bb news

13 Jul 2023

Billie’s ‘Barbie’ Song, Jimmie Allen’s Countersuit, Peso Pluma’s Cover & More | Billboard News

Peso Pluma opens up about reaching No. 1 with his tracks ‘Ella Baila Sola’ with Eslabon Armado and ‘BZRP: Music Sessions Vol. 55’ with Bizarrap, how his life has changed since his recent success, achieving his dream, and more! Billie Eilish has released her ‘Barbie’ movie soundtrack ballad “What Was I Made For?” Jimmie Allen countersues two women who have accused him of sexual assault. He filed documents in Nashville federal court “to protect my reputation and refute these claims.”

Evan Burke:
Peso Pluma is taking over the charts and the cover of Billboard. Billie Eilish releases her emotional self-directed music video for the ‘Barbie’ movie. Jimmie Allen has countersued in the sexual harassment and abuse case against him and we’re running down 2015’s biggest songs of the summer.

Evan Burke:
Welcome to Billboard News. It’s Thursday, July 13th, and we’ve got a brand-new cover story with Mexican superstar Peso Pluma.

Evan Burke:
Billie Eilish’s contribution to the ‘Barbie’ soundtrack is here and it’s full of hidden gems. Let us break it down for you.

Evan Burke:
After much teasing, Billie Eilish dropped a hypnotic track off the ‘Barbie’ soundtrack and she even directed the music video herself. In it she’s rocking Barbie’s signature hair, opens up the 1962 solo in the spotlight Barbie trunk and pulls out miniature Barbie versions of some of her most iconic looks. The yellow outfit from “Bellyache,” her Chanel look from the Oscars, the black number with chains from the “Lovely” music video, her camo getup from TRL, her other yellow outfit from the “Bad Guy” music video and of course her black-and-green look from the Grammys.

Evan Burke:
Billie posted a snippet of the one-shot music video to IG explaining how it all came together and ended the post with,”This video makes me cry. It means so much to me and I hope it will mean just as much to you. I don’t have much to say other than that. I think it will speak for itself.”

Watch the full video above!

11 Jul 2023

Kevin Gates Reacts to His Viral Moments, Explains Re-Releasing His 10-Year-Old Mixtape & More | Billboard News

Kevin Gates reacts to some of his most viral moments on social media, explains why he decided to re-release his mixtape ‘Luca Brasi’ after being released 10 years ago, talks about his new music, and more!

Kevin Gates
Y’all did all of this for me. Y’all shouldn’t have. My name is Kevin Gates. And this is Billboard News. I never thought I’d be on Billboard News. This is so cool.

Tetris Kelly
Welcome to Billboard News. I’m Tetris and I’m hanging out with my man, what’s going on Kevin Gates?

Kevin Gates
I’m excited.

Tetris Kelly
I’m excited to have you here. The funny part is as soon as you walked in today, I was like, I’ve wanted to ask you about this. So I’m happy to hear the feather’s the vibe. I’ve seen it in your music videos and on stage. Tell me the inspiration behind this look.

Kevin Gates
It’s not a look, and I’m gonna be honest with you. I wish I would have never walked this path.

Tetris Kelly
Why do you say that? Because I feel like it’s a whole vibe.

Kevin Gates
The responsibility that come with it. Wearing the feathers, like it’s me vibrating at the highest frequency possible and my feathers are very strong, but at the same time, they’re very delicate, just like life. So I gotta be conscious at all times. At some time. I want to turn up you know?

Tetris Kelly
You got a reminder.

Kevin Gates
I gotta always remember to be present and be in the moment. Be conscious.

Watch the full interview above!

10 Jul 2023

Taylor Swift Reunites With Ex, Olivia Rodrigo & Lil Uzi Vert Debut at No. 1, More | Billboard News

Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” bumps Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” from the top spot of the Hot 100 and Lil Uzi Vert’s long-awaited ‘Pink Tape’ debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Harry Styles was struck in the face by a flying object during his concert in Vienna. Taylor Swift invited her ex-Taylor Lautner on stage after the release of her latest re-release, “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).” And more!

