Music News

12 Jun 2024

Rick Ross Keeps Drake Beef Going, Updates ‘Champagne Moments’ Cover Art

Rick Ross isn’t done beefing with Drake.

The Miami rapper recently updated the cover art to his “Champagne Moments” diss track aimed at his former friend and collaborator. The original artwork was from a 2014 tweet that read, “please take a moment to enjoy: white guy who looks like drake.”

Now the updated cover is a cartoon rendition of the Toronto rapper with blonde hair, glasses, and a bow tie.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Fans remember “Champagne Moments” for being the first response to Drake’s “Push Ups.” Ross dropped the song hours after Drake released “Push Ups” and set the rap community ablaze with hot takes and commentary. While Ross didn’t diss Drake on his Future and Metro Boomin “Everyday Hustle” guest appearance, the mere fact he was on the album was enough for Drake to send shots at him.

Trending on Billboard

“I might take your latest girl and cuff her like I’m Ricky/ Can’t believe he jumpin’ in, this n—a turnin’ 50/ Every song that made it on the chart, he got from Drizzy/ Spend that lil’ check you got and stay up out my business,” Drake rapped on the last verse of “Push Ups.”

Ross then responded with “Champagne Moments,” where he mentioned ghostwriters and Drake’s deal with Universal Music Group, rapping, “Ghostwriters, they get to floss what you could’ve had/ Record label takin’ a loss, are you in your bag?/ You a worker wantin’ to chart, don’t make me laugh.”

He also referred to Drake as “white boy” multiple times and revealed why he unfollowed his former friend on social media during a rant on the song’s outro. “You ain’t never want to be a n—a anyway, n—a. That’s why you had an operation to make your nose smaller than your father nose, n—a.” Adding, “I unfollowed you, n—a, ’cause you sent the motherf—in’ cease-and-desist to French Montana, n—a. You sent the police, n—a, hated on my dog project.”

The ball is in Drake’s court… again.

12 Jun 2024

Miley Cyrus Addresses Billy Ray Estrangement Rumors, Calls Mom Tish ‘My Hero’

Miley Cyrus is addressing the rumors about her family, specifically concerning her relationship with father Billy Ray.

On the latest episode of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, which arrived Wednesday (June 12) on Netflix, David Letterman asked the “Flowers” singer point-blank: “There’s not estrangement here with your father — it’s just the way things are played?”

“Yeah,” she responded. “I think what is so beautiful is that my parents, they served their children. My parents served us and sacrificed so much for us. Anything we dreamed of, they made possible.

“I’m grateful for being able to watch him ahead of me,” Miley added of her dad. “He’s almost given me this map. And there’s a map of what to do and what not to do, and he’s guided me on both. … I also inherited the narcissism from my father.”

Trending on Billboard

The Hannah Montana alum also spoke about the differences between her mother, Tish Cyrus, and her dad. The ex-couple was married for nearly 30 years before divorcing in 2022, and they share 30-year-old son Braison and 24-year-old daughter Noah in addition to Miley.

“My dad, as a creative and as an artist in the way that his brain works, has always made me feel safer in my own mind because we’re very similar in our ideas,” the “Wrecking Ball” artist said. “So I think a lot of his perspective on reality and on life, I’ve inherited from him, more so than the way that I was raised — which really, my mom raised me. Honestly, my mom is my hero.”

Miley’s comments seemingly put to rest rumors of a rift in the Cyrus clan stemming from Tish and Billy Ray’s split. Both parties have remarried since their 2022 separation; however, the 62-year-old “Achy Breaky Heart” singer filed to divorce 37-year-old singer-songwriter Firerose this week, seven months after tying the knot.

According to documents obtained by People earlier this week, Billy Ray cited “irreconcilable differences” and “inappropriate marital conduct” as the reasons for their split. He is also seeking an annulment on the grounds of fraud.

Days prior to the divorce news, Billy Ray made a heartfelt post gushing about Miley. “I’m incredibly proud of her,” he wrote, sharing a throwback photo of Miley as a toddler. “She’s a survivor and a true artist. She learned early on to love and appreciate the fans who make everything possible.”

