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Memphis rapper Key Glock is officially joining Republic Records. As he continues to tease his upcoming album, Glockavelli, Republic announced exclusively with Billboard that Glock will be joining their roster. In addition to this new partnership, he’ll also remain under the late Young Dolph’s label, Paper Route Empire (PRE). The signing marks an exciting new […]
Former En Vogue memberDawn Robinson has revealed that she has spent the past three years living in her car, describing the unconventional choice as both a challenge and a personal awakening.
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The R&B singer opened up about her situation in a candid YouTube video posted on Tuesday (March 11), where she admitted, “You guys, for the past three years, I have been living in my car… I said it, oh my gosh, it’s out.”
Robinson explained that after living with her parents in Las Vegas in 2020, she moved to Los Angeles based on advice from her former manager, who initially offered her a place to stay. When the arrangement fell apart, the singer explained she found herself in a hotel for eight months while trying to secure an apartment.
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She alleged that her manager interfered with her housing search, saying, “Sometimes people want to trap you and keep you in a situation where you’re vulnerable and depending on them.”
Frustrated by the roadblocks she encountered, she started exploring alternative lifestyles and found herself drawn to “car life.” Instead of continuing to struggle for an apartment, she made the decision to live out of her vehicle, eventually settling near Malibu.
“I felt free,” she said, adding, “It was like being on a never-ending camping trip. It just felt right.” She continued, “This isn’t a sob story. This is about me learning who I am, as a person, as a woman.”
She admitted there were difficult moments, particularly after the loss of her dog Max, who passed away in the car. “I really am on my own,” she said, adding that while she misses her family, this period of isolation has been something she needed to experience.
Still, she acknowledged that she would take a more stable living situation if the opportunity arose. “If I could have an apartment, I would,” she said. “But I wouldn’t trade what I’ve learned from this experience. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished.”
Robinson ended the video with an unapologetic message to her viewers: “Be spontaneous. Do the scary. F— fear.”
One of the original members of En Vogue, Robinson played a key role in shaping the group’s sound. Formed in 1989 alongside Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, and Maxine Jones.
Their debut album, Born to Sing, released in 1990 and peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard 200, produced several hit singles, including “Hold On,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their follow-up album, Funky Divas, solidified their dominance, with “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” reaching No. 2 on the Hot 100 and “Free Your Mind” earning them another Top 10 hit. “Don’t Let Go,” their 1996 hit, also peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Robinson left the group in 1997 to sign with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label and later had brief reunions with En Vogue in 2005 and 2009. Outside of music, she made appearances in films and was featured in the first season of R&B Divas: Los Angeles.
Doechii joined Ms. Lauryn Hill onstage in Miami over the weekend for a surprise duet of Hill’s 1998 Billboard No. 1 hit, “Doo Wop (That Thing).”
The collaboration took place during Hill’s headlining set at the Jazz in the Gardens Festival at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday (March 8), marking the Fugees icon’s second live appearance of 2025.
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“I want to introduce y’all to another sister” Hill said before welcoming Doechii to the stage. The rising rapper and singer, who has credited Hill as one of her biggest inspirations, shared the moment with fans afterward, expressing her deep gratitude on social media.
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“Thank you Miss Lauryn Hill,” Doechii wrote on X on March 9. “Thank you. My heart is so full. She is my hero. This is the greatest honor hip-hop could give me. Praise God … my entire body is vibrating with joy right now. I’ll never forget this day! EVER!” She added, “I’ve never been so nervous in my life. She is a QUEEN.”
Doechii, fresh off winning her first Grammy for Best Rap Album, becoming the third woman to take home the trophy following Cardi B and Lauryn Hill. The rapper is also set for a massive festival season, including a headline slot on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury 2025—going head-to-head in a much-publicized clash with Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage at the same time.
She’s also on the lineup for Rock en Seine in Paris in August, Forwards Festival in Bristol the same month, and Roskilde Festival in Denmark in June.
The 26-year-old rap star is preparing to cement her quantum leap to stardom with her debut album later this year. On March 4, she dropped her “Anxiety” single via Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records, announcing the drop approximately half an hour ahead of its arrival on X with the single’s cover art, which features a mirrored black-and-white image of the TDE rapper being connected by her braids.
