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29 Sep 2023

Becky G Talks New Album ‘Esquinas,’ First Headlining Tour, Regional Mexican & More | Billboard News

Becky G talks about why she wanted to name her new album Esquinas; her inspiration for stepping into regional Mexican music; collaborations with Peso Pluma, Gabito Ballesteros and other regional Mexican artists; going on her first headlining tour; continuing to embrace her Mexican-American heritage and more.

Becky G:
We’re not necessarily erasing our traditions, we’re embracing tradition as well as giving it our own new school flair. Que paso familia? It’s your girl, Becky G, and you are watching Billboard News.

Isabela Raygoza:
So you’ve had quite the evolution you know, musically, as a rapper, to a pop reggaeton hitmaker, now you’re stepping into regional Mexican music. Talk to me about that evolution.

Becky G:
Yeah, it’s been quite the journey, girlfriend. Honestly, even since I was little music has always inspired me. I grew up listening to all kinds of music in English and Spanish. I consider myself a genreless artist.

Isabela Raygoza:
What did you rediscover? Or how did you reconnect with your heritage? Or what’s one thing that you learned?

Becky G:
You know, what’s so interesting is that I feel like that essence of me being Chicana, born and raised in Inglewood, and obviously being very proud of being my you know, my Mexican roots, like, I think it’s always been there. Two years ago, when I lost my my papi, my abuelito Miguel, que descanse un paz, he was the kind of the catalyst as to why I decided it was time to do the project because it was a dream of mine. I definitely feel like it’s a part of my soul when I sing musica regional.

Isabela Raygoza:
Talk to me more about the title Esquinas. Where did you come up with the title?

Becky G:
For me, I think I’ve always felt like I’m not this side of the streets that raised me or this side of the streets, I am literally la esquina now like I’m at la esquina now, where those cross streets are of, like, I always say those two languages, those two flags, the two cultures. It’s a very intentional body of work from all the visuals and all the song selections and all of the collaborators. You know, Edgar Barrera is like, you know, family to me, and he really helped kind of create a sound that I think represents me in this space. And so it’s been a … it’s been a lot of hard work, but I feel like you can really hear me and see me in this, in this album.

Watch Becky G’s interview with Billboard above.

29 Sep 2023

Lizzo Lawsuit Update, New Music From: *NSYNC, Jung Kook & Jack Harlow, XG & More | Billboard News

From *NSYNC’s first song back in over 20 years to Ed Sheeran’s new album ‘Autumn Variations,’ we’re breaking down the week’s biggest music drops. Lizzo has asked the judge to throw out the harassment lawsuit brought on by three of her former dancers. Becky G stopped by the Billboard News studio to talk about her new album ‘Esquinas.’ And more!

Tetris Kelly:
Lizzo fights back in the harassment lawsuit against her. Becky G drops by our studio for a chat. We explain the rise of Regional Mexican music. Billboard takes you to the hottest shows in LA, New York and Paris. And we’ve got bops from some of your favorite artists.

Welcome to Billboard News for Friday, September 29th. I’m Tetris and kicking off our episode today is our Friday Music Guide. We said “I Want You Back” and they delivered. *NSYNC dropped their first new music in over 20 years and it’s called “Better Place” from the new movie ‘Trolls Band Together.’ New JC adlibs, I can’t! We’ll have more new music throughout the show.

But let’s get to some news. Lizzo is asking the judge to toss out the harassment lawsuit brought against her by her former dancers. Lizzo is requesting the court to dismiss her case and if the court declines to dismiss it, the singer is requesting a jury trial. A new document filed this week by Lizzo’s lawyers lays out more than 30 defenses to dancers’ complaints of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.

A spokesperson for Lizzo said in the statement, “This is the first step of a legal process in which Lizzo and her team will demonstrate that they have always practiced what they preach. Whether it comes to promoting body positivity, leading a safe and supportive workplace or protecting individuals from any kind of harassment. Any and all claims to the contrary are ridiculous. And we look forward to proving so in a court of law.”

Watch the full video above!

29 Sep 2023

Suspect in Tupac Shakur Murder Indicted By Grand Jury | Billboard News

Duane “Keefe D” Davis was reportedly arrested early Friday morning and indicted by a Nevada grand jury on one count of murder with a deadly weapon.

Rania Aniftos:

A man has been arrested for the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur.

A man has been indicted for the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur. According to the Associated Press, one of the last remaining witnesses to the 1996 drive-by shooting has been indicted on one count of murder with a deadly weapon. A man by the name of Dwayne “Keefe D” Davis was taken into custody today in Las Vegas, Nevada on suspicion of murder, AP reports. This comes just two months after police raided Keefe D’s home. AP reported police seized multiple computers, a cell phone and hard drive, a Vibe magazine that featured Shakur, several 40 caliber bullets, two tubs containing photographs, and a copy of Davis’s 2019 tell-all memoir “Compton Street Legend.”

