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Sabrina Carpenter started the month of February by winning her first two Grammys ever, and as it turns out, she was just getting started.
Last week, Carpenter graced the cover of Vogue for the very first time — earning praise from Madonna for her Marilyn Monroe-inspired photo shoot that recalled Madge’s own Vanity Fair spread from the early ’90s (“Is this a Valentine’s present to me?”). Then first thing Friday, she dropped the deluxe edition of her Short n’ Sweet album that included a remix of her Billboard Hot 100-topping “Please Please Please” with none other than Dolly Parton.
Then on Sunday night, Carpenter got not one, but two looks on the blockbuster Saturday Night Live 50th-anniversary special, opening the show alongside Paul Simon with “Homeward Bound” and then joining a Domingo sketch alongside Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal. Whew.
On the new Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking all about Carpenter’s big week and recapping all the music moments on the SNL50 special.
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Also on the show, we’ve got chart news on Kendrick Lamar’s post-Super Bowl splash on both the Billboard 200 albums chart and Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, as the GNX album returns to No. 1 on the former and “Not Like Us” is back at No. 1 on the latter. Plus, could Drake — the subject of the diss track “Not Like Us” — actually replace Lamar at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 next week? His new collaboration album with PartyNextDoor, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, came out last Friday, so it could happen.
And we finally got our first pop headliner at the Sphere in Las Vegas, with the announcement of a Backstreet Boys residency in July.
The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)
Banda Los Sebastianes De Saúl Plata wins big this week achieving its seventh No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart (dated Feb. 22), as “Voy a Levantarme” climbs 4-1 for its first week atop the ranking following a 10-week run in the top 10.
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“My people, we are very happy to be No. 1 on Billboard with ‘Voy a Levantarmé,’ how cool, honestly!” Armando “Choco” Celis, one of Los Sebastianes vocalists, tells Billboard. “Excited and happy, really, thank you for sharing our music, because this entire song is symbolic, about personal improvement.”
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“Voy a Levantarme” advances to the summit on Regional Mexican Airplay despite a 5% dip in airplay in the U.S. — that’s 5.8 million audience impressions logged in the tracking week of Feb. 7-13, according to Luminate. The song unseats Gerardo Coronel’s “CHSM El Hígado” from the lead. The latter manages to remain in the top 10 despite a 37% decline in plays. It drops to No. 9 with 4.1 million impressions across regional Mexican stations.
“Voy a Levantarme,” released Sept. 13, 2024, on Fonovisa/UMLE, gives Fonovisa its first win of 2025. So far, Universal Music Latin’s sublabel has reached a No. 9 high through Banda El Recodo de Cruz de Lizárrga’s “Coqueto Tazo Dorado” (chart dated Feb. 8). Fonovisa last secured a No. 1 when Los Tigres del Norte’s “Aquí Mando Yo” ruled Regional Mexican Airplay for one week last August.
As mentioned, Banda Los Sebastianes achieves its seventh No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay. Before the latest coronation, the Sinaloans placed one champ in 2024. The collaboration with Edgardo Nuñez, “El Humo de Mi Gallo,” held at No. 1 for one week in 2024. The reigning champ became the group’s only win through a co-lead billing.
“We love you very much and all this work is for you,” adds Javier Larrañaga, the group’s second vocalist. “Thank you very much for everything. We’re on!”
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” adds another honor to a triumphant February for the artist, breaking the record for the most weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The culture-shaping hit re-enters directly at the summit on the list dated Feb. 22 after its high-profile inclusion at Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show (Feb. 9) and five wins at the Grammy Awards (Feb. 2), including record and song of the year.
With its recovery, “Not Like Us” picks up an unprecedented 22nd week atop Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. It breaks from a tie with SZA’s “Kill Bill” to stand alone as longest-leading No. 1 in the chart’s history, which dates to 1958. The returning champ, which debuted in May and charted through November, is the first track to re-enter at No. 1; the previous return high was a No. 3 comeback for Juice WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams” on the list dated Dec. 21, 2019, following the rapper’s death that month.
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“Not Like Us” wins its record week at No. 1 through a combination of 49 million official U.S. streams, 20.5 million in airplay audience and 33,000 digital download sales in the Feb. 7-13 tracking week, according to Luminate. The single surged by 156%, 31% and 432% in the metrics, respectively, compared with its results last week.
