Music News

27 Sep 2023

Robin Thicke Says ‘Masked Singer’ Season 10 Will Mix It Up While Bringing Back Fan-Favorite Challenges

Robin Thicke grew up on TV sets. His beloved late father, Alan Thicke, played everyone’s favorite TV dad, Dr. Jason Seaver, on the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains, as well as hosting game shows and talk shows and producing and writing the iconic theme songs to a number of sitcoms (Diff’rent Strokes) and game shows (Wheel of Fortune).

But after deciding early on to focus on music and releasing eight studio albums — including 2013’s multi-platinum Blurred Lines, which featured the Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping title track — Thicke took what he thought would be a brief detour into prime-time TV when he joined the panel of The Masked Singer.

Fast-forward more than four years, and Thicke is gearing up for Wednesday night’s (Sept. 27) launch of the reality singing competition’s 10th season and marveling at how much joy he takes from the guessing games he gets to play with fellow panelists Ken Jeong, Nicole Scherzinger and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg every week.

Before the season 10 debut, Thicke sat down with Billboard for a chat about this year’s new format; whether he really, seriously has no idea who is under those masks; his opinion on why the show has struck such a chord with viewers during a wild few years; and his plans for the follow-up to his 2021 album On Earth, and in Heaven.

Your dad spent seven years in prime time on Growing Pains and logged hundreds of episodes on game shows. Did you ever imagine you’d follow in his footsteps and put up 10 seasons on a prime-time show?

There was a moment when I never saw myself as a TV guy. I loved and idolized my father — he was my Greek God — but I definitely wanted to pave my own way and be an artist and I didn’t see myself as a TV guy. Then, this opportunity came and when we finished the first season and T-Pain was the winner as Monster… I came home and said, “This could be a hit show!” I looked up at the sky and said, “My dad would love this.” He loved prime-time TV and he loved hosting all kinds of shows and would have been jealous of [Masked Singer host] Nick Cannon. He loved every day of work and always joked that he was the affordable [season 8 Masked contestant and Star Trek star] William Shatner.

This season will really mix it up, taking the best styles from previous seasons, using the Wild Card, Battle Royale and Ding Dong Keep It bell and all kinds of themed nights (Elton John, Harry Potter, Trolls Night). How do you keep things fresh after this many seasons?

Any time a show gets around season 7, it starts to stale out and you have to rejuvenate it. The last few seasons the theme nights have been so fun — Elton John, the disco night we did last season was amazing — and I think what’s great about season 10 bringing back favorite contestants (Jewel, Bret Michaels, Le’Veon Bell) and the fan-favorite elements from previous seasons [will keep it fun].

Do you have any say in the theme nights? This year’s sounds fun: NFL, One Hit Wonders…

It gives us a chance to dress silly like we’re going to a themed birthday party. It’s a blast to dress up. We are so in love with each other from the beginning. I had never met Ken, but I knew Jenny from a couple parties and Nicole and I were both on Interscope at the same time… Nick and I knew each other from the Real Husbands of Hollywood. In fact, Nick was the one who suggested me [for the panel], so I have to thank him for. When we first started I didn’t know if it was my thing, but then I kind of fell in love with it and it was a blessing.

Readers ask all the time, so I have to ask: Do you really have no idea who the singers are? 

Absolutely not. We’re not near them and we don’t hear them warming up. Most of the time, up until the last second [I don’t know who they are]. It’s only when I hear a familiar voice that I’ve listened to a million times and know the voice in my head [that I can guess it]. The amount of times when one of us thought we were 100% sure and were wrong…

I am a bit bummed that he’s never tweeted at me about it — since I have consistently referred to him as “Always Wrong Ken Jeong” — but, seriously, how does the good Doctor always get it so wrong?

He’s starting to take it more seriously lately. But he’s the court jester and he loves to have fun and nobody has more fun than Ken. He brings the drama and energizes the crowd.

Have there ever been ones that you figured out right away because they had a tell only you would know?

