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Azealia Banks is playing matchmaker, and she wants to see Tyler, the Creator and Lil Nas X become music’s newest power couple.
Banks posted a lengthy message to Instagram on Sunday (April 7) explaining why she hopes the two talented creatives join forces romantically.
“I really think Tyler the creator and lil nas x should get over their obsession with broke white bussy and become a power couple,” she wrote. “I think the sensationalism of successful black gay men toting trailer a– rent man hookers as arm candy is played , predictable and they’re both obviously being objectified and plotted on by these boys for hire.”
“It would be way more monumental to see [two] young black gay men as an item. Even just for aesthetic reasons,” she added.
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The Harlem native continued to harp on why Tyler and Lil Nas “would shift culture so hard”: “Tyler can teach lil nas x how to rap so he can stop doing his Azealia Banks impression and fire all these weird white creative directors who obviously have no point of references or respect for the nuance, sheer musical opulence and political groundwork laid out for him to inherit.”
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Tyler hopped into Banks’ comment section laughing at the whirlwind of emotions from AB. “lmfao what the hell,” he wrote seemingly caught off-guard; the comment has earned more than 6,000 likes as of press time.
The Grammy-winning rapper has long been coy about his love life, but comedian Jerrod Carmichael recently opened up about how Tyler rejected his advances during an episode of his new reality show Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show.
“I fell in love with my best friend. one out of 10, don’t recommend,” Carmichael said on the program. “I knew I had to tell him. Things started getting kind of weird between us. I had these feelings… So I texted him. I remember saying, ‘I know you didn’t ask for this, but somewhere down the line I developed feelings for you and I don’t know what to do with that.’ Then I immediately turned my phone off and went into therapy. [Tyler] sent me a voice note. I was so nervous. It was like six seconds … He said, ‘Hahahaha, you stupid b–h.’ And I don’t really know what that means.”
Carmichael wanted Tyler to be his date to the Emmy Awards, but the California native declined the invitation. However, they hashed things out publicly during an interview together on the show. “It’s because I told you I had feelings for you, and we didn’t talk about it, ever,” Carmichael explained. “I feel like you left me hanging out there a little bit.”
Tyler replied with a laugh. “I did. Yeah, I did. And I think I just, like, brushed it off,” he said. “Getting news like that and then avoiding it is a way to avoid change.”
The IGOR rapper said he looks at Carmichael — who narrated on Tyler’s 2019 album — as “truly family” and a “brother.”
It’s official! The Boss’ life is coming to the big screen.
20th Century Studios and Disney announced on Monday (April 8) that they will produce and distribute the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic, Deliver Me From Nowhere, which chronicles the making of the rocker’s 1982 album, Nebraska. Additionally, The Bear star Jeremy Allen White is in talks to portray Springsteen in the film.
The biopic is based on Warren Zanes’ 2023 book, Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska, and will feature involvement from Springsteen himself as well as his manager Jon Landau. Per a press release, Scott Cooper will direct the film, while Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Eric Robinson will produce alongside Cooper, Zanes and Scott Stuber.
“Warren Zanes’ Deliver Me From Nowhere is one of the best books ever written about Bruce Springsteen and his music,” said Landau in a press statement. “Bruce and I are thrilled that Scott Cooper has chosen to write and direct the film based on that book – we think he’s the perfect filmmaker for the job. Scott, with producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Eric Robinson at The Gotham Group, and Scott Stuber are bringing together a superb team to ensure that this project has the vision and soul that have been the hallmark of Bruce’s 55-year career. We’re thrilled to have the wholehearted commitment and support of the entire team at 20th and Disney.”
Cooper added, “I once read that Nebraska is an album that moves you to the marrow of your bones. I couldn’t agree more. Bruce Springsteen, and Nebraska, in particular, have had a profound impact on me and my work. Through themes of despair, disillusionment, and the struggles of everyday Americans, Bruce has formed an unparalleled legacy, painting an unflinching portrait of the human condition. Yet, amidst the darkness, a sense of resilience and a sense of hope shines through, reflecting an indomitable spirit. That’s the Bruce I’ve come to know and love and will honor with this film. Warren Zanes’ wonderful telling of this chapter in Bruce’s life is ripe for cinematic adaptation. This film has the potential to be a transformative cinematic experience, offering audiences a window into the soul of Bruce Springsteen and the universal truths that bind us all together.”
