Music News

02 Jul 2024

Juice WRLD Honored by LeBron James’ Son Bronny With Lakers Jersey Number Choice

LeBron James’ son Bronny James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers last week and he’s paying tribute to Juice WRLD with his No. 9 jersey.

James was officially introduced as a Los Angeles Laker in a press conference on Tuesday (July 2) where he explained how the late rapper served as the inspiration behind his jersey number selection.

“Juice has been a big part of me keeping calm in some situations that I’ve been through. Just paying homage to him, especially cause he passed. It’s a really important thing for me.”

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The Chicago native was a mental health advocate and vulnerably opened up about his battles with substance abuse, which helped Bronny navigate certain times in life with the spotlight on him as the teenage son of one of the best to ever pick up a basketball.

Back in 2022, Bronny got Juice WRLD’s “9 9 9” affirmations tattooed on his neck behind his ear. Juice explained to MTV News in 2018 that “9 9 9” stood for turning negatives in life into positives, which Bronny struck a chord with James.

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“9 9 9 represents taking whatever ill, whatever bad situation, whatever struggle you’re going through and turning it into something positive to push yourself forward,” Juice told host Sway Calloway at the time.



Unfortunatley, Juice WRLD’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 21 when he passed away from an accidental overdose due to oxycodone and codeine toxicity after suffering a seizure at Chicago’s Midway Airport in December 2019.

Juice burst onto the hip-hop scene in early 2018 with massive anthems such as “All Girls Are the Same” and the Sting-interpolating “Lucid Dreams.” The latter reached No. 2 on the Hot 100.

LeBron reposted a photo of his son in the No. 9 Lakers jersey to his Instagram Story last week with an homage to the “Robbery” rapper: “999 @Bronny,” he wrote with several fire emojis.

If carrying the James name wasn’t enough pressure, Bronny will look to keep Juice’s message and legacy going while rocking the No. 9 this season for the Lakers.

Los Angeles drafted Bronny with the 55th pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft last week to make good on LeBron’s desire to suit up with his son as Laker teammates this season.

Watch Bronny give Juice WRLD his flowers below.

02 Jul 2024

Zac Efron Reveals the ‘Get’cha Head in the Game’ Scene in ‘High School Musical’ Was Filmed in Just 5 Takes With ‘No CGI’

Zac Efron really had his head in the game and his heart in the song while filming High School Musical.

The beloved actor recently sat down with Vanity Fair to revisit some of his most famous films, including the 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie that skyrocketed him into superstardom. In HSM, Efron plays Troy Bolton, a star basketball player at East High School who must make a decision between continuing his life as an athlete or persuing his passion as a performer.

Upon watching the scene for the song, “Get’cha Head in the Game,” in which Efron and his cast mates sing and dance, while also performing basketball stunts, the actor revealed that the stunts were all real. “I really drilled all those shots. No CGI in there, I don’t think we had the budget for that. That makes me feel good,” he shared.

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Efron continued, ”That just takes me back to where all of us were at, all the young men on that team. We were so young and so incredibly motivated. Not a lot of people know this, but High School Musical was just a made-for-TV movie and it was a very small, condensed shooting schedule. There was very limited rehearsal time.

“Kenny Ortega had pretty big ambitions for this movie, but I think he was pleasantly surprised when all the boys were excited to not only fulfill what he wanted, but also to take it one step further. This scene with the basketballs and the dribbling, we started practicing with the basketballs and I think we might have practiced for two days prior to doing that scene. After like five takes, we nailed it. We got it all in one. We didn’t cut from start to finish.”

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Efron concluded by noting, “I think that was the first time all of us went, ‘Is this going to be cool?’”

Watch Zac Efron react to High School Musical, as well as films like Neighbors, A Family Affair, The Greatest Showman and The Iron Claw, below.

