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Hip-Hop 50 Live took over Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, on Friday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and showcase some of its brightest stars. A jam-packed lineup of the genre’s most decorated legends — including Run-D.M.C., Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube — took center stage inside the legendary venue […]
Ever heard a song and thought, “Wow, that didn’t age well”? So have a few of your favorite artists … about their own music.
There’s Hayley Williams, who’s long been vocal about her aversion to Paramore‘s own “Misery Business,” even choosing to temporarily retire the track from the band’s live shows in spite of it being one of their most successful songs to date, peaking at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. There’s Taylor Swift, who back in the day toed the line on her debut album’s single “Picture to Burn,” which included a since-updated lyric (now infamous among Swifties who enjoy digging up old copies of the album just to see whether it includes the original words) joking about spreading rumors your ex-boyfriend is gay to get revenge.
Swift also recently updated another lyric, this time the Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) album cut “Better Than Revenge.” In the years since the original Speak Now was released in October 2010, critics accused Swift of “slut-shaming” her romantic rival in the lyrics, when she sings: “She’s not a saint and she’s not what you think, she’s an actress, whoa/ She’s better known for the things that she does on the mattress, whoa.” In the re-recorded version, Swift keeps the first line the same but changes the latter line to: “He was a moth to the flame, she was holding the matches, whoa.”
Then there’s Lizzo, who rectified the use of a controversial word on her song “Grrrls” in less than three days time. The second single off of her album Special was quickly met with criticism over its use of the ableist term “spaz” — something the “Rumors” star didn’t take lightly. “It’s been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song,” she said in a statement. “Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language. As a fat black woman in America, I’ve had many hurtful words used against me so I overstand the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally).
“I’m proud to say there’s a new version of GRRRLS with a lyric change,” she continued. “This is a result of me listening and taking action. As an influential artist I’m dedicated to being part of the change I’ve been waiting to see in the world.”
Weeks later, Beyonce faced the same criticism for using the same word in her Renaissance song “Heated.” Days later, her spokesperson told Billboard that the term would be “replaced.”
From sexism to homophobia, ableism to racial prejudice, there are songs containing wording that simply doesn’t jive with the world’s modern perspectives. See how 10 artists — from the above mentioned to the Black Eyed Peas, Michael Jackson and beyond — have taken steps to move their music forward by changing offensive language.
Taylor Swift, “Better Than Revenge” & “Picture to Burn”
Morgan Wallen and Travis Scott remain on top of our Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts, BTS’ Jung Kook and BlackPink’s Jennie model for Calvin Klein for their fall 2023 campaign. Nicki Minaj, Selena Gomez and Addison Rae all seem to tease upcoming music. Lil Tjay teaches us five things to know about him […]
Little Mix member turned soloist Leigh-Anne reveals her dream collab, childhood celebrity crush, favorite Spice Girl and more on this episode of Speed Dating.
Tetris KellyAlright, I’m gonna go on a little speed date with Leigh-Anne, are you ready?
Leigh-AnneI’m ready.
Tetris KellyWhere are you from?
Leigh-AnneHigh Wycombe
Tetris KellyWhat is your sign?
Leigh-AnneLibra
Tetris KellyFavorite fast food?
Leigh-AnneMcDonalds Big Mac but not in the US, I don’t like the US McDonalds.
Tetris KellyWait, the UK McDonald’s make the Big Macs different.
Leigh-AnneEverything is different in the UK.
Tetris KellyOh man. I gotta try the UK Big Mac but In N Out is everything and I’ll have In N Out like all day every day.
Tetris KellyWhat was your dream job as a kid?
Leigh-AnneWell singer, since I can remember.
Tetris KellyPerfect well didn’t that work out?
Leigh-AnneKind of did, didn’t it.
Tetris KellyLove to hear it.
Tetris KellyWho was your childhood crush?
Leigh-AnneLil Romeo
Tetris KellyOh my god.
Leigh-AnneObsessed, I used to watch the Lil Romeo show.
Tetris KellyYour favorite vacation spot?
Leigh-AnneJamacia. I’m a quarter Jamacian, my granddad lives there and I’ve been going every year since I was born, it’s literally home.
Tetris KellyThe best gift you’ve ever received?
Leigh-AnneThe best gift, my babies course.
Tetris KellyAlright, your dream collaboration.
Leigh-AnneI mean, my dream collaboration would be Rihanna.
Tetris KellyAnd then I love this question. I’m so excited. Your favorite Spice Girl?
Leigh-AnneMel B but I also really love I’m Victoria. Just because she’s like, fashion.
Lil Tjay reveals five things you didn’t know about him. Lil Tjay:Yo, what’s going on it’s your boy Lil Tjay and these are five things you might not know about me.When I was younger, I think I wanted to be a single more than like a rapper. And now I’m kind of like a rapper […]
It’s Friday and there is a ton of new music drops this week! DJ Khaled dropped a new track featuring Future, Lil Baby and Lil Uzi Vert; Trippie Redd teamed up with Roddy Ricch for “Closed Doors”; French Montana’s “Good Summer” is here; and more. Nas reveals five things you didn’t know about him. Billboard […]
Nas reveals five things you didn’t know about him. Nas:What’s up y’all? It’s your man, Nas, and here’s five things you don’t know about me. I like flying. It for real feels like a break. I started liking in holidays again. I love celebrating with people and family. I liked Frank Sinatra’s music since I […]
Lil Wayne reveals his favorite New Orleans slang backstage at Billboard‘s R&B Hip-Hop Power Players and Live 2023. Lil Wayne: What’s up? Tunchi, here. One of my favorite New Orleans slang, the terms or phrases or words or whatever is “You heard me?” because we say it for anything, but it also those words have […]
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.When it comes to planning a trip, where should you even begin? Well, if you’re a music fan, you could plan your vacation around music history, so Billboard has rounded up 13 landmarks that should be on every music fan’s travel bucket list — along with a few hotel and tour recommendations and links to cheap flights.