Tetris Kelly:
We got a new leader on top of the Hot 100. Harry Styles is struck by an object during his concert. Taylor Swift had an epic weekend. Hillary Scott teaches us her hometown slang. And Megan Moroney goes fishing for answers

Tetris Kelly:
Welcome to another week of Billboard News, I’m Tetris Kelly. It’s Monday, July 10th. And Morgan Wallen’s reign on the charts has come to an end. Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Vampire’ slays Morgan Wallen’s ‘Last Night’ to debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100.

Tetris Kelly:
‘Vampire’ becomes Olivia Rodrigo’s third No. 1 on the Hot 100, matching the success of ‘Good 4 U’ and ‘Drivers License.’ She dethroned Morgan Wallen after 13 nonconsecutive weeks at the top. Elsewhere on the Hot 100, Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer’ reaches a new peak at No. 7, almost four years after its release. Over on the 200, Lil Uzi Vert’s ‘Pink Tape’ debuted at No. 1.

Tetris Kelly:
This is their third No. 1 album and the first rap album to reach the top spot this year, and also in the top 10, Aespa’s ‘My World: The 3rd Mini Album’ and Rylo Rodriguez’s ‘Been One.’ Now we move on to the dangerous trend of fans throwing objects at concerts.

Watch the full video above.

07 Jul 2023

Jason Mraz Reflects on the Success of ‘I’m Yours,’ Discusses His New Album & More | Billboard News

Jason Mraz reflects on the success of his hit song “I’m Yours” 15 years after its release, talks about his new album ‘The Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride,’ making pop music for 40-year-olds and more!

Katie Bain
What advice would you give to that guy now, knowing what you now?

Jason Mraz
Oh, gosh, just relax. You don’t need the tramp stamp. Hey, what’s up? I’m Jason Mraz and this is Billboard News.

Katie Bain
Hello, I’m Katie Bain this is Billboard News and we are here with the legend Jason Mraz, the legend.

Jason Mraz
Wow I’m a legend?

Katie Bain
Truly a legend.

Jason Mraz
Thanks Katie.

Katie Bain
About to become more legendary because you are releasing a new album. And I’m not gonna lie. I’m just gonna read this off the cue card because it’s a bit of a mouthful: ‘Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.’

Jason Mraz
Yeah, that’s the new album.

Katie Bain
I feel that there’s probably a lot intertwined in the title itself. So just unpack that for me to start.

Jason Mraz
It comes from a lyric inside the album. For me, it sums up life. I want to be mystified by life because I don’t know what’s going on. And so the album addresses life, and how to stay awake and enjoy the ride.

Katie Bain
I really love this album. And it’s beautiful, and it’s smart. And I was intrigued by sort of the framing of it as pop music for people in their 40s. How does this album reflect your age and your experiences?

Watch the full interview above!

03 Jul 2023

Rufus Wainwright Opens Up on Being One of the First Openly Gay Major-Label Artists, His New Album & More | Billboard News

Rufus Wainwright opens up about being one of the first openly gay major-label artists to succeed, the thinking behind his new album ‘Folkocracy’ and more!

Tetris Kelly:
What do you want to be remembered as?

Rufus Wainwright:
A great beauty? Hi. This is Rufus Wainwright and you’re watching Billboard News.

Tetris Kelly:
It’s Tetris with Billboard news. How you doing Rufus? Thanks for hanging out with us.

Rufus Wainwright:
Thank you for having me.

Tetris Kelly:
You got big things to celebrate. It’s been 25 years since you released your self titled debut, man. How’s it feel? 25 years later?

Rufus Wainwright:
It feels awful! No, no, I’m very proud and excited to be alive. And still making music and, and happy. And that first record I made has proven to have lasted and I worked very hard on it. It took me three years to make that first record. It costs a lot of money. It was with DreamWorks Records at the time who had a lot of money to pay for that kind of thing. It’s built to last perhaps.

Tetris Kelly:
You made changes to it. You’re re-releasing it? What’s gonna be different about the rerelease?

Rufus Wainwright:
We remastered it and then we also released some bonus material, other songs I did at the time. I think what’s interesting about the record is that it was made in the mid to late 90s. And it really was part of the last breath of sort of the grand record company/artist relationship where they would sort of just write all the checks and kind of let you do whatever you wanted to do. And they really didn’t expect you to be popular until your third or fourth album.

