State Champ Radio Blog
Page: 454
Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty
The Diddy federal trial is underway and as expected some of revelations have been jaw dropping. Cassie took the stand and claims she was forced to participate in a four-day freak off and more.
As reported by Variety, Cassie served as a witness on Tuesday, May 13. When questioned about her 11-year relationship with Diddy she got emotional as she further detailed the abuse she suffered. Cassie alleges that after the two started dating the mogul quickly introduced to her to what he called “Freak Offs.” According to her Diddy invited male escorts to perform sex acts with Cassie while Diddy watched. While she admitted she enjoyed the “voyeurism” aspect of it, she felt “nervous” and “confused” and “wanted to make him happy.”
Cassie claims that eventually Diddy had tasked her with organizing the “Freak Offs” including sourcing the male escorts. She also said the sessions would go on for days with the longest one lasting four days. The “Me & U” singer alleges Diddy provided her ecstasy, marijuana, ketamine and mushrooms to perform. “The ‘Freak Offs’ became a job, where there was no space to do anything else but to recover and feel normal again,” she added. As time progressed Cassie started to see “a different side” of Diddy which came with physical abuse. She says the mogul would “knock me over, drag me, kick me, stomp me in the head if I was down.”
Diddy is facing federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges. If found guilty he could serve natural life in prison.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Lord Buffalo has canceled its European tour after border patrol “forcibly removed” band member Yamal Said, a Mexican citizen, from a flight — despite the drummer being a green-card holder and “lawful permanent resident” of the United States — according to a statement on the Texas band’s Instagram.
With just one day left before their trek had been scheduled to kick off Thursday (May 15) in the Netherlands, the group members wrote in their joint statement that, moments before they’d been supposed to take off for Europe on Monday (May 12), their bandmate was escorted off the plane at at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. “He has not been released, and we have been unable to contact him,” they wrote, noting that they are “heartbroken” to have to cancel the tour as a result.
“We are currently working with an immigration lawyer to find out more information and to attempt to secure his release,” the band continued in the post. “We are devastated to cancel this tour, but we are focusing all of our energy and resources on Yamal’s safety and freedom. We are hopeful that this is a temporary setback and that it could be safe for us to reschedule this tour in the future.”
Trending on Billboard
In an update to the caption posted later Thursday afternoon, Lord Buffalo thanked fans for their “outpouring of support” and shared that Yamal had “secured the legal representation he needs.” “We are waiting to hear what comes next,” the band added. “We want to reiterate that we truly don’t know what’s going on. We have more questions than answers, but we will keep you posted as much as we can. At this time the family asks for privacy as they navigate the situation.”
Billboard has reached out to the band’s reps and the DFW International Airport for comment.
According to Lord Buffalo’s website, the Americana rockers were slated to play eight total dates across Europe. Following their kickoff performance in Heerlen, they’d planned on spending the month of May traveling through cities in Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
In the group’s absence, tourmates Orsak:Oslo will still play at all of their scheduled dates. “We urge everyone to go see this amazing band and support them over the next couple weeks,” Lord Buffalo added in its statement.
The announcement comes at a tense time in American immigration politics, with Donald Trump pledging to carry out mass deportations as part of his presidency when he entered office in January. As reported by Billboard, the administration’s policies have had a particular effect on the Latin music industry, with many artists sharing that they’ve seen a distinct drop in attendance levels due to concertgoers fearing deportation.
The twice-impeached POTUS’ crackdowns on travel and immigration have also impacted the trans community. In January, Trump signed an executive order requiring that travel documents such as passports and visas display a person’s sex assigned at birth, after which U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Services (USCIS) announced in April that it would only recognize biological sex on immigration forms going forward. As a result, trans musicians — such as Bells Larsen, who was forced to cancel his American shows due to the change — have similarly struggled to tour in the U.S.
