State Champ Radio

by DJ Frosty

Current track

Title

Artist

Current show

State Champ Radio Mix

1:00 pm 7:00 pm

Current show

State Champ Radio Mix

1:00 pm 7:00 pm


Culture

Page: 38

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty

T-Pain emerged as a major force in the music scene during the 2000s, leaving an undeniable mark on Hip-Hop.

Known for his unique style and innovative sound, he played a key role in shaping the pop-rap genre. Perhaps his most lasting contribution was the creative use of autotune, not just as a pitch-correction tool, but as a distinctive artistic effect. Though initially divisive, his approach soon became widely accepted and highly influential, helping to spark a wave of artists who followed in his footsteps.

Despite the changing landscape of the music industry, T-Pain has remained active and relevant. In recent years, he has released both original music and inventive cover albums that showcase his vocal range and versatility beyond the autotuned sound he popularized. His creativity and charisma have also translated into success outside of music, particularly on Twitch, where he streams regularly. Fans tune in not only to watch him play video games, but also to witness impromptu beat-making sessions and interact with him in real time.

Now, however, T-Pain appears to be reflecting on his next steps. In a recent social media post, he hinted at a potential retirement, writing, “I gave you all everything for 20 years. I’m grateful to each of you for making this such a great ride. Right now I just need some time to think about what’s next and what’s best for me.” This heartfelt message has sparked both concern and appreciation among fans.

I gave you all everything for 20 years. I’m grateful to each of you for making this such a great ride. Right now I just need some time to think about what’s next and what’s best for me ✌🏿 pic.twitter.com/9DKXvNJsHJ— T-Pain (@TPAIN) June 2, 2025

Adding to the speculation, T-Pain recently shared a clip from his archives showing the moment he came up with the iconic “Wiscansin” line from his 2008 hit “Can’t Believe It” featuring Lil Wayne. Whether this was a nostalgic moment or a subtle hint at closure is unclear. Regardless of what the future holds, T-Pain’s impact on modern music is undeniable, and his legacy as a trendsetter and innovator remains secure.

HipHopWired Featured Video

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.
Lil Uzi Vert has added model to their resume, starring in Vans‘ latest Premium Old Skool campaign.

The “Just Wanna Rock” rapper showcased the brand’s iconic sneaker silhouette in true Uzi fashions, worn with on-trend baggy streetwear, maximalist jewelry and punk-esque spikey hair. The two styles spotlit for the campaign included the Premium Old Skool in Black/White and Old Skool in True White.

The musician seems like the obvious choice for the face of the campaign. They’re a bastion of experimental style, music and culture, facets that perfectly align with the Vans brand DNA. Dropped back in 1977, the Vans Old Skool quickly became a favorite following its release, standing as a symbol of skate culture and street style all around the world.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Uzi is no stranger to skate culture. Growing up in Philidelphia, a city boasting a rich skateboarding culture spanning decades, the lifestyle was bound to rub off on them. The rapper has been known to share their skateboarding escapades, posting videos of practiced and perfected kickflips on occasion. This, mixed with their love of the punk rock genre, makes Uzi a pretty perfect candidate for Vans’ Premium Old Skool campaign. Wanna get like Uzi? Here’s how to shop the beloved styles seen on the star in the campaign.

Trending on Billboard

Premium Old Skool Shoe in Black/White

$90.00

$90.00

Black-and-white low-top Vans with platform-esque soles.

Vans’ Old Skool just got a premium upgrade. Retailing for $90 this updated classic features all the details fans loved about the OG, but with elevated comfort. It’s all about the Sola Foam All-Day-Comfort insoles. This anti-fatigue detail is made of 30% bio-based materials that cushion the feet. There are also the classic black-and-white canvas uppers with that instantly recognizable side striping that tethers the style to the original.

