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Source: The Washington Post / Getty / Elon Musk / Donald Trump
Was it worth it? X is asking the billion-dollar question after Elon Musk, aka Phony Stark, announced he is leaving the Trump administration.
Musk announced on the platform he allegedly sold to xAI that his time leading DOGE has come to an end. He also wrote in the same post that he was thankful to Donald Trump for allowing him to run the “cost-cutting” agency, which, however, didn’t achieve significant cost-cutting results.
The Tesla chief was appointed as a “special government employee,” which allowed him to work for the federal government for 130 days. Musk came on board on January 20, Felon 47’s inauguration, which means his tenure would be coming to an end at the end of May.
Elon Musk’s announcement comes after the billionaire criticized his former boss’s legislative centerpiece of his Trump’s political agenda, his “big beautiful” budget bill.
“As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” Musk wrote on X.
“The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”
Speaking with the BBC, Musk explained why he was not feeling Trump’s “big beautiful bill.”
Per BBC:
The BBC understands that the White House will begin “offboarding” Musk as a special government employee on Wednesday night.
Musk’s exit comes after he said he was “disappointed” with Trump’s budget, which proposes multi-trillion dollar tax breaks and a boost to defence spending.
The SpaceX and Tesla boss said in an interview with BBC’s US partner CBS that the bill would increase the federal deficit, adding that he thought it “undermines the work” being done at Doge.
Musk’s association with the MAGA movement has also not been beneficial for his business, which has been struggling since he invested in Trump and the Make America Great Again initiative.
Tesla is currently experiencing a slump in Europe, with sales plummeting by nearly 50 percent, which many believe is also the reason Musk decided to step back from politics.
Social media has been using the moment to take shots at Musk, as well as point out that he used his time as a donor to Trump to ensure he stays wealthy despite his business taking a hit.
You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
2. Mmmmhmmmm
3. Basically
4. Damn shame
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Northern Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap will no longer be appearing at Scotland’s TRNSMT festival this July following safety concerns from law enforcement.
The Belfast outfit had been scheduled to appear at the Glasgow festival this July, appearing on a lineup that also features 50 Cent, Gracie Abrams, Fontaines D.C., and more. However, local law enforcement had expressed concerns about the band’s appearance only last week, claiming that “there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked.”
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“Officers have highlighted the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event,” a police spokesperson explained.
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Now, it appears as though those concerns have resulted in tangible actions, with Kneecap taking to social media on Wednesday (May 28) to reveal they would no longer be performing “due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event.”
“To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry…it is out of our hands.” they wrote. “Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We’ve played there many many times, with no issues – ever. Make of that what you will.”
Kneecap have since announced an additional performance at Glasgow’s O2 Academy for July 8 “to try to make up for” their removal. The trio has also been quick to set the record straight about the specifics of the lineup shift, clarifying online reporting by writing “Kneecap didn’t ‘pull out’ of TRNSMT – Kneecap were removed.”
News of Kneecap’s removal from TRNSMT comes after two German music festivals similarly revised their lineups, and last week’s reporting of member Mo Chara, born Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, being charged with a terrorism offense by London’s Metropolitan Police.
Ó hAnnaidh was investigated and subsequently charged for allegedly showing support for militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah in historic videos. Both are proscribed as terror groups according to U.K. law, and considered an offense under the Terrorism Act 2000.
He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18, with the band issuing a statement to note they “deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.”
Source: The Washington Post / Getty
On Tuesday (May 27), Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. He did so in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, alongside National Institute of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattarchaya and Food and Drug Administration head Dr. Marty Makary – excluding anyone representing the Centers For Disease Control, who maintain the list of vaccines for those groups.
Officials for the CDC would refer press inquiries about the decision to the HHS. The decision has caused considerable concern from medical experts who point to the lack of open debate and that the CDC and the FDA processes which would be required before such a decision was made, was bypassed according to reporting from The Guardian. It also comes as a new COVID-19 variant, N.B.1.8.1, has broken out in Asia with cases being reported in New York and other parts of the United States.The news also comes a week after Makary co-wrote an article in the New England Journal describing pregnancy and recent pregnancy as “underlying medical conditions that can increase a person’s risk of severe Covid-19”. Concerning healthy children, while there are a few physicians who agree with Kennedy’s decision, there is data that shows that even children without pre-existing conditions who contract COVID-19 are at high risk of getting seriously sick and dying. A report of data related to 183 pediatric deaths from COVID showed that 32 percent did not have another medical condition. There are also concerns of Long COVID symptoms arising in children who’ve had COVID-19, including cases of myocarditis or enlargement of the heart (which Kennedy falsely claims is a result of the vaccine).“Kennedy’s unilateral decision to change the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule for COVID-19 vaccines demonstrates once again why he is completely unqualified to be the HHS secretary,” said Public Citizen Research Director Dr Robert Steinbrook in a statement. “In Congressional testimony on May 14, Kennedy said, ‘I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.’ Yet two weeks later he is making arbitrary public health decisions, defying norms, and with no accountability.” Kennedy had testified before being confirmed as HHS Secretary that he wouldn’t make any modifications to the vaccine schedule.