02 Jul 2024

Lily Allen Joins OnlyFans to Sell Feet Pictures

You could say that Lily Allen is a multimedia artist. Following years of making music, acting and hosting a podcast, the 39-year-old star has unveiled a new business venture: selling pictures and videos of her feet on OnlyFans.

Allen recently launched her page on the subscription-based performance and so far has seven posts available for interested connoisseurs to unlock for $10 monthly. Via Instagram Stories on Tuesday (July 2), the “Smile” singer posted a sneak peek at her latest upload: a video of her bare feet resting beside a fountain in Italy.

“La dolce feeta,” she quipped, adding a link to her OnlyFans profile.

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Billboard has reached out to Allen’s reps for further comment on the account.

The news comes about two weeks after Allen revealed on an episode of her podcast Miss Me? that she was considering selling foot content. “I have a lady that comes and does my nails,” she told co-host Miquita Oliver. “They informed me that I have five stars on WikiFeet, which is quite rare. My feet are rated quite highly on the internet.

“She said that I could make a lot of money from selling foot content on OnlyFans,” Allen added. “And I’m like, ‘Not no.’”

Based on her other recent posts on Stories, the “F— You” artist is currently on vacation with her husband, Stranger Things star David Harbour. In one photo, she tries on a wicker hat as the actor makes a silly face behind her.

Allen and her Miss Me? pod also recently made headlines for the star’s admission that she used to harbor “much resentment” toward her former manager, Sir Elton John. Why? She once poured her heart out to him in a heartfelt letter following their professional split in 2014, but was left with “a big Elton-shaped hole in my life” when the EGOT winner never responded.

His lack of acknowledgment suddenly made sense, however, when she moved to the U.S. years later. “When I moved here to America, I was unpacking and I found the letter,” she told Oliver on the show. “I never sent it! Elton, if you’re listening — which you’re probably not — I love you.”

02 Jul 2024

Angela Simmons Apologizes for Gun Purse at BET Awards

Angela Simmons has apologized for posing with her gun-shaped purse on the BET Awards red carpet after receiving backlash on social media.

The entrepreneur and daughter of Run-DMC‘s Rev Run posted a video explaining her wardrobe accessory choice, saying she didn’t intend to cause any controversy. “I see a lot of conversation around the purse I wore to the awards,” she said. “Normally, I don’t address rumors and stuff but I’m not like that. I’ve never been like that. I’m not violent.”

Adding, “I have obviously been through a lot in my personal life when it comes to gun violence. It’s very personal to me, but I just liked the bag. I thought it was cool and a fashion moment. That was it. I didn’t have any intentions of ruffling anyone’s feathers … I’m sorry if it bothered anyone.”

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She then released a lengthy statement on her Instagram Stories, calling the purse “a poor decision.”

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“I want to address the recent incident involving the green purse I carried at the BET Awards. When I chose the purse, I believed it was cute and unique and I made a poor decision in using it as an accessory to amplify my beauty,” she wrote. “I deeply regret that this item, which symbolizes a gun, was inappropriate and insensitive, especially given my personal and community experiences with gun violence.”

She then gave an apology later in the statement, saying, “It was a mistake that does not define who I am or my commitment to ending gun violence. To anyone who was hurt or offended by my actions, I offer my deepest apologies.”

You can read the full statement below:

Yo Gotti, who is currently dating Angela Simmons, made light of the situation on his Instagram Stories, saying, “She was just practicing.“

Angela Simmons’ ex-fiancé Sutton Tennyson was fatally shot 13 times in 2018 after an argument outside of his home escalated. He was 37 years old and the two have a son together.

02 Jul 2024

Thalia Says Topping Latin Airplay With Grupo Firme Collab ‘Te Va a Doler’ ‘Means the World to Me’

Thalia and Grupo Firme each score a career milestone on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as their collaboration “Te Va a Doler” reaches No. 1 on the list dated July 6.

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With the new champ, Thalia returns to No. 1 after more than a decade, while Grupo Firme visits the summit for the first time. The track is from Thalia’s A Mucha Honra album, which includes another version of the song, without Grupo Firme, remixed by Deorro.

