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18 Mar 2025

DDG on ‘Pink Dreads’ Viral Success, Says He’s ‘Not Interested In Creating New Fans’ | Billboard News

We caught up with DDG at Rolling Loud. and he shares how he feels about “Pink Dreads” having a viral moment, how he gets inspired to create music and more!

What do you think of DDG’s “Pink Dreads”? Let us know in the comments!

Tetris Kelly:
Hanging out at Rolling Loud with DDG. Man, how does it feel like to have this viral moment that you’re having right now with “Pink Dreads” and seeing everybody doing the trend? It’s so cool. 

DDG: 
It’s amazing, man, you know that’s what all artists aim for. Viral moment, you know just pushing the music further and further.

Did you know that song was going to be the one to kind of get the vibe going right now?

Yeah, I feel like we’re in the day and age where everything moves on quick in music. Every week there’s a new hit song, so doing it live give people what they want right there. Nine times out of 10 it’s going to be a hit. 

How are you with the new music right now? You got “The Method,” you got “Play by the Rules” as you continue to introduce yourself to new crowds. What are you trying to offer?

I just want to put out good music, man. I’m in the game of not really chasing a hit. Just chasing feeding my community and feeding the people that really rock with me. I’m not really interested in creating new fans — I want it to organically happen. 

I know how that is. So when you go in the studio what are you trying to represent like what inspires you?

I just want to be one of the ones that come out here one day and I’m not pulling up at 3 o’clock, I’m pulling up at 10 p.m. at Sofi Stadium headlining my own s–t. 

Keep watching for more!

17 Mar 2025

Rolling Loud California Day 2 Recap: Playboi Carti & More Light Up the Stage | All Access | Billboard News

Rolling Loud California day 2 was full of hot performances from Playboi Carti, The Weeknd and more! Keep watching to see everything you missed on day 2!

What did you think of Rolling Loud day 2? Let us know in the comments below!

Matt Zingler:

I’ve heard some things, and there’s definitely a few really big guys coming out tonight.

Tetris Kelly:

It was an epic night of surprises as Opium took over day 2. Billboard was everywhere at Rolling Loud Los Angeles. And of course, from the vibes to interviews with the artists and seeing them onstage, we take you there in Billboard All Access. Before fans took over the night, we had to do a vibe check. And not only could you get lined up with the perfect haircut at the barber shop, as if Rolling Loud ever fails, they upped the merch game even more. It’s all for LA. 

Matt Zingler:

It’s amazing, man, we love LA. We love being out here. We love the fans here. I mean, the energy’s amazing. Weather is great. Can’t beat it.

Tetris Kelly: 

And we talked to some of those performers before taking the stage. Hanging out with BLXST at Rolling Loud. Man, you’re an LA native, so tell me how special it is to play this festival.

BLXST

It’s a beautiful thing, man, we live in Inglewood. A lot of songs I made was right down the street, so to be here is really an honor, honestly. 

Tetris Kelly:

They lit up the night. And once Playboi Carti took the stage, he brought even more big names over, and we closed the weekend with The Weeknd. Thank you Rolling Loud!

17 Mar 2025

John Summit Closes Out the Final Night of Billboard’s THE STAGE at SXSW | Billboard News

John Summit wrapped up the third night of Billboard‘s THE STAGE at SXSW, and we’re taking you inside the house-music-filled night.

Who was your favorite performer of Billboard’s THE STAGE? Let us know in the comments below!

Narrator:
John Summit closed Billboard’s trio of shows with an epic set at Billboard’s THE STAGE at SXSW last weekend, and he did not disappoint! Fans were jumping, John was jumping — it was an EDM party in Austin. Producer Jordan Miller started off with a support set, followed by Nala, who also played the afterparty, pumping out the jams and making way for the current Billboard cover star and dance-music star himself!

In true Summit form, John brought out live vocalists like Cloves for their hit “Focus,” currently in its 14th week on Hot Electronic Songs. He then invited Julia Church to close the show with “Go Back.” The perfect end to an unbelievable three-night musical event.

Who was your favorite performer at SXSW? Let us know in the comments and show your fave some love!

17 Mar 2025

Billboard Women in Music 2025 Is Heading to Vizio’s WatchFree+ | Billboard News

Billboard Women in Music 2025 is streaming on Vizio’s WatchFree+ on March 29 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on channel 1400. Catch up with Billboard’s content on the new platform, streaming now! 