I used to watch the Ricki Lake show as a teenager in school, and when she was touching her heart when she was speaking [during season 1], I was like, “That’s Ricki Lake!” And when [fellow season 1 contestant and NFL great] Terry Bradshaw laughs, his shoulders pump up and down, so as soon as he started talking I was like, “That’s Terry! I know that laugh!”

You have four kids, and contestants often tell me they do the show because their kids love it or they love watching with their kids. How do yours feel about it?

They love it. Because of COVID restrictions, I finally just brought the three young ones to their first full shoot during season 10, and they had the time of their lives. Their eyes were glued to the stage and they asked all kinds of questions later. I think it’s kind of a surreal, magic land experience with crazy characters and beautiful scenery and amazing music and dancing.

I know Nicole is still around this season [before sitting out season 11 during her current run as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard in London], but how do you feel about Rita Ora stepping in for the next one?

Nicole is part of the OG four, so she’s on Mount Rushmore. We’re so lucky to have Rita, who is just a pro and so lovable and funny. … She blended in perfectly and is also a ham like the rest of us. We blend in like a nice smoothie.

Why do you think this show has struck such a chord with viewers? Is there something about this crazy time we’re living in that has made it so popular?

You can do everything by yourself now with streaming [and phones]. The warmth of community and brotherhood and sisterhood is dwindling, so I think it’s important any opportunities we have to go to a ball game or go with a bunch of friends to a concert where everyone puts their phone down to watch the show. That’s rare in these days and the bond we bring is meaningful.

This show has kept you busy for years, do you have any music you’re working on to give you a break from your day job?

My home burned down in the [2018] Malibu fires, so I’ve been on the road for four years and having children, so I have a big vault of unreleased music. Since we moved back to the Malibu house, the past eight or nine months have been the most productive I’ve been for years. I’m excited for new music at the top of 2024… I have 75% of the album done.

27 Sep 2023

Katy Perry Is Making Her ‘Peppa Pig’ Debut for the Show’s 20th Anniversary

Move over, Peppa Pig! It’s time to make some room for Ms. Leopard. On Wednesday (Sept. 27), Hasbro announced that Billboard chart-topping superstar Katy Perry is set to join the Peppa Pig show in 2024.

The “Harleys In Hawaii” singer will voice a new character in an episode from a three-part Peppa Pig Wedding Party Special set to premiere next spring. Perry will voice a dressmaker named Ms. Leopard, who assists with the preparations for the first-ever Peppa Pig wedding. The union of Mr. Bull and Mrs. Crow was a surprise to everyone, but the whole community comes together to make it a memorable moment for the happy couple.

“We’re incredibly thrilled to have such an A-list talent join the family-fun adventures in Peppa Pig! As a loving parent and fan of Peppa herself, Katy Perry is a perfect fit to voice the character of Ms. Leopard,” said Olivier Dumont, president of Hasbro Entertainment. The new Peppa Pig role will mark Perry’s first voice performance since she returned as Smurfette in 2013’s The Smurfs 2.

According to the press release, all casting and filming for the Peppa Pig Wedding Party Special were contracted and completed before the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, and are compliant with SAG-AFTRA rules and conditions.

Perry gave birth to her first child — a daughter named Daisy Dove Bloom with actor Orlando Bloom — about a year and a half before she launched her successful Play Las Vegas residency. Daisy Dove arrived two days before the release of Smile (2020), her most recent studio album. In a recent interview on Good Morning America, Perry said, “I haven’t put any new material out since my darling Daisy. I think that I’m writing a lot and have written a lot from a place of love because I’m feeling so much of it — so much unconditional love, that love you never knew existed.”

Peppa Pig is a British preschool animated television series that has been airing for nearly 20 years across nine seasons in over 180 territories. Peppa Pig has released three studio albums — 2019’s My First Album, 2021’s Peppa’s Adventures: The Album and 2022’s Peppa’s Club: The Album — the first of which peaked at No. 79 on the U.K. album charts.