Eleven of the hot spots are in the United States, while a couple — Abbey Road and Strawberry Field — are specifically for Beatles fans visiting the U.K. For Abbey Road, fans can snap a photo on the famed London crosswalk where the band shot the cover of their 1969 album or even tour the studio where the LP was recorded. Strawberry Field is in the band’s hometown of Liverpool — which is a two-hour-plus train ride from London — and was a Salvation Army children’s home that inspired the 1967 song “Strawberry Fields Forever.”
Back to the U.S., if you’re looking to head Down South, you could visit Pigeon Forge, Tenn., for the Dolly Parton-themed Dollywood amusement park, or Elvis Presley fans can get a double dose of The King in Memphis, Tenn.: at his Graceland mansion or Sun Studio where he recorded his very first song. Plus, don’t forget to pay homage to country music in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame. If you’re looking for a centrally located hotel, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown is walking distance from the Country Music Hall of Fame and a short drive from the Grand Ole Opry. The four-star hotel, which opened last year, features panoramic views of downtown Nashville, an on-site restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center, business center and live music. Outside Tennessee, there’s the famous Preservation Hall in New Orleans, which is home to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
Elsewhere across America, there’s Prince’s beloved Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minn., where fans will get a first-hand look at Prince’s personal archives, including his awards, wardrobe and musical instruments. Also featured on the list: Motown Museum in Detroit and the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y.; the scenic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo.; the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland; and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, N.Y., which was the site of the Woodstock music festival in 1969.
Below, find photos of all these important locations of music history.
Paisley Park (Chanhassen, Minnesota)
Image Credit: KEREM YUCEL/AFP/GI
If you love Prince, then Paisley Park should already be on your bucket list. The 65,000-square-foot estate is located on 9 acres in Park Chanhassen, Minn. Looking for a close hotel? The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is located less than 2 miles away.
Abbey Road (London)
Image Credit: Barry Lewis/InPictures/GI
Abbey Road, where the Beatles famously crossed in 1969 for their iconic album cover, in London. Find a list of nearby hotels here.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)
Image Credit: Lacey Criswell/Courtesy of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland was famously designed by architect I.M. Pei. You can purchase one-day tickets and season passes to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Morrison, Colorado)
Image Credit: John P Kelly/GI
Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Stevie Wonder and Bob Dylan are just some of the legends who have performed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Located in Morrison, Colo., Red Rocks opened to the public in 1941 and seats over 9,000 fans. See a list of upcoming concerts at Red Rocks here.
Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
Image Credit: Leon Morris/Redferns/GI
Everybody loves Dolly! Check out this epic sign at the entrance to the Dollywood family amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Motown Museum (Detroit)
Image Credit: Raymond Boyd/GI
The Motown Museum is home to Hitsville U.S.A., the original home of Motown Records in Detroit. Some of the hotels close to the Detroit Museum include Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney and Hilton Garden Inn Downtown.
Strawberry Field (Liverpool, England)
Image Credit: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GI
Formerly a Salvation Army children’s home in Liverpool, England, Strawberry Field became famous as the inspiration behind The Beatles’ 1967 single “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Want to visit? Find flights to London from $88 and up here.
Grand Ole Opry (Nashville, Tennessee)
Image Credit: Don & Melinda Crawford/Education Images/Universal Images Group/GI
Talk about a showstopper! This giant guitar is at the entrance to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Woodstock (Bethel, New York)
Image Credit: Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
An aerial view of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, in Bethel, N.Y. Click here for a roundup of upcoming concerts.
Sun Studio (Memphis)
Image Credit: Raymond Boyd/GI
Memphis’ Sun Studio is famous for being the location where Elvis Presley recorded his very first song. Click here to reserve tickets to tour Memphis attractions like Sun Studio, Beale Street and Peabody Hotel.
Apollo Theater (Harlem, New York)
Image Credit: Erik Freeland/Corbis/GI
The marquee at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y., never gets old. Visit apollotheater.org for tickets to Apollo’s infamous Amatuer Night.
Preservation Hall (New Orleans)
Image Credit: Andrew Woodley/Universal Images Group/GI
The entrance to the Preservation Hall jazz venue in New Orleans. Curious about the sounds of NOLA? Click here to reserve your spot on a New Orleans Music Tour.
Graceland (Memphis, Tennessee)
Image Credit: GAB Archive/Redferns/GI
Want to visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tenn.? Graceland offers several differnt tours, such as the Ultimate VIP Tour that includes a self-guided tour of Elvis’ custom jets, full access to the mansion’s entertainment complex, an exhibit on the making of Elvis, exclusive photo opportunities, and a personal show-and-tell session of Graceland archives.
Taylor Swift announced the release of her album ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ during her final Eras Tour show in LA. V of BTS released the first track off his debut solo album ‘Layover.’ 60 people have reportedly been injured at Travis Scott’s show at Colossum after someone in the crowd sprayed pepper spray into the audience. […]