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Ariana Grande dropped ‘Eternal Sunshine: Brighter Days Ahead’ deluxe accompanied with a heartfelt short film, and Selena Gomez released an album with fiance Benny Blanco, ‘I Said I Love You First.’ Keep watching for the breakdown of their newest releases! What’re your thoughts on ‘Brighter Days Ahead’ & ‘I Said I Love You First?’ Let […]
DDG is in the midst of his 24/7, weeklong Hit-A-Thon livestream, where he streams the process of creating his new album. We got to sit down in the middle of his stream to talk to him about why he decided to create an album during streaming, his top Billboard-charting songs, his eagerness for Blueface to be released, co-parenting Halo with Halle Bailey and more!
Are you watching DDG’s Hit-A-Thon? Let us know in the comments!
Tetris Kelly:
Yo, Billboard News hanging out with DDG, so bro, I’ve interviewed you like, I think this may be the third time, but nothing like this. So you gotta tell me, when did you decide you were gonna stream for seven days, man?
DDG:
I think I planned this probably, like, three weeks ago.
Oh, dang, not even that long ago.
Yeah, I know.
You said, I want to do this.
Yeah, I just been going every day, so I’m like, 36-37 days in a row.
That is wild, and how did your team feel about it?
Great. This is going amazing, actually. This is going much better than I actually thought. I thought it was gonna be, like, just something cool, but this is, like, my biggest project ever.
And I mean, it’s got to feel good, but at the same time, I know it can’t be just like easy to be 24/7 on the stream. So has it at any point yet, has it felt like this is overwhelming?
Nah, I ain’t gonna lie, it’s cool because, well, I got, like, my family and friends that pull up just to help entertain the audience, so it’s not too many dead moments. And that’s, that’s that’s what a lot of people scared of when they do like, 24/7 streaming, because it can be like moments where it’s like, super dead and you don’t know what to do, and you just don’t know how to entertain them. You run out of things to do. But since I got a lot of people here pulling up every day, it makes it easier for me to, like, you know, jump back and forth. Plus, I got a pool, basketball court and-
Stuff to do.
Keep watching for more!
On March 12, a video surfaced online that caused quite a stir. It was a new Coca-Cola ad featuring K-pop group NewJeans, also known as NJZ, which is currently at the center of much controversy. The ad quickly garnered reactions from around the world.One comment on the ad effectively captures the essence of the project: “Is this from the ’80s or 2025? Is it real or is it a dream? Is it nostalgia or a memory of something I never experienced? It’s a work that confuses all of this. It feels like it’s depicting the past, but actually, it seems like an idealized version of the present moment. Ordinary yet beautiful people, scenes that feel both real and dreamlike, all captured with ethereal music and visuals. I can’t stop replaying it, as I don’t want to let go of the dreamlike feeling it gives me.”
The campaign, with creative direction by Billboard Korea, presented a unique blend of subtle retro vibes and fresh, modern sensibility that immediately caught fans’ attention. More than just a brand advertisement, it has been recognized as a work that conveys cultural and emotional interpretation. In the conversation below, Billboard Korea explains how they created a unique sensibility connecting the 1980s with Seoul in 2025.
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How was the theme “I Feel Coke” conceptualized for the ad?
“I Feel Coke” was both the theme of a Coca-Cola Japan ad series that aired between 1987 and 1990 and the title of a song by Daisuke Inoue, which was featured in those commercials. The original ad was widely praised for capturing the spirit of Japan’s economic boom in the 1980s. In the 2025 Seoul version, we reinterpreted it as a tribute, blending nostalgia with a contemporary twist.
The new ad was inspired by the concept of Anemoia, a term that describes a sense of longing for a time or culture one has never actually experienced. We wanted to evoke the emotions tied to Coca-Cola from past eras while reimagining them in a fresh, modern way. Every detail was carefully crafted to preserve that feeling of nostalgia while making it relevant to today’s audience.
Can you explain “Anemoia” in more detail?
The term Anemoia was first introduced in 2012 by American writer John Koenig in “The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.” It describes the feeling of nostalgia for a time or culture one has never personally experienced. This emotion resonates strongly with Generation Z, who, amid uncertainty and anxiety, find themselves longing for the perceived prosperity and joy of past eras.