Check out Peppa’s exciting new announcement below:

27 Sep 2023

Jung Kook Prepares to Say Checkmate With Jack Harlow in ‘3D’ Teaser Video: Watch

Get ready, BTS ARMY! Jung Kook‘s newest single, “3D” featuring Jack Harlow, is slated to arrive this Friday (Sept. 29). To drum up anticipation for the song’s release, the K-pop star shared a teaser for the song’s music video on Wednesday (Sept. 27), which provides both a snippet of the song and an idea of the concept for the visual.

The 30-second clip kicks off with Jung Kook wearing an all-white suit and ominously walking up a set of stairs that seemingly leads to nowhere. The visual then cuts to a van filled with people who exit throughout the back door to an empty courtyard, with Jung Kook later reappearing in an all-black outfit, holding a sledgehammer.

The following scene shows the star playing a game of chess with a pal who looks to be Harlow. After ringing the bell, the teaser goes black, stating the track’s release date against a snippet of the BTS star singing, “I wanna see it/ In motion, in 3D.”

“3D,” Jung Kook’s second solo single, was announced on Saturday (Sept. 23) by BTS’ label, BigHit Music. In a note shared to Weverse, the song was described as “a pop R&B track with clever expressions of feelings toward an unattainable person from the perspectives of first, second, and third dimensions. Get ready to meet an even more mature side of Jung Kook following ‘Seven (feat. Latto).’ Jack Harlow has featured in this track, bringing his unique rap style and adding zest to the song.”

Ahead of the announcement, Harlow took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and wrote, “I’ll fly u from Korea to Kentucky,” prompting some fans to speculate it may be lyrics to his verse.

“3D” follows Jung Kook’s hit single “Seven” featuring Latto. The track crowned the Billboard Hot 100 after its July release and has spent a total of 10 weeks on the chart.

Watch the teaser for “3D” above.

27 Sep 2023

Bruce Springsteen Postpones Remaining 2023 Shows to Recover From Peptic Ulcer Disease

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band have pulled their remaining 2023 tour dates as Springsteen continues to recover from peptic ulcer disease. Among the postponed dates are a November Canadian run and his Dec. 4 and 6 dates at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum.

The postponed dates will move into 2024, with rescheduled dates to be announced next week, according to a statement. 

“Bruce Springsteen has continued to recover steadily from peptic ulcer disease over the past few weeks and will continue treatment through the rest of the year on doctor’s advice,” according to the statement released earlier Wednesday (Sept. 27), four days after Springsteen celebrated his 74th birthday. “With this in mind, and out of an abundance of caution, all remaining 2023 tour dates for Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will be postponed until 2024.”

While the tour has garnered Springsteen some of the best reviews of his long career, this development is the latest rough spot in terms of staying on the road. On Sept. 6, Springsteen announced the postponement of his nine September dates and revealed the peptic ulcer disease diagnosis. That news came after his Aug. 16 and 18 shows in Philadelphia had been postponed (and subsequently rescheduled for August 2024). Three shows in March had also been postponed for unspecified illness. 

There were 14 remaining shows on the band’s 2023 schedule, which was set to wrap Dec. 12 at San Francisco’s Chase Center. 

The 2023 tour kicked off at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., for a 28-show U.S. leg, before launching a 31-show European leg at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona. The most recent leg of Springsteen & The E Street Band’s 2023 tour began on Aug. 9 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

The rescheduled dates will all take place at their originally scheduled venues. Ticketholders unable to make the new dates have 30 days to request a refund.

“Thanks to all my friends and fans for your good wishes, encouragement, and support,” said Springsteen in the statement. “I’m on the mend and can’t wait to see you all next year.”

Read the band’s full statement below:

27 Sep 2023

Travis Kelce Calls Taylor Swift ‘Ballsy’ for Taking Him Up on Chiefs Game Invite: ‘She Looked Amazing’

Brothers Jason and Travis Kelce just shared their first New Heights podcast episode since Taylor Swift made headlines with her Kansas City Chiefs game visit over the weekend — and of course, they had to talk about it.