Tetris Kelly:
Billboard Women in Music is coming to your TV screens! Can’t attend the show in person? We’ve got your back with Billboard Women in Music 2025, only on Vizio’s WatchFree+. Leading up to the show and after, you can get all your Billboard content on Billboard’s new channel, including past Women in Music, exclusive interviews, Billboard covers, event coverage and more. All you have to do is click on the WatchFree+ app icon on your Vizio smart TV home screen and tune in to the Billboard Women in Music 2025 channel. Don’t have a Vizio TV? No problem! You can still watch the channel by downloading the free Vizio app on your phone.

Make sure to tune in on March 29 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT to catch the show!

16 Mar 2025

Rolling Loud California Day 1 Recap: Peso Pluma, A$AP Rocky & More Bring Fire Shows | All Access | Billboard News

Rolling Loud California, day one was packed with big performances and vibrant energy. From interviewing some of the stars slated to perform to bringing you highlights from the day’s shows, keep watching as we recap everything you may have missed on day one!

What did you think of Rolling Loud day one? Let us know in the comments below!

Tetris Kelly:

Billboard is at Rolling Loud Los Angeles, and from the vibes to the interviews with the artists and seeing them on stage, we take you there in “Billboard All Access.”

Cash Cobain:

Rolling Loud is from California. I see the palm trees. It’s beautiful. It’s amazing. I’m about to go perform right now, so, you know what I’m saying, it’s feeling good right now. 

Tetris Kelly:

Before making it to the headliners, we had to check out the vibes at Hollywood Park, and fans were taking advantage of actual carnival rides, in addition to getting their hair and looks on point at multiple activations with tattoos and more. And don’t forget karaoke. There were also real artists backstage before their big sets. 

DDG:

I just want to be one of the ones that come out here one day. And you know, I’m not pulling up at three o’clock, I’m pulling up at the SoFi Stadium doing — hell out of my own s—. You know what I mean?

Tetris Kelly:

Also you’re on the track with headliner Playboi Carti, man. Billboard ranked it the eighth best song out of the 30 songs. So how was it to work with my boy? 

Cash Cobain:

Shout out to “FINE S—” man. For sure.

Tetris Kelly:

How is it to see, like, your peers out in the crowd and stuff at performances? 

Derrick Milano:

It’s like you see them in the elements, and you see all the work and the hard work that’s put in, and you just appreciate who they are as artists and what you do.

Tetris Kelly:

And do you actually care about any of the other headliners that’s played, like anybody’s set you are trying to see before you bounce out tonight?

Keep watching for more!

15 Mar 2025

Grupo Frontera Brings The Mexican Spice To Billboard THE STAGE at SXSW | Billboard News

Grupo Frontera and Majo Aguilar brought the Mexican Spice to Billboard THE STAGE at SXSW. Keep watching for a sneak peek of the second night!

Narrator: 

Frontera had everyone in their feels last night at Billboard’s The Stage at SXSW in Austin, and we have all the details! The guys were a total vibe in all black. Love was in the air, and couples were slow dancing as Payo rocked the mic, leaving absolutely no crumbs with hits like “No Se Va” and “Hecha Pa’ Mi.”

Backstage, the band smiled as they signed their Billboard cover, and back on stage, rising regional star Majo Aguilar crushed it as the opening act in a mint two-piece with mariachi, setting the scene for an unforgettable night of tejanas, boots, and fire Música Mexicana!

Have you caught on to the Regional Mexican craze? Share your love in the comments below! And for continued coverage on all your SXSW music news, keep it tuned in to Billboard!

14 Mar 2025

Lil Nas X Enters “DREAMBOY” Era With “HOTBOX,” “SWISH” & More | MYSK | Billboard News

Lil Nas X returns with five new tracks, and fresh music videos for each single. Keep watching to see what his new songs are!

What’s your favorite track from Lil Nas X’s drops? Let us know in the comments!

Lil Nas X:

I’m scared, but I’m excited. Next chapter is not gonna open until you let go of this last one. Y’all not on my dick enough. 

Tetris Kelly:

Lil Nas X is back, and as he enters his dreamboy era, he’s released a lot of new tracks. The brand new music videos sees the rapper embrace his new freedom and the color pink. 

Lil Nas X:

Before I make this comeback. I want y’all to know you getting stepped on 2025 hoe. I promise you I’m gonna pop my **** all year, and I don’t give a **** what no **** got ta say about it.

Tetris Kelly:

And he didn’t just drop “HOTBOX,” we got “BIG DUMMY!”, “SWISH,” “RIGHT THERE!” and “DREAMBOY.” We are ready to take the ride. 

