Media

01 Nov 2024

Álvaro Díaz on Where He Was Creating ‘Sayonara’ & ‘Ramona Flowers’ | Behind the Photo

Álvaro Díaz shares where he was when Sayonara dropped, why he loves vinyls and more in Behind the Photo presented by Billboard and Walmart.

Álvaro Díaz:
I’m Álvaro Díaz and this is Behind the Photos with Billboard. This was in Kyoto earlier this year — one week before dropping Sayonara and a few minutes before tasting the best ramen in the world. That’s what I remember most about this photo, the ramen in Kyoto. Top!

This is Alvarito and Ace Ventura, Milkman’s dogs in Milkman’s studio. Comet and Rocket. There they are! Comet and Rocket, they are almost mine. Shoutout Milkman! Dog lover, Alvarito!

My photographer’s favorite photo, Waiv, doing the E-Mode. This was when we got the vinyls for Sayonara. My dream since I was little was to be able to have vinyls like the ones you used to buy. My dad is a fan of vinyl. We used to come out of basketball games to buy salsa vinyls and stuff. Having my own vinyl is like a crazy experience, that’s what this is, that’s what this represents. If you don’t have it, go buy it! This is one of my favorite places in the world. This is in Medellin. This is with my brother Manuel Lara and we are making ‘SAYONARA.’ In fact, I think it was “Ramona Flowers” that we were working on at the time. ”Ramona Flowers” was the first song that came out of the album, so this is a very important photo. 

31 Oct 2024

Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre Set Release Date for ‘Missionary’ Album | Billboard News

Snoop Dogg and Dr.Dre are back working together again! The two have set a release date for their ‘Missionary’ album for Dec. 13. The joint project will feature regular collaborators like Eminem and 50 cent and special guests like Jelly Roll, Sting, Tom Petty and more. It’s the first joint album between Dre and Snoop since Snoop debut album ‘Doggystyle’ in 1993.

Tetris Kelly
Snoop and Dr Dre are back. The iconic West Coast duo is linking up once again for another project titled ‘Missionary.; They played each other’s co-stars on three albums. 1992’s ‘The Chronic’ 1993 ‘Doggystyle’ in 1999, ‘The Chronic 2001’ this time around, they’re getting together for Snoop’s 20th album, ‘Missionary.’ Check out a bit from the trailer Snoop posted on IG. ‘Missionary’ will be entirely produced by Dre the album will be 15 tracks long and will feature Eminem, 50 cent Jelly Roll. Tom Petty, Sting and more. Jelly Roll was hype when he talked about working on the album during a recent appearance on Bootleg Kev’s podcast. Dude, it is crazy. I won’t say anything about the record because he didn’t, but man, it’s special. Be sure to give ‘Missionary’ a spin when it drops, December, 13th.

31 Oct 2024

Nicky Jam Revokes Donald Trump Endorsement | Billboard News

Nicky Jam has revoked his endorsement of Donald Trump for president due to Tony Hinchcliffe’s “garbage” joke about Puerto Rico. Keep watching to see his response.

Tetris Kelly:

From supporting Donald to… not? Nicky Jam is taking back his endorsement of Donald Trump for president. Let’s rewind… remember when Trump thought Nicky was a woman when Jam endorsed him? 

Donald Trump:

Latin music superstar, Nicky Jam. Do you know Nicky? She’s hot. Where is Nicky?

Tetris Kelly:

Well, if that didn’t change his mind, maybe something else did… 

Tony Hinchcliffe:

There’s a lot going on. I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico?

Tetris Kelly:

Nicky said on IG: “I never thought in my life that, a month later, a comedian would come and criticize my country and speak badly about my country. And, because of that, I renounce any support of Donald Trump and am removing myself from any political situation. Puerto Rico must be respected.” Bad Bunny, JLo, and Ricky Martin have given their endorsements to Kamala Harris after the recent comments about their country.

Kamala Harris:

I’m going to create an Opportunity Task Force for Puerto Rico.

31 Oct 2024

Can Fuerza Regida Take Over No. 1 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50? | Billboard News

Fuerza Regida enters the top 10 of the TikTok Billboard Top 50, but can they take the No. 1 spot from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs?

