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Two decades after breaking through on a national level, T.I. is still writing his legacy.
While Tip usually shies away from watching scary movies himself, the hip-hop polymath expanded his filmography by starring in the psychological horror movie Fear, which hit theaters in January. In addition to playing Lou in the Deon Taylor-directed independent flick — joining a cast that included Power’s Joseph Sikora, Terrence J, Tyler Abron, King Bach and Rudy Modine — T.I. also served as a producer and investor in the movie, which was filmed in the midst of the pandemic.
And he and DaBaby linked up in Charlotte in early January for a soundtrack collaboration, also titled “Fear.” DaBaby tells Billboard, “My guy Deon Taylor called me and I got to see the trailer for the film and I got to curate the song directly off that. [Deon’s] quickly become one of my mentors in the last couple of months. Ever since I ran into him at Draymond Green’s wedding, he asked me if I was interested in being on the big screen since he saw some of my music videos. I told him, ‘Absolutely.’”
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Will T.I. follow up that project with a Super Bowl cameo? The rapper has been rumored to make a guest appearance at Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII halftime show to perform their Hot 100-topping 2008 duet “Live Your Life.” T.I. caught up with Billboard to discuss the Super Bowl possibility, his ranking on Billboard and Vibe‘s greatest rappers list, Drake interpolating “24’s” on Her Loss, and more.
How was working with DaBaby on “Fear” for the Fear soundtrack?
T.I.: It was dope. Me and bro had a mutual respect for a long time. I always spoke about working together and working on film. He’s been picking my brain about it. With his videos, you can tell he’s got chops and he’s ready to evolve into another form of storytelling. I’m eager to assist the next generation however I can.
DaBaby and Deon Taylor attend “Fear” World Premiere at Directors Guild Of America on January 21, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Arnold Turner/GI for Hidden Empire Film Group
How did you feel about showing up on our greatest rappers list at No. 32?
There’s so many phenomenal talents, prolific artists and iconic figures that have passed through this culture. I ain’t got no time to hold no emotions about it. I’m just thankful to be here, thankful to be part of the collective that gets to do what we love for a living and inspire people on a daily basis. I’m just happy to be around the elite. The people I used to wake up not wanting to go to school and listen to. I’m on a list with them.
Now I became the person that little truancies used to get up and not want to go to school. It’s an honor and a privilege and a pleasure to be on that list. I think it’s some people that I came before I think that I should’ve went behind. What’s the process? So people just saying let’s piss people off? If you wanna piss people off and get instant engagement, make a list about anything.
What did you think about Drake interpolating your song “24’s” for “Rich Flex” on Her Loss?
I think it’s dope. I think it’s incredible, on the 20th anniversary of Trap Muzik this year, we’re still showing the relevance and the impact of the music from having the icons of today just still find value in it and I think it’s dope that he did it. I’m happy to be a part of it in any way possible.
Are we going to see you at the Super Bowl performing “Live Your Life” with Rihanna?
Zip it. Ay man, I will not confirm or deny any potential appearance. It’s an awesome opportunity. It was awesome to have the opportunity to work with such an iconic figure and such a prolific individual and such a beautiful spirit altogether. We’ll see what happens.
You’ve been a mentor to a lot of artists, and recently spoke about how 21 Savage thanks you every time he sees you for not giving him that first $1 million.
It’s amazing to be in a position where you enter into a whole new generation and be this institution of culture and see the new leaders of the generation pass through your studio and find their sound and start building, meeting each other, and learning the business. I teach the way I was taught, and I was taught you gon’ sacrifice something to gain something. Part of that sacrifice early on is that up-front advance money. Then you get some equity on the back end. That’s the model I’ve been preaching for a long time.
Young Thug was another one of those artists you mentored. He’s in an unfortunate situation right now.
I still have the utmost faith he’s going to come out better than ever. God has the last say, regardless of what I think. He’s going to be a better person and in a better position.
“What You Know” celebrated an anniversary last weekend. What do you remember most about making that record?
I remember how fast I recorded it — it was extremely fast. As soon as [producer] DJ Toomp came in and played some records, as soon as I heard that beat, I knew that was it. I just went in there and did it. Everybody knew this was the first single. That was probably one of the most obvious first listens I’ve ever experienced.
What was your response to RZA’s comments hating on the South taking over rap in 2007 at the time?
I had heard that. There’s gonna be some knee-jerk reactions when it comes to change. Things are being presented a little differently than you’re used to receiving, I can understand how it may take some getting used to. Personally, he never exhibited that kind of energy toward me, and I think that Southern lyrics as a whole are made in response to people in the South and the dialect is much different than the North. I can understand if you from up North, how you might feel a little left out.
Kill the King is your final album? The last one has to be A1.