The leather collar lining is enforced with padding and raised slightly, adding extra comfort. White cotton laces give way to platform-esque rubber soles, offering the wearer a subtle lift. It’s a style that aptly pays homage to the Old Skool legacy made for all-day wear. Worn with streetwear or your favorite athleisure pieces, these timeless sneakers will fit right into your wardrobe.

Old Skool Canvas Shoe in “True White”

A monochrome white canvas sneaker.

It’s all about the classics. Vans’ Old Skool sneaker is a tried-and-true model loved by skaters and sneaker enthusiasts alike. The True White colorway is a monochrome model with sturdy canvas uppers and cotton laces. Signature rubber waffle soles give way to padded collars that give the wearer added support.

The low-top sneaker also includes reinforced toe caps to withstand wear and tear on the skateboard. Whether you’re a skateboarding pro or a sneaker fanatic, these would make a great addition to your footwear rotation. They’re versatile, thanks to the monochrome colorway, and super comfortable.

“What we continue to try to drive toward as a company is maintaining this sense of heritage, this sense of the familiar and keeping that kind of core spirit alive, and then modernizing it through elevated materials, construction,” said Diandre Fuentes, head designer of footwear at Vans, via statement. “Once you put it on, you’ll immediately notice enhanced comfort.”

Great Oz! The first proper teaser for Wicked: For Good has arrived, and the characters are looking a lot different than they did when we first met them in Part 1.
Dropping Tuesday (June 3) — just one day ahead of the premiere of For Good‘s first trailer — the teaser opens with Cynthia Erivo fiercely staring down the camera, her hair down and outfit changed into a spookier black dress to show how her character, Elphaba, has fully embraced her role as the Wicked Witch of the West. On the flip side, Ariana Grande — who is the last to appear in the teaser — swapped her Shiz University uniform and pink bubble dress from the first Wicked film for a multi-colored ballgown and tiara, signifying how her character, Glinda, has leveled up as the people’s princess of Oz.

“I have been changed,” Erivo sings over the teaser, a snippet from the tear-jerking “For Good” duet in the Wicked Broadway musical.

Trending on Billboard

Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh also return in the teaser, looking more sinister after Part 1 revealed how their characters — The Wizard of Oz and Madam Morrible, respectively — intended to use their power for evil. Plus, Jonathan Bailey looks stoic as Fiyero in his green Emerald City uniform, while Ethan Slater appears as munchkin Boq in a gray getup.

For Good is set to hit theaters this November, one year after the first installment of Jon M. Chu’s live-action musical duology premiered. Things will take a darker turn in the sequel as Elphaba’s magic powers get the best of her, putting her relationships with Glinda, Fiyero, and Marissa Bode’s Nessa Rose in jeopardy.

“She’s able to access her rage more,” Erivo told Billboard Pride editor Stephen Daw of Elphaba’s transformation for her June cover story. “The scent I wore changed. The makeup changed. Little shifts that bring you to a more mature version of who Elphaba becomes. And she is delicious in this next one.”

As promised in the new teaser — which ends with text reading, “Trailer tomorrow” flashing across the screen — the first full preview of For Good is set to premiere in theaters Wednesday (June 4) as the first Wicked film returns to big screens for one night only in the United States and Canada. By the end of May, Wicked had grossed $755.9 million worldwide, more than any other film adaptation of a Broadway musical.

See the new Wicked: For Good teaser below.

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.
Although it was released in theaters a few weeks ago, Sinners (2025) is now streamable online.

The horror movie starring Michael B. Jordan is available to buy or rent on premium video on-demand platforms, even though you can still watch it in theaters. Save the trip to the movies and watch it at home.

Where to Stream ‘Sinners’ Online

At the moment, Sinners is available to rent for $19.99, or buy digitally for $24.99 on Prime Video, Apple TV and other digital marketplaces.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

In addition, if you’re looking for an alternative way to stream, you can watch Sinners through Apple TV, which doesn’t require an Apple TV+ subscription to watch the movie. After buying, the movie automatically downloads into your video library, so you can stream it at your convenience.