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman, featuring Miley Cyrus, is streaming now on Netflix.

12 Jun 2024

Danny Ocean Gets ‘Amor’ With First Billboard No. 1: ‘This Is a Project That Has Always Honored Love’

Danny Ocean’s wish is granted as the Venezuelan achieves his first No. 1 on a Billboard chart with “Amor.” The pop-dembow tune surges 10-1 on the overall Latin Airplay chart and 2-1 on the Latin Pop Airplay ranking (dated June 15).

“What makes me happiest, beyond my name being there, is that a Venezuelan is at No. 1,” Ocean tells Billboard. “This is a project that has always honored love.”

Trending on Billboard

“Amor” takes the crown with 8.7 million audience impressions, up 54%, on U.S. reporting radio stations during the May 31-June 6 tracking week, according to Luminate.

Thanks to the 54% percentage surge on airplay, “Amor” wins the Greatest Gainer honor, awarded weekly to the song with the largest gain in impressions among the chart’s 50 titles. Among the song’s biggest supporters, New York’s WXNY leads the way in the latest tracking week, Puerto Rico’s WKAQ comes second, while Los Angeles’ KXOL rounds out the top three.

“Amor,” one of 12 tracks on Ocean’s third studio album, Reflexa, completes a five-week journey to the top on Latin Airplay, having debuted at No. 45 on the chart dated May 18. Thus, it takes second-fastest rise to the summit among the ranking’s 21 rulers in 2024, after Xavi’s “La Diabla” which reached the penthouse in its third week (chart dated Feb. 10).

Only one song achieved the feat faster: Shakira and Cardi B’s “Puntería” debuted atop the list dated April 6. Here’s the recap of those songs that needed the least weeks to land at No. 1 on Latin Airplay in 2024:

Weeks To Position, Title, Artist, Reached On
1, “Puntería,” Shakira & Cardi B, April 6 (debut)
3, “La Diabla,” Xavi, Feb. 10
5, “Amor,” Danny Ocean, June 15
7, “Por El Contrario,” Becky G with Leonardo Aguilar & Angela Aguilar, March 9
7, “(Entre Paréntesis),” Shakira & Grupo Frontera, May 18

As “Amor” hits No. 1 on Latin Airplay, it pushes Alejandro Fernández and Alfredo Olivas’ “Cobijas Ajenas” from the lead, with a 33% drop in impressions, to 5.9 million.

Over on Latin Pop Airplay, with “Amor” Ocean outdoes his prior best showing of No. 5 for “Miedito o Qué?,” with Ovy On The Drums and Karol G, in Jan. 2021.

On a hybrid level, with “Amor” Ocean secures his fourth entry on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs, which combines airplay, streaming data and digital sales. Debuts at No. 49 thanks to its radio haul.

12 Jun 2024

Charli XCX Shouts Out Matty Healy’s Fiancée Gabbriette in First Few Seconds of ‘Brat’

At this point, Charli XCX should just officiate Matty Healy and Gabbriette Bechtel’s wedding. The “Von Dutch” singer is permanently tied to the 1975 frontman and model’s love story following Wednesday’s (June 12) news that the couple are engaged — starting with the fact that Charli mentions Gabbriette in the first few seconds of her new album Brat.

On the LP’s opening track, “360,” Charli uses Gabbriette as an example of an effortlessly cool tastemaker, singing, “I went my own way and I made it/ I’m your favorite reference, baby/ Call me Gabbriette, you’re so inspired.”

Bechtel also stars in the “360” music video alongside several other internet “it girls,” such as Julia Fox, Rachel Sennott and Emma Chamberlain. In the eclectic visual, she repeatedly hits a vape, poses next to a man lying in a gurney and tells Charli to “fulfill the prophecy of finding a new hot Internet girl.”

Trending on Billboard

The “Fancy” singer is also connected to Bechtel through their respective romances. Charli got engaged to The 1975’s George Daniel in November, which means both women are marrying into the band family.

