Hip-Hop

16 Sep 2023

Here’s Why Drake Is Postponing His ‘For All the Dogs’ Album Release

Fans will have to wait a little longer for Drake‘s new album.

The superstar rapper announced through social media on Friday night (Sept. 15) that the release of his his upcoming album, For All the Dogs, has been postponed to Oct. 6 so that he can complete his It’s All a Blue tour. The set was previously scheduled to drop on Sept. 22.

“Okay my dilemma I am faced with is either cancel shows to finish the album or I complete the mission and drop the album before the last show,” Drake wrote on his Instagram Story. “I owe you all these memories we are building and anywhere we have missed to date we will be spinning back for sure.”

He concluded the post, writing, “For All the Dogs October 6th. It’s only right…”

Drizzy’s It’s All a Blur tour is currently scheduled to finish on Oct. 9 in Columbus, Ohio, with two additional U.S. dates in the works. An Oct. 6 release of For All the Dogs would fall on the rapper’s back-to-back concerts in his hometown of Toronto.

The postponement announcement follows the release of Drake’s new song “Slime You Out,” featuring SZA.

For All The Dogs marks the 6 God’s eighth studio album and his first solo album since his dance-heavy Honestly, Nevermind project that he released in June 2022. Five months later, he teamed up with 21 Savage on their joint album, Her Loss. Both releases debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. 

15 Sep 2023

Doja Cat Continues Teasing ‘Scarlet’ With New ‘Balut’ Single: Stream It Now

“Remember this, girls,” rings the intro of Doja Cat’s latest new track. “None of you can be first, but all of you can be next.”

The intro — lifted from professional wrestler Ric Flair — heralds the beginning of “Balut,” the final song on the star’s upcoming new album Scarlet and its most recent single. The track features production contributions from Yeti Beats, Roget Chahyed and Kurtis McKenzie. The latter two creatives, alongside Doja and Y2K, also have writing credits on the laidback rap track.

“Balut” marks the fourth single from Scarlet. Doja first introduced the world of her fourth studio album with “Attention,” a boom-bap-leaning hip-hop track that debuted and peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100. A Dionne Warwick-sampling pop-rap track entitled “Paint the Town Red” soon followed as the album’s first radio single, reaching No. 1 on the Hot 100 this week (chart dated Sept. 16, 2023). On Sept. 1, Doja then unleashed “Demons,” a raucous punk-rap track that boasted a chilling horror-themed music video starring Emmy-nominated Yellowjackets actress Christina Ricci.

The release of “Balut” comes the same week as Doja’s star-turn 2023 MTV Video Music Awards performance, in which she delivered a show-stopping medley of “Attention,” “Paint the Town Red” and “Demons.” At Tuesday night’s ceremony (Sept. 12), “Attention” won the Moonperson for best art direction.

Scarlet is slated for a Sept. 22 release with an accompanying headlining arena tour to follow. The Scarlet Tour kicks off on Oct. 31 at Chase Center in San Francisco, CA, with special guests Ice Spice and Doechii.

Stream “Balut” now:

15 Sep 2023

Justin Bieber Joins SZA on Surprise ‘Snooze (Acoustic)’ Version

Fans were pleasantly surprised last month when Justin Bieber made an unexpected cameo in the video for SZA‘s single “Snooze.” In the sultry visual for the song from SZA’s sophomore album, S.O.S., JB lounges on a picnic blanket with the singer, who also spends quality time in the clip with Benny Blanco, Beef star Young Mazino and Power Book II: Ghost actor Woody McClain.

So you can imagine the double surprise on Friday (Sept. 15) when SZA dropped an unplugged version of “Snooze (Acoustic),” featuring fresh vocals from Bieber on the song whose original found a spot on former president Barack Obama’s 2023 summer playlist.

Over gently picked acoustic guitar, the laconic song’s first SZA-sung verse proceeds as usual before Justin joins her on backing vocals on the chorus: “I can’t lose when I’m with you/ How can I snooze and miss the moment?/ You just too important,” they sing together.

Then, Bieber takes over lead vocals on the song’s second verse, singing, “In a droptop ride with you, I feel like Scarface/ Like that white b–ch with the bob, you’ll be my main one/ Let’s take this argumеnt back up to my place/ Sex rеminds you I’m nonviolent, I’m your day one,” with SZA adding ad-libs and harmonies behind. The pair intertwine their vocals on the remaining choruses on the track originally co-produced by Babyface, BLK Beats and The Rascals.

