State Champ Radio Blog
Page: 376
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.
05/28/2025
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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See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
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
Trending on Billboard
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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Global success enjoyed by the likes of Central Cee, Charli xcx and Dua Lipa helped lift British music exports to a record high of £794 million ($1.72 billion) in 2024, according to new figures from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
The London-based trade body says last year’s total is the highest since it began analyzing labels’ overseas income in 2000, and that it’s more than triple the £243 million ($328 million) from 2013. The result also means that the U.K. remains the world’s second biggest exporter of music, making up around 8% to 9% of global streams, says the BPI.
Driving last year’s stats was a combination of established, globally successful British artists and a new generation of homegrown talent making waves on the world stage. In total, around 600 artists accumulated more than 100 million global streams throughout 2024, including high-charting releases from Central Cee, Charli xcx and Dua Lipa, alongside platinum singles for Myles Smith (“Stargazing”) and Good Neighbours (“Home”).
Trending on Billboard
Data by Luminate shows that the list of top revenue-generating artists also includes contemporary himakers Adele, Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles and Sam Smith, as well as icons who first rose to prominence in the 1970s, such as Queen and Elton John.
Consumption of British music increased in all but one of the main global regions in 2024, says BPI. This trend was led by an incrase of 29% in the Middle East and 12% in Africa. North America and Europe remained the biggest regions for export.
The BPI attributes many of these major gains to British record labels’ long-term investment in new talent and established acts. The organization reports that between 2020-2024, label businesses invested more than £2 billion ($2.7 billion) in artist A&R and marketing.
The rate of growth is declining, however. The BPI reports that income from the sales and streams of British music overseas increased by just 1.9% in 2024, compared to 7.6% in 2023 and 20% in 2022. In previous years, the consumption of British music globally was bolstered by extensive album and touring campaigns from superstars including Styles and Lewis Capaldi. Last year, however, no British artists ranked among the 20 most-streamed artists globally, according to the IFPI.
BPI chief executive Dr Jo Twist said in a statement: “It’s brilliant to see British artists, backed by their labels, continue to shine on the world stage, including a new generation of talent such as Charli XCX, Lola Young, and Myles Smith, among others. Their emergence shows we are on the cusp of future success.”
In her statement, Twist also stressed the importance of raising awareness around the government’s potential future approach to generative artificial intelligence training, as well as highlighting the need for further conversation around music education in the U.K.
Twist continued: “If we are to realise this potential in an increasingly competitive global market and keep British music a headline act, we need the right environment where the industry comes together to deliver growth to the UK. We have a Government that values not just the cultural power of British music but also the foundations of its success: creative arts education, labels that are supported and encouraged to invest in talent, successful programmes like the Music Export Growth Scheme, and a gold standard copyright framework that safeguards creativity and rewards human artistry.”
Wu-Tang really is forever. The legendary Staten Island crew is set to embark on their final tour this summer, and the Wu-Tang Clan will be bringing a time capsule on the road. One lucky fan at each tour stop will be able to donate one rare piece of Wu memorabilia to the Wu-Tang Forever Time […]
Donald Trump has pardoned YoungBoy Never Broke Again, the rapper confirmed on Wednesday (May 28). The news was first reported by CNN’s Jasmine Wright on X. “President Trump has also issued a full pardon to rapper NBA YoungBoy, one of the most streamed rappers, who was convicted of possessing weapons as a felon,” she wrote. […]
Justin Bieber is celebrating Hailey Bieber‘s wins.
Following the announcement that the model had sold her Rhode skincare company to e.l.f. Beauty for an eye-popping $1 billion on Wednesday (May 23), the pop star took to social media to champion his business-savvy wife in a sweet but subtle way.
On Instagram, Justin posted a glamorous photo of Hailey rocking a powerful white suit, as well as a screenshot of her own caption announcing the news on the platform. “When I launched @rhode in 2022, I always had big dreams for the company, and the most important thing to me is to keep bringing rhode to more spaces, places, and faces globally,” the mogul wrote on her page. “So today I am so incredibly excited and proud to announce that we are partnering with e.l.f. Beauty … a like-minded disruptor with a vision to be a different kind of company that believes in big ideas and innovation in the same way that I do.”
“I feel invigorated, excited and more ready than ever to step into an even bigger role as Chief Creative Officer, and Head of Innovation of rhode as well as strategic advisor to e.l.f. Beauty,” Hailey continued in her caption. “Thank you to the amazing rhode team who have helped me build over the years. I couldn’t have done it without all of you. And to our rhode community, thank you for being the most supportive and for being on this journey, this next chapter is going to be even more incredible together!”
Justin also reshared Hailey’s post on his Story.
Trending on Billboard
The businesswoman didn’t share the billion-dollar price tag of her sale in her post, but the 10-digit figure was reported by Wall Street Journal and Forbes. The latter publication breaks down the deal as being “$600 million in cash, $200 million worth of e.l.f. Beauty stock and a potential $200 million in future payouts based on the company’s growth over the next three years.”
The sale comes just three years after Hailey first launched Rhode, a venture for which Justin has been at her side every step of the way. The musician — who married Hailey in 2018 — has appeared with her at several events for the company, and in February, he shared photos and wrote on Instagram, “Congrats baby on your beautiful @rhode pop up.”
Hailey’s major money move also comes shortly after she appeared on the cover of Vogue, getting candid in the accompanying interview about her life — both as a woman in the public eye and as a new mom to son Jack Blues, whom she welcomed with Justin in August. The “Peaches” singer also shared a few thoughts with the publication, saying, “I’ve done a lot of dumb things in my life, but the smartest thing I’ve ever done was marry Hailey.”
Shortly afterward, he faced a bit of backlash for sharing on Instagram that he once told Hailey she’d “never be on the cover of Vogue” during a “huge fight” they had in the past. Justin has since removed the caption from his page, replacing it with a string of emojis, but he’d originally added, “Yikes I know, so mean … For some reason because I felt so disrespected I thought I gotta get even.. I think as we mature we realize that we’re not helping anything by getting even … So baby u already know but forgive me for saying u wouldn’t get a vogue cover cuz clearly i was sadly mistaken.”