As the record of the year winner rewrites the record books, here’s a look at the longest-running No. 1 hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart:
22, “Not Like Us, Kendrick Lamar, 2024-25
21, “Kill Bill,” SZA, 2022-23
20, “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus, 2019
18, “Industry Baby,” Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow, 2021-22
18, “One Dance,” Drake feat. WizKid & Kyla, 2016
16, “Blurred Lines,” Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell, 2013
15, “Be Without You,” Mary J. Blige, 2006
15, “Lovin on Me,” Jack Harlow, 2023-24
Elsewhere, “Not Like Us” re-enters at No. 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart to secure a record-extending 26th week in charge, while it flies 15-1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 for a third leading week.
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“Not Like Us” leads a parade of 17 Lamar tracks on the 50-position Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, including a full occupation of the top six slots. Former champs “Luther,” with SZA, “TV Off,” featuring Lefty Gunplay, and “Squabble Up” book Nos. 2-4, respectively, and each gains in all three tracking metrics after their inclusion in the halftime show set.
Another SZA-Lamar collab, “30 for 30,” climbs 6-5 despite not being performed at the Super Bowl, though as a current single, it continues to grow at radio and earns gains in other metrics from fans’ wider streaming of SZA and Lamar’s larger catalogs. Finally, yet another team-up from the pair, 2018’s “All the Stars,” re-enters at No. 6 following its halftime show presence.
With 11 of Lamar’s songs this week from his GNX album, it’s little surprise that the set rebounds 3-1 for a fifth week at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album, released last November, earned 236,000 equivalent albums in the tracking week, up 264%. The sum also powers it 4-1 on the all-genre Billboard 200, where it captures the summit for the first time since its debut week.
Chloe Fineman isn’t proud of her Harry Styles impression.
The Saturday Night Live cast member chatted with Chicken Shop Date host Amelia Dimoldenberg on the SNL 50th anniversary special red carpet on Sunday night (Feb. 16), where she revealed that her impression of the One Direction superstar is “really bad,” adding, “I did it and he was at the table and was so devastated by how bad it was.”
The comedian also did a quick rendition of Styles per the New York Post, saying in a British accent, “Anyway, I’m Harry Styles, anyway.”
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Styles has only hosted SNL one time, in 2019, but has appeared a number of times as a musical guest. With One Direction, he performed on the iconic sketch comedy show in 2012, 2013 and 2014. As a solo artist, he performed in 2017 and on the same day as his hosting gig in 2019. However, he and Fineman have never acted in a sketch together.
While Styles wasn’t one of the musical guests at the SNL50 celebration, the show featured a star-studded lineup with collaborations between Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon, Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, and Lil Wayne and The Roots. The show wrapped with a performance from Sir Paul McCartney, who delivered an Abbey Road medley of “Golden Slumbers” / “Carry That Weight” / “The End.”
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Meanwhile, at the Homecoming Concert at Radio City two days prior, the stars who took the stage to perform included Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Backstreet Boys, Arcade Fire, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Chris Martin, David Byrne, DEVO, Eddie Vedder, Jack White, Mumford & Sons, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Robyn, The B-52s and The Roots.
Shakira is shaking up 2025 with her tour Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, and we’re highlighting her success in our series of highlighting Latin artists. Tetris Kelly:Shakira is a global icon, and as we take this month to highlight Black and Latin artists, we are putting the spotlight on the Colombian musician. Happy birthday, Shakira. […]
Lil Baby is back outside. The Atlanta rapper announced plans for the WHAM World Tour on Tuesday (Feb. 18), which will invade arenas across the globe this summer.
The WHAM World Tour kicks off in Houston at the Toyota Center on June 3 and is set to run through Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Brooklyn, Philidelphia and Detroit before wrapping up in Los Angeles on July 1.
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Baby is bringing some friends with him as BigXthaPlug, NLE Choppa and Loe Shimmy are expected to serve as openers on the North American leg. BigX will also be joining baby for the Australia/New Zealand dates.
Tickets for the North American shows hit the general public on Friday (Feb. 21) at 10 a.m. local time. There will be VIP packages available on the WHAM Tour website as well, which come with a Lil Baby meet and greet.
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After a break, Lil Baby is slated to head to Europe for a run of shows that will take him to Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, France and close out in London with a date at The O2 on Sept. 27. Australia will also be hearing from Baby in mid-October with four shows in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne before heading to Auckland, New Zealand.
Lil Baby kicked off 2025 with his WHAM (Who Hard As Me) album in January, which features Future, Young Thug and Travis Scott. The set topped the Billboard 200 by earning 140,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. in the week ending Jan. 9, according to Luminate.
Baby previously went No. 1 with his last three releases: It’s Only Me (2022), The Voice of the Heroes (with Lil Durk, 2021) and My Turn (2020).
Find all of the 2025 WHAM World Tour dates below.