Everything came full-circle, though, when Bechtel announced her engagement to Healy by posting a photo of her ring taken at Charli’s Brat release party in Brooklyn on Tuesday night. The influencer wrote in her caption, “MARRYING THE 1975 IS VERY BRAT.”

Healy’s mother, Loose Women host Denise Welch, later confirmed the news on her talk show Wednesday morning, according to People. “I have known for a few weeks that Matty got engaged,” she said. “Black diamond [ring], he had it made for her. I couldn’t be more thrilled. We couldn’t be happier — she is everything I would want in a daughter-in-law.”

Charli and Bechtel were friends long before the latter started dating Healy in September, however. In 2019, the “Boom Clap” artist cast Bechtel as the lead singer of Nasty Cherry, a now-inactive girl group assembled in the Netflix documentary I’m With the Band.

Watch the “360” music video below.

12 Jun 2024

Kevin Jonas Reveals He Had a Skin Cancer Spot Removed: ‘Get Those Moles Checked’

Kevin Jonas is currently in recovery after doctors removed a skin cancer spot from his forehead — and he wants to remind fans to stay vigilant, too.

In an Instagram video posted Tuesday (June 11), the Jonas Brothers rocker revealed that he was recently diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma, which he had to get surgery to remove. “Yes, that is an actual little skin cancer guy that has started to grow,” he says in the clip shortly before his procedure, giving the camera a close-up of a reddish spot near his hairline.

Jonas also filmed a post-surgery shot of his bandages, as well as his drive home from the hospital. “I’m all done,” he says in the car. “Now it’s time to heal. Heading home. Make sure to get those moles checked, people.”

Trending on Billboard

In his caption, the Camp Rock star doubled down on his message. “Friendly reminder to get your moles checked,” he wrote.

According to Mayo Clinic, the type of cancer Jonas was treated for begins in the basal cells, which are responsible for producing new skin cells as old ones die off. Believed to be caused by long-term exposure to the sun’s UV rays, it often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin but can take other forms.

The “Sucker” musician’s procedure comes amid a break in the Jonas Brothers’ tour. Kevin and brothers Joe and Nick will resume the trek in August with a string of shows in Mexico before heading overseas for a European leg.

Watch Kevin’s video below.

12 Jun 2024

J. Cole Goes to the Vault for ‘Trae the Truth in Ibiza’ Video: Watch

J. Cole’s Might Delete Later mixtape has flown under the radar since he side-stepped the Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud and scrubbed “7 Minute Drill” from streaming services.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The Dreamville boss revived his Might Delete Later‘s YouTube channel with the release of the grainy “Trae the Truth in Ibiza” visual on Wednesday (June 12).

Packed with nostalgia, the clip kicks off with Cole linking up with Trae the Truth as he recalls getting ahold of the thought-to-be-lost footage from their 2012 overseas trip while touring in Ibiza. The scene immediately shifts to the plane landing, which Cole described as being the first he saw from the vault.

Trending on Billboard

A neophyte J. Cole is nearly unrecognizable, going back to the days when he kept a short-cut fade. He, Trae and his manager IB take in all that the Spanish island has to offer throughout their trek, including the famed partying as Cole sips on a bottle of Hennessy.

Twelve years later, even Cole’s wildest dreams probably couldn’t have predicted how his Hall of Fame rap career would’ve played out.

The “No Role Modelz” rhymer surprise dropped his Might Delete Later mixtape in April. The project went on to debut atop the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The set launched with 115,000 equivalent album units earned in the tracking week of April 5-11, according to Luminate.

These days, J. Cole has been sticking to the features and most recently hopped on scorching NYC rapper Cash Cobain’s “Grippy.”

Watch the “Trae The Truth in Ibiza” video below.