“Snooze” snagged SZA her second No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, topping the list dated July 1. The song was also SZA’s second career No. 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay tally.

Listen to “Snooze (Acoustic)” below.

15 Sep 2023

Sexyy Red Sends Condolences After Fatal Shooting Near Video Set in Florida

After one person was killed and another wounded in a shooting across the street from a video shoot by Sexyy Red and Sukihana, the “Pound Town” rapper released a statement on her Instagram Stories on Thursday night (Sept. 14) clarifying that the violence was unrelated to her project while sending her thoughts to the victim’s family.

“I send my condolences to the family of the man who lost his life and prayers up for the person who was wounded,” Red (born Janae Wherry) wrote in her Story. “But i gotta address the rumors that it happened at my video shoot bc s–t is not true, at all. To be clear it happened at a gas station across the street from my video set.”

Red said that both the Florida Highway Patrol and Broward County Sheriff’s office “confirmed that the shooting wasn’t on my set.” She also assured fans that she was secure, “thanks to my production team getting all the paperwork right and working with the Broward Sheriff’s Office to hire off-duty’s to make sure everyone was safe.”

Red added that the shoot was completed at a different location and that everyone involved was able to go home safely afterwards. “Period. I’m just trying to work hard, make good music, connect with my fans,” she wrote. “Please don’t try to twist narratives and put this on a b–ch.”

WPLG Local 10 reported that the shooting took place near the Oakland Park Flea Market Mall in Oakland Park, FL around 8 p.m., “not far” from the video shoot. Upon arrival, responding deputies found two people suffering from gunshot wounds, with one unnamed victim pronounced dead at the scene and another transported to a local hospital; the station reported that police were seen arresting two people following the shooting.

At press time a spokesperson for the Broward County Sheriff’s office had not returned Billboard‘s request for additional information on the incident.

This week the initial TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart — dated Sept. 16 — featured Red’s rising hit “SkeeYee” as the tally’s first No. 1; the song also came in at No. 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated Sept. 16. Sexyy and Sukihana dropped the video for their “Hood Rats” collaboration last month. It was unclear at press time what video the two were shooting during on Thursday.

14 Sep 2023

PnB Rock’s Girlfriend Describes ‘Deepest Depression’ on One-Year Anniversary of Rapper’s Death

PnB Rock‘s girlfriend opened up about the difficulty of marking the one-year anniversary of the “Selfish” rapper’s death on Wednesday (Sept. 13), writing in an emotional Instagram post that she’s struggled with how to mark the occasion.

“I’ve been in the deepest depression for a lil min contemplating todays date, which makes a year since your transition,” wrote Stephanie Sibounheuang a year after the MC born Rakim Allen, 30, was robbed and shot to death at a Roscoe’s House of Chicken’N Waffles restaurant in L.A. on Sept. 12 while the two were having a meal together.

“I argued with God about openly reliving this day and i absolutely did not want to, so this is an act of obedience,” she said alongside a picture of the couple in happier days chilling on a boat on a sunny day. “This same day last year, you could look into my eyes and and tell my soul was not in my body.
All I could hear were the gunshots over and over and they were so LOUD I couldn’t hear myself think.
I was so terrified and heartbroken.”

The photo roll also included a snap of the two celebrating an occasion with a giant ice cream cone cake and family pics of the two with their child, Xuri Li, and Rock’s daughter from a previous relationship, Milan.

Freddie Lee Trone, 41, and his then-17-year-old son were arrested a week after the shooting, with each charged with one count of murder, two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery; Shauntel Trone, 39, Trone’s wife and the boy’s step-mom was also arrested and charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to the killing and pleaded not guilty.

Sibounheuang also opened up about the day Rock was shot, writing, “You came to me and [daughter] Lani wearing all white and said those were not gunshots, they were fireworks. You did it! You changed for the better and you made it to paradise! Celebrate you!”

She added that she planned to honor her love on the anniversary and to “push thru and be joyful and celebrate you, just like you asked me to do. For I know this Earth is temporary and we will spend eternity together. You’re a legend and not only that…but a hero. I’m forever yours and forever loyal to you. I will live my life to the fullest because you gave your life for me. Thank you Lord for carrying us through a whole year and every day after this.”

See Sibounheuang’s post below.

14 Sep 2023

Guitarist in Olivia Rodrigo’s Favorite ’90s Hard Rock Band Reacts to Her Shout-Out: ‘Who Would Have Guessed?’

Olivia Rodrigo has proudly worn her influences on her sleeve during her rocket ride to pop stardom, whether it’s giving them songwriting co-credits on her album (Taylor Swift, Paramore) or including them on her upcoming tour in support of her sophomore album, GUTS (The Breeders).

But when she told Rolling Stone in a new cover story that the opening track of her second album, “All-American Bitch,” was inspired by the OG Riot Grrrl band Babes in Toyland and incendiary political rockers Rage Against the Machine, well, one of them couldn’t believe it.

“Who would have guessed? @oliviarodrigo,” Rage guitarist Tom Morello tweeted on Wednesday (Sept. 13) along with a pic of Olivia and a pull quote from the RS story in which the Grammy-winning singer said, “I have been listening to so much Rage Against the Machine this year. That’s my favorite band right now.”

Though Rodrigo’s songs are spiked with 98% more radio-friendly pop flavor than Rage’s flamethrower rap-metal anthems, she explained in the RS story that the Zack de la Rocha-fronted band’s songs of seething vengeance and furious anger at social inequities were basically all she listened to during the GUTS sessions.

“I would just play it over and over again on my way to and from the studio,” she said of the band’s songs, lamenting that she wants to attend Rage’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 3 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, but cannot make it because of an “immovable schedule conflict.” She told the magazine that the conflict is maddening. “I am literally going to cry myself to sleep about it,” she said.

In the meantime, Rodrigo announced the dates for her 2024 GUTS tour on Wednesday, which will also include support from PinkPantheress, Chappell Roan and Remi Wolf on select dates.

See Morello’s tweet below.

13 Sep 2023

2023 MTV VMAs Performances: Watch Them All

Tuesday night’s (Sept. 12) 2023 MTV Video Music Awards had a little something for everyone, from Olivia Rodrigo‘s explosive “Vampire/Get Him Back!” medley to the night’s emcee, Nicki Minaj, previewing an unnamed Pink Friday 2 track and performing “Last Time I Saw You,” to Karol G‘s neon-drenched “Oki Doki/Ta OK” performance, Doja Cat‘s spooky “Attention/Paint the Town Red” trifecta and the show-closing all-star hip-hop 50th anniversary tribute featuring DMC, Doug E. Fresh, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL Cool J, Lil Wayne and Minaj.

The long, long night swung from country to hip-hop, pop, Latin and rock, with Kelsea Ballerini performing the world premiere performance of “Penthouse,” Fall Out Boy playing their updated Billy Joel cover of “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” Shakira‘s mind-bending, hip-shaking medley of hits before accepting her landmark Video Vanguard Award and a strong showing from K-Pop acts Stray Kids (“S-Class”) and Tomorrow X Together with Anitta (“Back For More”).

Peso Pluma represented for Regional Mexican music with an arresting run through his track “Lady Gaga,” NLE Choppa roped in Nelly for a medley of his “Ain’t Gonna Answer” and his take on the St. Louis legend’s “It’s Getting Hot,” while Metro Boomin’ flooded the zone with Future, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Swae Lee and Nav for the first broadcast performances of “Superhero (Heroes & Villains)” and “Calling.”

Italian rockers Måneskin returned to the VMA stage with slightly more clothes to rip through their new single, “Honey (Are U Coming?),” while Lil Wayne stacked up his new single, “Kat Food,” with a medley that also featured “Back That Azz Up” and “Uproar” and Global Icon Award winner Diddy presented a medley of his biggest hits, including “I’ll Be Missing You/Bad Boys For Life/I Need a Girl.”

Speaking of killer career overviews, Demi Lovato previewed her new Revamped album, with rocked-up versions of “Heart Attack/Sorry Not Worry/Cool For Summer,” on a night when Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion performed their new NSFW single “Bongos” live for the first time and Anitta danced across the stage to “Used to Be/Funk Rave/Grip.”

Check out all the night’s main stage performances below.

NLE Choppa feat. Nelly — “Ain’t Gonna Answer/It’s Getting Hot”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=LNw3hYQi3Ng&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Olivia Rodrigo — “Vampire/Get Him Back!”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=OFNt5OvGt98&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Anitta — “Used to Be/Funk Rave/Grip”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=TWFcZ70aeSw&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Lil Wayne — “Back That Azz Up/Uproar/Kat Food”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=sClzbBIkJeU&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion — “Bongos”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=XaK2vYOFXps&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Demi Lovato — “Heart Attack/Sorry Not Sorry/Cool For Summer”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=N4q5Ez1QJuw&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Doja Cat — “Attention/Paint the Town Red/Demons”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=8PbHkuy03g8&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Shakira — “She Wolf/Te Felicito/TQG/Objection (Tango)/Hips Don’t Lie/Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=zAxmn4ihqNg&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Nicki Minaj — “Last Time I Saw You” (plus snippet of unnamed new song)


https://youtube.com/watch?v=SIxDmeiexpk&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Diddy (feat. King Combs, Keyshia Cole)– “Ill Be Missing You/It’s All About the Benjamins/Last Night/Mo’ Money, Mo Problems/Bad Boys For Live/I Need a Girl”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=9EKhDTBfalI&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Stray Kids — “S-Class”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=ES9sGfEgelg&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Peso Pluma — “Lady Gaga”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=NCOJEnZEmAo&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Metro Boomin feat. Future, Swae Lee, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Nav — “Superhero/Calling”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=H4MQkJMxyy0&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Karol G — “Oki Doki/Tá Ok”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=y52O69VCOR4&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Fall Out Boy — “We Didn’t Start the Fire”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=y8sVt6FhV9Q&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Tomorrow X Together feat. Anitta — “Back For More”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=VskZNUqQM_Y&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Måneskin — “Honey (Are U Coming?)”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=iRcneQeZHlU&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Kelsea Ballerini — “Penthouse”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=_RmzBvBUZlA&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Medley feat. Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh and Grand Master Flash & the Furious Five


https://youtube.com/watch?v=RqZXOsFa3B0&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

13 Sep 2023

Here’s Who Runs Diddy’s Empire Now

Diddy is gearing up to release his first album in 13 years, The Love Album: Off the Grid, on Sept. 15.

While the music and business mogul is in album mode, his multiple interests continue to be overseen by a seasoned group of executives, including his management team at SALXCO. Read on to learn about the executives working behind-the-scenes at Combs Global, REVOLT TV & Media and more.

Nathalie Moar – Longtime Advisor and Communications Lead 

Moar is a. global communication strategist who manages Diddy’s narrative and brand image across his multi-brand empire, as well as all of his various activations.

Che Pope – Head of Love Records

Pope’s experience in the music industry spans 25 years in both the creative and executive arenas of the music business. The Grammy-winning producer has collaborated with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Destiny’s Child, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Dr. Dre, The Weeknd, Diddy and Kanye West.

Frankie Santella – Vice President of Music Management & Strategic Partnerships

Santella was first hired by Diddy as part of Bad Boy Management in New York City, where he was involved in cultural events such as Diddy’s 50th birthday celebration, 2013 attendance at Burning Man and collaborations with such companies as Nike, Ciroc, WWE and Live Nation. In 2020, Santella moved to Los Angeles to work at Combs Global.

Kristina Khorram – Chief of Staff to Sean “Diddy” Combs

Khorram works side by side daily with Diddy and spearheads many of his projects and events.

Deon Graham – Chief Brand Officer

Graham oversees brand presence, strategic marketing, growth and development for Diddy’s portfolio of companies.

Tarik A. Brooks – President

The seasoned executive, with over 22 years of experience, oversees all business operations and investments owned by Diddy.

Detavio Samuels – CEO of REVOLT TV & Media

Samuels leads all business efforts with a bicoastal team of young executives and creators, working to build the world’s largest Black-owned media company.

Jay Lundy – Senior VP of Investing & New Ventures

In his role, Lundy leads new ventures, investment diligence and business development strategy.

Dr. Steve Perry – Founder & Head of Capital Preparatory

Perry is an educator, bestselling author, and founder and head of schools at Capital Preparatory Schools. Since 2006, he has sent 100% of their predominantly low-income, minority and first-generation high school graduates to four-year colleges.

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WATCH: Diddy Talks About His New Album ‘The Love Album,’ New Record Label & More

13 Sep 2023

Alicia Keys, Grandmaster Flash and More to Be Honored by the Black American Music Association: Exclusive

Alicia Keys, Grandmaster Flash and superstar producer/songwriters Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis are among the artists and executives slated to be honored at the inaugural ICE Medal of Honor celebration at Atlanta’s Morehouse College on Sunday, Oct. 15. The black-tie event, to be held in the college’s Ray Charles Performing Arts Center, is sponsored by The Black American Music Association.

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“We are thrilled to launch the ICE Medal of Honor and to recognize these outstanding individuals who have made an enduring mark on the world through their art and creativity,” Michael Mauldin, the event’s founder, said in a statement. “This celebration is a testament to the power of Black American music in shaping culture and inspiring generations.”

Here’s a list of the inaugural recipients of the ICE Medal of Honor:

  • Alicia Keys – Ella Fitzgerald Gold Standard Award
  • Grandmaster Flash – Transformative Award
  • Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis – Creative Impact Award
  • Robert F. Smith (philanthropist and founder of the technology software private equity firm Vista Equity Partners) – Ray Charles/Harry Belafonte Patron of Arts Award
  • Suzanne de Passe (Motown Productions) – Suzanne de Passe Trailblazer Award
  • Jeff Harleston (general counsel, EVP of Business & Legal Affairs of Universal Music Group) – Pace/Harrell Executive Leadership Award

In addition, there will be a salute to the late Michael Jackson with the presentation of the Michael Jackson ICON Award.

Keys has amassed 15 Grammy Awards, including best new artist and song of the year for “Fallin’,” both in 2002.

Jam and Lewis have received five Grammys, including producer of the year, non-classical, in 1987.

In 2007, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five became the first hip-hop group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2021, they received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy.

de Passe, Motown Productions’ first Black female president, is credited with discovering The Jackson 5 and Commodores. de Passe has won two Primetime Emmy Awards – outstanding variety, music or comedy program for Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever (1983) and Motown Returns to the Apollo (1985). The Suzanne de Passe Trailblazer Award is named in her honor.

Harleston is also co-founder of the UMG Task Force for Meaningful Change, an organization formed within UMG in the summer of 2020 to identify, coordinate and implement social change initiatives directed at the Black and Latino communities.

BAM Association co-founders Michael Mauldin and Demmette Guidry are executive producers of the event, along with Derrick Williams of DNA Media Group and co-executive producer Jermaine Dupri (who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018, one year after Jam & Lewis). The program is being produced by Mauldin and Williams and directed by Kevin Swain.

Ray Chew will provide music direction. Wyclef Jean and gospel veteran Donald Lawrence will curate segments of the show.

Mauldin, formerly president of Columbia Records Black Music. is CEO of Mauldin Brand Inc., chairman of the Black American Music Association and co-founder of the Black American Music Foundation. He is also the co-founder of the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

Special acknowledgement will be given to the Otis Redding Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the community through the education and the empowerment of its youth. Dr. Uzi Brown, who is retiring this year as chair of the Department of Music at Morehouse College, will also be honored. Brown is the past president of the National Association of Negro Musicians.

The Black American Music Association is a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association founded in 2017 by Mauldin and Guidry to preserve, protect, and promote the legacy and future of authentic Black American music.

13 Sep 2023

Nope, Megan Thee Stallion Didn’t Beef With Justin Timberlake at 2023 MTV VMAs, She Was Just Excited to Meet Him

A lot of things happened during MTV’s mini-series-length 2023 Video Music Awards on Tuesday night (Sept. 12). But one of the the buzziest moments from the show at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ didn’t even take place on camera during the official feed, it was a blink-and-you-missed-it event backstage when Megan met Justin.

As seen in a widely circulated viral clip, Justin Timberlake and the reunited members of *NSYNC were walking behind the scenes as they strolled by Megan Thee Stallion getting a hair and makeup touch-up. On the surface, it looks like a heated Meg is wagging her finger in an agitated manner as JT smiles and greets her and bandmate Joey Fatone laughs in what some commenters said appeared to be an argument, but according to a source who was there, the interaction was all love.

A source close to the situation who witnessed the old school-new school superstar summit tells Billboard that Megan was actually so excited to meet JT and company that she was actually asking for a proper introduction and re-do in a less chaotic situation. “Meg loves Justin. She was saying, ‘No, no, no, we’ve never met before. It was their first time meeting, and she was excited,” the source says.

ET reported that a source said Timberlake told the “Sweetest Pie” rapper, “‘It’s so nice to meet you,’” with Megan replying, “No, no, this don’t count, this don’t count, we gotta meet proper.’”

At press time spokespeople for Megan and Timberlake could not be reached for comment on the incident. Both artists had a big night on Tuesday, with Timberlake reuniting with his fellow boy banders for a surprise best pop prize presentation to an equally gobsmacked Taylor Swift and Megan taking the stage later in the night with Cardi B for the live debut of their salacious new single, “Bongos.”

Check out the viral video of the interaction below.