“Anxiety” has been trending on TikTok lately, but Doechii performed the original version five years ago on her YouTube channel. The single samples Gotye‘s 2011 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Somebody That I Used to Know,” featuring Kimbra.
“Denial is a River” from her critically acclaimed 2024 mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal became her highest-charting entry on the Hot 100, peaking at No. 21.
Ice Cube has found himself caught in the chaos of Cyclone Alfred, with the rap icon stranded at his Gold Coast hotel as the storm barrels toward Australia’s southeastern coast.
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Appearing on The Project on Wednesday night, Ice Cube, real name O’Shea Jackson Sr, gave his take on the situation, joking, “I’m staying clear of it. You know, I’m right here on the beach. The beach looks like it is going to be in the lobby in a minute.”
The “It’s My Ego” rapper in Australia for a string of shows in Sydney and Melbourne also admitted this was a first for him, saying, “It is pretty cool, I haven’t been through a cyclone before. I can check this off my bucket list for sure.”
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Cube, with B Wise, will perform at Sydney’s ICC Theatre on Friday, March 7, then head to Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Sunday.
While Ice remains in Gold Coast as the severe weather system approaches, authorities are urging residents to act immediately. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli warned, “There is a chance this cyclone will cross in the middle of the night with a high tide. That is not the time to be making your evacuation plan, now is the time.”
Cyclone Alfred, currently classified as a Category 2 system, is bringing dangerous conditions along the Queensland and New South Wales coastlines, prompting widespread disruptions. Public transport across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and other affected areas is being suspended from Wednesday, and several concerts and sporting events have been canceled.
Among the high-profile cancellations is Green Day’s final Australian concert, which was scheduled for March 6 at Gold Coast’s Robina Stadium as part of their Saviors tour. Promoters confirmed the show could not proceed due to the extreme weather forecast, with ticket holders urged to seek refunds.
Other shows being called off due to the impending weather event include Brad Cox, Courteneers, Alexisonfire and Underoath. Meanwhile, Cyclone Alfred has already caused flooding, power outages, and high winds in several coastal areas, with emergency services on high alert as the storm nears landfall.
The breakout rap hit “Tweaker” from the middle Ball brother, LiAngelo Ball, has generated nearly $640,000 since it first began its meteoric rise from NBA locker rooms to the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Released on Jan. 3 under the moniker GELO — Ball also raps under the alias G3 —“Tweaker” came out on Ball’s family label, Born […]
Kendrick Lamar continues a historic campaign on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart as his single “Luther,” with SZA, ascends to the No. 1 spot on the list dated March 1. The track replaces the rapper’s own “TV Off,” featuring Lefty Gunplay, after its three-week reign. As another SZA collaboration, “30 for 30,” pushes 2-3 and his former leader “Squabble Up,” repeats at No. 4, the quartet gives Lamar a second straight week of dominating the chart’s top four spots.
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With his performance on Rhythmic Airplay, Lamar is just the second artist to simultaneously occupy the top four ranks on any Billboard airplay chart. He joins his rival Drake, who managed the feat for 11 separate weeks on the Rap Airplay survey, for seven frames in March-April 2013 and four in May-June 2018. As Drake’s runs all involved at least one song where he was in a featured role on a track by another lead artist, Lamar is the first artist to complete the achievement in all lead or co-lead capacities.
“Luther,” which concurrently rises to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, captures the Rhythmic Airplay crown as the most-played song on U.S. panel-contributing radio stations in the week of Feb. 14-20, according to Luminate, a 5% gain from the previous week.
“Luther” gives Lamar his ninth No. 1 on Rhythmic Airplay. A full third have come in 2025 alone, with “Squabble Up” reigning for two weeks in January and “TV Off” leading the ratings for three weeks in February.
