billboard news

19 Apr 2024

Bnxn & Ruger on Their Online ‘Beef,’ New Album ‘RnB,’ Friendship With Burna Boy | Billboard News

Nigerian Afrobeats artists Bnxn and Ruger talk about what their online beef was all about, how they made up, their new joint album called ‘RnB,’ what inspired them to make this joint album, their connection to Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy, the global recognition and growth for the Afrobeats genre and more!

Bnxn
It’s more about the blend, the mix of both worlds, something like a very nice cocktail that just embodies our strengths. Hey, guys, I’m Bnxn..

Ruga
and I’m Ruga.

Bnxn and Ruga
And you’re watching Billboard News.

Tetris Kelly
I’m Tetris with Billboard News, and I’m sitting with two guys. I don’t think anybody would have thought we’d see you guys sitting next to each other. Bnxn and Ruger what’s up man? Everybody obviously knows you guys went through a little bit of, a little bit of beef that you had going on. So what do you guys think was the root of that? Why did fans kind of create that moment?

Ruger
You talk about this.

Bnxn
I don’t know, in Nigeria, that excessive stanship is real, if you like an artist … you almost go to every extent to prove it, in some sense. So even if it means fighting somebody else. … That was kind of like the primary reason because I think someone came at him. And then he responded to the person, the response had, you know, had me all in it. And I’m like…

Tetris Kelly
How did I get in this?

Bnxn
That 50 Cent meme, where it’s like ‘Me?’

Watch the full interview above!

18 Apr 2024

Taylor Swift Announces First Single ‘Fortnight’ With Post Malone, Breaks Spotify Record & More | Billboard News

It’s Thursday April 18th and this is a complete Taylor Swift takeover, ahead of the release of her new album ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ the superstar announced the lead single “Fortnight,” breaks a record on Spotify for most pre-saves for her new album and we take you inside the ‘Tortured Poets Department’ Spotify library that happened in Los Angeles this week. Billboard explains Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Billboard chart history, Alek Olsen remains on top of the TikTok chart, we look back at the Isley Brothers’ going to No. 1 with “It’s Your Thing” and more!

Tetris Kelly:

Ahead of Taylor’s new album, she’s totally taking over. We bring you inside her exclusive pop up, explained some of her biggest achievements, run down the Tiktok Billboard Top 50 and take a look back at the Hot 100 in 1969.

Rania Aniftos:

Happy Thursday I’m Rania Aniftos for Billboard News. It’s April 18th and we’ve got a lot to get through so let’s jump into our lead stories.

Tetris Kelly:

With broken records, new challenges and major rebrands it’s a total Taylor takeover. Here are the details. Taylor Swift announced the first single off ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ will be “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone after already announcing the music videos coming Friday as well. And she also teased a “Fortnight” challenge set to kick off with the album tomorrow. With the announcement, Taylor gushed about Post Malone saying, “I’ve been such a huge fan of Post because of the writer he is, his musical experimentation and those melodies he creates that just stick in your head forever. I got to witness that magic come to life firsthand when we work together on “Fortnight.” Well fans are definitely excited for the album. Spotify posted on IG saying it became the most pre-saved album countdown page in the streamer’s history. And they aren’t the only ones that are going to blast the new album when it drops at midnight. iHeart Radio announced the rebrand for the release calling themselves iHeart Taylor,

Watch above to learn more!

18 Apr 2024

The Isley Brothers Hit No.1 In 1969 With ‘It’s Your Thing’ | Chart Rewind | Billboard News

On today’s episode of Billboard’s Chart Rewind, we look back at the Isley Brothers hitting No. 1 on the Best Selling Rhythm & Blues singles chart, now called Hot R&B / Hip-Hop songs with their song “It’s Your Thing.”