However, rentals for both services are accessible for 30 days after purchase, and for 48 hours once you begin watching the movie.

As for a physical media release, Sinners will be available on DVD for $19.95 (regularly $24.98), and Blu-ray on sale for $29.99 and 4K Ultra HD for $29.95 (regularly $34.98) on Amazon. Both formats drop on Tuesday, July 8, but you can preorder now and the retail giant will send you a notification once it’s ready to ship to your home.

Warner Bros. Pictures

PreOrder

‘Sinners’

Release date: July 8

$19.95

$24.98

20% off

$29.95

$34.98

14% off

Meanwhile, Sinners also has a soundtrack featuring recording artists, like Miles Caton and Buddy Guy, and original music by Oscar-winner Ludwig Göransson.

Written and directed by Ryan Coolger, Sinners follows Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), twin brothers who return back to their hometown in rural Mississippi during the early 1930s to restart their lives with a new business. However, once night falls, evil comes out to wreck havoc on the brothers’ friends and family.

The horror movie also stars Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Delroy Lindo and others.

Stream Sinners in 4K Ultra HD on Prime Video and Apple TV starting at $19.99. In the meantime, watch the trailer below.

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

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.
Summer is officially here, which can only mean one thing: Time to break out the sunscreen.

To survive the summer sun, you need a good sunscreen handy to protect your skin from those harsh UV rays. Skin prep, especially during the summer, is extremely important. Sunscreen defends the skin from damage, preventing skin cancer, premature aging and, of course, fends off sunburn.

When picking a sunscreen, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the SPF level. 30 or higher will ensure that your skin is fully protected with each application. You’ll also want to take into consideration your skin type, skin tone and formula. For example, our sensitive-skin folks might want to opt for a mineral-based formula without any irritants — think sunscreens that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

With so many sunscreens on the market to choose from, why not trust some of your favorite celebs? We’ve compiled a list of seven unique celeb-used sunscreens for you to look through that might help narrow down your sunscreen search. We’re talking about top brands like Supergoop!, Kosas, Cerave and Drunk Elephant. Stick around: Your skin will thank you.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

A lightweight SPF 50 sunscreen in a tube.

Used by the likes of Sabrina Carpenter (in her “Espresso” video), Lady Gaga, Jessica Chastain and Christie Brinkley, Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen is a dreamy lightweight unscented formula with a 100% invisible finish. This stuff blends into the skin seamlessly, meaning you can kiss white casts goodbye. It’s easy to see why celebrities gravitate toward this sunscreen.

Trending on Billboard

It’s pretty much got it all: The product boasts a broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and is non-greasy and made with non-irritating ingredients. Additionally, the Unseen sunscreen is universally flattering on all skin types, even sensitive or acne-prone skin. Pro tip. Use this product to prep the skin before starting your makeup. The product leaves skin with a natural finish, and it blurs pores too.

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

A SPF 30 sunscreen with clean ingredients in a tube.

Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense sunscreen is equipped with antioxidants and powerful SPF 30 protection. Used by Selena Gomez, the lightweight tinted formula features key ingredients like astaxanthin, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and ubiquinone that all work together to help boost your skin’s free radical defenses.

It’s kind of like building a sturdy wall to keep the sun’s rays out. While most sunscreens are clear or leave a weird white cast, Drunk Elephant’s formula comes in three tinted finishes: Sheer, Cocoa and Tinte. Sheer leaves the skin with a pink hue, while Tinte is more golden. Finally, Cocoa leaves a healthy warm cocoa tint, leaving the skin looking healthy and bronzed every time.

Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

An SPF 40 sunscreen formulated with ceramides and peptides.

Hilary Duff and Hailey Bieber use Kosas’ DreamBeam Mineral Sunscreen. The formula is silicone-free and boasts an SPF of 40, leaving the skin super protected against the harshest of UV rays. This Kosas product is formulated with ceramides and peptides.

