Culture
Page: 57
French Montana‘s story is an “Unforgettable” one. Now, it’s getting the documentary treatment.
The French Montana Story: For Khadija is headed to Paramount+ on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and Billboard has the exclusive first look at the trailer for the new feature.
“I’m a real immigrant, fresh off the boat. No access to nothing to become this dream I always dreamed about,” the three-time Grammy-nominated rapper says in the trailer. “They sell you the dream, they don’t show you the nightmare. The power of music and art … the story for a lot of immigrants out there is sacrifice — to better themselves, to better their family.”
Featuring appearances from Drake, Fat Joe, Jim Jones, Max B, Rick Ross, Harry Fraud, Funkmaster Flex, CokeBoy Zack and Chinx, The French Montana Story surveys the rise of French Montana, a Moroccan-born rapper with billions of streams to his name. From the moment his father abandoned his family — leaving his mother to raise three young sons in the Bronx on her own — to his own unique immigrant journey that took him through the streets of New York to the Billboard charts, French Montana’s tenacity, verve and grit are on full display in his new documentary.
“This is the best project I’ve ever worked on in my life,” Montana said in a press release. “It’s the first blueprint of an immigrant’s music dream, proving that anything is possible and it’s not about the awards, it’s about what we learn from the losses and sacrifices.”
Trending on Billboard
French Montana
Courtesy Photo
The French Montana Story is directed by Mandon Lovett and executive produced by Karim “French Montana” Kharbouch for Montana Entertainment, alongside Live Nation Productions’ Michael Rapino and Ryan Kroft for MTV Entertainment Studios. Additional executive producers include Drake and Sean “Diddy” Combs. In 2023, the feature-length documentary had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The new documentary isn’t Montana’s first major release in 2024. In February, he released his 23rd mixtape, Mac & Cheese 5, which reached No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and housed collaborations with countless hip-hop heavyweights, including Meek Mill, Westside Gunn, 41, JID, Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Lil Wayne and Ye (the artist formerly known as Kanye West).
French Montana has landed eight projects on the Billboard 200, including 2013’s Excuse My French (No. 4) and 2017’s Jungle Rules (No. 3). On the Billboard Hot 100, he has scored 18 career entries, including the top 10 hits “Unforgettable” (No. 3, with Swae Lee) and “Loyal” (No. 9, with Chris Brown & Lil Wayne).
Watch Billboard‘s exclusive first look at the trailer for The French Montana Story: For Khadija 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. It’s no secret that ’90s and Y2K fashion are considered the trends to be sporting right now. Both styles reemerged on […]
Every year on Oct. 29, the United States celebrates National Cat Day — but most cat owners are happy to honor their kitties any day, no matter what part of the world they’re in. That goes for A-list musicians, too. Some of the biggest names in pop, country and hip-hop have sassy, cuddly, playful, pointy-eared […]
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
Social media giant TikTok announced a partnership deal with UnitedMasters to provide users with more access to numerous independent artists.
In a press release, the social media platform TikTok announced that they reached a deal on a partnership with UnitedMasters. The direct partnership will give TikTok access to UnitedMasters’ full catalog of independent music artists numbering over 2 million, which includes Brent Faiyaz, Tobe Nwigwe, and FloyyMenor among others in a multi-year collaboration. Artists with UnitedMasters will also have access to TikTok’s own Commercial Music Library.
“Our partnership with TikTok provides UnitedMasters artists unparalleled access to a vast global audience, while TikTok creators and users gain early exposure to some of the most impactful independent music today,” explained Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of UnitedMasters in the press release. “TikTok recognizes the power of music and creativity, which is why we are excited to formalize this partnership.” According to Social Media Today, the move is inspired by TikTok users’ predilection to find and share new music within the app. An internal report from the social media platform stated that approximately 75% of its users learn about new artists while viewing clips in the app. The partnership also gives those artists with UnitedMasters more exposure to global brands with a presence on the platform, including Diageo, Bose, Walmart, ESPN, Coca-Cola, IKEA, and Dove.
