Billboard

23 May 2024

Diddy’s Apology Falls on Deaf Ears: Why His Legacy Is Beyond Repair | Billboard Unfiltered

In the third episode of ‘Billboard Unfiltered,’ Billboard staffers Damien Scott, Carl Lamarre and Trevor Anderson discuss the aftermath of the 2016 video of Diddy physically assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura as well as new sexual assault allegations against him and how this will forever tarnish his legacy. They also debate whether Lauryn Hill’s singular album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is the “best” of all time and more.

Carl Lamarre:

First topic we’re gonna get into today: Last week, CNN got some footage, some video footage from 2016 stemming from a physical altercation between Diddy and Cassie, where Diddy kicked her, shoved her, dragged her in a hotel. This is coming from the lawsuit from months ago that came out in 2023. And now we got video evidence supporting the claims. The day after, Diddy came out with an apology, didn’t directly name Cassie because of the lawsuit, but you know, a lot of outrage obviously. Curious to hear reactions. Thoughts on the situation ahead?

Damien Scott:

Just terrible. One of the worst things I’ve ever seen. 

Carl Lamarre:

Yeah. 

Damien Scott:

You know, there were rumors that this was happening. The most puzzling part of just the past few weeks, to me, has been Diddy’s actions. Him going on Instagram, posting messages to the effect of, you know, “the truth will come out.” And you know, he’s tired of people lying about him and “enough’s enough.” And then we see this video, and it just makes him seem crazy.

Keep watching for more of the conversation.

23 May 2024

RM’s Monster Chart Success | Billboard Explains

With RM’s solo project Right Place, Wrong Person coming out May 23, we take a look at his impressive chart success as a solo artist and with BTS. His hits such as “Wild Flower” and “Butter,” to name a few, have landed him on various Billboard charts.

Narrator:
RM is gearing up for the release of his upcoming solo project, Right Place, Wrong Person, and to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of his biggest chart accomplishments. This is Billboard Explains RM’s Monster Chart Success.

RM made his solo chart debut in March 2015 under his Rap Monster name, thanks to his song “P.D.D” with Warren G. The song debuted at No. 9 on the World Digital Song Sales Chart. Then, his self-titled solo mixtape debuted at No. 12 on the World Albums Chart the next month.

“P.D.D”  was just the beginning for RM on the World Digital Song Sales Chart. He has 19 top 10s, and four have gone to No. 1, including “Wild Flower,” his collaboration with Youjeen. “Wild Flower” was a big success for RM: The track gave him his first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top 40 on the Billboard Global 200.

On the Billboard 200, RM has charted two projects: the mixtape, mono, which peaked at No. 26 in 2018, and his debut album Indigo, which hit No. 3 in 2022.

And we can’t forget the massive chart success he had with BTS. The group has charted six No. 1  albums on the Billboard 200, most recently with ‘Proof’ in June 2022. And they have had six No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Dynamite,” their Coldplay collab “My Universe,” and “Butter,” which dominated for 10 weeks in 2021.

Stay tuned to see where RM’s new project takes him next on the Billboard charts.

23 May 2024

Nathy Peluso’s Growth on ‘Grasa,’ Performing With Karol G & More | Billboard News

After a four-year hiatus, Nathy Peluso is back with her new album, Grasa. She talks about how it encapsulates her growth from her 20s to her 30s, how her dad inspired the title, her various collaborations including Blood Orange, Ca7riel, Paco Amoroso and more!

Isabela Raygoza:
You also play the guitar, right?

Nathy Peluso:
I do, but with these nails it’s impossible. When I go to the studio, I cut them.

Isabela Raygoza:
I was looking at your nails and how beautiful they look. 

Nathy Peluso:
So grasa, so red.

Isabela Raygoza: 
They’re grasa.

Nathy Peluso:
Yes, grasa!

Isabela Raygoza: 
I’m using the word, too.

Nathy Peluso:
Hi, I’m Nathy Peluso, and this is Billboard News.