Lil Baby
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Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted Gabz Landman to senior vp of A&R at the company. News of Landman’s promotion comes just weeks after her longtime management and publishing client, Amy Allen, took home the Grammy for songwriter of the year, making her the first-ever woman to receive the honor. Landman got her start in […]
Grupo Frontera released its second single of 2025, “Ya No,” on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) — a bouncy accordion-led cumbia brought to life during Billboard Latin Music Week 2024.
Penned in 40 minutes during the Making the Hit, Live! panel moderated by Billboard‘s Jessica Roiz, the emotional song describes a narrative of love lost to a once passionate relationship. “Yo te quería y ya no ya/ Por ti moría y ya no ya/ Y ahora este loco te odia Igual que un día te amó,” sings the group’s leader, Adelaido “Payo” Solis III, in the coro. (Translated, the lyrics go, “I loved you but no longer, I died for you but no longer, and now this madman hates you just as he once loved you.”)
Written by Edgar Barrera, Andrés Restrepo, Andrés Jael Correa Rios and Manuel Lorente, “Ya No” continues to showcase the group’s ability to modernize Tex-Mex music while also demonstrating its commitment to honoring the band’s roots.
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“Before we met Edgar Barrera, I would write songs for the group,” Payo said during the panel, which took place in October. “We released, like, two songs that were penned by me, and I wrote four other ones, but those didn’t come out because that’s when we met Edgar and were like, ‘OK, we’re good.’”
“We didn’t have money to rent a studio to record, well we didn’t have money, period. So when we did record, we’d have to do everything in one take — even if we made a mistake, we’d leave that in there,” added bajo quinto player Beto Acosta. “We recorded ‘No Se Ve’ at a friend’s apartment building and every resident there was fine with us using the space — except for this one lady who complained.”
This is the third time an act has released a song created at Latin Music Week’s Making the Hit, Live! panel. Ovy on the Drums and Blessd released “Billboard” in 2023, while Pedro Capó and Carín León dropped “Existo” in 2024.
Check out Grupo Frontera’s “Ya No” below.
MashApp, a music remixing app featuring hit songs from Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran, Britney Spears and more, launched in the Apple app store Tuesday (Feb. 18). At launch, the AI-powered app has already worked out licenses for select tracks from Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group’s (WMG’s) publishing and recorded music catalogs, Sony Music’s recorded music catalog, and Kobalt’s publishing catalog.
The app, founded by former Spotify executive Ian Henderson, features a TikTok-like vertical feed for users to share the remixes they make with the app. Among the tools it offers to users, MashApp boasts the ability to combine and mix multiple songs into each other and to speed up, slow down or separate out a song into its individual stems (the individual instrument tracks in a master recording).
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News of MashApp’s launch arrives just days after Bloomberg reported that Spotify is planning to launch a superfan streaming tier that includes extra features, like high-fidelity audio and in-app remixing tools.
MashApp, however, is the latest standalone app to use cutting edge technology, like AI, to allow users to morph and manipulate their favorite songs. Last year, Hook, another AI remix app, announced its licensing deal with Downtown. Other companies, like Lifescore, Reactional Music and Minibeats, have also played with the idea of allowing users more control over the music they listen to in recent years. With these tools, fans can turn static recordings into dynamic works that evolve over time based on a listener’s situation, whether that’s having the music respond to actions in a video game in real time or while driving a car. Even Ye (formerly Kanye West) played with this concept during the rollout of his album Donda 2, which was only available via a hardware device, called a Stem Player, that let listeners control the mix of the album.
MashApp is available for free or via a paid subscription for ad-free listening and additional features. Though mashups and remixes of hit songs are popular soundtracks for short-form content on TikTok and Instagram Reels, MashApp creations must be enjoyed within the app and are only available for personal use.
“MashApp’s mission is to bring the joy of playing with music creation to non-musicians, to let people play with their favorite music, as they have long done through DJing, mix tapes, mashups, and karaoke,” explained MashApp CEO/founder Henderson in a statement. “We want this new creative play to be a great experience for fans, but also for artists. This requires close partnerships with record labels and music publishers, and we’re excited that our partners have embraced our vision.”
Mark Piibe, executive vp of global business development & digital strategy at Sony Music, added: “We are pleased to be working with MashApp to help fans go deeper in how they engage with their favorite music through a new personalization and creation experience that appropriately values the work of our artists. This partnership furthers Sony Music’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovation in the marketplace by collaborating with developers of quality products that see opportunity in solutions that respect the rights of professional creators.”