Lil Nas X: 

Come on. It’s time to go.

14 Mar 2025

Tia Ray Graces China to the World: The Sounds of Tomorrow Panel at SXSW | Billboard News

At SXSW 2025, Tia Ray chatted at the China to the World: The Sounds of Tomorrow panel where she talks about her music, an upcoming English album, and performs!

Keep watching for a sneak peak of her panel!

Tia Ray:

Thank you so much for coming! 

Tetris Kelly:

From epic performances to meaningful panels. 

Tia Ray:

So that’s how I start listening to those western music like that, and so it inspires me a lot. 

Tetris Kelly:

Billboard is at SXSW this week, and we kick things off exploring the Sounds of Tomorrow from China with one of the country’s biggest stars. 

Tia Ray:

So I feel it’s welcoming and very warm and very cool in a cute way. 

Tetris Kelly:

China to the World: The Sounds of Tomorrow panel began Monday with a performance from Berkelee’s Chinese traditional music club. It was followed by Berklee music’s own Stephanie Henning having a conversation with music star Tia Ray about the fusion of the East and the West. And we found out some exciting information. 

Tia Ray:

It’s in my coming, like upcoming English album. It’s gonna, it’s gonna be out in the in a short time. And I’m very excited about it. 

Tetris Kelly:

Afterwards Billboard’s, Griselda Flores got to chat with her one on one. 

Tia Ray:

It’s precious, yeah, it’s also special to be living in this world, to reconnect people through music, into the source 

Tetris Kelly:

And out in the streets of Austin, we got to see Tia perform, not only one night, but twice. For more of our SXSW coverage, keep it locked with Billboard.

14 Mar 2025

Koe Wetzel Brings Country Flair at Billboard THE STAGE at SXSW | Billboard News

Koe Wetzel kicked off the first night at Billboard’s THE STAGE at SXSW 2025, and opening acts George Birge & Ashley Cooke set the mood for the country filled night. Keep watching for a recap of the first night!

What do you think of Koe Wetzel’s performance? Let us know in the comments below!

Narrator:

Country star Koe Wetzel was straight fire on Billboard’s THE STAGE at SXSW Austin last night, and the crowd was living! In a black tee and camo cap, Koe sang his hits and drank tequila straight from the bottle. Before delivering 17 fiery performances, Austin native George Birge and Ashley Cooke warmed up the stage for Koe, who kicked off his set with “9 Lives” and ended the night with his five-week No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, “High Road.” What’s your favorite Koe Wetzel song? Leave it in the comments below and keep it locked in at Billboard for all your SXSW news!

14 Mar 2025

Gelo Drops ‘Can You Please?’ With GloRilla & More | Billboard News

The sports and music world is full of exciting new updates, and we’re breaking it down. From Gelo and GloRilla’s new collab to Eminem reportedly wanting to bring a WNBA team to Detroit, keep watching to find out more!

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Tetris Kelly:
Gelo teams up with Glorilla for his new song, “Can You Please?” A new lineup for March Madness has dropped, and one of hip-hop’s biggest names is looking to invest in the WNBA. Here’s what’s going on in the world of sports. Gelo references his Memphis twin in his viral hit “Tweaker,” and it seems like he might have been referring to Glo! Gelo released his new song, “Can You Please?” featuring GloRilla, last Friday [March 7]. It seems like Gelo has been excited about releasing this song for a while. He even spoke about it on the podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Lonzo, back in January:

Gelo:
We might got to get out “Can You Please?” soon for them, bro.

Both of the Ball brothers have been super supportive of Gelo’s music career, and Lonzo shared a preview of “Can You Please?” with the Bulls locker room ahead of the song’s release.

Last week, Glo was announced as the headliner at the Women’s NCAA Final. Now, the star-studded lineup for the Men’s NCAA Final Four has also been announced! The party kicks off with Pitbull headlining the AT&T Block Party on April 4, with our Woman of the Year, Doechii, performing earlier in the day. Jelly Roll keeps the party going the next day, April 5th, headlining Coca-Cola Live! with additional performances from T-Pain. Chris Stapleton closes out the weekend on April 6, headlining the CapitalOne Fest.

From headliners to a potential team owner, Eminem has reportedly joined a bid to try to bring a WNBA team to Detroit. He’s reported to be partnering with former Pistons player Grant Hill and current Lions quarterback Jared Goff on this effort. Eminem isn’t the only big name eyeing WNBA ownership — several sports stars are also vying for teams.

Keep watching for more!