The special blend moisturizes, visibly smooths and brightens the skin, creating the perfect base to apply makeup. Also, the additional hyaluronic acid and allantoin combo boosts hydration, soothing the skin. The best part? The sunscreen practically melts into the skin, leaving no pilling or white cast. Skincare jargon aside. If it’s good enough for Bieber and Duff, it’s probably good enough for you too.

Bask Suncare SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray

$20.00

$24.00

17% off

A lightweight non-aerosol SPF 30 sunscreen.

This sunscreen is scented like a dreamy vacation with notes of coconut and vanilla. It’s also used by former teen heartthrob Justin Timberlake. Retailing for $20 on Amazon, Bask’s Suncare Sunscreen Spray is a non-aerosol SPF 30 sunscreen that’s fast-absorbing, lightweight and easy to apply. Just spray on, rub in and you’re ready to go. The dry down on this sunscreen is impressively fast, leaving your skin dry and non-greasy with every application. Additionally, Bask’s sunscreen is water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes so you know you’re protected through dips at the beach, sweaty workouts and outdoor adventures.

Cerave Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30

An SPF 30 skincare-infused sunscreen with a hydrating finish.

Zendaya and Busy Philips have worn Cerave’s Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen in the past, and it’s easy to see why. This SPF 30 formula works on the face and body and acts as a sheer hydrating lotion that moisturizes as well as protects. It’s a genius concept that makes a multi-step skincare routine obsolete.

The key to this sunscreen’s success is the combination of mineral and chemical sun filters that help effectively reflect and absorb the sun’s damaging rays. Something to note. This formula goes on white. Don’t be scared though. The white cast is there to guide you to an even application. After rubbing it into the skin, the white sheen is quickly absorbed within seconds, leaving the skin feeling non-greasy without any white residue.

Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor SPF Moisturizer

A moisturizer with SPF 30 and niacinamide.

Dryness be gone. Meet Fenty Beauty’s Hydra Vizor SPF Moisturizer. Like the Cerave pick, this product combines sunscreen and moisturizer, delivering the benefits of both in one convenient product. The Hydra Vizor is true to its name, hydrating while acting as a shield against the sun’s rays and pollution. The SPF 30 moisturizer fades the look of dark spots and smooths pores too for a silky smooth finish on the skin. Of course, Rihanna loves this product. It’s her own creation, after all.

Murad Correct & Protect Serum SPF 45

An SPF 45 seum sunscreen in a dropper.

This sunscreen is a splurge at $69.00, but it’s well worth it. You know it’s good because Ciara uses it. Murad’s Correct & Protect Serum is an SPF 45 sunscreen unlike any other sunscreen you’ve come across. The satiny-smooth serum formula is one-of-a-kind, utilizing carotenoid technology that reflects UV light.

It’s watery, unlike most goopy sunscreens, and acts as a powerful antioxidant to brighten and reduce discoloration. This formula is created without a long list of irritants like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten and animal-derived ingredients, making it safe on sensitive skin. To use, just shake the bottle and drop an ample amount into the palm of your hand. Rub into your face, neck and chest for best results.

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. Little fans of Cher, get excited. Little Golden Book Biographies has created a children’s biography about the legendary singer, and it’s […]

To kick off Pride Month this year, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa and several more stars have added their names to an open letter advocating to keep federal funding in place for LGBTQ+ suicide prevention measures.
As unveiled by The Trevor Project on Monday (June 2), the letter comes in direct response to a leaked United States Department of Health and Human Services budget that showed the Donald Trump administration’s plans to eliminate funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+-related services, which actively supports young people in the LGBTQ+ community considering suicide. Despite it providing help to more than 1.2 million estimated callers since its launch in 2022, the proposal would have the crisis line’s funding slashed entirely after going into effect on Oct. 1.

