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If we’ve learned one thing about Kendrick Lamar over the last year and change it’s that he ain’t never scared when it comes to his drama with Drizzy, so when the man took his and SZA’s Grand National Tour to Drake’s hometown of Toronto, Canada, y’all knew he wasn’t going to play it humble.
Last night (June 12), social media was abuzz with videos of Kendrick Lamar performing at the Rogers Centre in Toronto (a place that even Drake has never performed at) interestingly enough, the crowd went wild when K. Dot performed his now classic diss track “Not Like Us.” While we all know it’s one of the most popular songs to have ever hit the Hip-Hop scene, many thought that Drake’s hometown would’ve been lukewarm to Kendrick Lamar performing his biggest hit to date, but instead, we saw a crowd seemingly rejoice and join in on the festivities as Kung-Fu Kenny once again went for Drake’s jugular on stage in his hometown.
The crowd was in such a frenzy over the performance that they actually started to chant “One more time!” in hopes of getting Kendrick to perform “Not Like Us,” one more time.
Yeah, we’re sure Drizzy wasn’t too happy to see his constituents side with his rap rival to this extent. He might cancel OVO Fest 2025 over this or something.
Still, the man does have his hardcore loyalists who parked themselves outside of the Rogers Centre and took issue with Kendrick Lamar performing and proclaimed Drake the King of the North even though their fellow countrymen were inside the venue egging on Kendrick’s unrelenting slaughter of their hometown hero.
Drake’s about to bless everyone there with exclusive OVO merchandise or something.
What do y’all think about Kendrick Lamar performing “Not Like Us” in Drake’s hometown of Toronto? Fair or foul? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Let the games begin with Mariah Carey — if you don’t mind a little danger. Mimi can make a man disappear with an on-brand quip and a simple shrug, a talent she casually demonstrates in her new “Type Dangerous” music video, featuring a surprise cameo from MrBeast. Carey sings all about how she’s “never been […]
NEEDTOBREATHE‘s Bear Rinehart is speaking out following allegations of childhood abuse made by his brother Bo Rinehart.
On Thursday (June 12), 43-year-old Bo, the former guitarist for NEEDTOBREATHE, shared a statement on social media alleging that he was sexually abused by multiple people during his childhood, including his older brother Bear, 44, the rock band’s lead singer.
“This is Bo. I am an alcoholic. I am a sinner, but I am a believer. I believe in God’s grace, and I believe that his mercy has shown that he is consistent, even though we don’t deserve it,” Bo wrote on Instagram. “I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. I’ve been sexually abused by a Camp counselor. I’ve been sexually, physically and emotionally abused by my brother. And I’ve been abused by my youth pastor.”
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He continued, “I believe that God has bigger plans for me and part of those plans are telling my story because it’s so hard for anyone to tell stories like these. Even when my faith has been crushed, I know that God still has provisions for me. If you’re out there and you’re thinking, nothing can be done, no one can help, there’s no way out… I’m with you… but I believe in a God who always finds a way. Don’t give up and don’t lose hope.”
Bo, who left NEEDTOBREATHE in 2020, later shared a photo of Bear with the caption “Sexual Abuser” in a since-deleted Instagram Story, according to Relevant Magazine.
On Saturday (June 14), Bear responded to his brother’s allegations with a lengthy post on the Instagram account for Wilder Woods, his solo musical project outside of NEEDTOBREATHE.
“I feel the need to comment on the deeply hurtful and misleading accusations that my brother Bo made the other night on social media,” Bear wrote. “I love Bo deeply and I always will. Since his departure from the band over five years ago, we have done everything in our power to treat him with respect and privacy. I would never choose to disparage him, especially at a time where he is clearly in pain. But as a father and husband, I must protect my family from claims that misrepresent the truth.”
He continued, “Until now, I had chosen to not share this publicly — not because I’m ashamed, but because I’ve wanted to protect my family. I have three young boys, and I wanted them to hear about my story from me directly, when the time is right and not through social media or online speculation. Bo’s post has now made it impossible for me to remain private about this period of our childhood any longer. I can only hope that God has a plan for this down the road. I have always respected Bo’s right to speak about his own story, but I cannot allow him to misrepresent mine.”
Bear went on to claim that “my brother and I were both sexually abused at the age of 8 and 6 by a teenage counselor” at a Christian camp where they grew up in South Carolina. “Neither of us received support for these events until well into adulthood and were both left to navigate the rest of childhood and adolescence with deep pain and confusion,” the musician wrote, adding that he later “found freedom” after counseling and support from loved ones.