Tetris Kelly:

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs continue their reign while three new tracks break into the top 10. “Maps” remains at No. 1 for a fourth week on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 for the chart posting October 24th. Coming in at No. 7 is Fuerza Regida’s “Tu Boda.” This one has everyone lip-syncing to their new hit on the app. At No. 9, The Cramps’ “Goo Goo Muck” has a resurgence thanks to Halloween and the Wednesday Addams dance. And rounding out the top 10 is “Maybe” by Gabriela Bee. Users are really resonating with the lyrics and showing off their wedding days and their best friends in a slideshow. 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.

31 Oct 2024

Paola Jara Reveals New Song ‘Cosas del Amor’ Coming Out With Cata | Behind the Photo

Paola Jara takes Billboard Behind the Photo from very special moments in her life, reveals a new song she has coming out with her best friend Cata and more!

Paola Jara:
Hi, I’m Paola Jara and I’m going Behind the Photo with Billboard. This photo is from a recent show, a very nice, very intimate show that I had in Cali, which is a very beautiful city in Colombia. And well, the place is very Mexican themed. The show was really very intimate and it was one of those nice experiences because it reminds me a lot of my beginnings where I had the opportunity to sing at the tables, to sing with the audience very close. So these kinds of concerts are very emotional.

Wow! What can I tell you about this photo? I think there is one of them missing, that is my Coffee, which is no longer with me. But they are like my children, really more than pets, unquestionably for those of us who have puppies or even cats or who have a pet, know that it is truly a unique companion, which is truly something beautiful for each one of us who are fortunate to have them. You picked very good photos.

Well, this photo was taken very recently. In Germany, Cata, she is a childhood friend of mine. I can really put it that way because we grew, not only a very nice friendship, but also musically. She is a person I love very much, one of my best friends. Unfortunately, she is already living in Germany. She got married, she’s a mom, and let’s just say she retired a little bit from music, but now she is getting back to it.

Keep watching for more!

31 Oct 2024

Omar Courtz, Valentina & More Spill Spicy Stories | Truth or Dare 

From first dates to photo albums, Omar Courtz, Valentina and Corina Smith are feeling the heat in a game of Truth or Dare.

Omar Courtz:
Share the story of a spicy first date. 

Valentina:
Oh my god. OK, Father God, wait. Just a little bit. 

Corina Smith:
Truth or dare. 

Valentina & Corina Smith:
Truth. 

Corina Smith:
A sincere woman. 

Valentina:
Let’s see. 

Corina Smith:
Truth or dare: What is the last account you searched for on Instagram?

Valentina:
My ex’s.

Corina Smith:
Sad, but always Mami. 

Omar Courtz:
Let’s go with the truth. Here we go. What is your favorite song to perform? Well, it was “Bonnie and Clyde” along with my brother iZaak and Luar (La L), but I believe now my favorite song to perform in this new season is “Que Vas Hacer Hoy?” from my new album. To the sky! They know which one it is because it is the one that goes. The ones who know about TikTok, know.  

Corina Smith:
Truth.

Valentina:
OK! Let’s see. When was the last time you lied?

Corina Smith: 
This morning, when I told one of my publicists that I had already left. I was slowly waking up.

Valentina:
We’re two of the same here. We’re always late. 

Omar Courtz: 
I’ll do a dare. Show the first photo in your gallery. Bring out the phone, brother. This is my first photo of 2016 and it says “Never forget who was with you from the start.” There it is. Focus on that. And we have continued with the same people since the beginning, so never forget the people who started with you, it’s important.

Keep watching for more!

30 Oct 2024

The Best 2024 Halloween Costumes From Janelle Monáe, Selena Gomez, Tyla & More

This is Halloween! This is Halloween — and today’s biggest stars weren’t afraid to go all out for their costumes this spooky season.

Couples costumes were strong this year, with Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco kicking things off in whimsical Alice in Wonderland-inspired costumes. The Rare Beauty founder rocked a blonde wig and light blue dress as Alice and the music producer opted for full makeup as Johnny Depp’s Mad Hatter from Tim Burton’s 2010 movie adaptation of the book.

As usual, celebrities also did some major photoshoots to accompany their costumes, as Janelle Monáe showed off her photo-realistic costume as the alien E.T. from the iconic 1982 film. Dressed in a full-body recreation of the original puppet from the film, Monáe modeled a number of looks from the movie.

Megan Thee Stallion channeled a fan-favorite animated character by portraying Starfire from DC Comics. Khalid also continued the cartoon character theme with two costumes, Brock from the Pokémon franchise and Gerald from Hey Arnold!. Additionally, Lizzo showcase her self-described “LizzOzempic” outfit, inspired by a recent episode of South Park.