Isabela Raygoza: 
Thank you for coming. We saw that you were a guest on Karol G’s tour. That was incredible.

Nathy Peluso:
She is very generous, she invited me to play in Buenos Aires, which means a lot to me. That was the first time we sang “Gato Malo,” which is the song we’ve had together for years. We’ve never played it together like that in person and it was super special. She has a very gigantic, beautiful, spectacular show, and I also love her very much as a friend. It was very special.

Isabela Raygoza: 
Grasa is the name of your album. I think it’s an incredible and catchy name, isn’t it? Tell me, why Grasa?What’s the story?

Nathy Peluso:
This album took a lot of time and phases of my life, searching for what I wanted to say. In the end, it all showed in this album. And I wanted the title to come on its own. I didn’t have a title. I did all of the album without the title. 

Keep watching to learn more!

23 May 2024

Billboard Presents Bud Light Backyard With Alana Springsteen

Alana Springsteen brought friends together to crack a Bud Light and offered a glimpse into her songwriting process and more in her installment of the Billboard Presents Bud Light Backyard series. 

Fans 21 and older can catch Springsteen when she and several country hitmakers perform as part of Billboard Presents Bud Light Backyard, a two-day concert event at Tin Roof Nashville set amid CMA Fest. While the singer is scheduled to hit the stage, alongside Corey Kent and Dalton Dover on June 7, Dasha, George Birge and LOCASH will continue festivities on June 8.

Alana Springsteen:

I’ve just always experienced my life through music. Once I started writing my own songs, I never looked back. That was it for me. I’m inspired by what’s happening in my life. Relationships, I’ve written a lot of songs about breakups. The secret to writing great songs and being creative is just keeping it casual. So a lot of times, it’ll be over at a friend’s house. But inevitably, somebody will show up with a case of Bud Light, and it just turns the whole thing into a vibe. One of the first memories I have performing for a crowd at my hometown amphitheater in front of thousands of people, and it was just the experience of a lifetime. I mean, I come back to that moment a lot because I think that’s where I caught the bug. Those 15 minutes before I hit the stage are the most chaotic and the most peaceful time in my life all at the same time. It’s the peak for me and I’m constantly chasing that high. When I think of country music, I think of home I think of where I grew up, family, all the best things. These days, life is so chaotic, you have to live more than you write. And so it’s important to just find moments. I like to keep it easy, inviting people over to my house, hanging out in the backyard, case of Bud Light. Sounds like pretty good day to me.

22 May 2024

Diddy’s New Sexual Assault Lawsuit, 50 Cent Reportedly Sells Diddy Documentary | Billboard News

After the release of a 2016 video of Diddy physically assaulting former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, the rapper faces new sexual assault allegations.

Tetris Kelly:

Diddy is hit with a new sexual assault lawsuit and 50 Cent reportedly finds a home for his documentary. After CNN released security footage of Diddy assaulting Cassie in a hotel in 2016, New York’s Mayor Eric Adams told PIX11 News he’s considering rescinding the key to the city presented to Combs back in September. While Diddy and Cassie’s legal battle was settled, Combs has been hit with another lawsuit. In a complaint filed in US District Court in New York, Crystal McKinney claims while visiting Diddy’s recording studio, he gave her alcohol and a marijuana joint, which she believed was laced with a narcotic, or other intoxicating substances. She says Combs then led her to a bathroom, where he allegedly began kissing her without her consent, before shoving her head into his crotch, and forcing her to perform oral sex over her protests. Representatives for Combs, Bad Boy Entertainment, Sean John clothing, and Universal Music Group did not immediately respond to Billboard’s requests for comment. 50 Cent’s documentary series about many of Diddy’s sexual assault allegations may have found a home. 50 reposted a headline claiming he sold the series to Netflix with the caption, “NETFLIX wins the bidding war but if more victims keep coming out, I’m going to need more episodes.” Billboard reached out to Netflix, but they have yet to confirm the purchase.

21 May 2024

JoJo Siwa Celebrates 21st Birthday at Disney World, Eminem Continues to Tease Fans With Upcoming Album & More | Billboard News

It’s Tuesday, May 21st, and JoJo Siwa celebrated her 21st birthday at Disney World by “drinking around the world.” Eminem continues to tease fans with Slim Shady’s demise by posting a cryptic message on X. Victoria Monét cancels her performances at Governors Ball and two other festivals due to ongoing health issues. Confused about the Kendrick Lamar & Drake feud, Tom Hanks asks his son to break it down to him. We caught up with some of your favorites at the Gold Gala and asked them who their favorite Asian artists are. Who’s another independent artist that should be on your watch? Keep watching to find out!

Tetris Kelly: 

Tom Hanks has his son break down Kendrick versus Drake. Victoria Monét has to cancel several shows, and Eminem sends a cryptic text about Slim Shady’s death. JoJo Siwa gets lit for the most magical birthday ever. We highlight independent artist Russ and go to the Gold Gala to discover new Asian artists. It’s Tuesday at Billboard News, and we’re starting with the top story. Happy 21st birthday to one of our faves, JoJo Siwa, and she celebrated exactly as I would at Epcot in Walt Disney World, and we’re showing you all the best moments.

So if you didn’t know, Disney’s Epcot Park is divided into 11 countries, and some adults, myself included, like to grab a drink in each country and drink around the world. That’s exactly what JoJo did, and it was documented by so many guests. She was seen having drinks with fans in her epic park ‘fit. One of the best moments was her going back and forth with a group finishing the lyrics to the iconic “Karma.” And of course the “Karma” dance said hello. And this moment where she wished the fan with an interesting name happy birthday too. My only request is invite me next time, JoJo!

Here’s three things you need to know in rap. “Big Main, can you explain the Drake/Kendrick Lamar feud to me?” Yeah, that’s the way Tom Hanks asks his son, Chet, for a rundown. 

Keep watching to learn more!

21 May 2024

Russ’ Rising Stardom as an Independent Artist | Billboard News

Russ started as an independent artist who released 11 mixtapes before signing with Columbia Records.  Later he would become 100% independent again, and he shares what’s needed to make it as an independent artist and more!

Tetris Kelly:

When it comes to being an independent artist, perhaps nobody is as loud and proud as Russ. This smooth and talented emcee is no stranger to the game and truly believes in it because he came back. The do it yourself rapper released 11 mixtapes independently before signing with Columbia and releasing ‘There’s Really a Wolf.’ He released two more projects with the label and then in June 2020, he announced on IG he was 100% independent again. He’s been super honest about the hustle at one point even posting his weekly earnings, where fans can see hundreds of 1000s of dollars he made. He told us about it back in 2020 after his Top 40 hit, “HANDSOMER.” A guy that’s never afraid to call out the Grammys and yes, even the Charts if you’re gonna be independent, believe in it like Russ.

21 May 2024

Agnez Mo, Sammy From The Rose & More Reveal Who Their Favorite Asian Artists Are | Billboard News

We caught up with some of your favorites at the Gold Gala and asked them who their favorite Asian artists are, including Saweetie, Olivia Rodrigo, Mitski and more!

Rania Aniftos:
Is there an Asian artist that you would recommend for people to listen to? 

Kim Chi:
Oh my god there’s so many.

Agnez Mo:
I love love love Jhené Aiko. Obviously my cancer sister, Saweetie.

Bella Poarch:
Beabadoobee, I love her.

Kim Chi:
I’m a K-pop junkie. Stan ARTMS, Loossemble and ZEROBASEONE. 

Rania Aniftos:
Besides yourself, is there any Asian artist that you’re loving that you would recommend to other people? 

Towa Bird:
Definitely not Towa Bird. Hate that b—h.

Rania Aniftos:
I would say Towa Bird, that’s my suggestion.

Towa Bird: 
My friend, Deb Never. She’s awesome, I love her music. I love Mitski, Japanese Breakfast.