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Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty
It’s been a year and six months since Nicki Minaj released her last studio album, Pink Friday 2, and while her fans were hoping to get a new LP from their queen sooner rather than later, it seems like the Barb isn’t going to be rushing to appease her day one’s demands anytime soon.
While fans have been patiently waiting the release of Pink Friday 2 (The Hiatus) or even a Pink Friday 3, Nicki Minaj has relented on releasing a new solo project for the past year and change. In a new interview for Vogue Italia‘s June issue, the “Super Freaky Girl” artist explained the reasoning for her holdup. Admitting that she does indeed have some new work in the chamber for her fans to groove to, Nicki stated that though the project she’s working on had some “really strong songs,” she didn’t want to “rush” the release as she isn’t out just to make a buck at this point in her career.
“I want the album to mean something, for the fans and for me,” Nicki explained and added “I will never be one of those people who releases songs just for the sake of it.”
We’re not sure if she’s taking a subliminal at any of her rap rivals with that last statement, but we’re sure fans will somehow label it as such even if Nicki didn’t intend for it to be a shot at anyone.
That being said, this really shouldn’t be too surprising. Nicki is known to take anywhere between two to four years in between her project releases. Yes, she might have teased a new project was coming sooner than later, but given everything she’s been dealing with in her personal life as of late, we can’t blame her for taking a step back from her creative process to get her house in order.
What do y’all think about Nicki Minaj taking her time to release her next album? How long are you willing to wait for a new Nicki Minaj project before you give up hope a la Dr. Dre’s Detox? Let us know in the comments section below.
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05/28/2025
With new single “THUNDER” and collaborations with Pharrell and Timbaland, the group celebrates a decade together with genre explorations and solo tracks.
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Samsung / Doechii / Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung’s #TeamGalaxy can now boast that it has a Grammy Award-winning artist on the squad.
Doechii has chosen a side and is rocking the latest addition to Samsung’s popular Galaxy smartphone lineup, the S25 Edge.
The superstar officially switched sides due to “her and the brand’s shared values — both innovators pushing boundaries in music and technology,” Samsung announced in a press release.
The “Denial Is A River” crafter announced her partnership with the Korean smartphone giant with a new ad featuring herself and her albino alligator, Coconut, in which they decide to take a “light day” instead of heading to a photoshoot, rehearsal, and a recording session.
At the same time, Doechii uses her new “light phone,” powered by Galaxy AI, to document her day off and take photos of the real muse, Coco.
When we say “light phone,” we mean the new slim Galaxy S25 Edge, which the genre-bending artist puts to good use as she takes us on a “light day,” with her exotic pet.
But that’s not all. To celebrate their new partnership, Doechii will also host an exclusive event in New York City called “Live on The Edge,” where she will deliver an electrifying performance at The Edge in Hudson Yards on May 30.
For those who are not in New York City and cannot attend in person, don’t worry – you can tune in to the global livestream, beginning at 8 pm on May 30, on Samsung’s YouTube channel.
As for the Galaxy S25 Edge, it is officially available for pre-order now and will go on sale on May 30, priced at $1,099.
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Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer will avoid prison time after striking and killing a man with his car in Los Angeles last year, according to a new report.
In an Alhambra, California, courtroom on Wednesday (May 28), Klinghoffer pleaded no contest to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence after hitting the man, 47-year-old Israel Sanchez, with his 2022 GMC Yukon on March 18, 2024, according to Rolling Stone. Sanchez, who was in a crosswalk when he was hit, was pronounced dead at a hospital later that day.
As a result of the no jail plea deal, Klinghoffer was sentenced to one year of informal probation and 60 days of community labor, Rolling Stone reports. Additionally, he must complete a driver safety class and pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date.
