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03 Jun 2024

Behind the Scenes of Ayra Starr’s Music Video ‘Last Heartbreak Song’ With Giveon | Billboard News

Ayra Starr invites Billboard behind the scenes of her new music video, “Last Heartbreak Song,” with Giveon off of her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21.

Ayra Starr:

Everybody knows I love, I love to film, and I love to make people feel through my music. 

Giveon:

I don’t usually shoot that many videos, but I’m a big fan of Ayra.

Ayra Starr:

What’s up? I’m Ayra Starr. Thank you so much Billboard for coming to my set, and this is Billboard News.

Tetris Kelly: 

Hanging out on set of “Last Heartbreak Song” with Ayra Starr. How are you girl?

Ayra Starr: 

I’m good. How are you?

Tetris Kelly:

I’m amazing now that I’m hanging out with you, so tell me about your day so far. How are you feeling? 

Ayra Starr:

I feel good, I feel cold. You know, we’ve been on the beach and the beach here is very cold.

Tetris Kelly:

Well, that’s what I was gonna say because of course when people see the video, they’re just seeing sexy this and they’re seeing you giving all of that, but- 

Ayra Starr:

I’m professional.

Tetris Kelly:

Where you’re filming, it is chilly out there. So how do you like balance it?

Ayra Starr:

When I’m in there, I’m in there. I’m very like professional. I’m very like I’m in there. So yeah.

Tetris Kelly:

And then I mean “Last Heartbreak Song.” Why was this the next offering you wanted to give from your album now after the first two singles?

Ayra Starr:

So I’ve had “Last Heartbreak Song” during when I was making my first album. So it’s a really old song and it’s a song that….

Keep watching the video to learn more!

31 May 2024

Jennifer Lopez Cancels Summer Tour | Billboard News

With summer just around the corner, Jennifer Lopez has announced that she is canceling her This Is Me… Live summer tour to spend time with her family.

Tetris Kelly:

We won’t be on the floor anytime soon, at least until later. Jennifer Lopez has completely canceled her summer tour and we have the details. JLo was set to hit the road this summer in Orlando on June 26th, but the tour has been pulled. She stated on her website, “I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down. Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary. I promise I will make it up to you and we will all be together again.” Jen’s tour partner, Live Nation, echoed the statement officially canceling This Is  Me… Live citing, “Jennifer is taking time off to be with her children, family and close friends.” Chatter online has been about a breakup between her and husband Ben Affleck. Fans had also pointed to low ticket sales and canceled dates, with the show even being rebranded to a greatest hits tour, pivoting away from supporting her newest album. The statement continued, “For those who purchase through Ticketmaster, tickets will automatically be refunded- there is nothing further fans need to do.” Were you attending the tour? Let us know in the comments.

31 May 2024

Celebrities React to Trump’s Guilty Verdict | Billboard News

After Trump’s guilty verdict was revealed yesterday, celebrities such as Katy Perry, Bette Midler, Kathy Griffin and more took to social media to share their joy in the ruling.

Tetris Kelly:

Donald Trump is guilty. The former president and reality star was found guilty of 34 charges of falsifying business records, and we have what celebrities are saying. Hillary Clinton seemingly reacted to the news last night. Following a seven-week trial, the verdict in Trump’s case involves covering up a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in an attempt to keep her from divulging their alleged sexual encounters during his 2016 White House bid. When the news broke. Katy Perry cryptically tweeted, “LFG,” with fans not knowing if it was about new music or Trump. Bette Midler wrote, “GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES!!!!” And Barbra Streisand posted, “Convicted felon Donald Trump is blaming the judge, the jury and New York for being found guilty on 34 counts. He will never accept accountability for his crimes. Americans must not allow this felon anywhere near the White House again.” And blame everyone he did. Kathy Griffin, who has a history with Trump, cried tears of joy. We will keep you updated as this story develops.

31 May 2024

Eminem, Normani & GloRilla Drop New Singles, Ayra Starr’s New Album & More | Billboard News

Eminem drops new single “Houdini,” while Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B join GloRilla on “Wanna Be.” Ayra Starr and Shaboozey drop their new albums, and more!

Tetris Kelly:
Did Eminem just take a shot at Megan Thee Stallion, as Cardi B joins Meg and Glo on a new track. And fresh drops from Normani, Shaboozey and Noah Cyrus, and Ayra Starr. This is Billboard‘s Friday Music Guide for May 31.