12 Jun 2024

Common & Pete Rock Announce Release Date for Collab Album, Drop New Single ‘Dreamin”

Hip-Hop legends Common and Pete Rock have finally announced the release date and cover art for their highly anticipated collab album, The Auditorium Vol. 1. The project is set to drop Friday, July 12, and will be available digitally, on CD, vinyl and cassette.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The Chicago emcee took to Instagram on Tuesday (June 11) to reveal the album cover and to tell his fans how excited he is.

“For me, this all started with A Dream. A Dream to let the world know I’ve been here. A dream to be a part of Hip Hop. A Dream to MC at a level where De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, KRS-One and Ice Cube knew who I was,” he captioned the artwork, which features Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, N.Y. “It’s been a dream of mine to work with the LEGENDARY @realpeterock (on more than just one song). I’ve been Dreamin’ my whole life.

Trending on Billboard

“I am super geeked and supremely grateful to announce our New Album – The Auditorium Vol. 1 dropping July 12,” he continued. “I have to say, the love you all have been showing has been INCREDIBLE. And know, anytime someone says they are ‘looking forward to that album you are doing with Pete Rock’ – It just makes me happy to be a part of this art form. We pray and hope that this music will move your spirit and be with you for the rest of your life. Thanks to all who helped make it happen and to all of you for the Supreme Love. GOD Bless.”

Pete Rock also had a message to share in the comments section: “I honor our friendship since 91 home slice lol. This was a dream i had for years to come together with you on something! Now we get to show everyone the results after working with each other on our 1st album ever! Man this is exciting my bro Thank you so much for this @common”

The duo has been working this album the old-school way, already releasing two singles, and both songs highlight why these two are considered legends. Lead single “Wise Up” arrived a few weeks back in May, and performed the second single “Dreamin” on Vevo ctrl, which you can check out up top.

See Common’s announcement below:

12 Jun 2024

Cazzu Says She’s ‘OK’ After Christian Nodal, Ángela Aguilar Confirm Romance: ‘Let’s Live & Let Live’

Just days after Christian Nodal and Ángela Aguilar confirmed their romantic relationship, Cazzu is speaking out and thanking fans for checking in on her. On Wednesday (June 12), the Argentine singer and rapper (born Julieta Cazzuchelli), Nodal’s former partner and mother of their 9-month-old daughter Inti, shared just how much this situation has been for her to handle, without mentioning her ex or his new love interest.

“It is very overwhelming to be news everywhere for something like this,” she began her statement, which she posted to her Instagram Stories. “I always tried to avoid this side of the media exposure so mercilessly, and today to live it in this great dimension without having done anything to have so much attention and for my name to roll everywhere, it is an immense shame. But I take responsibility for my choices and also for what I have no control over. That is why I give you these words.”

Trending on Billboard

She continued: “I feel the need to let you know that I AM OK, going through it in the best way possible. I choose to step away from networks for a while to detox and focus on my baby, who is my priority, and on my work while everything calms down out there. Life is not totally beautiful or totally horrible, nor are people completely 100% good or bad, there are always grays and shades, but the important thing is to breathe and resist with love the necessary processes and learn. Thank you for the concern of so many. Now let’s turn the page, let’s live and let live.”

Nodal and Cazzu announced in May that they had ended their relationship after two years together. In a joint statement, both posted on Instagram: “The time has come to share that Julieta and I are going our separate ways,” Nodal wrote, which Cazzu reposted on her own account. “Our love and respect for each other remains strong, especially in our role as parents to our wonderful daughter, Inti.”

Less than a month later, Nodal and Aguilar confirmed they were a couple. On Monday (June 10), in an exclusive statement to HOLA!, Aguilar shared, “It is not a new relationship; it’s the continuation of a story that life made us pause so we could grow and miss each other. Because when we let go, we returned even closer.”

A day later, Nodal opened up in a video statement on Instagram. “First of all, Julieta is a person I love and who has my respect for life. We are public figures, we are artists, but we are not masters at life,” he said. “Love doesn’t always work. Our cycle together ended in the best possible way. It was a love that gave us the most precious gift that could have come to us in life, the most beautiful thing we could have done together, which is Inti, my daughter, who I will always love, who I will always take care of. And in that relationship there will never be a third party, there was never any infidelity.”