After Klinghoffer entered his plea deal, a prosecutor read a statement that warned against distracted driving, according to Rolling Stone: “If you continue to drive while distracted, and as a result of your driving someone is killed, you can be charged with murder.” Klinghoffer then said that he understood.
Also during the hearing, Sanchez’s only daughter, Ashley Sanchez, read a victim impact statement in which she called him “an extraordinary grandfather” whose “absence has left an irreversible void in our lives,” according to Rolling Stone. In addressing Klinghoffer, she said her father’s death had caused her “deep and lasting trauma” and called it an “avoidable loss.”
Klinghoffer still faces a wrongful death lawsuit over the incident. In the complaint, filed by Ashley Sanchez, her attorneys wrote, “Video of the incident shows that defendant Josh Adam Klinghoffer made no braking or slowing motion until after he fatally struck Israel Sanchez, indicating that defendant was likely driving while distracted.” The woman’s lawyers also claimed to have video evidence showing that Klinghoffer was “using a device mere seconds before” he hit Sanchez. The trial in that case is slated to kick off on July 1, according to Rolling Stone.
Representatives for Klinghoffer and Ashley Sanchez did not immediately return requests for comment on Wednesday.
A touring guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the late 2000s, Klinghoffer officially joined the band full-time in 2010 as a replacement for John Frusciante. After working on two studio albums with the group, he was fired in 2019 following Frusciante’s return. He has also served as a touring guitarist for Pearl Jam and released solo material under the name Pluralone.
Source: YouTube / CBS News
Larry Hoover, a founder of the infamous Gangster Disciples street gang out of Chicago, had his life sentence commuted by Donald Trump, according to various reports. Social media reaction to the news has been a mixed bag, to say the least.
On Wednesday (May 28), Trump commuted the multiple life sentences of Hoover, 74. He was imprisoned for the 1973 murder a 19-year-od named William “Pooky” Young, who was allegedly a drug dealer. That state charge was already a 200-year sentence, then in 1997 he was sentenced to six life sentences by the Feds.
But, it seems like being accused of running a vast criminal enterprise wasn’t enough for Trump lto stay away from his case. This is just the latest of eyebrow-raising prisoner interventions from Trump that include the pardoning of reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were serving time for bank fraud and tax evasion .
As for Hoover, the authorities have long accused him of running the gang while imprisoned. According to prison records, Hoover was serving his six life sentences in Colorado. Hoover’s lawyer issued the following statement:
“The Courts have demonstrated a complete unwillingness to consider Mr. Hoover’s considerable growth and complete rehabilitation. Despite the Court’s unwillingness to do the right thing, Mr. Hoover has been able to keep his voice alive through the incredible work of many advocates and supporters. Thankfully, Mr. Hoover’s pleas were heard by President Trump who took action to deliver justice for Mr. Hoover.”
Now the question is if whether or not the Feds will deliver Hoover to state authorities, where he’s supposed to serve the rest of his sentence, or if he’ll be released outright, and when.
Hoover has achieved a mythical status in urban areas and Hip-Hop circles as an antihero. Known in some circles as King Hoover, one of the most famed recent homages to him was Rick Ross’ 2010 hit “”B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast),” where the Miami rapper shouted GD leader out in the chorus. Also, back in 2021 when Kanye West and Drake were still frenemies they hosted a benefit concert to raise awareness.
Reactions to news of Hoover potentially getting pardoned started pouring in as soon as the news broke. Where there are many, like Chance The Rapper, who consider him a political prisoner, there are those who don’t appreciate the violence he allegedly help unleash in Chicago. See some of the more poignant observations in the gallery.
Keep in mind that Trump doesn’t do anything out of the goodness of his heart, allegedly.
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Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors spotlight a group of rising artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.