GloRilla has enlisted the ultimate girls squad for a remix of “Wanna Be.” As if Thee Stallion wasn’t epic enough, now Cardi B slides on the track. And speaking of Megan Thee Stallion, Slim Shady is back? And she catches a stray from Eminem on his new track, “Houdini.”

Fans asked and Normani delivered new Dopamine track “Candy Paint.” And another lady killing it is our friend Ayra Starr, who just released a brand new album, The Year I Turned 21. More with her on Monday.

And Shaboozey has had everyone getting tipsy. Now we have his full album, Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going.

For more fresh bops, hit Billboard.com.

31 May 2024

NLE Choppa Talks Success of ‘Slut Me Out 2,’ the Impact of Diss Culture & More | Billboard News

After NLE Choppa’s success with “SLUT ME OUT 2” and “Stickin and Movin,” he shares how his artistry plays a significant role in everything he creates. He shares his perspective on the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud, the importance of mental health and philanthropy in his life, balancing fatherhood and more!

NLE Choppa:
Yo, what’s up? It’s NLE Choppa and this is Billboard News. Tune in for the interview right now. Let’s do it.

Tetris Kelly:
It’s slut season, you declared it man.

NLE Choppa:
Yes, sir, the one in the flesh. 

Tetris Kelly: 
So listen, “Slut Me Out 2”: 20 million streams, 4 million views on YouTube, man. You having fun with it?

NLE Choppa:
Man, having a lot of fun. I feel like that’s the most important part of it. If we ain’t doing that, we ain’t doing something right so yeah.

Tetris Kelly:
Then, “Slut Me Out” came out two years ago, so tell me why now was the time that you was like, “I want to do a part two, I want to follow that up.”

NLE Choppa:
Man what’s funny is “Slut Me Out 2” came out two years ago. I released it around, like, March and it didn’t pick up traction until December, so like, it kind of was like a little bit under the rug and then in December, out of nowhere, it just started to gain traction. It goes crazy. I feel I could never really commit to it, so I was like, “No, I want to do a No. 2,” but really commit to it and see how far I can take it because the first one went like d–n near top 10 on Billboard, so I’m trying to push this one to one.

Keep watching to learn more!

30 May 2024

Keke Palmer, Kesha, Janelle Monáe & More to Perform at OUTLOUD WeHo Pride 2024 | Billboard News

Keke Palmer, Janelle Monáe, Adam Lambert and many more artists are getting ready to perform at WeHo Pride this weekend!

Tetris Kelly: 

Kesha, Janelle Monae, Kylie Minogue and so many more are heading to West Hollywood this weekend for the OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride.

Jeff Consoletti:

We are so excited to be back for our third year, arguably our biggest year, to date. 

Tetris Kelly: 

For the next few days West Hollywood Park will be the place to be for top tier music and pride celebration.

Jeff Consoletti:

And we saw an opportunity to really connect, particularly rising queer artists, with big name artists that also are doing their part for the queer communities.

Tetris Kelly: 

In addition to Janelle Monae, other queer artists performing over the three days include Adam Lambert, Doechii and Vincint, but it doesn’t stop there. Keke Palmer, Noah Cyrus and Diplo will take the stage this weekend, too.

30 May 2024

Tinashe Previews ‘QUANTUM BABY’ Alongside New Cannabis | All Access |  Billboard News

We take you behind the scenes of Tinashe’s party for her new album ‘QUANTUM BABY’ and her new cannabis strain. Keep watching to hear a preview of her new music!

Tetris Kelly:

New music, new weed, and a ton of fun. Tinashe invited a select few to preview her new album and her new strain, and Billboard is bringing you all the access.

Tinashe:

I’m so excited to welcome you to this event, this beautiful experience that we get to have together to listen to my new project. 

Tetris Kelly:

Tinashe took over Levi’s House in Los Angeles to celebrate her upcoming album ‘QUANTUM BABY’ and her new weed strain, Green Tea.

Tinashe:

You know we got the green tea strain. I’m so excited about it, it comes out in June. 

Tetris Kelly:

The listening party was a vibe. There was food, custom embroidered Levi’s denim jackets, and of course the first listen of her new album.

Tinashe:

And yeah, without further ado, this is my new project.

Tetris Kelly:

It was a celebration of her next era. You know the party turned up when it got to her top 10 Hit “Nasty.”