Watch the full interview above!

30 Jun 2023

Nicki Minaj Delays ‘Pink Friday 2,’ New Music From Olivia Rodrigo, XG, Lil Uzi Vert & More | Billboard News

It’s Friday, and we have new music from XG, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Uzi Vert and more! Nicki Minaj announces that her upcoming album will be titled ‘Pink Friday 2’ but also delays the release. Megan Thee Stallion reveals that she is not ready to release new music. During a tour stop, SZA opens up about her ex cheating on her. Lizzo re-creates Beyonce and Blue Ivy’s iconic Renaissance tour dance. And more!

Tetris Kelly:

Women in R&B and hip-hop are making moves. Lil Nas X is killing the fashion game. We’re learning five things about Megan Moroney. Drag queen Eureka O’ Hara is letting us know her music inspiration. We’ve got a ton of new music, and our Friday Music Guide.

Tetris Kelly:

Yes, it’s Friday! But before you head out to happy hour, Billboard News has your top stories for June 30th. Let’s start with new music. XG is entering their new era with ‘GRL GVNG.’

Tetris Kelly:

It’s the first single from their debut mini album coming soon, and there are so many more bops to get through in the rest of the show. But for now, let’s talk new Nicki Minaj. She named the album but postponed it. Megan Thee Stallion isn’t ready for new music either. SZA says her ex cheated on her on tour, while Lizzo gave a tribute to Beyoncé at her tour. Let’s talk about Nicki Minaj: She’s naming her new album ‘Pink Friday 2’ after her iconic debut, but we have to wait a little longer due to “some really exciting news that I’ll share with you guys at a later time. I’ve shifted the album date just a tad bit. Trust me it’ll be well worth the wait.” She added that the album will be released November 17th with a tour first quarter of 2024. In a hilarious day in the life video, Meg says she’s not releasing new music soon, adding, “Don’t ask me about no d*mn music.” 

Watch the full video above!

28 Jun 2023

XG Talk About First Time Performing for Their Alphaz in America, Their Docuseries & More | Billboard News

XG talk about their first time performing in America, meeting their U.S. Alphaz, their docuseries, their unique group concept as a Japanese girl group performing in English, and more!

XG:
Hi we’re XG and you’re watching Billboard News.

Maya:
It was such an incredible moment being able to meet our U.S. Alphaz for the very first time as well as performing in the U.S. for the very first time. The energy was amazing, we had so much fun, we felt so alive after the whole performance and we were just really grateful for the fact that we had this opportunity and it was an amazing experience, so yeah, words can’t describe how grateful we are, so thank you so much.

Hinata:
It was our first performance in Japan and we were really welcomed by a lot of ALPHAZ and even showed us cards saying, “Welcome Back XG!” It was really heartwarming and we were really grateful for that. We had an amazing and exciting performance, so it was really great.

Jurin:
We are Japanese, based in Korea, singing in English. We understand it makes us a unique group. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible, so we learned English and Korean. We have a strong desire to reach out to a lot of people and we hope that we can accomplish our goals.

Jurin:
We express the relationship between the seven of us as “HESONO O” in Japanese. It represents a connection that continues and symbolizes a family tied to an umbilical cord. I think the backstory to that phrase is revealed in the documentary, so we hope the ALPHAZ can pick up on that.

Watch the full video above!

28 Jun 2023

Zayn Teases New Music, Dua Lipa Invites Billie Eilish & Jennie on Her Podcast & More | Billboard News

Zayn Malik teases new music after signing with a new label, Dua Lipa kicks off the third season of her podcast with superstar guests Billie Eilish and BLACKPINK’s Jennie, country star Morgan Evans teaches us Australian slang, XG tell us about performing in America and meeting their Alphaz & more.

Tetris Kelly:
Zayn signs to a new label for his next album. Due Lipa announces two superstars for the next season of her podcast. Lewis Capaldi cancels his tour due to his battle with Tourette’s. We’re talking to XG ahead of their first mini album. And Morgan Evans teaches us some Australian slang. I’m Tetris Kelly for Billboard News, it’s Wednesday, June 28th. And we’re learning more about what’s next for Zayn. Billboard can confirm Zayn Malik has a new label and new music on the way.