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“I’m really thrilled with all the love and support my fans and radio are giving ‘Te Va a Doler’ with Grupo Firme and the remix with Deorro,” Thalia tells Billboard. “Working alongside them was a real treat! This album is really special to me and knowing that the music is connecting with audiences means the world to me!”

“Te Va a Doler” stems from Thalia’s A Mucha Honra project, her 21st studio album released April 26 via Sony Music Entertainment.

“Te Va a Doler” rolls into the top spot with no pain on the overall Latin Airplay chart with a 10% gain in audience impressions, to 7.2 million, earned in the U.S. during the June 21-27 tracking week, according to Luminate. Last week’s No. 1, Kali Uchis and Peso Pluma’s “Igual Que Un Ángel,” falls to No. 4, after the latter’s one week reign, with an 18% dip in audience, to 6.5 million.

“Te Va a Doler” gives both acts a reason to celebrate. Thalia scores her first No. 1 in 11 years, and Grupo Firme achieves its first leader.

Thalia returns to No. 1 for the first time since “Te Perdiste Mi Amor,” featuring Prince Royce, took over Latin Airplay for one week on May 4, 2013. In between, she placed three other songs below the top 15. The Mexican adds a sixth No. 1 to her account. Plus, she expands her span of champs to 24 years, dating back to first week at the apex on June 17, 2000, when “Entre El Mar y Una Estrella” seized the crown. As Thalia’s collection of champs grows, here is a look at the singer’s Latin Airplay chart-toppers:

Peak Date, Title, Artist, Weeks at No. 1
June 17, 2000, “Entre El Mar Y Una Estrella,” one
July 20, 2002, “Tu Y Yo,” one
Oct. 26, 2002, “No Me Enseñaste,” two
Feb. 28, 2004, “Cerca De Ti,” one
May 4, 2013, “Te Perdiste Mi Amor,” featuring Prince Royce, one
July 6, 2024, “Te Va A Doler,” with Grupo Firme

Further, when “Doler” debuted at No. 39 in May, Thalia made her first chart appearance since “No Me Acuerdo,” with Natti Natasha, in Sept. 2018.

Grupo Firme, meanwhile, captures its first No. 1 after missing the throne with the No. 2-peaking “El Amor De Su Vida,” with Grupo Frontera, in Oct. 2023. The Tijuana-based band becomes just the third regional Mexican ensemble to rule Latin Airplay in 2024, following Fuerza Regida with its Marshmello collab, “Harley Quinn,” and Grupo Frontera through “(Entre Parentesis),” with Shakira, both for one week in charge, on the Feb. 3- and May 18-dated charts, respectively.

“Doler” additionally reaches No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay. Thalia secures her first ruler since the three-week champ “Entre El Mar y Una Estrella” in June 2000, and Grupo Firme claims a first No. 1 on the Latin pop radio ranking with its first entry.

02 Jul 2024

Joseph Quinn Recalls the ‘F—ing Stupid’ Thing He Told Taylor Swift When They First Met

Joseph Quinn was a little too enchanted to meet Taylor Swift. According to the actor, he once crossed paths with the singer and was so starstruck by her, he said something that still haunts him to this day.

The topic of Swift first came up during Quinn’s appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast Tuesday (July 1) when host Josh Horowitz asked whether he had any cringe-worthy memories to share from his early days as a star following his breakout role on Netflix’s Stranger Things in 2022.

“Most of it, yes,” Quinn joked. “There’s stuff that comes out of your mouth … when you’re caught off guard, there’s quite a lot to cringe about.”

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“I met Taylor Swift once,” he continued. “She was very funny. She said something nice about the show, and I said, ‘Oh, thanks. You’re Taylor Swift’ — meant as a compliment. I remember thinking, ‘That was f—ing stupid.’ But she was very good-humored about it.”