“UMG always seeks to support innovation in the digital music ecosystem. MashApp introduces another evolution of the streaming experience for users by combining the creativity of DJ apps, with the accessibility that streaming offers,” said Nadir Contractor, senior vp of digital strategy & business development at UMG. “Within MashApp, users can unlock their own creative expression to curate, play and enjoy in real-time musical mashups from their favorite artists and songs, while respecting and supporting artist rights.”
“Our commitment to championing the rights of our artists and songwriters is at the core of everything we do,” said John Rees, senior vp of strategy & business development at WMG. “This partnership with MashApp builds on this mission–delivering a licensed, innovative platform that not only offers fans an exciting way to engage with music but also safeguards the work of the artists and songwriters who make it all possible.”
Lastly, Bob Bruderman, chief digital officer at Kobalt Music, added, “Kobalt has been a strong supporter of new companies that allow fans to express their creativity and engage with music they love. It was immediately clear that MashApp had a unique vision that opened a new experience for music fans on a well-executed platform, simultaneously respecting copyright. We look forward to a long partnership with MashApp.”
With the NBA All-Star tournament, SNL 50 and a potentially pivotal new joint album from Drake and Partynextdoor all coinciding on the same weekend, hip-hop continued its months-long chokehold on the apex of pop culture. Oh, and it was also Valentine’s Day Weekend, which gave us additional love-minded projects from Flau’jae, Jacquees & DeJ Loaf and Marvin Sapp.
Amid a shift in format, NBA All-Star Weekend featured performances from major names across hip-hop and R&B, including introductory performances from Grammy-winning Cali natives Raphael Saadiq (Feb. 15) and H.E.R. (Feb. 16). DJ Cassidy turned the halftime show into a special Bay Area edition of his “Pass the Mic Live!” series featuring appearances by E-40, Saweetie, Too $hort and En Vogue. Of course, All-Star Weekend couldn’t let such a major sports-meets-music moment pass without tapping Gelo, the biggest breakout hip-hop star of 2025 so far, to make his live TV debut with a performance of his Billboard Hot 100 hit “Tweaker” (No. 29). Other hip-hop and R&B performers over the weekend included LaRussell, Goapele, PJ Morton, 2 Chainz and Flo Rida.
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In 1981, the Funky Four Plus One became not just the first rap group to ever perform on SNL, but the first rap group to perform on American television. 44 years later, the iconic sketch comedy program enlisted several stars across hip-hop and R&B to help celebrate its 50th anniversary, including Lil Wayne, The Roots, Bad Bunny, Post Malone, T-Pain, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Snoop Dogg.
And then there was Drake. And Partynextdoor. On Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), the dynamic OVO duo braved the aftermath of Kendrick Lamar‘s victory-lapping Super Bowl LIX halftime show performances and launched their new R&B-focused joint album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. With “Gimme A Hug” and “Nokia” gaining traction, the new record may have given The Boy a path to redemption.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Kwn & Kehlani’s sexy new remix to AJ Tracey & Jorja Smith’s viral new collab. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: A$AP Twelvyy feat. Lord Sko, “Nina Sky”
Just two days after A$AP Rocky scolded him mid-testimony for nearly revealing the meaning behind AWGE, A$AP Twelvyy dropped his fourth studio album, I Did More With Less (V1). Skewing closer to traditional hip-hop than the ethereal, Houston-indebted soundscapes that Rocky favors, I Did More With Less is yet another formidable showing from one of A$AP Mob’s most underrated members. On standout cut “Nina Sky,” Twelvyy joins forces with fellow NYC native Lord Sko for a braggadocious, shit-talking lyrical exercise that ends in an ode to the Puerto Rican duo who inspired the song’s title; “Both b–ches look alike, call ’em Nina Sky,” Twelvyy spits at the end of his final verse. With their laid-back flows complementing the spacious groove of Wrex Mason’s production, “Nina Sky” is a home run. Let’s keep Twelvyy off the stand and in the booth! — KYLE DENIS
AJ Tracey feat. Jorja Smith, “Crush”
A snippet that lived up to the hype: After a week of build-up, AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith’s Brandy-sampling “Crush” arrived to rave reviews from fans. The twitchy R&G bop finds J-Money even tapping into her rap bag a bit while Tracey lays out his plan to make the good girls go bad. The London rhymer goes a step far vividly describing his plan to watch anime and “take a bite out of her a–cheek.” Netflix and chill just got one-upped. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Jaylon Ashaun & S!MONE, “5 Minutes”