Alyssa Caverley
The Isley Brothers make it to the top on this week’s Chart Rewind. We head all the way back to 1969 the Isley Brothers hit the No.1 spot with their hit. It’s your thing on what was called the Best Selling Rhythm and Blues Singles Chart. Now called Hot R&B, Hip-Hop songs is spent four weeks at the top and was their first No. 1 on any Billboard chart. Over on the Hot 100, the song reached No. 2 and remains the group’s highest charting song

18 Apr 2024

Inside Taylor Swift’s ‘Tortured Poets Department’ Spotify Pop-Up | All Access | Billboard News

Taylor Swift’s upcoming album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ has everyone excited, and fans can’t wait to uncover the hidden meanings and Easter eggs within her Spotify pop-up, The Tortured Poets Department Library.

Chris Olsen:
This is crazy. I mean, what Spotify has done is also so beautiful. The energy here is beautiful, Swifties are the best people in the world

Tetris Kelly:
So many Swifties, lyrics and Easter eggs? It’s Tetris with Billboard, and Spotify is helping us celebrate ‘The Tortured Poets Department.’ Taylor Swift, what are you telling us? We try to find out in Billboard All Access. You wouldn’t believe the line at The Grove as Spotify enticed Swifties with a mission before Friday’s release of ‘The Tortured Poets Department.’

Swiftie #1:
I cannot wait. I actually can’t believe it’s already coming out. We just saw you at Coachella, Taylor!

Swiftie #2:
I literally can’t wait. This woman’s a genius. She is a genius! 

Swiftie #3
Twenty new songs, hopefully some music videos, merch, it’s gonna be amazing.

Tetris Kelly:
Fans grabbed bookmarks and a card where they could pick the song they’re most excited for and then deposit it at the library pop-up. And in addition to hidden lyrics and titles, they also had a photo opp to commemorate the moment. And what are the Easter eggs here? I gotta find them.

Chris Olsen:
There’s a lot of 2’s here. There’s a lot of Easter eggs that lead to the number 2, and I don’t know what that means, but I’m shaking once again.

Swiftie #1:
I saw the December 13th sign over there. And then I also saw a journal that said “us” and it was like hidden behind something and I really wanted to go in there and see if it was a journal about her and Travis, but who knows.

Watch to learn more!

18 Apr 2024

YG Marley Lands in Top 3, Madison Beer in Top 10 in TikTok Billboard Top 50 | Billboard News

On the TikTok Billboard Top 50, YG Marley’s “Crazier in the Moonlight”  jumps into the top three, and Madison Beer lands in the top 10 with “Make You Mine.” Alek Olsen remains at No. 1 for the fourth week straight with “Someday I’ll Get It.”

Tetris Kelly:

One trend reigned supreme while two songs returned to the top 10. Alek Olsen’s “Someday I’ll Get It” spends a fourth week on top of the TikTok Billboard Top 50 for the chart posting April 18. It ties Flo Milli’s “Never Lose Me” for the most consecutive weeks at No. 1, while the rest of the top 10 are the same as last week.

YG Marley’s “Crazier in the Moonlight” jumped up from No. 14 to No. 2, a new peak for the reggae hit. Also reaching new heights is Madison Beer’s “Make You Mine,” which climbs 20-8.

Every Thursday, Billboard will bring you the verified list of the hottest songs on TikTok by monitoring music discovery and engagement on the platform in the United States. To find the TikTok Billboard Top 50 each week, users can simply go to any sound detail page and tap the top right button to access the charts page.

Watch the full video above!

17 Apr 2024

JoJo Siwa Backlash Continues, NBA YoungBoy Arrested, Ariana Grande’s Grandmother Awarded For Hot 100 | Billboard News

It’s Wednesday, April 17th, and JoJo Siwa keeps on taking heat from the public and Lil Tay steps in. Ariana Grande’s grandmother officially became the most senior person to chart on The Hot 100, Kid Cudi is set to perform at Coachella weekend two and Charli XCX & Troye Sivan announced a co-headlining tour coming later this year. NBA YoungBoy has been arrested? You read that right, the rapper was arrested in Utah for various drug, fraud and weapon charges while on house arrest. Our latest cover star, Tyla, talks about her viral hit, “Water,” the collaborations on her self-titled debut album and more. Tate McRae shares more about her friendship with Olivia Rodrigo, her fashion choices growing up and more!