Here’s a review of the rapper’s entire chart-topping collection on the radio chart:
“Humble.,” three weeks at No. 1, beginning June 6, 2017“Loyalty.,” feat. Rihanna; one, Sept. 30, 2017“Love.,” feat. Zacari; one, Dec. 30, 2017“Pray for Me,” with The Weeknd; two, April 18, 2018“Like That,” with Future and Metro Boomin; four, May 18, 2024“Not Like Us,” 12, June 15, 2024“Squabble Up,” two, Jan. 18, 2025“TV Off,” feat. Lefty Gunplay; three, Feb. 8, 2025“Luther,” with SZA, one (to date), March 1, 2025
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For SZA, “Luther” adds a seventh Rhythmic Airplay No. 1 to her account and first since “Saturn” landed at the top last May. Here’s a recap of her leaders:
“Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat feat. SZA; two weeks at No. 1, beginning June 26, 2021“I Hate U,” one, March 19, 2022“Kill Bill,” three, March 4, 2023“Snooze,” two, July 15, 2023“Rich Baby Daddy,” Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA; two, Dec. 2, 2023“Saturn,” one, May 11, 2024“Luther,” with Kendrick Lamar; one (to date), March 1, 2025
Lamar and SZA are in prime position to improve to a 10th and eighth champ, respectively, and replace themselves at the summit. Their other current collaborative single, “30 for 30” (billed to SZA with Kendrick Lamar), advances to the runner-up spot with a 14% surge in weekly plays.
Beyond the top tracks, both Lamar and SZA cement their stranglehold with more titles on Rhythmic Airplay. SZA’s third tune in the top 10, “BMF,” pushes 12-10 (up 9% in plays), while Lamar has a fifth, the AzChike-assisted “Peekaboo,” which debuts at No. 37.
It’s incredible to think about the evolution of Tyler, The Creator’s music. From the days of Odd Future in Fairfax, where his music felt like controlled chaos, to now—headlining arenas, selling out shows, and having a Billboard No. 1 album. Despite his success, Tyler remains the same person from Los Angeles, CA. His return to […]
On WWE’s Friday Night Smackdown, The Rock announced groundbreaking news that WrestleMania 42 will occur in New Orleans in 2026. Before dishing out that exclusive, the self-proclaimed Final Boss walked out to his new entrance theme featuring Louisiana’s favorite son, Lil Wayne. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news […]
There’s no denying West Coast rapper AZ Chike had a remarkable 2024. After appearing on two of rap’s biggest releases with ScHoolboy Q’s “Movie” and Kendrick Lamar’s Hot 100 top 15 hit “peekaboo,” Chike announced on Friday (Feb. 21) that he’d be inking a deal with Warner Records, a mere two weeks after K. Dot rapped his bars on the Super Bowl stage.
“Everything was just aligned bro. Even right now, it’s so aligned [that] it’s kinda scary,” Chike tells Billboard.
Chike has been hard at work making music since 2013, getting his first taste of success in 2017 with “Burn Rubber Again.” The song accrued over 25 million plays on SoundCloud, and from there, he’s been steadily building momentum. Eventually, the hard work caught the attention of TDE and as Chike said multiple times in our interview, “the rest is history.”
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“We are thrilled to welcome AZ Chike to Warner Records at such a pivotal moment in his career. As an artist who has built incredible momentum over the past year, Chike, who was brought in by our partner Tim Hinshaw, has already captivated audiences and proven his impact,” says Aaron Bay-Schuck, co-chairman & CEO of Warner Records in a statement. “His talent, vision, and artistry have set him apart, and we are honored to support and help bring his music to an even larger global audience.”
Chike is equally as excited and dropped off his latest single “Whatx2” on Friday to celebrate the news.
“Tim Hinshaw bringing me in at Warner and having a sit down with Aaron Bay-Schuck was the best decision I could have made following up all my current success,” he says. “I love how in tune they are with the culture and hip-hop. It feels like I’m supposed to be here. The stars are aligning and I’m happy they are a part of that alignment.”
Billboard spoke with AZ Chike about his new single, signing with Warner, and how he’s been doing since Kendrick’s electric Super Bowl performance.
Where were you when Dot rapped your “peekaboo” bars at the Super Bowl? How were you feeling?
I had rented out a house to go watch it with my close friends and family type sh-t and we didn’t know he was gonna do that. That’s the thing with this dude Dot, he always surprisin’. He’s got somethin’ up his sleeve, he don’t share the information and I’m close with a lot of people on his team, and every time something happens that’s surprising, he calls me right after, like, ‘yeah, I wanted to tell you so bad.’ He did the same sh-t when GNX dropped.
When did you first connect with TDE?