“Bo’s recent accusation of me conflates our shared experience of abuse with a childhood incident he misrepresents,” Bear continued. “While going through a two day intensive counseling session with Bo five years ago, I learned that he was hurt by things that happened in our early teen years as well. At that counseling session I took full responsibility for any part I played in that pain. We processed those moments of shared trauma in detail and left with an understanding that we were two young boys trying to cope with the unimaginable. To now label me an abuser in such a heartless way is not only deeply painful, but is also wildly misleading and feels intentionally harmful.”
Bear concluded his message by expressing hope that he and Bo can reconcile someday. “I truly do pray for this healing,” he wrote. “I believe that all of us are broke and in need of a savior. My brother and I are no different.”
Billboard has reached out to NEEDTOBREATHE’s representatives for further comment.
In a 2023 interview with People, Bo opened up about coming to terms with his experience of sexual abuse as an adult, revealing that it was perpetrated by three different individuals. He did not provide further details.
“It takes time,” Bo said at the time. “At some point in our lives, we get to this stage — and it’s generally with survivors of childhood sexual abuse, it’s in their late 30s or early 40s — where it starts to surface whether you want it to or not. You’ll start to see how your life’s kind of breaking down.”
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were shot and killed by a gunman on Saturday (June 14) in what is being framed as a politically motivated attack. Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were targeted and shot by the same suspect, but are expected to survive their injuries after completing surgery.
As reported by local outlet Bring Me The News, Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were gunned down at their Brooklyn Park home around 3:35 AM local time, according to the still-developing accounts from local authorities. Earlier in the evening, the suspect, reportedly dressed as a police officer, went to the Champlain Park home of Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman, where he and his wife, Yvette, were shot and injured.
The suspect fled the Hortman home out of the back door on foot, and the region is on lockdown as police attempt to locate the suspect. The suspect is described as a white male with brown hair wearing body armor, a police officer’s uniform, complete with badge and Taser device, along with driving a vehicle fashioned like one used by officers.
After carrying out tte crime, officers arrived at the Hortmans’ home where the suspect reportedly opened fire on the arriving officers and fled out the back of the home. Authorities have enacted a shelter-in-place as police search for the gunman.
In the suspect’s SUV, a manifesto was reportedly found featuring the names of other lawmakers and state officials. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz held an emotional press conference Saturday morning, calling the deaths of the Hortmans a “politically motivated assassination.”
President Donald Trump, via a statement shared by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, which read, “I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.”
On X, formerly Twitter, the reaction to the news of the shooting deaths of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, is spreading. We’ve captured a few of those comments below.
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Roger Daltrey was among the notable figures recognized in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours list.
The Who frontman, 81, was celebrated for his outstanding contributions to music and his long-standing charitable work — particularly with the Teenage Cancer Trust, where he has served as a patron since 2000.
“It is a wonderful honour for me and especially for Teenage Cancer Trust,” Daltrey said in a statement shared in Instagram. “I accept this award not only for myself but on behalf of all the unsung heroes who have given their energy towards making the Teenage Cancer Trust the success it has become.”
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Over the past two decades, the iconic rocker has played a key role in organizing the charity’s annual concert series at London’s Royal Albert Hall, which has raised more than £36 million (approximately $48 million).
He went on to acknowledge individuals who have supported the Teenage Cancer Trust over the years. “The likes of The Who and their fans, Angie Jenkison, Lindsay Hughes, Des Murphy, Rob Ballantine and the late Chris York are some of many who have done so much to elevate the charity, to the point where it now has 28 specialist units in NHS hospitals across the U.K.,” he said.
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In recognition of his work, Daltrey was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). “It’s kind of weird… It’s a dream come true for me, but it’s especially a dream because the charity means so much,” the musician told the Press Association.
The Who shared their own tribute to Daltrey. “Sir Roger is a true inspiration and we salute him and all the other honourees from the worlds of music and the creative arts for enriching our lives with their brilliant human artistry and achievements,” the band wrote.
Other prominent recipients of knighthood in this year’s list include actor Gary Oldman and retired soccer star David Beckham. Additional honorees included Steve Winwood, 10cc’s Graham Gouldman, actress Elaine Paige and Love Island star Georgia Harrison, according to the BBC.