See Lord Buffalo’s statement below.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA have been sharing the spotlight with each other on their current Grand National Tour, and the “All the Stars” collaborators are bringing their A-list friends into the fold during select shows. Playboi Carti was the first guest performer, popping out for “Good Credit” at the Atlanta show last month after Dot […]
Joey Badass sat down with Red Bull for a story published Tuesday (May 13), during which he talked about almost signing with Jay-Z‘s Roc Nation and his relationship with 50 Cent. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news When he talked about almost signing with Roc Nation back […]
During the premiere of Tomorrow Was Beautiful — in which Karol G highlights the impact of Selena Quintanilla on her own career — the Colombian artist was surprised with top-secret news from Netflix. The cat is now out of the bag, as it has been officially announced that a new Selena documentary is coming to […]
The Contenders is a midweek column that looks at artists aiming for the top of the Billboard charts, and the strategies behind their efforts. This week, for the upcoming Billboard Hot 100 dated May 24, we look at the chances of Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” to take over the top spot after 12 weeks of “Luther.”
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Alex Warren, “Ordinary” (Atlantic): It’s been the little song that could for 13 weeks now on the Hot 100: Alex Warren’s simultaneously folky and bombastic love song “Ordinary.” After catching some early viral heat, Warren – an influencer and former member of the Hype House collective – brought the song everywhere from the Love Is Blind reunion to Jelly Roll’s headlining set at the Stagecoach Music Festival, gradually turning it into a global smash. It tops the Billboard Global 200 for a second week on the chart dated May 17 – and now, it sets its sights on the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100.
“Ordinary” has already seized the top spot on two of the Hot 100’s three component charts: It has reigned for three weeks atop both Streaming Songs (up less than 1% to 21.6 million official U.S. streams this week, according to Luminate) and Digital Song Sales (down 11% to 6,000 sold). It has the most ground to make up still on radio – but it’s been doing exactly that, surging 34-27 on Radio Songs this week thanks to a 24% gain in radio audience, and is the greatest gainer in audience among all songs May 9-12, aiming to move into that chart’s top 20.
Trending on Billboard
With the Hot 100 dominated thus far in 2025 by superstars like Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Travis Scott, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, “Ordinary” would make Alex Warren the first artist this year to top the Hot 100 for the first time if it moves to No. 1 – and Warren would be doing it with just his second-ever entry on the chart.
Kendrick Lamar & SZA, “Luther” (pgLang/Interscope/ICLG): Its rule on the Hot 100 has practically been unchallenged to this point since it took over following the Super Bowl in early March, but “Luther” is finally starting to slip in its dominance. It drops in each of its radio play (down 4%), streams (7%) and sales (12%) metrics this week, though it remains a strong performer in each – even reigning on Radio Songs for a sixth frame. But it’s clearly on the downslope of its commercial run now, and it may cede the Radio Songs crown as soon as next week.
With “Luther” sliding and “Ordinary” still gaining, it seems like only a matter of time before the latter supplants the former atop the Hot 100. Regardless, whenever it happens, “Luther” has already proven historic in its 12-week rule, setting the all-time mark for most time at No. 1 for a duet between co-billed lead solo male and female artists, and the decade-best run for a 2020s rap song.
IN THE MIX
Doechii, “Anxiety” (Top Dawg/Capitol/ICLG): Not too far behind “Luther” on the Hot 100 this week is another song from the TDE family — “Anxiety,” Doechii’s first top 10 hit, which reaches a new high of No. 9 on the chart. The gains are mostly due to a rising radio audience, as the Gotye & Kimbra-sampling song moves 3-2 on Radio Songs, and seems likely to take over – potentially as soon as next week – as her first No. 1 on the chart. The question of how much further it could go on the Hot 100 likely comes down to whether it can gain fast enough and strong enough on radio to offset its declining streaming, as the song drops from No. 27 to No. 34 on this week’s Streaming Songs listing.
Jessie Murph, “Blue Strips” (Columbia): One of the real breakout hits of the spring has been singer-songwriter Jessie Murph’s super-viral “Blue Strips,” with the hybrid country/trap/pop song bounding up the Hot 100 from No. 81 all the way to No. 15 this week in just four frames total on the chart. The song has already rocketed to the top five on Streaming Songs, and now is just starting to get going on radio, and aims to become her first-ever unaccompanied solo entry on next week’s Pop Airplay chart. It’s already Murph’s highest-peaking hit of any kind on the Hot 100, and if it continues to catch on the airwaves, the top 10 will surely be in the song’s sights before long.