Halle Berry was an inspiration for music artists this year, with Tyla, Halle Bailey and Coi Leray dressed up as Sharon Stone from 1994’s The Flintstones,  “Jinx” in 2002’s James Bond flick Die Another Day and Patience Philips in Catwoman, respectively. “And they all crushed it,” Berry wrote in response on X. “The girls know how to make my day.”

Below, find the best costumes from musicians and celebrities, including some perfect musician-themed ideas, including Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos dressing up as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at the U.S. Open in September. See all the photos below, updating through Halloween (Oct. 31).

30 Oct 2024

Bad Bunny Responds to Tony Hinchcliffe’s ‘Garbage’ Joke | Billboard News

Bad Bunny, JLo and Ricky Martin have all responded to Tony Hinchcliffe calling Puerto Rico “garbage.” Keep watching to see what he had to say.

Tetris Kelly:

Bad Bunny has responded to Tony Hinchcliffe’s tasteless joke at a recent Trump rally. The Puerto Rican superstar posted an 8-minute video on his Instagram with a caption that simply read, “Garbage.” Narrated by Oscar-winning Puerto Rican actor Benicio del Toro, the video celebrates the island’s beauty and its contributions to pop culture. The video was first showcased at Bad Bunny’s stadium concert in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2021, and is now his response to Hinchcliffe’s Trump rally “joke” where the comedian called Bunny’s homeland of Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” Bad Bunny wasn’t the only Puerto Rican celebrity to speak out. Ricky Martin and JLo also responded by amplifying an Instagram reel posted by Vice President Harris where she talks about starting an Opportunity Economy Task Force for Puerto Rico.

30 Oct 2024

What Are the Top Trending Halloween Costumes of 2024? | Billboard News

Halloween is tomorrow and we’re sharing the most searched for costumes of 2024! What are you dressing up as for Halloween? Let us know in the comments!

Narrator:

It’s officially spooky season! And we’re rounding up the top trending Halloween costumes of 2024 according to Google! It’s no surprise that Sabrina Carpenter is on the list. The “Espresso” singer has enjoyed a breakout year with three songs from her album ‘Short n’ Sweet,’ all staying strong in the Hot 100 top 10. Her iconic heart corset has been searched for more than ever in 2024, according to Google. But she’s not the only “pop princess” trending on the costume list. Superstar Taylor Swift makes the cut! And in Nashville specifically, it looks like her “1989” look is in the top 5 of searches. Swifties have already been dressing up as Taylor when they go to the Eras Tour. Go Swifties! And from T-Swift to Soulja Boy, fans are “turning their swag on” to dress up as the rapper known best for creating one of the first viral dances to “Crank That” in the mid-2000s. It seemed the song and dance have resurfaced in popularity due to TikTok. Other artists that appeared in the top 5 across the country? Chappell Roan, Dolly Parton, and Lady Gaga. Who will you dress up as for Halloween? Let us know in the comments. And don’t be scared to hit the subscribe button on YouTube and ring the bell to be notified on all our latest videos.

30 Oct 2024

Megan Thee Stallion Files Lawsuit Against YouTuber Over Lies About Tory Lanez Shooting | Billboard News

Megan Thee Stallion has filed a lawsuit against YouTuber Milagro Gramz over her spreading misinformation and lies about Megan regarding the Tory Lanez shooting case. See what Megan had to say in response to the YouTuber.

Tetris Kelly:

Megan Thee Stallion has filed a lawsuit against a YouTuber over lies about the Tory Lanez shooting case. Let’s dive in. You may have seen online a high-profile false story about the “Mamushi” rapper’s shooting case circulating on social media. Well, the superstar is taking legal action over a “campaign of harassment and cyberbullying.” In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, attorneys for the rapper accused Milagro Gramz of “carrying out a public campaign to denigrate, belittle, insult, and spread false statements” about her. Thee Stallion claims Gramz is a “mouthpiece and puppet” for Tory Lanez. They are alleging Gramz shared a pornographic “deepfake” of Meg – a move that Megan’s lawyers say violates a Florida statute. In a statement posted to X, Gramz acknowledged the lawsuit, saying she had “been informed that I’m being sued by Alex Spiro on behalf of his client Megan Thee Stallion.”

In a statement to Billboard, Megan has said, “I’ve endured countless attacks on my character based on false narratives from social media bloggers misrepresenting themselves as journalists. It is unacceptable behavior and these individuals need to understand there will be repercussions for recklessly posting lies and defamatory falsehoods.”