30 May 2024

Kendrick Lamar Trolled Online, Lil Wayne’s New ‘A Milli’ Remix, Usher to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award | Billboard News

Kendrick Lamar is trolled online by TDE’s Punch Henderson, Lil Wayne remixes his track “A Milli” for Domino’s, and Usher is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 BET Awards.

Tetris Kelly:
Kendrick is being called out for being a “Certified Lover Boy,” Weezy is giving out 10 milli, and Usher gets a huge BET honor. Here’s three things going down in hip-hop and R&B. Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss topped our Billboard Hot 100, but he’s more like Drake than we think? After this Chanel photo dropped, Kendrick’s longtime partner Top Dawg’s Punch Henderson commented “Certified Loverboy lol” and even posted their text convo where K-Dot says “I think I’m cute on there man. Couldn’t resist.” Ayo Kendrick, everybody deserves to feel cute, not just the “Certified Lover Boy.”

Lil Wayne is partnering with Uber Eats in honor of its new union with Domino’s Pizza, which has never been on the app. They’re giving away $10 million in free pizza and remixed Weezy’s iconic track “A Milli” to promote it. Meanwhile can we get delivery today? I’m hungry. Is Lil Wayne here?

And congrats are in order for Usher. The R&B King is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award of the 2024 BET Awards. The show will air live on the East Coast on Sunday June 30 at 8pm. The 30-year industry vet is also nominated for four awards at this year’s ceremony, including Album of the Year.

Watch the full video above!

30 May 2024

Breaking Down the Most Scathing Diss Tracks of All Time | Billboard Unfiltered

In the fourth episode of ‘Billboard Unfiltered,’ Billboard staffers Damien Scott & Carl Lamarre break down the top 15 most scathing diss tracks in the history of rap battles. They go in-depth about J. Cole’s “Grippy” feature, Sexyy Red’s newest album and her career projection, and more!

Carl Lamarre:

“Ether” was scathing, more scathing to me because that’s what it took for Hov to get to that point. Clearly Hov has self-esteem issues. I love you, Uncle Hov, by the way.

Damien Scott: 

So I think people hold him to a different standard. If Drake would rap about “Grippy,” no one would care.

Carl Lamarre:

What I appreciate about Sexyy is her authenticity. She’s out here twerking at a Zach Bryan concert. You don’t see that every day, you know what I’m saying? We are back from Memorial Day weekend.

Damien Scott:

It’s just the two of us. 

Carl Lamarre:

Just the two of us. Trevor Anderson is in Paris. He went to go see Nadal who caught an L unfortunately, pretty sus. But we’re gonna hold it down in Trevor’s memory and Nadal’s. We caused a little ruckus last week on the internet. We put out our Top 15 Most Scathing Dis Tracks of all time. 

Damien Scott:

Yeah.

Carl Lamarre:

I think before we dive into, you know, 15 to 1, we should break down, because there was a lot of confusion, like as the greatest, you know, disses of all time.

Damien Scott:

Not the greatest. 

Carl Lamarre:

The most scathing.

Damien Scott: 

Not the best, not the greatest. We saw everyone do their greatest and their best list. And we’ve been kicking around how to tackle it for awhile, like, oh, we should do something in this world.

Keep watching the video to find out more!

30 May 2024

Billie Eilish Lands in Top 3, Tinashe in Top 10 of TikTok Billboard Top 50 | Billboard News

Will Billie Eilish dethrone Tommy Richman for the No. 1 spot this week on the TikTok Billboard Top 50? Plus, Tinashe’s “Nasty” climbs to No. 7 and more! 

Tetris Kelly:
“Million Dollar Baby” continues its reign, but the top 10 sees some major mix ups. Tommy Richman tops the TikTok Billboard Top 50 for the chart posting May 30. It matches Lay Bankz’s run with “Tell Ur Girlfriend.”

Debuting at No. 3 is “Birds of a Feather” by Billy Eilish. It’s just one of five tracks from Eilish’s new album that made the chart.

Tinashe’s “Nasty” climbs to seven. It seems like everyone’s trying to find someone to match their freak. “Close,” another R&B track by Cayo jumps from 28 to nine, while Luis R Conriquez  and Neton Vega round up the top 10 with “Si No Quieres No,” which has a ton of users lip-synching to the hit.

Every Thursday, Billboard will bring you the verified list of the hottest songs on TikTok by monitoring music discovery and engagement on the platform in the United States. To find the TikTok Billboard Top 50 each week, users can simply go to any sound detail page and tap the top right button to access the charts page.