Winwood — known for his work with the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith, as well as a successful solo career — was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
“I am immensely grateful that I am considered for recognition of my services to music,” Winwood said in a statement on Instagram. “I am a proud upholder of British culture and values, and am extremely honoured to be rewarded in this way, and wish to thank all those who made the recommendation, and those who’ve supported my music over the years.”
Thirty years on from Britpop’s commercial zenith, the U.K. still can’t get enough of the scene’s so-called big three. In 2023, Blur scored a hard-won victory lap with their plaintive eighth album, The Ballad of Darren, and followed that up with two shows at London’s Wembley Stadium, their biggest ever performances. Oasis, meanwhile, will swagger […]
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Becky G’s Premieres Rebbeca
Becky G premiered her deeply personal and beautifully crafted documentary, Rebbeca, at the Tribeca Festival on Thursday (June 12) at United Palace in Washington Heights, New York. Directed by Gabriella Cavanagh and Jennifer Tiexiera, the film peels back the glitz of stardom to reveal an intimate portrait of Becky as Rebbeca, the Mexican-American woman behind the music phenomenon. Shot during a pivotal moment in her life — as she prepared for her first headlining tour, the Mi Casa, Tu Casa Tour, and worked on her música mexicana debut Esquinas (2023) — the film “symbolizes resilience, the kind that shows up quietly in our families, our culture, our growth,” Becky G told Billboard Español. Through moving and at times tear-jerking storytelling, the documentary celebrates her cultural roots as a Latina from Southern California and her evolving artistry.
After the screening, the evening segued into a Q&A with Becky and directors Cavanagh and Tiexiera, and moderator Tefi Pessoa. They discussed the creative process behind the doc, and the importance of shedding light on pressing issues like immigration and family separation. “My grandfather’s immigration story is a big part of that, and sharing this now, at a time when so many in our community are being targeted, feels even more urgent,” Becky G added. “This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about holding space for who we’ve been, who we are, and who we’re still becoming.” The night closed with a heartfelt acoustic performance alongside guitarist Ethan Riding, where she performed her breakout 2013 rap hit, “Becky from the Block,” a nostalgic callback to where it all began. She then segued into “Querido Abuelo,” a touching bolero dedicated to her late grandfather.
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Johann Vera & Christian Chávez’s “Closet”
Less than a year after releasing “Closet,” an ultra personal ballad with which Vera came out as queer, the Ecuadorian pop artist has teamed up with Mexican star Christian Chávez for a new version of the poignant track — just in time for Pride Month. “It took me two years, but it pushed me to be honest and open with myself,” Vera previously told Billboard. “‘Closet’ is about acceptance. I want to be as honest as I can be.”
“In these moments where minorities are being so attacked, Christian Chávez and I join with #Closet to remind them that love should always be above all else,” Vera captioned a post on Instagram.
Arcángel’s Special Moment With His Son
Arcángel is celebrating Father’s Day in a special way. The Latin trap and reggaetón star released “Gohan y Goku,” marking the official musical debut of his son, Austin. “I had already dreamed of this—this is a déjà vu,” Arcángel sings in a part of the lyrics. “It’s a symbolic gesture that honors the bond with his son and celebrates a legacy that lives on through music,” according to a press release. “Arcángel is introducing Austin to the world from the most authentic place possible—as a father, mentor and guide.”
Artists Denounce ICE Raids
A number of Latin artists have shared words of solidarity with the immigrant community in the U.S. amid ICE raids and mass deportation efforts under the Trump administration. “It no longer feels like the country of hope they told us so much about,” DannyLux wrote in a heartfelt post. Check out the complete list of artist reactions — from Fuerza Regida to Ivan Cornejo and Chiquis — here.
Billboard Latin Editors Win Award
The 2025 Ritmo Latino Entertainment Awards were announced on social media on June 10 with Bad Bunny announced as the biggest winner of the night with seven wins, including artist of the year.
After being sidelined for two decades, the awards made a comeback this year. Originally slated to take place live at the Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan, the ceremony transitioned to a digital formate “due to unavoidable schedule conflicts,” according to a press release. See the complete list of winners here.
Billboard‘s Jessica Roiz and Griselda Flores and Billboard Español‘s Isabela Raygoza won the favorite music reporter category.
Additional reporting by Isabela Raygoza.
BTS officially kicked off its offline event 2025 BTS FESTA on Friday (June 13) at Halls 9 and 10 of KINTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, in celebration of the group’s 12th debut anniversary. Running for two days from June 13 to 14, this year’s FESTA features a variety of hands-on experiences designed especially for their fandom, ARMY.The theme for this year’s FESTA is Twelve O’Clock, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter and hinting at the group’s imminent full-group return. BTS members Jin and j-hope introduced the concept in the YouTube segment BTS News released in early June, marking their first official appearance in a while.