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Springsteen has previously said that Nebraska, his sixth studio album, is his most definitive work. “If I had to pick out one album and say, ‘This is going to represent you 50 years from now’ I’d pick Nebraska,” he told CBS Sunday Morning in 2023. The project peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart dated Oct. 30, 1982.
Production for Deliver Me From Nowhere is set to begin in the fall.
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Bad Bunny is traveling solo for Gucci’s latest Valigeria campaign. The 30-year-old rapper hits the airport carrying luggage from Gucci’s Savoy collection, now available in a range of vibrant colors to spice up your travel season.
The fashion house posted footage of the campaign on X on Saturday (April 6) with the caption, “Bad Bunny takes a trip with the House’s signature luggage-in hand in the latest Gucci Valigeria campaign.”
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The “Monaco” singer is no stranger to travel. He’s currently on the road for his Most Wanted Tour, which stops in Washington, D.C., on April 9 and Brooklyn Barclay’s Center on April 11, 12 and 13.
Gucci’s Savoy collection of duffle bags, backpacks, trolleys and accessories are available in the fashion houses’s signature GG monogram motif with accents of bright blue, florescent pink, orange and green.
The new drop includes the GG Rubber Effect Duffle ($3,700) in bright blue leather. Made from GG rubber-effect leather, the fluorescent duffle bag features polyester lining, two zippered pockets, an adjustable shoulder strap and a removeable ID tag.
GG Rubber-Effect Large Duffle Bag, Bright Blue Leather
The GG rubber effect duffle measures 20.5 x 13 inches x 11 inches, making it roomy enough to take on a trip for spring break, music festival season, summer vacation and other travel excursions. The bag is available in blue, black and in Gucci’s monogram print with bright blue leather trim.
Gucci’s Valigeria campaign was conceived by Gucci creative director, Sabato De Sarno. Bad Bunny starred in part one of Gucci’s Valigeria with Kendall Jenner last year. The duo reportedly split in December, though neither confirmed that they were dating. Jenner also appears solo in Gucci’s new Valigeria campaign showcasing the women’s collection.
Shop the collection here.
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Aoki Lee Simmons was spotted enjoying beach time with a much older beau, and her disgraced father Russell Simmons appeared supportive in social media posts.
Last week, Aoki Lee Simmons was spotted at the beach on the island of St. Barts in the company of restauranteur Vittorio Assaf, indulging in heavy public displays of affection including sharing kisses. The 21-year-old model and Harvard University graduate is the youngest daughter of rap mogul Russell Simmons and former model and entrepreneur Kimora Lee Simmons. Assad, 65, co-founded the Serafina Restaurant Group in New York City.
In the recently released photos, Simmons and Assaf could be seen frolicking, with the restauranteur taking pictures of Simmons in various poses. Notably, it was reported that the photographs of the excursion showed up on Aoki Lee Simmons’ Instagram page – with Assaf not being shown in any of them. “Girls (possibly mermaids!) on film,” she wrote in the caption of one photo, sporting an olive green bikini.
An unnamed source did confirm that the two were seeing each other in People Magazine, saying that they were “enjoying each others’ company.” Simmons also recently was in Assaf’s hometown of Milan, Italy during their fashion week in February.
Aoki would then talk about the pair in an Instagram Live session and referred to Assaf as her “boyfriend” while seeming to be intoxicated, which garnered some brushback from fans concerned over the wide age disparity between her and Assaf. “Shes actually giving little girl energy and it’s making it extremely creepy,” one person reportedly commented. Assaf made headlines in 2021 after his now ex-wife Charlotte Bonstrom left him for the ex-husband of her twin sister.