Rania Aniftos:

JoJo Siwa taking a lot of heat, Ariana’s Nona breaks a record, Kid Cudi joins Coachella and Charlie and Troye Sivan hit the road. YoungBoy Never Broke Again has been arrested. We go behind the scenes with Billboard cover star Tyla and Tate McRae takes us Behind The Photo. Another day, another Billboard News. I’m Rania Aniftos and it’s Wednesday, April 17th. Everyone’s been talking about JoJo Siwa since she released “Karma,” but it’s not just people trolling on the internet now. JoJo Siwa clarifies that viral moment while some others hop on the hate train. Practically everyone saw that moment of our interview with JoJo Siwa, well JoJo clarified what she meant on SiriusXM. That wasn’t the only flack JoJo got after releasing “Karma.” Folks online dug up an unreleased version of the song by Brit Smith from 12 years ago accusing JoJo of stealing the track. Jojo told TMZ that she didn’t steal it. Rock Mafia who wrote the song allegedly for Miley Cyrus at the time recorded a version with Brit Smith that didn’t see the light of day until it showed up on TikTok recently. Well Brit released her version and many people bought it on iTunes in order to, what looks like, spite JoJo. One person who definitely is not a fan of JoJo? Lil Tay. After people online compared the young rapper who went viral after an online death hoax to JoJo, she told people to not compare them.

Keep watching to learn more!

17 Apr 2024

Myke Towers Surprises Rockstar Energy Myke Check Winner GiL | Billboard News

Latin superstar Myke Towers was on a mission to find the next Latin star through this Rockstar Energy Myke Check con Myke Towers campaign. GiL stood out from the competition, and Myke Towers surprised her and gave her advice on making it in the music industry.

Tetris Kelly:
What’s better than winning a contest to open for one of your musical inspirations on tour? Well, maybe a surprise in-person hang with that very idol. 

As a part of Rockstar energy presents Myke Check con Myke Towers, the global Latin superstar took to the House of Hits recording studio in Miami to surprise rising artist Gilmarie “GiL” Villanueva. The star came out on top in the contest and thought she was getting an interview with Billboard, but was met with the surprise of a lifetime.

GiL:
[In Spanish] I play the song “Girl” by Myke Towers. 

Myke Towers: 
[In Spanish] Which other one? Which other song do you play? 

Tetris Kelly:
During his appearance, Myke opened up about his partnership with Rockstar energy drink. 

Myke Towers:
[In Spanish] Well I termed up with Rockstar Energy for this new campaign to discover a new Latin star and from there, we found GiL. When I saw GiL, I thought, “She has it all.” 

Tetris Kelly:
After the big reveal, GiL spent time with her idol to get some tips on making it in the industry.

Myke Towers: 
[In Spanish] Maintain forward with your focus and do what the people ask of you, what you know they’re expecting. You have a responsibility to present the best version of yourself.

Watch the full video above!

17 Apr 2024

Myke Towers Surprises Mic Check Contest Winner | Rockstar Energy | Billboard

Myke Towers surprises GiL, the winner of Rockstar Energy Presents: Mic ‘Check con Myke Towers.’ See her dreams become reality as the mentorship kicks off at the studio.

Myke Towers: Is this my camera?

Producer: Yes it’s that one.

Myke Towers: I’m doing a “bit,” I’m joking-. Come in closer, I have a little something to tell you. I came here to meet for the first time, GiL, the official contest winner of “Rockstar Energy Presents: Mic Check con Myke Towers” baby. Sha has no idea that I’m coming to meet her. So keep an eye out and join me, so you can be a part of this moment please. Be ready! Follow me. Well I teamed up with Rockstar Energy for this new campaign to discover a new Latin star, and from there we found GiL. When I saw GiL, I thought, “she has it all.” I’m going to surprise her and see her reaction. I’ve never done anything like this, so I think I may be a little more nervous than her. Join me please.Young King baby!