This growing fascination with revisiting and reinterpreting the past played a key role in shaping our creative direction. Our goal was to modernize nostalgia—capturing the essence of past memories while making them feel fresh and relevant today.
It’s clear that NewJeans being the models fits well. They both represent Gen Z and evoke nostalgia.
Exactly. NewJeans effortlessly blend a “longing for the past” with the “sophistication of the present.” As highlighted in Billboard Artist last October, they are not only icons of Gen Z but also a reflection of the nostalgia this generation experiences. Their unique ability to reimagine past eras with a fresh, modern twist made them the perfect match for this project and that synergy shines through in the ad.
What elements from the past were specifically referenced and which parts were reinterpreted in a new way?
One element that deeply moved us in the original ad was the happiness depicted — especially the brief moments of happiness that can be found in everyday life. We also paid close attention to authentic 1980s Japanese elements, such as the yuppie lifestyle, baseball, pay phones, leisure and health aesthetics, and more. In the 2025 Seoul version, we sought to reframe these experiences through the lens of Gen Z, while still capturing the sense of longing that was present in the original ad, reimagined with modern sensibilities.
What aspects of 2025 Seoul did you incorporate into the ad?
We aimed to capture different aspects of everyday life in 2025 Seoul, from the city’s efficient transportation system and vintage markets to social media content creation, instant photography and young adults moving into their first apartments. We also highlighted outdoor delivery meals and romantic moments on college campuses, small yet authentic elements that will resonate with people for years to come. These moments represent the happiness of today’s youth, which was at the heart of our vision for this project.
NewJeans’ rendition of “I Feel Coke” has garnered attention for its refreshing and dreamy vibe. How does it differ from the original song from the past?
ADOR and its A&R team aimed to preserve the essence of both the original song and the era it came from while capturing the signature feeling of the Coca-Cola brand. At the same time, they wanted to reinterpret it through the emotions NewJeans embodies today. The goal was to craft a track that complements NewJeans’ warm, understated, yet sophisticated vocal style.
The intro’s synthesizer melody follows the same pattern as the original, but with a fresh sound design. As the song progresses, the synthesizer and electric guitar in the second verse echo the original’s nostalgic vibe, while the outro introduces a saxophone, bridging the dreamy atmosphere of the past with a modern, refreshing touch.
How was the vocal distribution among the members decided?
ADOR carefully arranged the vocal distribution to highlight each member’s individual strengths. For the final choir section, they focused on enhancing the harmonies, ensuring that each member’s unique tone blended seamlessly while preserving the choral beauty of the original song.
Were there any special episodes during the arrangement and recording process?
During the arrangement process, the members of NewJeans gave input on the intro sound, helping refine it to perfectly complement the visuals of the ad. During recording, they focused on making the song their own while also capturing Coca-Cola’s signature sense of energy and refreshment, making the entire experience truly special.
In addition to the main ad video, there were also sub-content pieces. What were they?
Yes, we created several additional content pieces to enhance the campaign. For example, we designed illustrated posters featuring the 1980s Coca-Cola logo and imagined what Billboard Korea magazine covers might have looked like if it had existed back then.
NewJeans also shared behind-the-scenes collage videos filmed with disposable cameras and camcorders, capturing candid and intimate moments. These extra elements added emotional depth to the ad and gave fans a rare, personal glimpse into the members’ real personalities.
After the online release, there was an overwhelming public response. Can you share some memorable comments?
We got a lot of reactions, like: “It’s strange that I cried even though it’s just a commercial.” “It feels like watching an uplifting youth movie.” “The legendary collaboration between Billboard and Coca-Cola.” “I can’t stop replaying it.” “I’m only drinking Coca-Cola now.” (Fun fact: Coca-Cola sales went up on the release day and the day after.) The project manager at Coca-Cola Korea also shared that the comment “It delivers happiness in chunks” really stood out to them.
The collaboration between Billboard and Coca-Cola was also unique.
Exactly. We often take “happiness” for granted because it’s always around, and we think we understand it. But one of the simplest yet most essential ways to capture that feeling is through music. That’s why we believe music is the perfect medium to express the “feeling of happiness” that Coca-Cola stands for. The partnership between Coca-Cola and Billboard, with their rich histories, created a unique connection between music and advertising.