The relationship between Russell Simmons and his daughters has been rocky with Aoki even calling her dad out for abusive behavior online but the 66-year-old Def Jam Records founder seemed to be supportive of his youngest daughter’s new relationship in photos that he shared on his Instagram Stories over the weekend. “Happy Sunday,” he wrote with one photo of Aoki and her sister, Ming when they were children that he shared. He also shared a photo of himself and Aoki in another Instagram post, writing: “Throwback from last fathers day nyc …bode bikram yoga express class .. vegan lunch cryotherapy vitamin drip … all around amazing day ❤️ @aokileesimmons love you always”
The iconic amp maker Marshall is offering up an iconic deal right now, with its best-selling Major IV Headphones available for just $96 on Amazon. Regularly $150+, this is the first time these wireless headphones have been under $100, and the cheapest price we’re seeing for the retro-inspired cans online. Explore Explore See latest videos, […]
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When it comes to online shipping, the weekend is good time to dig for discounts. According to a recent report, people tend to shop more on Saturdays and Sundays, which makes since because most people are at home on the weekends (and pay day usually falls on Fridays for most workers).
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Before the clock winds down on your weekend, we searched through some of the biggest spring sales to find the eight best clothing sales to shop before the weekend ends. The list includes $13 cargo pants, $15 men’s T-shirts and other savings of up to 48% off.
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See below for a roundup of deals on denim shorts, T-shirts, jeans and other seasonal essentials from retailers such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Nike, Nordstrom, REI, Revolve, Walmart and Amazon.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Mom Short
$40
$48
17% off
‘Tis the season for jean shorts. If you’re looking for affordable festival season wear, Abercrombie’s Love High Rise Mom Shorts checks both boxes. The shorts are available in multiple sizes and washes including black and blue denim.
REI
Patagonia Houdini Women’s Jacket
$64.93
$109
40% off
For running or casual wear, Patagonia‘s Houdini Women’s Jacket at REI is a lightweight, weather-resistant jacket that shoppers can’t stop buying. It’s made from recycled ripstop nylon, a water-resistant material typically used to make things like sails for boats, sleeping bags and flags. Save up to 40% off Patagonia‘s Houdini Women’s Jacket at REI in select colors.
Amazon
Carhartt Men’s Loose Fit Heavyweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt
$14.99
$19.99
25% off
Stocking up on men’s T-shirts? This Carhatt tee is available in 23 colors including black, blue, white, green, grey and red.
Walmart
Celebrity Pink Women’s Cargo Pants
$12.97
$18.50
30% off
Hot deal! These $13 cargo pants are part of Walmart’s spring savings. The pants are available in pink and dusty olive and in sizes ranging from XS-XXXL.
Nike
Nike Sportswear Club Fleece
$33.97
$65
48% off
Nike’s Sportswear Fleece Pullover is so popular that it’s almost out of stock, but you can find it on sale at select retailers including Nike and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The hoodie comes in over a dozen colors including white, black, green, tan, brown, yellow and red.
Levi’s
Levi’s Low Pro Women’s Jeans
$49.50
$79.50
38% off
We can thank Beyoncé for making Levi’s jeans go viral and for boosting the company’s stock by 20 percent. You can get a pair of Levi’s jeans for $49.50 when you buy two or more. Plus, save up to 30% off select styles at Levis.com.
Revolve
Superdown Nicola Open Back Romper
$55
$84
35% off
We love a romper, but especially one that’s on sale. The design pictured above is a silk romper with an open-back silhouette (available in sizes XXS-XL). Check out Revolve’s sale page for more discounts.
Nordstrom
Open Edit Relaxed Fit Blazer
$59.63
$79.50
25% off
An oversized, relaxed fit blazer should be a closet staple for every season. This Open Edit blazer is on sale at Nordstrom in five colors including black, tan, blue hydrangea, blue illusion and cayenne.
For more product recommendations, check out our lists of new beauty drops to shop for spring 2024 and the perfect footwear for festival season.
Kristen Wiig has officially become a member of the Five-Timers Club at Saturday Night Live.