Jaylon Ashaun and S!MONE reunite for another soulful collaboration with “5 Minutes”, a smooth and intimate track that explores the yearning for just a little more time with someone you love. The song beautifully captures the tension between love and responsibilities, as the couple holds onto their last few moments together, wishing they could pause time. With its heartfelt lyrics and captivating delivery, “5 Minutes” — S!MONE’s first release since her 2024 debut album — should resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled to say goodbye, even if only for a short while. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Cash Cobain feat. Bay Swag & Rob49, “Trippin on a Yacht”
There’s often interesting lore behind Cash Cobain songs. For “Tippin on a Yacht”, the New York rapper and producer previewed the song during a session with streamer PlaqueBoyMax back in January, and has had fans in his social media comments and replies asking for it ever since. Featuring a New Orleans bounce sample, Cash is joined by Bay Swag and the Nola’s own Rob49 on a song that makes you wish you were in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by baddies. — ANGEL DIAZ
Saint Lamaar, “Buss at You”
“Said, Dracos, ouuu/ Keltecs, too/ 7.62/ I can’t wait to buss at you,” croons Saint Lamaar, a rising R&B star from Columbus, Ohio. When you click play on “Buss at You,” you might be surprised to hear the opening notes of Tamia’s “Can’t Get Enough.” You might be even more surprised to realize that the production from Tamia’s original remains largely unchanged as Lamaar launches into an ode not to a lover, but to his gun. “I be keeping my cool/ Never know when I’m gonna have to shoot/ So I’m watching everything/ And bro watching everything/ And I know we feel the same way,” he croons in this hilarious and infectious song. Lamaar’s voice is surprisingly soulful, and his youthful timbre and slight rasp add interesting textures to the nostalgia baked into Tamia’s 2006 hit. — K.D.
OhGeesy & Saweetie, “Cuttin Up”
It’s a West Coast party as Los Angeles meets The Bay. This might be OhGeesy’s album, but Saweetie steals the show with her sharp assist. “It never rain in California, I’ma make it rain today, throw them ones, hoe,” Saweetie raps on an earworm of a chorus. “Cuttin Up” should make every strip club DJ’s rotation to close out February. — M.S.
Ayra Starr, “All the Love”
Afrobeats princess Ayra Starr delivers a heartfelt and uplifting anthem with “All the Love,” a song about genuine love, loyalty and emotional support in a world where fake love is all too common. She reassures her someone special that her love is real and unwavering, promising to be their safe space when others may not have their best interests at heart. Singing, “But one thing is certain, I’ll be that person/ Wey go be your shoulder, buddy, bestie, anything,” Ayra emphasizes the depth of her commitment — offering not just romance, but true companionship and emotional security. The song contrasts authentic love with the superficiality often found in relationships, urging the listener to let their guard down and accept something pure. With its warm melodies and soul-stirring lyrics, “All the Love” serves as both a love letter and a reminder that real love still exists. — C.C.
kwn & Kehlani, “Worst Behavior”
Chances are you probably saw a clip of Kwn and Kehlani’s scene-stealing 30-second makeout session before you actually heard their new song — but it’s still well worth your time to do the latter. Kwn dropped the original version of her steamy, sensual “Worst Behavior” last fall, and now Kehlani — fresh off three 2025 Grammy nominations — has added her touch to the track. “I’ma turn into a slip and slide, I’ll make sure you’re satisfied/ Meet the record every night/ ‘Cause you do me so good thinking of keeping it/ Say my s–t tastes so good, you tryna sleep in,” she coos, expertly ratcheting up the chemistry and tension between her and Kwn as Sasha Keable’s background vocals add yet another layer of seduction. — K.D.
Toosii, “168 Hours”
There are 168 hours in a week and Toosii is just trying to make the best of every minute. The bouncy production boasts a solemn flair that Rod Wave would’ve snatched up for his next album with ease. The 25-year-old rapper-singer holds his own while pouring out his heart about his dedication to making a certain relationship work no matter the obstacles. Job well done, although we could’ve done without the poop stains bar in the second verse – you got your point across, Toosii. — M.S.
Halle, “Back and Forth”
“Back and Forth” is a sultry, emotionally charged song about love, passion, and emotional conflict in a relationship. Halle explores the push-and-pull dynamic of a relationship where love, frustration, and desire all blend. She expresses her need for love that doesn’t hurt, yet she’s drawn to the emotional highs and lows that come with intense passion. “Sometimes I like when you get angry/ Something about it just reminds me that you care,” she admits, revealing her attraction to the passionate side of conflict, even if it’s not the healthiest. “Back and Forth” captures the complex emotions of a relationship that swings between love and frustration. Halle’s smooth vocals and vulnerable lyrics reflect the struggle of wanting stability while craving passion — even if it’s a bit toxic. — C.C.