Do you have any behind-the-scenes stories you can share?
The sunny, warm summer vibe in the ad was actually filmed on a snowy day. [Laughs]
When you think of the imagery of Grateful Dead, you probably picture tie-dye, Dancing Bears, skeletons, roses and a kaleidoscope of radiant hues. As Dead & Company return to the Las Vegas Sphere — kicking off a 2025 residency on March 20 and continuing this weekend — all those images are there and then some, […]
LISA collaborated with 100 Thieves, and we take you inside the exclusive pop-up, where the global pop star even made an appearance. With the venue LISA’ed out from the side of the building to the merch, keep watching for everything you missed at the 100 Thieves x LISA pop-up!
Fan 1:
Pretty surreal experience that I won’t forget.
Tetris Kelly:
We got to hang with LISA and her fans — oh, and adorable dogs — at the 100 Thieves pop-up in LA, and from the moment the queen walked in, she had us shook.
Fan 2:
She’s gorgeous, different, like her aura was unreal.
Tetris Kelly:
We take you there for Billboard All Access. The pop-up had everything a fan could need. There was, of course, photo moments, where you could be your best rock star, and you could take the time to listen to each of LISA’s alter egos from her brand-new album. Can we take a second to talk about the merch? So much merch. They had her albums, light sticks, there were hoodies and adorable T-shirts. There were even games, because 100 Thieves is at the center of bringing games, culture and music together.
Fan 3:
When I heard they were doing one with LISA, I was like, you could not pick a better collab together to really kind of bridge that gaming vibe. The side of the building is covered in her face, which is insane.
Tetris Kelly:
And the fans were loving it.
Fan 4:
She’s so talented. She’s so cool.
Fan 2:
She went from performing at the Oscars, doing that whole thing, the James Bond thing, and then she’s here, like, 24 hours later. And I was just like, wait, that’s insane.
Keep watching for more!
Billboard Women in Music is this Saturday, March 29, and with our celebration of Doechii as Woman of the Year, we’re taking you to Brazil and Canada where we celebrated Ana Castela and Charlotte Cardin. Are you excited for Billboard Women in Music 2025? Let us know in the comments! Tetris Kelly: As we get […]
Posdnuos, founding member of hip-hop legends De La Soul, has the mind-set of a classic rock icon who continues to record and tour after most people that age opt for retirement.
Talking to Billboard‘s Behind the Setlist podcast after a session in the recording studio, Pos (born Kelvin Mercer) says that being mindful of his health is critical to the group’s longevity. “We’re in the gym, running, doing the cardio and staying healthy. I love to run around onstage like a fool. So I’m always in spin class and lifting weights so I can keep my cardio up, man. I want to be like [The Rolling Stones frontman] Mick Jagger, moving around until the grave.”
At this point, De La Soul is to hip-hop what British invasion bands are to rock & roll. The Stones’ debut album came out a quarter-century before De La Soul released its first album, 3 Feet High and Rising, in 1989. More than 35 years and eight more studio albums later, De La Soul is where The Stones were in 2000: respected elders and innovators with a historic catalog and an appetite to remain relevant.
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“I’m really happy that we have a brand that we can still put out there,” Pos says. “Whenever we raise the flag, people want to come in and partake in whatever we’re offering.”
De La Soul has remained busy since the death of bandmate Trogoy the Dove (born David Jolicoeur) in December 2023. After a long absence from digital platforms because of a legal dispute, the group’s celebrated catalog appeared at streaming services in 2023. “We carried on pretty well” while being absent from services such as Spotify and Apple Music, says Pos. “Did we not gain certain fans at a certain time? Definitely, because you gotta realize we missed the entire download era and streaming until about two years ago. But with us still putting out music, we saw how people were so engaged, and even younger people engaged in our music.”
In the Internet age, De La Soul is never more than a Google search away. The group found a new wave of admirers after collaborations with Gorillaz that produced the hit song “Feel Good Inc.” in 2005 and “Crocadillaz” in 2023. Thanks to an abundance of metadata about music, people curious about the musicians on the tracks could easily find information about group — although they got to know him as Kelvin Mercer. “I’m a government name with young people,” says Pos.