The event is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m KST, with last entry allowed until 6 p.m. Admission is available for fans age 9 and above; children under 9 are not permitted to enter, regardless of parental accompaniment.
From early in the morning, countless fans holding ARMY Bomb light sticks gathered at the venue, filling the KINTEX exhibition halls. Long lines quickly formed in front of the most popular interactive zones.
The venue includes more than 20 interactive zones. Below, we have a closer look at a few of the zones.
1. ARMY BOMB PHOTO SPOT & WHALE PHOTO SPOT
Two large-scale installations greet fans as they enter: the ARMY BOMB PHOTO SPOT and the WHALE PHOTO SPOT, both inspired by BTS’ signature motifs.
2. LIGHT SHOW
Beginning at noon, a five-minute light show takes place every hour on the hour, utilizing the synchronized ARMY Bomb light sticks to create a breathtaking visual spectacle. Widely praised by fans and media alike, the light show transformed the venue into an emotionally charged atmosphere and was hailed as one of the major highlights of the event.
3. VOICE ZONE
The Voice Zone offers an emotional connection as fans listen to voice messages recorded by BTS members specifically for the 2025 FESTA. These messages carry deeper meaning as the members participated directly in scripting them.
4. BTS LOCKER
BTS Locker presents personalized displays curated by each member, offering a look into their tastes, personalities, and memories.
5. TROPHY ZONE
The Trophy Zone commemorates BTS’s historic milestones. The display includes 50 trophies, from their first rookie award at the 5th Melon Music Awards in 2013 to their first music show win on KBS2’s Music Bank in 2015, and their first international honor at the Billboard Music Awards in 2017. Awards received by ARMY, such as the iHeartRadio Music Awards’ “Best Fan Army,” are also on display, reflecting the shared journey of the group and its fans.
6. COLORING WALL
The Coloring Wall, where fans filled in a large white artwork outline, was a participatory art zone at the 2025 BTS FESTA. Fans added their own colors and personal touches to the mural, contributing to its creation while covering the wall with heartfelt messages of support for BTS.
With an array of immersive experiences and engaging attractions tailored for fans, the 2025 BTS FESTA proved to be more than just a celebration — it was a heartfelt tribute to BTS’s legacy and their long-awaited return as a full group.
BIGHIT MUSIC stated, “We are sincerely grateful to ARMY for the unwavering love and support for BTS,” adding, “To better accommodate visitors, we have significantly expanded the event in terms of venue, content, and operations compared to previous years. We are doing our utmost to ensure that all attendees can enjoy a safe and meaningful experience.”
See photos of all the interactive zones below:
All seven members of BTS reunited in person at j-hope’s solo concert, marking the group’s long-awaited return as a complete unit.The emotional highlight of the evening came when Jin and Jung Kook surprised fans by joining j-hope onstage, creating unforgettable moments for those in attendance.
Held Friday (June 13) at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, the final show of j-hope’s “HOPE ON THE STAGE” world tour encore coincided with the 12th anniversary of BTS’ debut — making the night even more meaningful for both the group and its global fandom, ARMY.
Jung Kook made a surprise appearance during j-hope’s solo track “i wonder…,” instantly sending the crowd into a frenzy. His unexpected entrance electrified the atmosphere, and fans responded with roaring cheers. “I really missed you,” he told the audience with a bright smile, before launching into a powerful performance of his solo hit “Seven,” drawing an explosive response.
Later in the show, Jin took the stage during the encore segment. After performing BTS’ beloved hit “Spring Day” alongside j-hope, Jin continued with a moving performance of his second solo EP’s title track, “Don’t Say You Love Me.” The emotional momentum continued as Jung Kook returned to the stage, joining Jin and j-hope for a special unit performance of “Jamais Vu,” closing the evening on a high note.
While Jin and Jung Kook took the stage, RM, Jimin, V and SUGA were spotted in the audience, watching the show and cheering their bandmate on. “I was singing while looking at my members,” j-hope told the crowd, expressing his deep affection for the group.
Jung Kook later added, “I was so nervous backstage. I’m here today because of my members. It felt overwhelming to stand in front of our fans again.”
This show also marked the first live performance of j-hope’s new post-military track “Killin’ It Girl” featuring GloRilla, signaling the start of a new chapter in his solo journey.