“We want to make the world’s best music available to our global community of over a billion music fans,” said Ole Obermann, Head of Music Business Development at TikTok in the statement. “That’s why we are so excited to be entering into a direct deal with a prominent independent label like UnitedMasters, with its deep, diverse roster of independent artists. Together, we’re ready to amplify these voices and bring their music to a global stage, unlocking new opportunities for discovery.”
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.
You can finally glow like 16-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys with her skincare and makeup brand Keys Soulcare. As part of her mission to help inspire confidence and embrace one’s inner glow, the brand is releasing a brand-new Let Me Glow Illuminating Serum and Makeup Primer on Tuesday (Oct. 29).
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Preorders have opened for the Let Me Glow Illuminating Serum in three different shades: Moonstone Aura, Bronze Aura and Gold Aura. Each shade represents a crystal that creates a different glow. Moonstone Aura has a cool glow for self-discovery, Bronze Aura gives off a warm bronze look for courage, and Gold Aura highlights a neutral golden light inspired by the Golden Healer Quartz for manifestation.
Trending on Billboard
The inspiration behind the launch came from the 43-year-old’s own beauty routine.
“Crystals are a big part of my self-care ritual,” she said in a press release. “I love how they make me feel.”
The illuminating serum is suitable for all skin types from oily to dry. Plus, it offers hydrating and skin-loving ingredients that can nourish your skin without causing irritation like: niacinimide, rose water, squalane and amethyst crystal.
Amazon
Let Me Glow Illuminating Serum & Makeup Primer
$24.70
$26
5% off
This grammy winner-approved serum can help brighten and plump your skin while providing a radiant, dewy highlight. If you’re unfamiliar with these skincare ingredients, here’s a glimpse into their distinctive properties. Niacinamide can help improve skin texture and enhance overall radiance while rose water can help “replenish dry and dull skin,” according to the brand. That’s not all: squalane can help hydrate the skin and amethyst crystal can help sooth inflammation and promote healing.
It’s also fragrance-free for those with sensitive skin — plus, it acts as both a serum and primer to help boost your skin’s inner glow without leaving it feeling weighed down.
For the “Girl On Fire” singer, ingredients play a key part in crafting a skincare product that’s both effective and safe on skin.
“The Keys Soulcare concept is about efficacious ingredients and learning how to connect to your inner self so the reflection on the outside is brilliant,” she said in a press release. “This is the secret to the glow that everyone asks me about.”
For more product recommendations, check out Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty Body Wash collection, this La Roche-Posay moisturizer and cleanser and these Starface’s Hydro-Star Pimple Patches to add to your skincare routine.
Eminem and Kid Rock are both from Detroit and both have been outspoken over the years when it comes to American politics. The two musicians stand on different ends of the political spectrum, but one thing they can agree on is that celebrities speaking their mind could be a good thing (depending on what’s said, […]
Following a Donald Trump rally at Madison Square Garden over the weekend that included racist and derogatory comments about Latinos, Puerto Rico and others, a representative for the Manhattan arena distanced itself from highly publicized remarks but stopped short of condemning the comments.
“As a business we are neutral in political matters,” the rep says in a statement provided to Billboard. “We rent to either side. We don’t censor artists, performers or speakers.”
The statement follows an appearance at the rally by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, whose 12-minute address involved a series of disparaging remarks about Palestinians, Jewish people, Latinos, major musical stars and more.
“These Latinos, they love making babies, just know that. They do. There’s no pulling out. They don’t do that. They come inside, just like they did to our country,” said Hinchcliffe, host of the popular live comedy podcast Kill Tony. He followed that statement by saying, “There’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.”
This latter statement garnered swift and widespread backlash, with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris quickly releasing a video pledging to do her best for the citizens of the island. Harris’ video was boosted by myriad Puerto Rican artists including Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Luis Fonsi.