It’s definitely a feeling of that. Perfection is necessary. I kind of have to put an exclamation point on this career that is taken me to heights that I never imagined and led me places that really surprised me. I never thought I’d be in some of the great positions that I found myself in. This would be the exclamation point, and I have to do it.
Premio Lo Nuestro has unveiled its first round of performers set to take the stage at the 35th annual awards ceremony on Feb. 23. Confirmed artists include Prince Royce, Christian Nodal, Tini, El Alfa, Gloria Trevi, La Adictiva and Lupita Infante. Hosts Paulina Rubio and Sebastián Yatra are also set to perform.
This year, Yatra leads the list of nominations with 10 nods. The Colombian artist’s entries include the all-genre artist of the year, song of the year and album of the year categories. He is also nominated for tour of the year and other pop categories. His PLN-nominated album Dharma (2022) peaked at No. 2 on Latin Pop Albums and No. 13 on Top Latin Albums.
He is closely followed by Bad Bunny, Camilo, Becky G and Grupo Firme, who each garnered nine nods; urbano household names Maluma, Daddy Yankee and Ozuna take eight each. Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía tie with seven, as well as Carin León, Karol G, Carlos Vives and J Balvin.
In total, 192 artists across diverse musical backgrounds are nominated within 39 categories. The nominations for Premio Lo Nuestro are based on Uforia radio airplay during the eligibility period of Oct. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022. Streaming counts and the assessment of a committee of music and entertainment experts also factor in this list.
This year’s theme is “El Mundo Es Lo Nuestro” (or The World is Ours), and the show — cohosted by Yatra, Rubio, TV personality Alejandra Espinoza, and Adrián Uribe of Univision’s late-night show De Noche Pero Sin Sueño — will broadcast live on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. ET. It will simulcast on Galavisión in the U.S. and Canal 5 in Mexico.
Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” (via Columbia) is showing staying power in the U.K., where it’s on track for a fourth consecutive week at No. 1.
“Flowers” leads the midweek chart, and is already Cyrus’ longest-reigning U.K. No. 1, eclipsing “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball,” which both spent a single week at the chart summit in 2013.
Also on the Official Chart Update, Miguel’s “Sure Thing” continues to climb, thanks to the viral impact of TikTok. Originally released back in 2010, “Sure Thing” (Jive) is set for its first appearance in the top 5, up 7-5 on the U.K. chart blast.
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Meanwhile, Dutch DJ and EDM producer Tiësto and Canadian singer Tate McRae’s “10:35” (Atlantic/Ministry of Sound) is on the verge of a top 10 breakthrough, lifting 13-9 on the midweek survey.
Also noteworthy is Mimi Webb’s “Red Flags.” which is on the way up following the British singer and songwriter’s appearance on BBC’s The Graham Norton Show. “Red Flags” is set to improve 19-12, a new peak less than a month prior to the release of her debut album, Amelia, on March 3.
Finally, Coi Leray’s catchy “Players” (Uptown/Republic Records) makes a midweek move, up 20-12; while The Kid LAROI’s new single “Love Again” continues to climb. The second taste from the Sydney singer and rapper’s debut album The First Time, “Love Again” (Columbia) looks set to improve 22-17.
All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Singles Chart is published late Friday.
Shania Twain’s Queen Of Me (via EMI) is all set to be crowned on the U.K. albums chart.
The iconic Canadian country star lead the midweek chart with Queen, her sixth studio album and just her second across two decades.
It if holds its course, Queen of Me will become Twain’s third U.K. chart leader following Come On Over (1998) and Now (2017), her last studio album.
According to the Official Charts Company, Raye is “hot on Shania’s heels” with My 21st Century Blues (Human Re Sources), the British singer and songwriter’s debut LP. Blues features the U.K. No. 1 hit “Escapism,” featuring 070 Shake.
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Indie rock trio Young Fathers is on track to complete the podium with Heavy Heavy (Ninja Tune), their fourth studio album. It’s new at No. 3 on the Official Chart Update, for what would be a career-best for the Scots, and an all-new top three.
Based on midweek data, Sam Smith’s Grammy Award-winning fourth album Gloria (Capitol) will be bumped from the summit after one week, tumbling 1-11.
Further down the list, The Waeve look to make a splash with their eponymously titled debut, via Transgressive. Formed by Blur guitarist and singer Graham Coxon and former the Pipettes singer Rose Elinor Dougall, the Waeve’s debut is set to debut at No. 5 on the Official U.K. Chart. As a member of Blur, the OCC reports, Graham has 10 U.K. top 40 albums under his belt. He also contributed to Duran Duran’s Future Past, which opened and peaked at No. 3 in 2021.