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Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered either by networking, or coming across their music at a showcase, or elsewhere. See our recommendations this month below:
Artist: Baltazar Lora
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Country: Colombian American
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Baltazar Lora was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky to Colombian parents, which explains why his sound straddles two different worlds. There’s the Latin side that pulls at his heart strings and feeds on 70s classics from the Latin songbook. Check out his funky take on Danny Daniel’s “Por el amor de una mujer.” And then there’s what he grew up listening to –alt rock like The Strokes and Cage The Elephant—which inform his original material, melodic, catchy and with an indie vibe that doesn’t fall into the contrived territory of so many homegrown Latin acts. Lora can sing equally well in both English and Spanish, and in fact, his beginnings with his own band, in high school and later at Yale University, were in English. He’s not only convincing in Spanish but also fills a void there. His latest single, “Why Bye,” evokes the likes of Cage the Elephant but also Morat, and there’s clearly an appetite for this kind of artist and sound (and the cute hipster look doesn’t hurt either). Now working with veteran producer Kike Santander, Lora is testing different waters, and getting us to listen in the process. — LEILA COBO
Song For Your Playlist: “Why Bye”
Artist: Doctor Nativo
Country: Guatemaya (as he calls it)
Why The Should Be On Your Radar: Doctor Nativo has long been a voice for the voiceless, weaving poetry and activism into music that moves both the spirit and the soul. Formerly known as part of the pioneering Guatemalan hip-hop trio Balam Ajpu — who fused indigenous Mayan philosophy with modern rap — Nativo has continued to channel ancestral wisdom into songs that grapple with current injustices. His latest track, “Minorías,” featuring singer Adriana Primavera, is an emotional portrait of immigrant life. Set against nylon-string guitar melodies and haunting wind instruments, the single tells stories of struggle and survival, sung from the perspective of undocumented immigrants. Themes of familial heartbreak, displacement, and systemic oppression shape the lyrics, painting a devastating yet honest picture of life on the margins. The track, in a way, evokes Manu Chao’s “Clandestino,” striking a rare balance between beauty and heartbreak. The video, shot at the U.S.-Mexico border wall in Tijuana, underscores the song’s urgency, as immigration remains a polarizing topic worldwide.Nativo plays the role of an immigrant caught in the shadow of the American Dream, exposing the toll of chasing asylum and opportunity. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Minorías”
Artist: Vivillo
Country: Spain
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Vivillo made his professional debut in 2004, when he entered the Benidorm Festival with the song “Soñé” under the stage name Viviarte. He was then 18 and had already been in music for over a decade, as he joined his church choir at the age of 6. Originally from La Línea de Concepción (Cádiz), Vivillo (real name: Rafael Fernández) has a Latin pop/urban sound with flamenco roots that can be heard on songs including “Solo Tú” and “Ella,” his latest singles. He has also collaborated with artists like Chabuco, who joined him on the song “Alma de Cristal” for his 2019 album Hay Quien Espera. – SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song for your playlist: “Ella”
Name: Mattei
Country: Puerto Rico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: In February, Mattei (real name: Sebastián Rodríguez Mattei) dropped his first-ever song called “Pa Las Girlas” (for the girls). It’s old-school beat à la reggaetón de marquesina instantly captivated the attention of artists such as Feid and Nicky Jam, who helped propel the tune to its viral success on social media. With his clean-cut yet bad-boy look and distinct voice, Mattei promises to become the next breakout star of Puerto Rico — so much so that genre icons Árcangel, De La Ghetto, and Jowell & Randy hopped on the “Pa Las Girlas (Remix)” earlier this month. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song For Your Playlist: “Pa Las Girlas (Remix)” feat. Árcangel, De La Ghetto, Jowell & Randy
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
We said that the West Coast was experiencing a resurgence of sorts with some OG’s from yesteryear getting back on the rap scene and you can add Rass Kass as the latest Left Coast veteran to remind everyone that the “old school” MC’s got more bars than most of the YG’s of this generation.
Linking up with Long Story Longer for the Obie Trice assisted clip to “Old Heads,” the “Waterproof Emcee” and his fellow OG’s talk about the differences in generational lifestyles while stunting with some big boy toys, boats, and beach cruisers that’s been a stable in Cali life since the beginning of time.
Keeping with that older head vibe, Termanology proves that the older heads can keep up with this generation in the booth and in their clip to “Soul Caliber,” Term links up with Flash Garments to style out in the streets and the club where Griselda is seemingly enjoying the vibes.
Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from Cartel Cartier, Grafh and OT The Real, and more.
RASS KASS & LONG STORY LONGER FT. OBIE TRICE – “OLD HEADS”
FLASH GARMENTS & TERMANOLOGY – “SOUL CALIBER”
CARTEL CARTIER – “FEE 2 SEE”
GRAFH & OT THE REAL – “AIN’T NOTHING MOVE”
DOM PACHINO – “HURRICANE”
ITSHOLY FT. NOT3S – “NADA”
PLAQUEBOYMAX – “MEAN STREET”
DONNIE B FT. RICH NELSON – “NEVER SETTLE”
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