The A Quiet Place: Day One star also jokingly said that he and Swift are now on “great terms,” quipping that he and the superstar are “trying to figure out” a time to get in the studio together. But while he obviously meant it humorously, their working together wouldn’t be the first time the 14-time Grammy winner has collaborated with a Stranger Things cast member; in 2021, the show’s Sadie Sink starred alongside Dylan O’Brien in Swift’s self-directed “All Too Well” short film.

Plus, co-star Joe Keery — who makes music under the stage name Djo, known for “End of Beginning” — was once spotted at the same studio as Swift. Though he later clarified that their overlap was purely coincidental, he did tease on The Tonight Show in December that it may have “generated something in the universe.”

Listen to Quinn talk about meeting Swift on Happy Sad Confused below.

02 Jul 2024

R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Lucky Daye & Raye, Eric Benét, Wolfacejoeyy, Tinashe & More

The 2024 BET Awards — hosted by Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson — provided the big news of the weekend, with some of the biggest names across R&B, hip-hop, gospel and Afrobeats descending upon Los Angeles for the ceremony.

Amid parodies of Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us” and countless reminders to vote in the upcoming presidential election, Tyla (best new artist and best international act) and Victoria Monét (video of the year and the BET Her Award) took home two trophies each, Megan Thee Stallion opened the show with fiery medley of tracks from her new Megan LP, and Black country stars Shaboozey and Tanner Adell made their respective BET Awards debuts.

Of course, there was also that star-studded Usher tribute — featuring Monét, Teyana Taylor, Chlöe, Tinashe, Keke Palmer, Childish Gambino, Marsha Ambrosius, Summer Walker, Latto and Coco Jones — which had the entire crowd on its feet, as did Usher’s 15-minute acceptance speech for the lifetime achievement honor.

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While the BET Awards swallowed up most of the weekend’s discourse, there were still scores of new releases across R&B and hip-hop to sift through. With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Lucky Daye & RAYE‘s emotional new duet to Flau’jae and Lil Wayne‘s new collaboration. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.

Freshest Find: Lucky Daye feat. RAYE, “Paralyzed”

Lucky Daye and Raye are two of the most gifted singer-songwriters across contemporary pop and R&B, so their union was always going to be a winner. “Paralyzed,” a standout track from Lucky’s new Algorithm LP, is an exquisite acoustic ballad that allows both artist’s voices to take center stage. Lucky’s luscious layers of background vocals during his opening verse and chrous are an absolutley haunting color to lyrics that grapple with the anxiety that comes with living and leaving this life without your other half. By the time RAYE comes in with her swaggering rap-sung cadence, the sparse production remains mostly unchanged, with her and Lucky’s smoldering, evocative vocal chemistry becoming the song’s life force. “I’m not leaving, paralyzed/ Say love’s easy, a pair of lies/ Know you see me, terrified/ Pair with mine, come pair with mine,” Lucky croons in the final chorus.

Flau’jae & Lil Wayne, “Came Out a Beast”

The LSU college hoops star checks a dream collaboration off her bucket list when connecting with Lil Wayne for the thunderous “Came Out a Beast.” Flau’jae’s hard-hitting bars go toe-to-toe with Weezy for a competitive sparring session with one of the best to ever pick up a pen. “I’m a millionaire and I don’t got a degree,” she flexes. Wayne takes the baton and floats with ease, proving the rap alien he really is. “Screaming ‘f–k the world’ like a virgin,” Weezy spits in vintage fashion, with a simile that we’ve come accustomed to hearing for over two decades now. Flau’jae should be proud of her performance, but there’s a reason Wayne is a true one-of-one in this game. 