The stadium was filled with fans from both Korea and around the world, who came together to witness the long-awaited full group reunion. As all seven members reunited at j-hope’s concert, the moment served as a powerful reminder of BTS’ enduring unity and connection with their fans.
See photos of the night below:
Billboard Canada Power Players is back for a second year, and it comes at a pivotal time for Canadian music. Canadian Content regulations — a principle that built the domestic industry — are up for review for the first time in a generation, with ongoing hearings taking place with the CRTC. The Online Streaming Act, meanwhile, is attempting to regulate major foreign streaming services to contribute to CanCon as the CRTC once did for radio — but companies like Spotify, Amazon and Apple Music aren’t taking it without a fight.
Those issues shadow the industry, which has recently seen both struggles and successes. The country was recently named the 8th largest music market in the world by the IFPI, and Toronto has emerged as a marquee live music market. That’s been reflected in the successes of and investments in new venues by companies like Live Nation Canada, MLSE and Oak View Group, who all appear on the list.
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As top execs at Live Nation Canada, Erik Hoffman, Riley O’Connor and Melissa Bubb-Clarke are orchestrating one of the most ambitious stretches in the company’s history. Together, the trio claims the No. 1 spot on Billboard Canada Power Players 2025. Already the biggest players in the Canadian music business, Live Nation is just getting bigger — and it’s on track for a record-breaking summer.
In the new Billboard Canada cover story, the three talk about their ambitious plans — including the about-to-open Rogers Stadium in Toronto, which will bring Oasis, Coldplay and BLACKPINK to the city this summer and triple the number of stadium shows.
Derek “Drex” Jancar of OVO Wins the Impact Award
As part of Billboard Canada Power Players, Derek “Drex” Jancar took the No. 1 spot in the Foundations category and accepted the Impact Award at the celebration in Toronto on Wednesday (June 11).
In the mid-2000s, Drex, Gavin Sheppard and Kehinde Bah co-founded The Remix Project, a community initiative that continues to influence global culture. Now, he’s doing it again as CEO of October’s Very Own (OVO).
On Wednesday night (June 11), Derrick Ross of Slaight Music presented Drex with the Impact Award as part of Billboard Canada Power Players 2025, with a donation to the Remix Project — a testament to the immense influence Drex has had within Canadian music and culture.
In an interview, Drex tells Billboard Canada about the impact of the Toronto community on all the work he does.
“It’s the nucleus of everything. It’s the thing you constantly come back to and think about: ‘Does this represent us, honestly and authentically?’” he says. “It’s where everyone worked on their skills and put blood, sweat and tears into their career paths. We obviously are global thinkers, but we’re always coming from that place. That’s our identity. It’s shaped us and it’s what makes us unique.”
Drex recalls meeting the key figures at OVO at Remix, including Oliver El-Khatib, Future The Prince, Niko Carino and Drake. The dedication that they poured into Drake’s burgeoning career in the late 2000s created a special energy in Toronto. He was already the hottest artist in the city, Drex recalls, but you could feel he was on the verge of becoming a global phenom — all while wearing his local connections on his sleeve.
“You could see what was happening behind the scenes, and it was really special to see everyone rally around and build such an amazing brand around him,” Drex says. “It was a time where you really started to believe in the city and the talent and the potential in the city and you were like, ‘Anyone can do anything from here. This is possible, it’s happening right in front of us.’”
The First Canadian Edition of Managers to Watch
Also this week, Billboard Canada unveiled its first Music Managers to Watch list.
Managers are the unsung heroes of the music industry. They are the hard-working decision makers behind some of the country’s most beloved artists. They make deals, orchestrate partnerships and make key strategic decisions. And though fans rarely know their names, they are key to the success of Canadian musicians. They don’t do it for personal glory, but to fulfill artistic visions that can break barriers and move millions.
These talented managers on the rise have helped some of the biggest artists tour stadiums, stun at the Met Gala or go gold without any label support. That’s an extra feat in Canada, where managers often have to navigate a tight-knit industry and geographic barriers to breakout success. In the feature, they share their tips for people new to the business and those who want to help introduce their artists to a global audience.
The list includes managers for Kaytranada, Jessie Reyez, Charlotte Cardin, Connor Price and more.
The Beaches’ manager, Laurie Lee Boutet, was named Manager of the Year. In an interview, she talks about how she helped navigate the Toronto band’s 2023 viral moment into sustained momentum on its way to its first hometown arena tour this fall.