12 Jun 2024

Jelly Roll Unveils Emotional New Single ‘I Am Not Okay’: Stream It Now

Just days after notching his fourth consecutive Billboard Country Airplay chart-topper with “Halfway to Hell,” Jelly Roll has released his new ballad, “I Am Not Okay.”

“I Am Not Okay” is an emotionally raw song that delves into the singer’s emotional pain and struggles with mental health. “I know I can’t be the only one/ Who’s holding on for dear life,” Jelly Roll sings, ultimately concluding, “I’m not okay but it’s all gonna be alright.”

Jelly Roll, a former hip-hop artist, has seen his star surge in country music thanks to his 2023 album Whitsitt Chapel, along with a slate of hits including “Need a Favor” “Son of a Sinner” and his Lainey Wilson collaboration “Save Me.” “Save Me” earned Jelly Roll and Wilson a Grammy nomination for best country duo/group performance, while Jelly Roll also picked up a nomination for best new artist at this year’s Grammy Awards (he won new artist of the year at last year’s CMA Awards).

Trending on Billboard

“I Am Not Okay,” which Jelly Roll first performed as part of the season finale of The Voice, previews new music to come from the rising star. In an April interview with Audacy, Jelly Roll noted that fans can expect some “crazy” collaborations on the way, including some non-country collabs.

“I got some features,” he said. “I [collaborated] with some crazy people in and out of genre. I reached, man. I tell you what, I ain’t got no shame. I’ll shoot my shot.”

He also performed the new song during CMA Fest in Nashville, where he closed out the Saturday (June 8) performances at Nissan Stadium. His performance also marked the fulfillment of a life-long dream for the Antioch, Tennessee native, as it look place close to Nashville’s Juvenile Detention Center, a place where Jelly Roll was previously incarcerated as a teen. He dedicated his performance to teens who are currently at the center, growing emotional as he said, “I know they can hear us because I was one of them, one time. I was in and out of jail and in and out of drug addiction, and tonight I am headlining CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium.”

Watch the lyric video for “I Am Not Okay” below:

12 Jun 2024

Rihanna Wants This Actress to Play Her in a Biopic ‘Because She’s Got a Nice Forehead’

We’re still a long ways away from the days of a Rihanna biopic going into production, but it’s never a bad idea to plan ahead.

E! News caught up with Ri while on the red carpet at her Fenty Hair launch event Monday (June 10), and asked the beauty mogul who she’d like to see take on the role of Bad Gal RiRi.

“Taylor Russell,” she said in approval of the 29-year-old Canadian actress before pointing to a specific physical feature. “You know why? Because she’s got, like, a nice forehead.”

Rihanna continued: “She’s, like, fly. And I feel like I want to be her, so I want her to pretend to be me. I want people to see me in that light.”

Russell has yet to publicly react to Rihanna crowning her as the one with the prestigious honor. The actress is best known for starring in A24’s Waves as well as Bones and All.

Trending on Billboard

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell at the 2024 Met Gala: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024 in New York City.

Gilbert Flores

Fans were worried a biopic could be arriving sooner than later after Rihanna was spotted rocking an “I’m Retired” shirt, but the nine-time Grammy winner calmed the Navy down when explaining to Extra that it was just purely a fashion statement.

“That was just me looking into the future. I’m not retired. I just like that dress. I got it as a gift and I loved it,” she said. “They didn’t read the second line, I’m not retired, I’m just retired from dressing up — it’s a lot of effort.”

There was even an album update. Rihanna explained that she’s starting over, and is prepared to get back in the studio and finally begin recording for R9. “Yeah, I’m starting over,” RiRi declared to Entertainment Tonight. “But I don’t want to neglect the songs that I have, so I actually want to go back and listen to stuff with new ears, with my new perspective and then see what applies and what I’m still in love with.”

Watch the clip of Rihanna showing love to Taylor Russell below.