The actress and comedian returned to Studio 8H on April 6, marking her fifth time hosting the long-running sketch comedy show. During her opening monologue, the Palm Royale star was welcomed into the prestigious group by some huge celebrities — many of whom weren’t actually Five-Timers themselves.
The cameo-filled segment started with Paul Rudd, who popped up from the audience wearing a Five-Timers Club jacket he received in 2021. “I also heard a rumor that you might be doing one of those Five-Timers sketches featuring awesome celebrity cameos,” the Ant Man actor told Wiig. “So is there a script or something I could look at for that?”
After Wiig broke the news that the evening’s episode wouldn’t feature a Five-Timers Club skit, former SNL writer Paula Pell stood up to note that the NBC show hands out Five-Timers Club jackets “to everybody like free maxi pads.” Proving her point, Matt Damon appeared wearing one of the dark blue coats despite the fact that he’s only hosted SNL twice.
Damon boasted that SNL creator Lorne Michaels told him “the first time I hosted was so good, it counted for three. Second time, not quite as good, that only counted for two, but by my math, that’s five, baby!”
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Wiig then questioned whether the Five-Timers Club held anymore meaning before the camera cut to Michaels surrounded by Jon Hamm, Fred Armisen, Will Forte and Martin Short — all of whom wore the jackets despite not having hosted five times. “Together, we’ve hosted five times,” Forte said.
As the monologue closed, with Wiig being serenaded by the celebs, Ryan Gosling — who is set to host next week’s SNL — made a cameo wearing the Five-Timers coat, even though he has not hosted the appropriate amount of times. “Are you sure?” the Barbie star asked Michaels. “I mean, I haven’t even hosted three times yet. It seems unfair.”
The monologue ended with Gosling handing Wiig her very own Five-Timers jacket.
Earlier in the show, English songstress RAYE made her musical guest debut on SNL, performing a pair of songs from her Brit Award-winning debut album, My 21st Century Blues.
Watch Wiig’s SNL monologue below. For those without cable, the broadcast streams on Peacock, which you can sign up for at the link here. Having a Peacock account also gives fans access to previous SNL episodes.
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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Few brands consistently hit the mark like Sony when it comes to making top-rated headphones. Their WH-1000XM5 headphones are the best […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Blaque, the ‘90s R&B group comprised of Shamari DeVoe, Brandi Williams and the late Natina Reed, will be featured in a new episode of Unsung, premiering Sunday (April 7) on TV One.
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The girl group, signed by TLC’s Lisa Left Lopez, shot to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s thanks to hit singles such as “808” and “Bring It All to Me.” The trio went on to tour with *NSYNC and TLC and released two albums prior to Reed’s death in 2012.
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Blaque also appeared in the 2000 cult classic, Bring It On, and released a previously shelved third album, Torch, in 2019.
TV One’s award-winning documentary series, which “celebrates the lives and careers” of recording artists and groups, premiered in 2008. James Brown, Phyliss Hyman, George Clinton, Tammi Terrell, B.B. King, 702, Jagged Edge, Wyclef Jean and Ice T are some of the artists that have been spotlighted in the series.
Read on for the best ways to stream Unsung for free, without cable.
Unsung on TV One : How to Watch Free
Blaque’s Unsung episode will debut on Sunday, April 7, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on TV One.
If you don’t have cable, you can watch Unsung on streaming platforms that offer live channels such as Philo and DirecTV Stream.
Philo is perfect if you’re on a budget. It’s free for the first week and just $25 per month after the trail period ends.
The streaming platform has over 70 cable channels including TV One, Lifetime, WeTV, VH1, MTV, CMT, BET, Paramount Network, Food Network, OWN, Trvl, TLC and AMC.
DirecTV Stream offers access to over 75 local and cable channels for one low price. DirecTV lets you stream TV One, Bravo, Lifetime, TLC, ESPN, A&E, E!, BET, CMT, FX, CNN, AMC, FYI, IFC, ID, Paramount Network, TBS, WeTV, Trvl, OWN, Univision and other cable networks along with ABC, CBS and more.
DirecTV Stream starts at $69.99 per month with a 24-month agreement. Eligible subscribers also get a free trial for the first five days.