Lucy Liu:
Olivia, who’s incredible. I also really love K-pop and I think it’s like infiltrating American culture. And I hope it keeps going. We need a tsunami to hit.

Sammy from The Rose:
There’s this group called KARD, and in KARD, there’s a guy named BM. He’s just came out with his solo album. I think people should check that out.

21 May 2024

August Moon, Fictional Boy Band in Anne Hathaway Film ‘The Idea of You,’ Debuts on Billboard’s Charts

August Moon is a global sensation in the new Prime Video rom-com The Idea of You. And now, the group is officially a Billboard-charting act.

The film centers around Solène Marchand, played by Anne Hathaway, a 40-year-old single mother who has a meet-cute at Coachella with Hayes Campbell, a member of the boy band August Moon portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine. Despite their 16-year age difference, the two begin a whirlwind romance.

The soundtrack to the film is billed to August Moon. As such, and despite being a fictional act, the group scored its first Billboard entry on charts dated May 18 when the soundtrack debuted at No. 7 on Heatseekers Albums, as well as No. 11 on the Soundtracks chart, with 5,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. May 3-9, according to Luminate. On charts dated May 25, the set places at Nos. 10 and No. 18 on the rankings, respectively.

The soundtrack also sparked the group to a No. 35 arrival on the May 18 Emerging Artists chart. The 11-track album includes seven original recordings, plus acoustic versions and remixes. Its breakout song, “Dance Before We Walk,” has raked in 2.6 million on-demand official U.S. streams through May 16.

Trending on Billboard

Along with Galitzine as Campbell, August Moon is comprised of Dakota Adan as Rory, Jaiden Anthony as Adrian, Raymond Cham as Oliver and Vik White as Simon.

The Idea of You is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Robinne Lee, and the story is based on Harry Styles-inspired fan fiction. It was released on Amazon Prime Video May 2.

20 May 2024

Diddy Issues Apology After Release of Assault Video, Sabrina Carpenter’s Performances on ‘SNL,’ Post Malone in Hot 100 Top 10 Twice | Billboard News

It’s Monday, May 20, and Diddy shared an apology video after CNN obtained a video of him physically assaulting former girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016. Katy Perry said goodbye to ‘American Idol’ after being a judge for seven years. Sabrina Carpenter performed her latest hit “Espresso” on ‘SNL.’ As Lana Del Rey headlined Hangout Fest, she surprised guests and brought out Jelly Roll, Benson Boone and Nessa Barrett. On the Hot 100, Post Malone has a stronghold in two top 10 spots, but which one of your favorites took No. 1 this week? We give you an exclusive look into EDM’s hottest festival of the year, EDC. What indie artists should you be on the lookout for? We tell you who and more!

Tetris Kelly: 

Lana is twerking with Sexy and singing with Benson and Nessa. Katy is slinging pizza on ‘Idol,’ and Sabrina gets nasty on ‘SNL.’ Diddy says sorry — do you believe it? We’re going in-depth with Tinashe as she has a viral smash, taking you to EDC and revealing the Billboard Hot 100.

Happy Monday, it’s Billboard News. Let’s jump into our top story. Diddy has released a video apologizing for his behavior after a video obtained by CNN of him assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie in 2016 went viral. 50 Cent has something to say. Are the words enough as Sean “Diddy” Combs apologizes only after the gruesome video of him and ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura has been made public? 50 Cent was one of the first to comment, posting, “This is not going to work, who is advising him right now? SMH bad move.” He had originally posted saying, “This is why they put that tape out, they know they can’t charge him with what we saw, but they know we can’t un-see what we saw.” What happens in the video was part of the an assault allegation Cassie made in a now-settled lawsuit she filed against the hip-hop mogul in November. And it’s the beginning of the week, so you know there’s more. Here’s three things you should know today. Sabrina Carpenter was perfection as she took over ‘Saturday Night Live’ over the weekend giving them a taste of “Espresso.”

Keep watching to learn more!