On Monday (Oct. 28), Marc Anthony also responded, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that “[Trump] launched his campaign by calling Latinos criminals and rapists. He’s told us what he’ll do. He’ll separate children from their families and threatened to use the ARMY to do it This election goes way beyond political parties… And that’s why I support Kamala Harris for President.”
For the Sunday (Oct. 27) rally, the Trump campaign rented Madison Square Garden, which has been used for a number of political events over its long history, including both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. During the rally, the Democratic National Committee projected messages on the side of the venue, including one that read “Trump Praised Hitler.” (To wit, in 1939, Madison Square Garden hosted a rally for the American Nazi party that was billed as a “pro-Americanism” and attended by approximately 20,000 people. The American Nazi party was later outlawed following Adolf Hitler’s declaration of war against the U.S. following the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor at the end of 1941.)
In addition to his other remarks, Hinchecliff’s speech included several derogatory statements about major music stars. “I don’t know about you, but I think that Travis Kelce might be the next O.J. Simpson,” he said in reference to the boyfriend of Taylor Swift, whom Trump lashed out at on X (formerly Twitter) after the superstar endorsed Harris for president in September.
The comedian also referenced Harris supporters Leonardo DiCaprio, Eminem and Beyoncè, saying that “every day the Democratic party looks more like a P. Diddy party.”
During his speech, Trump himself called Madison Square Garden “incredible” and thanked MSG Entertainment CEO James Dolan, a registered Democrat who’s been friends with Trump for more three decades. “I want to thank Jim Dolan,” Trump said. “He’s been incredible. He’s been just incredible. The job they’ve done. The job they’ve done. Thank you.”
Jeremy Allen White has already picked up two Emmys for playing a chef. Now, the buzzy actor is eyeing his first Oscar nod as he morphs into Bruce Springsteen. On Monday (Oct. 28), Disney’s 20th Century Studios shared the first look at The Bear actor as The Boss in Deliver Me From Nowhere, a new […]
By now, Mariah Carey‘s annual “It’s Time!” videos — in which she cheekily sings the phrase in her whistling register before the opening notes of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” come in to ring in the Christmas season — are a holiday hallmark as much as snowmen and gingerbread cookies. In an Instagram video shared Monday (Oct. 28), Carey teamed up with Emmy-winning actress and producer Kerry Washington for an election-themed spin on the popular meme.
“No, no, no! It’s not your season yet, Mariah. It’s voting season!” Washington quips as she interrupts Carey’s “All I Want” intro while clad in a white T-shirt and black cap, both emblazoned with “vote.”
After a playfully annoyed “What? OK,” the five-time Grammy winner then affirmatively responds to Washington’s queries about her voting plans for Election Day (Nov. 5). “Have you registered? Have you made a plan?” Washington asks, alluding to the myriad ways voters can make their voices heard at the ballot box next month. Carey, in a characteristically Christmas-y red top, plaid skirt, black tights and boots, replied that she already registered to vote and “executed” her voting plan.
“That’s amazing!” Washington exclaimed. “Because it’s my season before it’s her season. So, now all we need is you!” To drive home the final word of her sentence, Washington and Carey returned to singing as they harmonized the “you” riff from the beginning of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Carey even vocalized a bit of the instrumental before the pair sang the opening note of the first verse in unison. Given Washington’s musical background — she starred in Ryan Murphy’s Golden Globe-nominated film adaptation of the Tony-nominated Prom musical in 2020 — the actress proved to be a formidable duet partner for the singer.
Carey and Washington’s cheeky clip continues the Scandal actress’ involvement in getting out the vote for the 2024 election. She served as emcee for the final night of August’s Democratic National Convention and recently lent her voice to a historic radio ad campaign targeting Black voters. Last year, Carey visited the White House with her twins Moroccan and Monroe to ring in the Christmas season with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
This year, Carey is celebrating 30 years of her Merry Christmas album, which has spent two weeks atop Holiday Albums. The legendary set, which houses her Billboard Hot 100-topping “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” will receive a special anniversary release later this year. On Nov. 6, she will kick off her Christmas Time tour in Highland, Calif. The trek will visit major cities such as Houston and Nashville before concluding in Brooklyn on Dec. 17.