Tinashe, “Getting No Sleep”

Just after scoring her biggest solo hit in a decade with the deliciously salacious “Nasty,” Tinashe has unveiled the next single from her forthcoming Quantum Baby LP. Less in the slinky hip-hop-inflected lane of “Nasty” and more in a drum-and-bass PinkPantheress-esque space, “Getting No Sleep” finds Tinashe continuing her quest to find someone who can “match her freak.” “All week long, keep pressure high/ Got you whipped, all quick replies,” she coos, slyly playing up the tension of time apart that ultimately gives way to passionate sleepless nights. The urgency of the D’n’B beat is the perfect complement to the “we ain’t getting no sleep” hook; lyrically and musically, Tinahse is utterly relentless, and “Getting No Sleep” triumphs because of it.

Wolfacejoeyy, “Finsta (sexy liar)”

The Staten Island native isn’t slowing down following the release of his Valentino project via Alamo Records in May. Wolfacejoeyy feels like he’s on the precipice of a breakthrough. Joey returns with “Finsta (Sexy Liar)” as part of a two-pack, which finds him meshing the worlds of sexy drill, pop-rap and infectious R&B into a woozy cocktail. There are layers to his simple-yet-complex songwriting, with “Finsta” serving as a prime example of his talents. Someone’s “fake Instagram” is actually a glimpse into their real personality when they’re not performing for society, and only those closest to them have access to it. “I wanna know the real you, can I get your Finsta,” he cheekily asks. Our grandparents would be so proud. 

Eric Benét & Tamar Braxton, “Something We Can Make Love To”

Ahead of his first album since 2016’s self-titled LP, four-time Grammy nominee Eric Benét has returned with the Tamar Braxton-assisted duet “Something We Can Make Love To.” He opens the slow jam crooning, “I don’t know if he knows what to do when you finally decide to get loose/ Those moments they come far and few/ In between/ I don’t mind If I gotta be the guy that comes to the front of your mind,” painting over Laney Stewart’s production with his heated, soulful tone. Tamar effortlessly matches Benét’s breathy delivery with a vocal performance that helps steer the song’s steady pacing, ultimately ending with cathartic vocables and riffs that pay tribute to the best slow jams of R&B days past.

Jahkoy, “Someday”

Love can be a hell of a drug. Jahkoy’s “Someday” recalls a classic ‘90s R&B vibe that many from that era wish they could bottle up and implement in today’s music landscape. The Toronto-bred singer is writing checks he might not be able to cash down the line, but knows he needs to do what he can to woo a lover. Jahkoy will do whatever it takes to keep her around even if he can’t live up to her expectations at the moment – a relatable topic for many out there. “Someday I’m gonna love you the right way/ Get you high on satisfaction/ Girl I’m really bout that action,” he croons while painting the picture of a fantasy life. Even if he doesn’t, at least it sounds good. F–k it, we ball!

02 Jul 2024

Morgan Wallen Announces New Single ‘Lies Lies Lies’

Morgan Wallen is heating up the summer with a brand new single. The country superstar announced that his new single, “Lies Lies Lies,” will arrive on Friday (July 5).

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Written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross and Chris Tompkins, and produced by Joey Moi, “Lies Lies Lies” was originally recorded by Wallen at London’s iconic Studio Two at Abbey Road Studios, per a press release. The song details the feeling of lying about moving on from a lost love despite holding on.

It’s been an exciting year for Wallen, whose Post Malone collaboration, “I Had Some Help,” rebounds from No. 2 for a sixth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart.

“I Had Some Help” also hits No. 1 on the Radio Songs chart, becoming a rare title that has topped the all-format airplay tally as well as the Country Airplay survey.

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He also opened a bar in Nashville, Tenn., earlier this summer. Wallen announced the bar’s opening on May 4 at one of his three sold-out Nissan Stadium shows in Nashville, though never specified the exact date. “It’s over off 4th Ave. just beside the Ryman [Auditorium], and it’s going to be opening Memorial Day weekend, so I hope I see y’all there,” Wallen said from the stage. 