Stay tuned to Billboard News as the case develops.

Watch the full video above.

29 Sep 2023

Billboard Explains: Peso Pluma & The Mexican Music Boom

Narrator:
Is Peso Pluma Mexican Music’s next global superstar? The Latin genre has been growing in popularity over the years and Peso is at the center of the explosion. But what is Regional Mexican? And what is it about Peso and the other new artists of today catching everyone’s attention?

This is Billboard Explains Peso Pluma & the Mexican Music Boom.

Regional Mexican is an umbrella term that consists of genres from different parts of Mexico and the United States like Banda, Tejano, Corridos, Norteño, Sierreńo and Mariachi. It has been around for more than a century creating a foundation and fan base thanks to artists like Los Tigres Del Norte, Christian Nodal and the late Jenny Rivera.

Artists like Grupo Firme, Banda MS, Eslabon Armado and more have risen in popularity and extended the genre’s global reach over the past few years. But then came Peso Pluma!

Peso had a breakout year in 2023 and has reached milestone after milestone ever since. His collab with Eslabon Armado “Ella Baila Sola” made history for being the first Regional Mexican song to reach the top five of the Billboard Hot 100.

His blockbuster album ‘Genesis’ became Billboard’s highest-charting Regional Mexican LP ever when it debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and he was the first Regional Mexican artist to perform at the MTV VMAs. But what is it about Peso and other young artists, like Natanael Cano and Fuerza Regida that has captured everyone’s attention?

Watch the full video above!

29 Sep 2023

Mike Bahía & Greeicy Talk Growing a Career & Family Together | Billboard

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.

Becoming a global sensation is not an easy task, and is a road filled with both excitement and passion and many sacrifices and life lessons, but then again, “it’s only worth it if you enjoy it.”

Billboard and Michelob Ultra partnered to tell the untold stories of joy for Colombian singing duo Mike Bahía and Greeicy.

Greeicy:
It is a career of many sacrifices, but I feel that when you dedicate yourself to something that you are passionate about, all those moments are worth it.

My name is Greeicy Rendón. I am Colombian, from the city of Cali. From a very young age, I always had many animals. The first thing that happens when you arrive at the house is you receive all that love. I spend some time with them. I start to greet the family. Nowadays, I have a son, so I say hi to the baby, to my parents, to Mike if he’s home. We love it because I feel like the arrival of Kai has made us even more family oriented, and I feel like that is the energy of our home. Super family centered.

He is going to say I kissed him twice. I didn’t give him two kisses. Let me clarify that right now.

Mike:
We’re not going to fight, maybe I imagined it because I liked it so much. The kiss went straight through me.

Well, my name is Michael Legret Mejía. I’m from Cali, Colombia. Music has always been around in my free time, so it really has been something I’ve always wanted to do.

Greeicy:
I spent five years making music, and at 12 years old, a reality show started my acting career. I fell in love with acting.

Watch the full video above!

29 Sep 2023

Manuel Turizo Talks Big Move, Making Miami Home & How Traveling Inspires His Music | Billboard

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.

In partnership with Delta and LATAM Airlines, Billboard caught up with Colombian urbano artist Manuel Turizo to reflect on the value of travel in his music and creative process, his unexpected move to Miami four years ago, and how he stays connected to his Colombian roots in his new home city.

Manuel Turizo:
I found my passion for music relatively, since I was born. My brother would sing to me and say that I could hear him. My dad played the guitar. You try to do what the people around you are doing.

Hey, everyone. I am Manuel Turizo and this is my story with Delta and LATAM Airlines directly from Miami.

Miami is the epicenter of the Latin industry. It’s so full of music and art. This is the place where all Latin cultures come together, and that allows you to work with tons of people who you can collaborate with.

“Una Lady Como Tú” came about one weekend when I was with my brother, Julián. Let’s put our hearts out on the table and write the most romantic love song with as much romance as possible. It turned into my first worldwide hit with my first song, thank God. Representing my [Colombian] roots in my music is something that happens naturally. The melodies you have in your head or your way of writing are influenced by the same things that you grew up with. We always write in code, like how you write salsa music, like how you write vallenato. It’s just something that simply comes from within you.

Traveling has influenced both my sound and my creative process. You’re listening to different sounds all over, different music and different melodies. All of that stays within you. A piece of those things starts to show up in your ideas. It’s important to be present everywhere — whether it be in Colombia or the United States, wherever it may be.

Watch the full video above!