Watch a clip from Sunday’s episode of Unsung below.
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In need of some new jams from your favorite queer artists to freshen up your playlists? We’ve got you covered. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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From Kehlani’s delectable dance anthem to Chappell Roan’s ecstatic synth-pop jam, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Kehlani, “After Hours”
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R&B superstar Kehlani is ready to take it to the dancefloor. “After Hours,” the singer’s new single, sees Kehlani embracing a bouncier, dance-inspired sound as she lets her lover know that she’s tired of beating around the bush — it’s time to make something happen. Utilizing an expertly-placed sample of Cordel “Scatta” Burrell’s “Coolie Dance Rhythm,” Kehlani makes a persuasive case for spending some extra time with her “After Hours.”
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Chappell Roan, “Good Luck, Babe!”
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Everyone’s journey to embracing their sexuality is different — and Chappell Roan would just like to wish everyone the best of luck in figuring it out. With “Good Luck, Babe!”, the rapidly-rising pop star pens a heartfelt message to the “babe” in question — a girl who, despite fooling around with Roan, still thinks she might be straight. The effervescent pop track benefits massively from Roan’s operatic vocals on the song’s undeniably catchy chorus, making “Good Luck, Babe!” an instant anthem.
Omar Apollo, “Spite”
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On his new song “Spite,” Omar Apollo is feeling a little petty. With a grooving melody filled to the brim with light guitar licks and pounding rhythms, “Spite” follows Apollo as he navigates through the confusing, often infuriating emotions of being in a long distance relationship. Oscillating effortlessly between desperately missing his partner and wanting to prove that he’s fine without them, the singer lands somewhere in a dangerous middle: “Every time I see you on my phone/ Hate that I still need you in my life,” he croons.
Orville Peck feat. Willie Nelson, “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”
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If you’re still looking a little more yee to your haw after spending a week with Beyoncé’s excellent Cowboy Carter, Orville Carter is here to help. Teaming up with country legend Willie Nelson, Peck reimagines Ned Sublette’s quintessentially queer country classic “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other,” in which the pair detail a saga of gay gauchos on the frontier. With a pair of immediately recognizable voices blending perfectly on this subversive single, Peck and Nelson’s rendition of “Cowboys” is sure to make plenty of waves among country listeners.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise feat. Kacey Musgraves, “Overtime”
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When caught in the nebulous space between “on” and “off” in an on-again, off-again relationship, it can be hard to figure out just how you’re feeling. Yet Rainbow Kitten Surprise teamed up with singer-songwriter extraordinaire Kacey Musgraves to put those feelings into words on “Overtime,” the latest track off the band’s forthcoming new album. Giving a much gentler tone than RKS’ last song “Superstar,” the track sees lead vocalist Ela Melo trying to find her place in the new normal, pleading alongside Musgraves for just a hint of clarity amid a confusing bit emotional drama.
Zolita, “Small Town Scandal”
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“Still looking for more queer country music? Perhaps this country-pop jam from Zolita will help. Throughout the rollicking “Small Town Scandal,”Still looking for more queer country music? Perhaps this country-pop jam from Zolita will help. Throughout the rollicking “Small Town Scandal,” Zolita revels in a queer love affair that causes conservatives to shake in their boots, while riffing blissfully over a country-rock melody. With exquisite lyrics like “she’s a vers in the saddle,” and “save a horse, ride a cowgirl,” the rising pop singer is simply delighted to be creating her own “Small Town Scandal.”
JORDY, “Nice Things”
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With his latest single, pop singer JORDY would like to make it clear to all the dollar-dropping bros out there — money cannot buy class. “Nice Things,” a slick pop track that sees the singer making fun of the men who’ve “got a Benz, got a boat” and a “private jet every other weekend,” but don’t have his interest. Over a relentless beat complete with a ’90s R&B-style guitar lick, Jordy expertly calls out the “nepo baby” with a “mouth always bigger than the wallet” in a set of devastating lyrics: “I wouldn’t want it even if you paid me.”
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below: