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13 Jun 2024

Will Kendrick Lamar Perform ‘Not Like Us’? Will Rihanna Ever Release ‘R9’? | Billboard Unfiltered

In the sixth episode of Billboard Unfiltered, Billboard staffers Damien Scott, Trevor Anderson and Kyle Denis dive into whether or not Kendrick Lamar will perform “Not Like Us” live at his one-day event, The Pop Out — Ken and Friends, on Juneteenth. They also talk about Rihanna’s continuous tease of R9, whether she’ll ever release it and why it’s taken so long. They break down Summer Jam’s cultural significance, how younger and older artists need to perform at music festivals and more!

Kyle Dennis:
We got to keep the older guys on these stages because by and large, for the male side at least, they’re still better performers.

Damien Scott:
I’m excited to see him, but I’m more excited to see him perform “Not Like Us,” and then see, like, a bunch of West Coast artists just go crazy.

Trevor Anderson:
She said she’s coming back with R9. Are we foolish enough to hope that it’s coming anytime soon? Welcome back to a new episode of Billboard Unfiltered. Of course, I’m Trevor Anderson. Got a new face over here. Want to introduce Kyle Denis to y’all. 

Damien Scott:
Young shooter out here. 

Trevor Anderson:
He is one of the great wonder kids of his generation. 

Trevor Anderson:
Of course we got the goat, Damien Scott, here as well. 

Damien Scott: 
D–n. Wonder kid. That’s a lot. Wow.

Trevor Anderson:
Yo, yo, yo, Kyle’s got a name here. I’m telling you. He’s, you know, he’s got following. We know he’s got plenty of opinions, thoughts.

Kyle Denis:
The price going up a little bit. 

Trevor Anderson: 
I’m telling you, I’m telling you. So obviously a big week for us. Let’s dive right into it. Firstly, want to talk about something that happened a couple of days ago. Method Man out here talking after the Summer Jam performance, had a little bit to say on Instagram after that, saying that it wasn’t really his crowd at all.

Keep watching to learn more!

13 Jun 2024

RIIZE Shares New Mini Album ‘RIIZING,’ Their Musical Inspirations & More | Billboard Cover

Up-and-coming K-pop boy group RIIZE is ready to shine with their new mini album, RIIZING. The boys sat down and shared who their musical influences are, what to expect from their new album, how they knew they wanted to sing and more in their Billboard cover interview!

Anton:
The team’s motto, sort of, is to rise and realize. I think we’re doing pretty well and slowly going up. That’s our goal. 

Shotaro:
Since middle school, I’ve always liked being on stage. I think in high school is when I specifically had the thought of wanting to become an artist. Hi, I’m Shotaro. Music I’ve been into lately … I listen to a variety of genres. Artists that have inspired me are Justin Timberlake, Usher, pH-1.

Sohee:
First impression … I think we were very shy. 

Shotaro:
In the beginning, we didn’t talk much. It took some time for us to get to know each other.

Anton:
I think we got close once we started having, like, dance practice together. All of us sweating and dancing, that was a really natural way for us to open up.

Shotaro:
There was also that goofing around together.    

Sohee:
The first moment that I realized I wanted to become an artist was when I was a student. I sang in front of other people for the first time. Music that I normally enjoy, it differs from time to time, but recently I’ve been listening to Justin Bieber. I think K-pop was just a part of our lives naturally growing up. For me in particular, I think when I was a trainee, I started to look into it more and started to like it more. I think we naturally looked up to senior artists at our label.   

Keep watching to learn more!

13 Jun 2024

RIIZE Shares New Mini Album ‘RIIZING,’ Their Musical Inspirations & More | Billboard Korea Cover

Up-and-coming K-pop boy group RIIZE is ready to shine with their new mini album, RIIZING. The boys sat down and shared who their musical influences are, what to expect from their new album, how they knew they wanted to sing and more in their Billboard Korea cover interview!

Anton:
The team’s motto, sort of, is to rise and realize. I think we’re doing pretty well and slowly going up. That’s our goal. 

Shotaro:
Since middle school, I’ve always liked being on stage. I think in high school is when I specifically had the thought of wanting to become an artist. Hi, I’m Shotaro. Music I’ve been into lately … I listen to a variety of genres. Artists that have inspired me are Justin Timberlake, Usher, pH-1.

Sohee:
First impression … I think we were very shy. 

Shotaro:
In the beginning, we didn’t talk much. It took some time for us to get to know each other.

Anton:
I think we got close once we started having, like, dance practice together. All of us sweating and dancing, that was a really natural way for us to open up.

Shotaro:
There was also that goofing around together.    

Sohee:
The first moment that I realized I wanted to become an artist was when I was a student. I sang in front of other people for the first time. Music that I normally enjoy, it differs from time to time, but recently I’ve been listening to Justin Bieber. I think K-pop was just a part of our lives naturally growing up. For me in particular, I think when I was a trainee, I started to look into it more and started to like it more. I think we naturally looked up to senior artists at our label.   

Keep watching to learn more!

12 Jun 2024

Matty Healy Is Engaged, Dua Lipa Visits Jennie & More | Billboard News

Matty Healy is officially engaged to Gabriette Bechtel, Dua Lipa visits BLACKPINK’S Jennie while on vacation and more!

Tetris Kelly:

Matty Healy is off the market, Tinashe gets a collab request and Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit. Here’s three things you need to know today. Matty Healy is officially engaged. Gabriette broke the news that the 1975 frontman popped the question. Rumors of the couple dating surfaced back in September, and in April she confirmed they had been trying to meet in person for the past four years. Dang, is Taylor Swift down bad crying at the gym? Well, probably not because she has Travis now. So we’ll just say congrats, Matty. Tinashe’s got a real hit on her hands with “Nasty.” So much so it debuted at No. 90 on the Hot 100. And Azealia Banks, who has been critical of Tinashe in the past, wants to hop on a remix. She posted to her IG story saying she wants to “put a verse on that joint.” Two queens linking up to maximize their slay? I’m in. I’ve been a nasty girl, nasty, nasty. Dua Lipa has been jet-setting in true Dua Lipa fashion. She’s been touring all over Europe and took some time to support and reconnect with friends like Jennie of BLACKPINK. How about a live performance of “Kiss and Make Up”?

12 Jun 2024

BTS’ Jin Finishes Army Service, Set to Hug 1,000 Fans | Billboard News

Jin from BTS has officially completed and been released from his military service. The singer was met by other BTS members upon being released, and he’s set to thank the BTS Army by giving 1,000 fans hugs. Keep watching to learn more!

Tetris Kelly:

Jin from BTS is out of the Korean military, and all of his brothers are celebrating him as he prepares to celebrate with fans. I want a hug, too, Jin! Let’s run it down. Jin is the first member of the mega pop group BTS to be released from mandatory military service, and he was greeted in the most RM way ever, with the saxophone rendition of their song “Dynamite” from the group’s leader. V, Jung Kook, j-hope and Jimin were also there in the super sweet mini reunion. All seven united on Jin’s Weverse. I’m just overwhelmed. Jin has been super grateful for the outpouring of love from BTS’ Army, and he plans to show that love back. According to reports from Reuters and BBC, Jin is planning to celebrate his discharge with a hug-a-thon in Seoul, where he’s hugging over 1,000 fans that won a raffle. There are even plans for a solo show featuring song requests on the Weverse streaming platform. How lucky are they? Can you imagine when they’re all out? I can’t wait! But for now, welcome back, Jin!

12 Jun 2024

Brian Kelley Talks New Album ‘Tennessee Truth,’ Florida Georgia Line Split & More  | Billboard News

Brian Kelley talks about his new album ‘Tennessee Truth,’ the terms that he and Tyler Hubbard are on after the Florida Georgia Line split and more!

Brian Kelley:

All I can say is really that we’re both, I think, finding our groove in the solo world and you never know what time can do.

Tetris Kelly:

Floria Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard may have gone their separate ways, but the door isn’t closed to an FGL reunion. As a fan, I’ve been enjoying it, obviously, because I get to hear new music from the both of you. But you know, we also know that what you guys went through and that you guys had differences and things like that. That’s no secret. Do you guys still talk?

Brian Kelley:

Man, you know, he’s reached out and congratulated me and, you know, we’ve chatted through some things. We both were obviously sad and definitely, you know, bummed out about FGL House closing. We both wanted that to continue as a real special piece of our legacy. So that one, we were both texting each other about that. But he just put out a record, my record just came out. And so I know, we’re both probably, I know, I’m flying by the seat of our pants and just, you know, he always has my well wishes, I want him to crush it. I expect nothing less than for him to do that, you know. And so, man, we’re just both out here giving it hell, you know, trying to just chase these dreams and we’ll see where, where they bring us back to.

Keep watching for more!

12 Jun 2024

Billboard Asks Locals for the Best Get Up Anthems of Atlanta | Billboard x Tres Generaciones Tequila

Billboard and Tres Generaciones Tequila are partnering to find out the Get Up Anthems of select cities, and the next stop is Atlanta, Georgia. Ahead of the curated list, in this ‘Man on the Street,’ we tapped Houston locals to help share some of their favorite hometown hits that have inspired and energized their city, including crowd dance favorite “Swag Surfin’” and tourist anthem “Welcome to Atlanta.” Be sure to check out the official Get Up Anthems for Houston presented by Tres Generaciones Tequila.

Walaa Elsddig:

Hi I’m Walaa. Billboard and Tres Generaciones Tequila are pairing up to bring to you the Get Up Anthems of select cities, and our next stop is Atlanta, Georgia, home of the peach tree and trap music. Get Up Anthems represent songs of grit and perseverance that have motivated, captivated and inspired their city. So what better way than to hear from Atlanteans themselves on what songs they feel deserve to be on that list? So let’s hear what they have to say. What song do you think absolutely, undeniably deserves to be on this list?

Guest 1: 

Well, gotta be on there is Lil Baby “Freestyle.” You’re in the A, that’s the anthem. 

Guest 2: 

“March Madness” by Future. 

Walaa Elsddig:

Why? 

Guest 2: 

The undergrad days, the club was going up level with that song for real.

Walaa Elsddig:

What song do you feel like deserves to be on the Get Up Anthem soundtrack for Atlanta?

Guest 3:

T.I. “u don’t know me,” for sure. You plan today is gonna have that same vibe.

Guest 4:

I would say “March Madness” by Future, it’s still a banger, like everybody’s always up, lit, turnt up. 

Guest 5:

Outkast’s ‘Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik,’ they’re from Atlanta, they paved the way for a lot of artists. 

Walaa Elsddig:

And what about you?

Keep watching to learn more!

12 Jun 2024

Billboard Indie Power Players Party Celebrates Vibrant Independent Music Business in New York: See Photos

The most powerful people in the independent music business gathered together at Billboard’s 2024 Indie Power Players event at the Soho Grand Hotel in Manhattan on Tuesday night (June 11), with guests from companies like EMPIRE, Concord, Merlin, Beggars Group, Secretly Group, The Orchard, Virgin Music, ADA, Hopeless Records, Downtown Music, A2IM, BMG, Stem, TuneCore, Believe, UnitedMasters, OneRPM and many more in attendance.

During the event, Indie Power cover star Brent Faiyaz was celebrated for his strategic and forward-thinking journey through the music business that prioritized his own independence — which has now seen him succeed as a businessman, too, given the success of his ISO Supremacy label venture with PULSE Music Group thanks to Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” — as well as Faiyaz’s manager, COLTURE head of ventures and innovation Ty Baisden, who was named Executive of the Year. Both gave speeches, as did Billboard’s Hannah Karp and Mike Van, BMG’s Jon Loba, Downtown’s Justin Kalifowitz and Stem’s Milana Rabkin. Laurie Anderson, avant-garde musician and performance artist, performed a playful instrumental piece via a self-made device affixed to the roof of her mouth that buzzed along with her vocal-cord vibrations (harking back to her so-called “mouth light” in 1983’s landmark piece United States).

The event came amidst a whirlwind week’s worth of parties and panels celebrating the independent music community in New York City, which has never been as diverse, or as vibrant, as it is in 2024, as artists, labels and distributors have more options, more challenges and more opportunities than ever before to find success in an ever-changing business.

12 Jun 2024

Breaking Down the Origins of Hip-Hop | Billboard News

This episode delves into the origins of hip-hop in the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on its cultural roots in the Bronx, New York. We examine the foundational elements of the genre, including DJing, MCing, breakdancing and graffiti, while highlighting the socio-political environment that gave rise to hip-hop and set the stage for its mainstream breakthrough.

Laurieann Gibson:

Is was a time where we were allowed to color outside the lines. To do what we passionately felt we wanted to do, how we wanted to dance, choreographed, dress. Hip-hop represents that freedom, a time where we were able to tell our story our way.

Catrise Johnson:

The history of hip-hop started in the Bronx of New York City in 1973. August 11th 1520 Sedgwick Avenue to be exact. Hip-hop was created by a DJ. I don’t think most people know that DJ Kool Herc, his sister wanted to throw this back to school bash. So they threw one in the basement. And from that day, when he hit this first scratch, was the inception and the birth of hip-hop.

Yo-Yo

The first time I heard, I said it’s hip-hop to the hip and hip hip-hop and you don’t stop from rocking. It was different from R&B. It was the Sugar Hill Gang introducing the world to a whole new grove. I said to him.

Gail Mitchell: 

I mean, rap is the genre. And hip-hop’s the culture. That’s how I’ve always seen it. Yeah, it started off as rap but it was born on the streets of Harlem and in the Bronx in the late ’70s. 

Laurieann Gibson:

The four main pillars of hip-hop are the DJ, the commander of the music, the MC, which is now the rapper, breakdancing and producing.

Keep watching to learn more!

12 Jun 2024

Ariana Grande Appears on Penn Badgley’s Podcast | Billboard News

Ariana Grande gets real on Penn Badgley’s Podcrushed podcast. She opened up about her time at Nickelodeon, her latest album — Eternal Sunshine — and more!

Tetris Kelly:
Ariana Grande opened up on Penn Badgley’s Podcrushed podcast, and here are three must-hear moments: Ariana spoke about her time at Nickelodeon and how she feels about the recent allegations that have come to light. Ariana also said this time in her life is the happiest she’s ever been. Finally, we loved this moment of Penn fanboying. They even sang a little bit of it on his IG.