We wanted to follow in their footsteps and do the conscious rap, but L.A. wasn’t f–king with it, bro. So we just [rapped about] the life we actually live. The ratchet, street shi-, lot of bi–hes, money all this other sh-t goin’ on. We resulted to that and right hand to God, probably like four months after that, it took off.
How did you tap in with ScHoolboy on “Movie?”
[Akeem] called me like, ‘What you on?’ I was like, ‘I ain’t on sh-t’. He was like, ‘pull up to the studio right quick,’ he didn’t even tell me it was with Q. I pull up and it’s Q there and Q is just given’ me all these props. Letting me know he been seein’ everything. I spent like a week with him in the studio and for the first three days we didn’t even do no music. He was just feelin’ me out, givin’ me the homie treatment. I passed I guess! [laughs] It was dope.
How did you meet Kendrick?
Q FaceTimed me, and he never f–kin’ FaceTime’s me. I answer, he in the Double R with the stars on the ceiling. He’s like, ‘What you on? You around anybody?’ I’m like, ‘Nah.’ He like, ‘I just got off the phone with Dot. He wanna f–k with you. I just wanted to hit you up and let you know before I give him your number.’ Like, pause. But I had to keep my cool! That’s the thing with TDE, you don’t wanna be groupied out. That night, Dot text me. We say, ‘What’s the deal?’ in L.A. or, ‘Sta deal?’ He say, ‘Sta deal? This Dot.’ I pulled up on him and the rest was history.
Nothing’s been the same since.
Before Q and Dot hit me up, I went through something crazy in life where I was ready to crash. Last year, I was still one foot in, one foot out with sh-t. So I was f–ked up in the head about sh-t just ready to go a different way, and in a sense that sh-t kinda saved my life. God will take everything from you and give it back to you ten times. It was in a sense of that and, I still gotta tell Dot that cause that sh-t was crazy.
What’s next for you? Tell me about your new single “Whatx2?”
“Whatx2” is the fun record, just circling back to how I got here and just having fun and kicking things off before I get even a little crazier. Now I get to kick it into tenth gear. Now you’re gonna really see what’s going on on the music side. I am coming out with an album called No Rest For the Wicked. The goal is to release it in May. We dropping a video and a single every month leading up to it.
It’s game-time.
Yeah, this is just what I signed up for. As you see, I’m on go. I’m in every meeting, [and] on every e-mail. This is what I’m built for, and I’m not turning down no responsibility. I embrace the pressure.
Rico Nasty is ready to shake things up again. The boundary-pushing rapper has announced her new rap-rock album, Lethal, set for release on May 16 through Fueled by Ramen.
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The project marks a bold new direction for the Maryland-born artist, who has built a career blending hip-hop, punk energy, and alternative sounds into a style she’s dubbed “sugar trap.” The project marks her first full-length release since 2022’s Las Ruinas and sees Rico fully embracing the rap-rock hybrid she’s been hinting at for years.
The Feb. 20 announcement comes alongside the release of the album’s lead single, “Teethsucker (Yea3x),” a grunge-fueled track that arrives with a chaotic, high-energy music video. The visual, shot in crisp slow motion, features Rico drenching a crowd with a water hose, embodying the rebellious spirit of the record.
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In a statement, Rico Nasty described the album as a celebration of self-confidence and defiance. “This album is about being confident and saying f— everybody else. It’s about getting doors slammed in your face and people telling you to try it their way again and again, and you stay true to yourself and it works. That’s what this project is. It’s an ode to yourself.”
The 15-track album will continue Rico’s genre-defying approach, which has made her one of hip-hop’s most unpredictable voices. She first experimented with punk and metal influences on Nightmare Vacation (2020), which featured the raging “OHFR?” and the electro-punk-infused “STFU.” She took things even further on Las Ruinas (2022), incorporating elements of hyperpop, industrial, and alt-rock.
Beyond the studio, Rico has been actively blending hip-hop and rock in her live performances, recently touring with electronic punk duo 100 gecs and collaborating with genre-fluid artists like Denzel Curry, Doja Cat, and hyperpop producer Dylan Brady.
The Lethal tracklist includes titles like “Soul Snatcher,” “Grave,” and “Son of a Gun,” and the album is now available for pre-order, including a limited-edition silver saw blade vinyl.