Finally, Beyonce is on the bounce following the announcement of a U.K. leg to her Renaissance World Tour. The U.S. superstar singer’s Renaissance (Columbia/Parkwood Ent) album could return to the top 20, at No. 19, following news of her U.K. stadium run, set for in May and June 2023.
All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Albums Chart is revealed late Friday.
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You know it’s not the same as it was, but we remember it all too well. It’s been more than a decade since Harry Styles and Taylor Swift dated and called it quits, leaving millions of heartbroken fans feeling akin to children of divorced parents. But at the Grammy Awards Sunday night (Feb. 5), the two singers proved that, though long broken up, Mom and Dad are on great terms, taking time to chat and support one another during the ceremony.
In an onsite video captured during Steve Lacy’s performance of “Bad Habit,” Swift can be seen making her way over to Styles’ table in her glitzy, midnight-blue two-piece gown. The “As It Was” singer, who took home the coveted album of the year award and best pop vocal album for Harry’s House that night, stands up to greet her with a hug.
As Lizzo dances along to Lacy’s performance a few chairs down, the former pop power couple talk for about a minute before Swift glides elegantly away. Did she congratulate her “ex man” (to quote “Shake It Off”) on his wins? Did they discuss the best ways to co-parent their joint fanbase? It remains to be known what their brief conversation was about, but whatever it was, they were all smiles throughout.
The moment mirrors Swift and Styles’ reunion at the Grammys two years ago, when it was Swift who was honored with album of the year for Folklore. Just like this year, the two were also spotted on video having a friendly conversation at the 2021 awards, except Harry was the one to approach Taylor.
The “Anti-Hero” singer — whose “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” was nominated for song of the year, which went to Bonnie Raitt’s “Just Like That” — was also filmed passionately applauding Styles after his performance of “As It Was,” giving him a standing ovation. Now that snowmobile accidents, paper airplane necklaces and dozens of songs rumored to have been written about each other (looking at you, “Style” and “Two Ghosts”) are simply things of the past, fans can rest easy knowing that the two pop stars are friendly than ever.
Watch Harry Styles and Taylor Swift reunite at the 2023 Grammys below:
Now this is a another historic #Grammys moment. During Steve Lacy’s performance, Taylor Swift snuck over to talk to Harry Styles. They hug + talk for a long time over his table. pic.twitter.com/MX75UmcxJM— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 6, 2023
Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” (Columbia) continues to grow, as it powers to No. 1 in the U.K. for a third consecutive week.
“Flowers” accumulates more than 106,000 chart units during the chart cycle, outpacing its nearest rival, Raye’s “Escapism” (Human Re Sources) featuring 070 Shake, by more than two-to-one.
It’s the most-streamed song of the week in the U.K., with more than 12 million streams, the Official Charts Company reports.
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“Flowers” is already Miley’s longest-reigning No. 1 in the U.K., beating the single-stretch runs for her previous leaders “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball,” both from 2013.
After going viral on TikTok, Miguel’s 2010 single “Sure Thing” (Jive) finds new life on the chart, lifting 10-6. That’s a new peak position for “Sure Thing,” and the U.S. artist’s highest ever chart place in the U.K.
This top debut this week belongs to KSI and Oliver Tree with “Voices” (Atlantic), new at No. 11. The collaborative single is KSI’s 18th and Tree’s third U.K. top 40 appearance.
The next-best new entry belongs to Australian singer and rapper The Kid LAROI, whose “Love Again” (Columbia) bows at No. 19, while his hit 2021 collaboration “Stay” with Justin Bieber reenters the top 40 for the first time in just under a year, at No. 37. “Love Again” is the second cut from the Kid’s forthcoming debut album, The First Time, which is set for release later this year
And finally, Pink gains her 37th U.K. top 40 single with “Never Gonna Not Dance Again,” produced by regular collaborators Max Martin and Shellback. It’s up 46-40.
“Never Gonna Not Dance Again” is lifted from the Philadelphia pop superstar’s ninth studio album Trustfall, due out Feb. 17.
Sam Smith kicks a hattrick of U.K. No. 1s as Gloria (via Capitol) debuts at the chart summit.
Gloria, which features the chart-topping, Grammy Award-winning hit “Unholy,” featuring Kim Petras, tops the Official U.K. Albums Chart, equaling the result of their 2014 debut In The Lonely Hour and 2017’s The Thrill Of It All. Smith’s third and most recent album, Love Goes, peaked at No. 2 in 2020.
Gloria is also the U.K.’s best-selling LP on wax, to lead the Official Vinyl Albums Chart.
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Meanwhile, Eminem makes a long overdue return to the U.K. top 5 with Curtain Call – The Hits (Interscope), the Rap God’s hits compilation. It lifts 7-5 for its first stint in the top 5 since its release back in December 2006, the OCC reports, and its 551st week on the chart. Meanwhile, Em’s fourth studio effort, 2002’s The Eminem Show, returns to the top 40 for the first time in almost two decades, up 58-40.