The interview focused on De La Soul’s Jan. 16 show at Lincoln Center in Manhattan and also covered the group’s album and EP reissues. Listen to the entire conversation with Posdnuous using the embedded Spotify player below or go to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, Podbean or Everand.
With Doechii being honored at Billboard Women in Music this upcoming Saturday as Woman of the Year, Billboard staffers share their take on the internet debating if she’s an industry plant, and explain why she isn’t.
Keep watching to see their take!
What do you think an industry plant is? Let us know in the comments below!
Jerah Milligan:
Yo, y’all see Twitter going crazy talking about Doechii and Billboard?
Evan Burke:
Oh, my god, yeah. I gotta show you this one. Someone said “kind of awesome that it’s only March and Billboard’s like’ we’ve seen enough it’s Doechii.’” I mean, but it’s legit though. I mean, she just won a Grammy that only two other women has ever won.
Ciara Zimring:
She’s killing it.
Evan Burke:
And I mean, Women in Music always happens every March. So it’s not like we just decided.
Stefanie Tanaka:
It’s not like this is, like, the first time we’ve done it. We kind of did something similar, with SZA like, ‘SOS’ came out at the very end of, like, 2022 when she was our Woman of the Year in March, and then she had that great run in 2023 with ‘SOS.’
Tetris Kelly:
But I feel like what they’re really doing is just putting Billboard in the conversation that they were already trying to have about Doechii being an industry plant.
Evan Burke:
I mean, they’ve always been trying to discredit her success. I mean, she has been like in the game forever. She was our Rising Star two years ago. So it’s not like she is brand new.
Tetris Kelly:
Oh my god. Two years ago, I was talking to her at Coachella.
Ciara Zimring:
Oh, right!
Jerah Milligan:
Oh, well five years ago I saw her on Twitter. I saw her post “ I lost my job. I’m going to go knock on doors”
Keep watching for more!
In today’s episode of Billboard Unfiltered, Billboard staffers Carl Lamarre, Trevor Anderson and Kyle Denis are joined by Nyla Symone as they discuss Playboi Carti’s big week on the Billboard charts with ‘MUSIC,’ Ye’s surprise drop of ‘Bully’ and the mixed reactions surrounding it, the women in Hip-Hop and R&B being honored at Women in Music and more.
What do you want to hear more of? Drop your suggestion in the chat!
Billboard’s Women in Music event will take place this Saturday March 29th at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.
Carl Lamarre:
Gentlemen and lady in the house. Y’all already know the usual suspects here. We have a special guest today, you may have seen her on ‘The Breakfast Club,’ ‘We Need To Talk’ podcast, Hip-Hop Nation, the one and only Miss Nyla Symone.
Nyla Symone:
I love that, thank you!
Carl Lamarre:
You know a little something, something.
Nyla Symone:
That’s a good intro.
Carl Lamarre:
Yes, yes. How are you feeling?
Nyla Symone:
I feel good, I’m so excited to be here.
Carl Lamarre:
Okay, you ready to rock and roll with us degenerates?
Nyla Symone:
Yes.
Carl Lamarre:
I love that.
Kyle Denis:
Degenerates is crazy.
Trevor Anderson:
She’s already elevating the whole-
Nyla Symone:
I’m like on this sh*t. Let’s do it.
Carl Lamarre:
Bringing it up, the first thing we’re going to talk about is the caption of the YN’s, Mr. Playboi Carti. Kyle is so hyped for this.
Kyle Denis:
That’s my guy.
Carl Lamarre:
Mr. Carti had an amazing, d*mn near immaculate week. He is No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 298,000 album equivalent units which is the biggest streaming rap album of the year. Biggest rap set of the year. Mr. Playboi Carti, also 30 songs on the Hot 100. No. 2 being “EVIL J0RDAN,” No. 4 being “Rather Lie” with The Weeknd. These are some big, big numbers.
Keep watching for more!
Billboard Women In Music 2025’s lineup keeps on growing, with Tina Knowles, Becky G, Suki Waterhouse and more joining as presenters and honorees. Keep watching to see who else will be at Women in Music! Watch the live event on March 29 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on the Billboard Women in Music 2025 […]