Morgan Wallen, “Superman” (Mercury/Big Loud/Republic): Released on Friday (May 9), “Superman” is the eighth and final advance release from Wallen’s upcoming I’m the Problem album – don’t worry, still 29 totally new songs where those came from – and has gotten off to a predictably good start on streaming. That’ll probably be it for now for “Superman” as a focus track, since Wallen already has multiple active singles on streaming and radio (as well as five tracks currently residing in the Hot 100’s top 40), but the song should at the very least make a strong debut on the Hot 100, further prepping chartwatchers for the absolute Wallen onslaught due following the release of the full I’m the Problem next week.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
SM Entertainment’s boy band RIIZE is gearing up for a comeback on May 19 with its first full-length album, ODYSSEY, and everyone is celebrating, including Amazon.
Prior to the launch of the group’s highly anticipated comeback, RIIZE hyped up fans by releasing an Amazon Prime exclusive photobook CD. ODYSSEY is the first full-length album the boy band is dropping since its debut back in 2023. In other words, this release is a big deal. To prep for RIIZE’s long-awaited album, we’ve compiled a list of merch you can shop through Amazon Prime right now that’ll have you looking and feeling like a true BRIIZE.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
RIIZE Lightstick
RIIZE Offical Lightstick
A clear lightstick with the band’s logo inside.
Want to cheer on your RIIZE the official way? Amazon features the boy band’s lightstick in all its glory for $60. The accessory comes in an orange and white component and includes decorative stickers and a wrist strap to make the lightstick your own.
Trending on Billboard
With a press of a button, you can change LED modes to make streaming the band’s new album a full-on party. The official lightstick also features Bluetooth compatibility when connected to the SM Town app, allowing users to enjoy a variety of official K-pop content. AAA batteries are required to make this thing shine, but they’re sold separately.
UJIMS RIIZE Bracelet
UJIMS RIIZE Bracelet
A stainless steel chain bracelet with RIIZE charms.
Nothing says “major fan” like repping RIIZE’s name on your wrist. Retailing for $10.89, UJIMS features an ultra-cute stainless steel bracelet with the K-pop act’s name spelled out in dangling letter charms studded with high-shine gemstones.
The accessory doesn’t outright look like K-Pop merch, which could be a plus for some, subtle enough to flex on other fans without screaming “Koreaboo.” What’s more? The bracelet is hypo allergenic and doesn’t tarnish or rust when in contact with water. Worn with other simplistic silver pieces, real or otherwise, the bracelet is a stand-out for sure.
UJIMS RIIZE Keychain
UJIMS RIIZE Keychain
A dangling keychain with charms.
UJIMS also stocks unique keychains for all your K-pop needs. RIIZE’s special keychain features a few whimsical charms made of acrylic attached to a large stainless steel jump ring. Charms include some of the band’s most notable iconography, such as the official lightstick, and the name in Hangul scrawled in black set on a white background. The accessory can be affixed to keys or attached to your favorite shoulder bag for a playful textural moment. Or go rogue and attach it to your RIIZE lightstick.
BC233 K-POP Idol Group Special Matching Card Game
BC233 K-POP Idol Group Special Matching Card Game
A RIIZE-themed UNO-inspired card deck.
Perfect for a road trip or waiting out RIIZE’s album drop, BC233 features a RIIZE-inspired card deck that is much like UNO, but with a K-pop twist. Each card in the themed deck includes photos of the RIIZE members. Just like a regular game of UNO, players are meant to match up cards by coordinating colors and numbers, racing against opponents to get rid of the cards in your hands. The addition of RIIZE’s pictures makes this card deck a wonderful gift for K-pop and boardgame fans alike. With a price point like $9.99, it’s kinda hard to say no.
JNIAP RIIZE Tote Bag
JNIAP RIIZE Tote Bag
$7.89
$15.89
50% off
A cotton tote bag with RIIZE members faces on it inspired by their song “Get a Guitar.”
Inspired by RIIZE’s hit song “Get a Guitar,” JNIAP offers a $7.89 tote bag. Crafted of structural waterproof cotton, the bag features all six members of the band on the front depicted as cute little characters, along with lyrics from their aforementioned track in black. Sturdy shoulder straps hold up the tote, giving the bag extra support.