28 Sep 2023

2023 People’s Choice Country Awards: Photos From the Red Carpet

The inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards have arrived!

Lainey Wilson, HARDY, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A, Brothers Osborne and more country stars hit the red carpet outside Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House.

Little Big Town were also in the house, as the night’s first performers and hosts. Ahead of the show, LBT’s Phillip Sweet told Billboard why the country quartet wanted to take the reins for the first iteration of the fan-voted country awards show.

“It’s a unique situation, the fact that we’re the ones that connect the dots with fans and bring all this history together with the modern age of where country music is at the top of the charts right now,” Sweet said. “To see the unbelievable level of superstars we have in our genre that are just ruling all of music and it’s a special night, we jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it. We love hosting. We always have so much fun.”

All Thursday night (Sept. 29), you can follow along with Billboard‘s coverage of the PCCAs from home, and below, find an updating gallery of country’s finest on the red carpet.

28 Sep 2023

Jung Kook & Jack Harlow’s Collab, Lisa’s New Record, NewJeans Make History & More | Billboard News

Jung Kook & Jack Harlow give fans a behind-the-scenes look at their new track ‘3D,’ Lisa of BlackPink breaks a Guinness World Record, NewJeans makes history with League of Legends and more. FamousSally and YB’s “Wassup Gwayy” holds on to the No. 1 spot of the TikTok Billboard Top 50 while Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” claims the No. 3 spot. We take a look back at The Beatles‘ chart achievements in the latest episode of Billboard‘s Pop Culture Rewind. And more!

Rania Aniftos
We’ve gotten new music and new fashion from some of your favorite K-Pop artists. There’s some new faces on the Tik Tok Billboard Top 50. Myke Towers looks back on his life. We look back on the biggest group in charts history and give you a new way to test your Billboard knowledge. I’m Rania Aniftos for Billboard News. It’s Thursday, September 28th. And we’re starting the day off with a little K-Pop roundup new songs and new anthems and new records and new digs. There’s a lot going on in the world of K-Pop. So let’s break it down yesterday Jung Kook teased his new songs “3d” with Jack Harlow, and today he’s giving us a little behind the scenes action.

Rania Aniftos
It’s giving MJ it’s giving JT we see you JK. We’ve got news for you Blinks as well. Adidas dropped a new ad featuring Jennie and she’s dishing out life lessons in it.

Rania Aniftos
Speaking of BLACKPINK Lisa just earned herself a Guinness World Record. Her song “Money” just became the first song by a solo K-pop artists to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify. But BP aren’t the only girl group making money moves. Riot Games announced NewJeans will sing this year’s ‘League of Legends’ world anthem

Rania Aniftos
“Gods” will join the ranks of Imagine Dragons “Warriors” and last years “Star Walkin’” by Lil Nas x I cannot wait to hear those songs. I’m sure they’re gonna be all over TikTok but here are some songs on the top of the TikTok Billboard Top 50.


Watch the full video above!

28 Sep 2023

‘September’ Makes a Splash on TikTok Billboard Top 50, ‘Wassup Gwayy’ Holds at No. 1 | Billboard News

FamousSally and YB are the first acts to lead the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart for more than one week, as “Wassup Gwayy” remains at No. 1 on the Sept. 30-dated tally.

Rania Aniftos:
Famous Sally and YB hold on to the top spot, but a batch of hits make their mark in the top 10, including a classic.

Famous Sally and YB’s “Wassup Gwayy” is still at No. 1 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 for the chart dated Sept. 30. And while we see some familiar faces in the top 10. We’ve got some fresh faces too. Earth, Wind & Fire‘s “September” made a comeback at No. 3 this week for obvious reasons.

Maluma and Carin León’s “Según Quien” lands at No. 7, and we are definitely not mad about it.

Lil Yachty, Future and Playboy Carti’s 2020 song “Flex Up” jumps from 25 to eight.

And Tate McRae rounds out the top 10 with her new hit, “Greedy.”

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.

28 Sep 2023

Billboard Launches Playback Music Arcade Game | Billboard News

Billboard has created a trivia game for music lovers.

Rania Aniftos:
Do you like trivia or being right and winning prizes? Well, Billboard is launching a new online game to fulfill all those things.

We’re excited to announce Billboard Playback, a trivia game celebrating the connection between music charts, artists and fans.

Show off your chart knowledge, earn keys and redeem them for exclusive rewards with topics ranging from Pop Divas/Powerhouses of the Hot 100, Rap Albums to Top the Billboard 200, Country Music on the Hot 100, Longest-Charting Albums on the Billboard 200 and so many more. Sign up now for Billboard Playback to get daily trivia games at www.billboardplayback.com/arcade.

Watch the full video above!