He’s set to headline BST Hyde Park in London on July 4, and plans on selling exclusive merch at the event. A portion of every ticket purchased to his live shows benefits The Morgan Wallen Foundation, which “operates on the core belief that all children deserve a chance to thrive, play, and create through sports and music.” To further celebrate his Hyde Park debut, MWF has earmarked $20,000 to support London Youth Choirs (LYC). LYC’s mission is to improve access to singing and music for disadvantaged young people.

02 Jul 2024

Heart Postpones Remaining North American Tour Dates Due to Ann Wilson’s Cancer Treatment

Heart announced on Tuesday (July 2) that the group is postponing the remainder of its North American tour dates headlining Royal Flush Tour and Journey/Def Leppard Stadium tour, due to frontwoman Ann Wilson’s recent health issues.

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“I underwent an operation to remove something that, as it turns out, was cancerous,” Wilson shared in a press statement. “The operation was successful & I’m feeling great but my doctors are now advising me to undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy & I’ve decided to do it. And so my doctors are instructing me to take the rest of the year away from the stage in order to fully recover. To the ticket buyers, I really do wish we could do these gigs. Please know that I absolutely plan to be back on stage in 2025. My team is getting those details sorted & we’ll let you know the plan as soon as we can.”

Wilson concluded by noting, “This is merely a pause. I’ve much more to sing.”

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Fans are encouraged to hold on to their tickets for the upcoming postponed dates. In May, Heart canceled their European tour dates.

Started by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson in 1974, Heart’s Royal Flush tour marks the band’s return to the road for the first time in five years. The North America leg kicked off April 20 in Greenville, South Carolina, with Cheap Trick as support on most dates, while Squeeze was set to open on a handful of those now-canceled summer European dates.

Recognized as the first female-fronted hard rock band, Heart took their place among the greats when they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. 

02 Jul 2024

Childish Gambino Unleashes ‘Lithonia’ Single & Announces ‘Bando Stone & the New World’ Album Release Date

Childish Gambino is ready for his final act. Gambino delivered his grungy “Lithonia” single on Tuesday (July 2) and revealed the release date for Bando Stone & the New World, which will be his last under the moniker.

Co-produced by Gambino himself alongside legends Max Martin, Ludwig Göransson and Michael Uzowuru, “Lithonia” hit streaming services on Tuesday (July 2).

“Cody LaRae/ He had a break/ He’s findin’ out/ That nobody gives a f–k,” he raps following a dynamic church organ intro. LaRae could possibly be a character in Gambino’s Bando Stone & the New World movie. As far as the soundtrack, fans can expect the Bando Stone & the New World to arrive in full on July 19 via RCA Records.

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The multi-hyphenate debuted the trailer for Bando Stone during his appearance at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday (June 30). Gambino took part in the Usher tribute medley at the award show, which he kicked off with a smooth cover of the R&B icon’s 2002 anthem “U Don’t Have to Call.”

Childish Gambino stars in and directed Bando Stone, and also helmed the soundtrack. In the dystopian trailer, his character is a washed-up pop star who finds himself fending off sci-fi monsters looking to take over Earth. He fights for his survival with his co-star companion, who is played by Jessica Allain.

NYC fans are in luck, as Gambino has announced an interactive experience billed as Childish Gambino Live From Little Island, which will offer a first listen of his project. Tickets for the July 6 show go on sale starting on Wednesday (July 3) at 10 a.m. ET on Ticketmaster.

However, fans across the globe will be able to get a live taste, as the “This Is America” rapper is bringing his show on the road this summer. The New World Tour will kick off in Oklahoma City on Aug. 11 with support from Willow. A 33-stop trek is on the horizon before wrapping up the North American leg in Chicago on Oct. 3.

The U.K. and the rest of Europe will have their chance to see Gambino live throughout the fourth quarter of 2024. Stops are slated for France, Germany, Netherlands, the U.K., Ireland and more. The Atlanta creator will also head to Australia for five dates in early 2025.

Listen to “Lithonia” and watch the Bando Stone & the New World trailer below.