Watch Mariah Carey and Kerry Washington’s video encouraging fans to vote:
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.
Tate McRae is ready for the holidays, and to help fans get into the spirit, she teamed up with SKIMS as the face of the lifestyle brand’s new holiday collection.
Featuring a mix of flirty athleisure and loungewear apparel, the latest Holiday Shop by SKIMS will bring the heat to your winter outfit rotations. The 21-year-old spotlights her upbeat energy within the campaign, which features images of the “Greedy” singer posing with a stuffed polar bear while modeling a vibrant red lace bodysuit. You can also take a peek at her showing off her more playful side in a fuzzy oversized hat paired with holly-patterned pajamas.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Tate McRae x SKIMS
SKIMS
While the collection doesn’t go live until Wednesday (Oct. 30), you can still browse the musician-approved collection and get some gift inspirations for the music lover in your life — or treat yourself to some new luxe, cozy pieces.
It’s not just women’s lingerie and loungewear available, either — you can shop styles for your entire family including men’s, children and pets.
Keep reading to check out the styles seen on the “She’s All I Wanna Be” singer below.
SKIMS
Triangle Cami & Boy Shorts Set
SKIMS highlights winter holiday sweaters with a snowflake pattern that embodies coziness. The camisole and boyshort matching set features a soft and stretchy material that’s lightweight and form-fitting with extra flirty details added, like a small bow in the center of the chest along with a delicate lace hem.
SKIMS
Stretch Lace Teddy
For a more sultry look this holiday season, you can grab this bold cranberry red teddy. It features with a lace material, adjustable straps and adorable roses decorating the straps and chest.
SKIMS
Sweater Pointelle Cropped Cardigan
Channel your inner ice queen with this cropped cardigan made from a soft pointelle material. You can adjust the button-front closure, and layer it over your favorite cami or style it alone.
SKIMS
Sweater Pointelle Briefs
Turn it into a matching set with these identical briefs. Your bottom will be able to relax into the comfy sweater pointelle fabric that’s breathable to keep you cozy all day long.
SKIMS
Waffle Long Sleeve Henley & Shorts Set
Turn your PJs into a fashion moment when you throw on this waffle set from SKIMS. Each piece is decorated with a holly pattern for a subtle nod to the holidays, while the waffle fabric adds some texture to your sleepwear.
SKIMS
Cotton Rib Brief
Rather than stock up on the typical neutral underwear shades, go bold for the holidays with this bright red brief. The design comes in SKIMS’ beloved cotton material that’s lightweight, breathable and has some stretch to prevent any digging.
SKIMS
Cotton Rib Plunge Bralette
Your bralette can make the ultimate statement in this chic cranberry shade. Since it comes with a plunging neckline and adjustable straps, you can easily wear lower cut tops without worry of your bra peeking through.
McRae is the latest artist featured in a SKIMS campaign, joining the likes of Charli XCX, Lana Del Rey, Sabrina Carpenter, Usher and Nelly Furtado. The “Exes” singer couldn’t help but gush over how cozy yet elegant the pieces she showed off were.
“I love the holidays, and SKIMS always nails the perfect pieces for every occasion,” said McRae in an press release. “This year’s holiday collection is amazing! It has such a cute mix of comfy and romantic styles. I felt amazing in everything and can’t wait to wear it all season.”
Founder and CEO Kim Kardashian specifically tapped the Billboard Hot 100 chart-maker for the campaign based on her big personality.
“We wanted this year’s Holiday Shop to be bold and exciting,” she said in a press statement. “Tate McRae was the perfect fit. She’s captivating, beautiful and truly of the moment. She looks incredible in every shot, and her confident, playful spirit really brings the new collection to life.”
Check below to watch the official campaign video for Tate McRae x SKIMS.