just get higher and higher, and the pressure from 360 all sides becomes more heavy and intense,” said member Lara Raj. “I’m like, ‘It doesn’t matter, and what people say doesn’t matter,’ but we’re humans.”
“And if 1,000 people are, like, sending you death threats, it’s jarring,” Lara continued. “Even if it’s not gonna happen, and it doesn’t mean anything, it’s heavy, and it’s jarring.”
When interviewer Mark Savage responded with surprise that the ladies had already faced such intense negativity so early on in their careers, member Sophia Laforteza confirmed that even their families and friends have had to put up with online hate and attacks. “We’ve gotten a lot of things already said to us, about us, to our families,” she said.
“It’s something that we know we signed up for, being so public and just being out there for people to … they know so much about [us], and it’s a part of our job,” Sophia added as bandmates Daniela, Manon, Megan and Yoonchae nodded. “We know it’s a part of fame. But it doesn’t change the fact that we are human.”
Fortunately, the group members agreed that it’s nice to have each other to lean on when things get tough, as they all already know everyone in the band knows how it feels.
The interview comes as KATSEYE’s fame is exploding in 2025, with the sextet recently nabbing a best new artist Grammy nomination ahead of next year’s awards. In an interview with Billboard about the honors, Megan said, “With any award or nomination, it means so much to us because we work so, so hard … So, it’s like all of the hard work, those long hours and all the dedication are really paying off.”
The nomination comes less than two years after KATSEYE released its debut single, “Debut,” in 2024 after forming the year prior on the competition series Dream Academy. The band scored its first-ever Billboard Hot 100 hit in May when “Gnarly” made its entrance on the chart, and this fall, the ladies reached the top 40 with “Gabriela,” which also scored a Grammy nod for best pop duo/group performance.
Watch KATSEYE’s full sit-down with BBC News above.