Bob Dylan snags his 42nd Top 10 LP on the latest chart, published Feb. 3, with Fragments – The Time Out Of Mind Sessions 17 (Sony Music CG), the latest instalment in his “Bootlegs” series. It’s new at No. 9.
Fragments assembles new mixes, outtakes and rarities from sessions from 1997’s Time Out Of Mind, an album that peaked at No. 10 in the U.K
Just outside the top 10 on the latest frame is Diamonds & Dancefloors (Atlantic), the second studio album from Albanian-American pop artist Ava Max. It’s new at No. 11. Diamonds & Dancefloors is the followup to 2020 debut Heaven & Hell, which peaked at No. 2.
Finally, Atlanta rapper Lil Yachty sails to a career-best with his fifth studio album Let’s Start Here (EMI). It’s new at No. 32, for Yachty’s first-ever U.K. top 40.
Aaron Carter’s name was missing from the Grammy Awards’ “In Memoriam” package on Sunday night (Feb. 5), and fans are letting the Recording Academy know about it.
The much-anticipated segment featured many of the big stars who shaped the music world and left us last year, including David Crosby, Olivia Newton-John, Jeff Beck, Naomi Judd, Vangelis, Andy Fletcher and Lisa Marie Presley.
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Also during the 65th annual Grammys, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt and Mick Fleetwood took the stage to pay musical tribute to the late Christine McVie, best known as one of the singers and songwriters for Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Fleetwood Mac; while Kacey Musgraves paid tribute to Loretta Lynn, and , separately, Quavo and Maverick City Music remembered Takeoff.
Carter was namechecked in the official Grammys program, though his name was a glaring omission from the broadcast.
“Really Recording Academy. HOW do you leave Aaron Carter out of the in memoriam??? He sold millions of albums, his life was music. I am stunned and saddened you didn’t include him,” writes one Twitter user, with the handle MelindaWEG.
“In memoriam of Aaron Carter – you deserved more. more recognition, love & time,” tweets calentine’s day.
“Sad that the Grammys ignored Aaron Carter in its otherwise excellent In Memoriam. Aaron was an extremely successful artist who paid a heavy toll for it, had a hard time & unlike some with redemption arcs, was mocked until death. He was a nice kid when I worked with him,” tweets Matthew Rettenmund.
Sad that the Grammys ignored Aaron Carter in its otherwise excellent In Memoriam. Aaron was an extremely successful artist who paid a heavy toll for it, had a hard time & unlike some with redemption arcs, was mocked until death. He was a nice kid when I worked with him. #Grammys pic.twitter.com/VAEyGTPZVF— Matthew Rettenmund (@mattrett) February 6, 2023
A former child star and brother of Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter, the celebrity died November 2022 at age 34, with a string of chart hits and TV credits to his name.
Carter impacted the Billboard Hot 100 with two titles, including a No. 35 best for 2000’s “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It).” He also landed three albums on the Billboard 200, including a No. 4 best for Aaron’s Party (Come Get It) and a No. 7 peak for 2001’s Oh Aaron.
The cause of Carter’s death is yet to be determined. L.A. County Coroner’s Office hasn’t published results from the pop artist’s toxicology report to determine the official cause of death.
Maluma‘s The Love & Sex Tape is up for best música urbana album at the 65th annual Grammy Awards, set to take place on Sunday (Feb. 5). The Colombian star is up against fellow hitmakers Rauw Alejandro (TRAP CAKE, VOL. 2), Bad Bunny (Un Verano Sin Ti), Daddy Yankee (LEGENDADDY) and Farruko (La 167).
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It marks his first nomination ever in this category. Overall, it’s his second nomination. He was previously nominated in the best Latin pop album category for his 2019 set, 11:11.
If he wins his first Grammy, “I would feel very proud to take that to Colombia, that would be so amazing.” Maluma tells Billboard ahead of the awards ceremony, that will be held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. “That’s the biggest goal, to take the Grammy to my hometown and show it to my mom, to my dad and my friends.”
The Love & Sex Tape dropped in June and it showcased a darker, naughtier side of the “Pretty Boy.” In the eight-track album — produced by The Rude Boyz — Maluma stays true to his urbano essence singing about love, lust and heartbreak, but does so with slightly more raunchier lyrics. It peaked at No. 16 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart (dated June 25).
About his fellow nominees, Maluma shares that it’s “nice” to be part of that group of artists. “We represent our culture and being nominated with these huge stars is great.” Check out the entire one-on-one interview with Maluma above.
And below, stream his Grammy-nominated set The Love & Sex Tape.