Tetris Kelly
Zayn wiped his social media this week leaving behind the pre-save link and teaser for new music. The star signed with Mercury Records, which says new music is coming very soon this summer. Billboard is being told the former One Directioner is making a major departure from the sound that defined his previous hits like ‘Pillow Talk’ and ‘I Don’t Want to Live Forever.’ We’re all excited to hear new stuff, Zayn, don’t keep us waiting too much longer. We also have new music from Japanese girl group XG on the way. Their next single ‘Girl Gang’ is out Friday. It’s the first track off their first mini album coming soon. We caught up with the girls in New York after their first performance in the States.

Watch the full video above!

27 Jun 2023

Olivia Rodrigo’s New Album, ‘Joy Ride’ Cast Talk Love of K-Pop & More | Billboard News

New Olivia Rodrigo music is coming soon! The singer announced her sophomore album and its release date in a post that surprised fans to kick off the week. Austin Mahone talks his latest single “Kuntry,” why he wanted to step into the country music genre, and his new album ‘Lone Star Story.’ The cast of ‘Joy Ride’ open up about their love for K-pop and getting the approval of Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion. Fuerza Regida talks the Regional Mexican music explosion, taking over the Billboard charts, collaborating with Groupo Frontera, Peso Pluma, Natanael Cano, their tour, and more!

Tetris Kelly
Olivia Rodrigo’s new album proves she’s gots ‘GUTS,’ we take you to the ‘Joy Ride’ premiere to talk K-pop and Megan and Cardi’s ‘WAP.’ Austin Mahone stops by our studio. We run down the top songs on Twitter and Mexican music group Fuerza Regida are your latest cover stars.

Tetris Kelly
Guys, welcome to Billboard News. I’m Tetris Kelly and it’s Tuesday, June 27. Let’s talk about one of the most anticipated albums of the year. Olivia Rodrigo announced the release date of her sophomore album and the pop star is ready to spill her guts.

Tetris Kelly
Olivia took to socials on Monday to announce her highly anticipated record is arriving later this year. Unveiling the cover art, the pop star wrote on Instagram, “my sophomore album ‘GUTS’ comes out September 8. I am so proud of this record and I can’t wait to share it with you all.” She also shared a message to her fans in an IG story. “So excited about this new album and this new chapter. I can’t thank you guys enough for all your support and enthusiasm. Making this album was very daunting, very fun and very fulfilling. I can’t wait for it to be yours.” We’re so excited for the release and the first single ‘Vampire’ that drops this Friday.

Watch the full video above!

27 Jun 2023

Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu & ‘Joy Ride’ Cast on Integrating K-pop Into New Movie | Billboard News

The Cast of ‘Joy Ride’ discusses integrating K-pop into the film, re-working “WAP” and more at the premiere!

Get your tickets for ‘Joy Ride’ here.

Ashley Park:
It was amazing to have the blessing of Megan and Cardi B.

Sabrina Wu:
My knowledge of the ARMY was that they were maybe the most powerful organization in the world.

Stephanie Hsu:
It’s a movement.

Tetris Kelly:
It’s Tetris at the premiere of ‘Joy Ride,’ and there’s a scene that’s all about K-pop fandom. Well, this K-pop fan is talking to the stars of the movie and checking out the afterparty.

Sherry Cola:
You know, I hope Cardi and Meg watched this film and laugh out loud, cry, pee a little.

Ashley Park:
I love that song so much [‘WAP’]. And it was amazing to have the blessing of Megan and Cardi B, who we love so much, to use that song and to like, repurpose the lyrics in a way and they use it to empower themselves and to sexualize themselves and take ownership of that. And I’m so glad that we got to use that

Sabrina Wu:
Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B, me compared to them, I’m dirt, I’m nothing, and the way that they have done so much for black women and women’s sexuality, I literally owe them my life. My knowledge of the ARMY was that they were maybe the most powerful organization in the world. And I was like, ‘I can never do wrong by them.’ And I have the utmost respect for them.

Watch the full video above!