GiL: My name is GiL and I’m the winner of “Rockstar Energy Presents: Mic Check con Myke Towers” and I still can’t believe it! Myke Towers is one of my favorite artists of all time. He has inspired me in a big way because I also grew up in the barrio, you feel me? Myke Towers has a different energy. There are days when you just wake up and you don’t feel so good, but then I put on my headphones, I play the song “Girl” by Myke Towers-

Myke Towers: What other one? Which other song do you play?

Watch to learn more!

16 Apr 2024

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Are Busy Ahead of ‘TTPD’ Release, Courtney Love Disses Beyoncé & Lana, Dua Lipa’s Creativity Behind “Illusion” & More | Billboard News

It’s Tuesday, April 16th and Courtney Love is dissing Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, and more big artists. The Kid LAROI officially confirms his relationship status with Tate McRae, Coi Leray wants to change her stage name and the Department of Justice is putting Live Nation & Ticketmaster in the hot seat. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are about to be busy with Taylor releasing ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ this week, she’s giving her fans all the clues prior to its release. Travis Kelce is officially named the host of ‘Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?,’ what can’t this power duo do? Richy Jackson spills into what it’s like working with Lady Gaga & JoJo Siwa, Dua Lipa explains her creativity behind ‘Illusion’ and more!

Katie Cao  3:11 PM

Rania Aniftos:
Courtney Love isn’t here for Beyonce, Taylor or Lana. Travis and Taylor are booked and busy Tate and LAROI are official, Coi wants to lose Leray and the DOJ is going after Live Nation. Choreographer Richy Jackson stops by our studio and Dua Lipa gives us all the details on her new single. Welcome back to another episode of Billboard News. I’m Rania Aniftos, it’s Tuesday, April 16 and we got to kick off the show with Courtney Love getting real about some of your faves. Courtney Love did not hold back when she talked about Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and more. Let’s break it down. Courtney Love does not shy away from sharing her opinions while promoting her eight part audio series on the BBC, Courtney Love’s Women, The whole front woman actually admitted to not liking some women’s music. She told the Atlantic she likes the idea of Beyonce doing a country album because she’s a black woman in a commonly white space, but she doesn’t like her music. Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are the biggest women in music at the moment, but Courtney doesn’t think Taylor’s important. Love said “she might be a safe space for girls and she’s probably the Madonna of now, but she’s not interesting as an artist.” Speaking on Madonna Courtney simply said “I don’t like Madonna and she doesn’t like me.” She also talked about Lana Del Rey.

Watch to learn more!

16 Apr 2024

Dua Lipa on Creative Vision of ‘Illusion,’ Lyrics & Music Video | Billboard News

In this episode of How It Went Down, Dua Lipa talks about an illusion she faced during the talking stage of a relationship, how it led to the creation of her new track “Illusion” and the Spanish twist in her music video.

Dua Lipa:
Hey, this is Dua Lipa, and this is How It Went Down with my song “Illusion” for Billboard.

The songwriting process, it always starts with a “Yap,” how we like to call it with Caroline. I was in a studio in London, where I spent pretty much most of my year and a half writing for this record. Every morning I would go in and I’d have a cup of tea and I would sit with Caroline. And we basically like … it’s a sofa and there’s a little table and we would sit on the floor, in between the sofa and the table, and just start talking about everything that was happening.

I was in, I guess, the “milkshake” of singledom. It’s just like, this crazy roller coaster of just funny stories. And I think it just makes for really good writing. And so I’d go in, and I’d sit with Caroline, who I’ve been working with since my first album. I mean, we’re so close, so I can tell her anything. And we were sitting down and talking.

It’s funny when someone thinks that they can trick you — or they can be an illusion of some sort. And you see right through it, but you choose to, like, play along because it’s just more funny. But you, you know, all the way through, I guess it’s just part of the dating thing, where you’re just kind of just texting at this point, because you’re bored.

Watch to learn more!