The bag is extremely roomy and meant to carry the essentials from a laptop to your favorite K-pop albums. Stylish enough for a coffee date or a trip to the movies, the bag is ready for any adventure you might take it on.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Ever wondered how some of the biggest acts in K-pop were made? Amazon‘s documentary Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop dives deep into the inner workings of the popular music genre as seen through the eyes of legendary South Korean business executive and record producer Lee Soo Man.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Directed by Ting Poo, the one hour and 47-minute film is currently available to stream on Amazon’s Prime Video via a Prime subscription, which will run you $14.99 per month. The documentary was made available on the streaming platform on May 13.
Trending on Billboard
‘Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop’
A brand new Amazon’s Prime Video documentary discussing the life and work of legendary music producer and businessman Lee Soo Man.
From Man’s beginnings in the traditional town of Jeonju, to his work at hallowed entertainment company SM Entertainment, the documentary chronicles the good, bad and ugly of the K-pop industry, with the hallowed producer behind the wheel. Many credit Man with starting what is known as the “Hallyu wave,” a phenomenon that speaks to the surge in popularity of South Korean culture, particularly its music, dramas and films.
Man founded SM Entertainment back in 1989. During his roughly 33 years at SM Entertainment, Man is credited with creating some of the company’s most popular groups, including Exo, Super Junior, Aespa, Girls Generation, Red Velvet, NCT, TVXQ and SHINee. The company is largely credited as a key driver of the global success of K-pop. Man left the company in March of 2023 due to a slew of logistical issues and a heated management dispute, which are briefly touched on in the documentary.
While the Hallyu movement began in the 1990s, the figurative wave has grown to monsoon levels, taking the music industry by storm. The K-pop sphere has gained major recognition over the past few years, becoming an immensely popular genre throughout the world, thanks to the work of Man and industry bigwigs like him. This documentary is a must-watch for fans of the genre who are seeking an insider’s perspective on some of their favorite groups.
Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Tengoku” hits No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, dated May 14, becoming one of the three songs by the band taking up the top three slots on this week’s chart.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“Tengoku” (“Heaven”) was written as the theme song for the movie Shinso wo ohanashi shimasu (“Let me tell you the truth”) starring the band’s frontman Motoki Omori alongside timelesz member Fuma Kikuchi and debuted at No. 11 last week. On this week’s tally, it rules streaming with 9,383,288 weekly streams while coming in at No. 3 for downloads, No. 2 for radio airplay, and No. 4 for video views.
The popular three-man band dominates the top three positions on this week’s Japan Hot 100 with “Lilac” following “Heaven” at No. 2 and “KUSUSHIKI” at No. 3, becoming the second act to do so. The first artist who accomplished this feat was Ado, on the chart released Aug. 17, 2022. (“New Genesis,” “Backlght,” and “I’m Invincible” at Nos. 1, 2, 3, respectively. Fun fact: Motoki Omori wrote “I’m Invincible.”)
Trending on Billboard
WEST.’s “WEST SIDE SOUL!” debuts at No. 4. The theme song for the movie URASYAIN starring all seven members of the boy band sold 236,601 copies in its first week to rule physical sales and comes in at No. 24 for radio.
DXTEEN’s “Tick-Tack” bows at No. 5. The opening theme song for the drama series Yabusaka dewa gozaimasen launches at No. 2 for sales with 90,311 copies sold and comes in at No. 8 for radio.
Other notable chart moves include Shota Shimizu’s “PUZZLE,” which rises 18-11. Released last October as the theme song for his alma mater, the song started gaining traction on TikTok and social media around April, leading to an increase in video views and streams. Streams are up to 112% and downloads to 162% from the week before.
Also, several songs by KinKi Kids have charted after the duo released its extensive catalog on streaming platforms on May 5. “Ai no katamari” comes in at No. 14, “Garasu no shonen” at No. 42, “Aisareruyori aishitai” at No. 81, “Flower” at No. 92, and “Boku no senaka niwa hane ga aru” at No. 99.
The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.
See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from May 5 to 11, here. For more on Japanese music and charts, visit Billboard Japan’s English X account.
Profitability at K-pop company JYP Entertainment fell in the first quarter due to a lack of large tours and an album release schedule that favored young, developing artists. While revenue reached 140.8 billion KRW ($97 million), up 3% from the prior-year period, operating profit fell 42%. Operating margin — operating income as a percentage of […]