Trending on Billboard

“We are heartbroken by the proposal to eliminate federal funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services — a move that will have devastating, life-threatening consequences for young people across the country,” reads the message, which was also signed by Pedro Pascal, Jamie Lee Curtis, Cara Delevingne, Sarah Paulson, Daniel Radcliffe and Darren Criss. “As artists, creators, and public figures, our platforms come with responsibility. And today, that responsibility is clear: We must speak out to protect the mental health and lives of LGBTQ+ youth. We will not stay silent.”

Acknowledging that youth suicide in the LGBTQ+ community is a “public health crisis” — with The Trevor Project estimating that more than 1.8 million in the U.S. alone seriously consider suicide every year — the signatories directly called on Congress to “do the right thing” by restoring and protecting funding for 988 in the 2026 budget. The letter ends with a message of support addressed to people most affected by the proposed cuts, as well as an encouragement to sign the nonprofit’s petition to save its program.

“To every LGBTQ+ young person reading this: You are not alone,” it concludes. “We see you. We value you. You have the right to feel safe, supported, and loved exactly as you are. You deserve access to life-saving services that honor your humanity. You may be hurting. You may be scared. You may feel like no one hears you — but we do. We will keep showing up and speaking out. We will not stop fighting for you.”

Among the other musicians who signed are Aly & AJ, Bea Miller, Blondshell, Christina Aguilera, Diplo, Ethel Cain, FLETCHER, GAYLE, Julia Michaels, Kelsea Ballerini, King Princess, MARINA, Orville Peck, Tove Lo and Troye Sivan. More big names are likely to sign in the coming days, as the letter will stay open for new signatories on a rolling basis.

The message comes at a particularly harrowing time for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who have watched as Trump has spent his first few months back in office working to undo protections for gay, trans and nonbinary people. GLAAD documented at least 225 attacks on LGBTQ+ rights within the first 100 days of the twice-impeached POTUS’ second term, including attempts to defund HIV research and cut programs supporting the community.

But as The Trevor Project and its allies put it in their letter, now is the time to “rise together — loudly and determined — for hope, for dignity, and for every LGBTQ+ young person to know that their lives are worthy and that there will always be someone on the other end of the line.”

If you or anyone you know is in crisis, call 988 or visit the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s website for free, confidential emotional support and resources 24/7.

With Pride Month 2025 coming amid dark times for the LGBTQ+ community, pop singer Reneé Rapp wants her fans to know there is still light in the dark — they just have to go looking for it. In a new cover story for Cosmopolitan on Monday (June 2), the “Leave Me Alone” singer shared a […]

After her massive breakthrough as Elphaba in 2024’s Wicked, Cynthia Erivo is giving fans a taste of what’s to come in the film’s final chapter this fall. In her Billboard cover story published Monday (June 2), Erivo teases what fans can expect from her green-skinned heroine in Wicked: For Good, the much-anticipated second part of […]

Source: Netflix / Netflix

It’s been three years since the fourth season of Stranger Things left fans wondering what we could expect from the supernatural saga, and now we’ve gotten an idea of what’s to come as Netflix has finally released their first teaser trailer for the fifth and final season of their franchise series.

Though details about the fifth and final season remain scarce, it looks like the monsters of the Upside Down will be making their way to our reality as our heroes attempt to keep them at bay with what we expect to be many casualties. Our only question is whether or not Eleven’s other super-enhanced friends like Kali (Eight) and the others will finally return to the series or if they’ll just be completely ignored following their appearance in Season 2. We sure hope to see them come back and help Eleven and them save the day.

Releasing in three volumes, the final season of Stranger Things we be premiering Nov. 26, followed by a second installment Dec. 1 and the finale on New Year’s Eve. Netflix is really stretching this one out. It better be worth it.

Check out the teaser trailer to the fifth season of Stranger Things, and let us know what you want to see in the final season in the comments section below.

[embedded content]

HipHopWired Featured Video