After conceding that the siblings had, up until now, been steering clear of the subject on the show “out of respect” for Travis’ personal life, the Chiefs tight end joked, “Yeah, my personal life that’s not so personal. I did this to myself, Jason!” He also noted on the episode — which dropped Wednesday (Sept. 27) — that he’s under a brighter spotlight now following Swift’s visit to Kansas City. “I’m on a roller coaster, man!” he said. “I’m noticing a few things — paparazzi outside my house, s–t like that.”

“Shoutout to Taylor for pulling up!” he continued. “That was pretty ballsy. That was pretty ballsy, yeah. I just thought it was awesome how everybody in the suite had nothing but great things to say about her, the friends and family — she looked amazing. Everybody was talking about her in great light and on top of that, the day went perfect for Chiefs fans, of course.”

In case you somehow missed it, the “Anti-Hero” singer was the guest of honor — at Travis’ invitation — at Sunday’s Chiefs-Bears game at Arrowhead Stadium, where she was captured cheering on Travis’ team and talking excitedly with the Kelces’ mother, Donna. Afterward, she left the stadium with the younger Kelce in his convertible, something that has fans more convinced than ever that a romance has sprung up between the two stars after weeks of speculation.

“To see the slow-motion chest bumps, to see the high-fives with Mom, to see how Chiefs Kingdom was all excited that she was there,” Travis added. “It was definitely a game I’ll remember, that’s for d–n sure. Then we just slid off in the getaway car at the end. Took my Chevelle to the game.”

Unfortunately for Travlor shippers, it doesn’t seem like the Kansas City player has any plans to share more about his connection with Swift, whom he first admitted to having a crush on after failing to slip her his phone number at an Eras Tour concert in May. “It is my personal life and I want to respect both of our lives,” he told his brother before joking, “She’s not in the media as much as I am, doing this show every single week … I’m enjoying life, and I sure as hell enjoyed this weekend.”

“Everything moving forward, I think me talking about sports … is kinda where I keep it,” he added.

Travis and Jason did, however, take some time to answer some basic football questions sent in by Swifties who, in light of recent events, have taken a new interest in the NFL. The two also reacted to some of the most newsworthy comments made about the public interest caused by Swift’s attendance Sunday, including Patriots manager Bill Belichick joking that the musician might just turn into the “biggest catch” of Travis’ career.

“Even Bill Belichick! Belichick, he hasn’t talked much about me outside of, you know, game weeks that we played,” Kelce laughed. “But dude made sure to remind me that’s the best catch I’ve ever had in my life!”

Watch Travis Kelce talk about Taylor Swift’s Chiefs game appearance below:

27 Sep 2023

Lady A on Maren Morris Deciding to Leave Country Music: ‘You’ve Got to Listen to Your Heart’

Maren Morris shook up the world of country music when she announced earlier this month that she would be leaving the genre, and Lady A are wishing her well as she departs.

In an interview with Billboard, the country trio shared that they heard of Morris’ decision to leave the genre, and felt that she needed to follow her instincts. “I think that, at the end of the day, you’ve got to listen to your heart,” lead singer and guitarist Charles Kelley said. “If this is what her heart is saying, then more power to her.”

Kelley also applauded the singer’s musical chops. “I mean, we love her music,” he said. “If [country] doesn’t feel like it’s where she is right now … I’m always gonna be a fan of her music wherever it’s played. If you’re making great music, you’re making great music.”

Along with the release of her latest singles “The Bridge” and “Get the Hell Out of Here,” Morris told The Los Angeles Times that she couldn’t justify staying in a genre that she felt was sociopolitically out of sync with her beliefs. “After the Trump years, people’s biases were on full display. It just revealed who people really were and that they were proud to be misogynistic and racist and homophobic and transphobic. All these things were being celebrated,” she said. “I thought I’d like to burn it to the ground and start over. But it’s burning itself down without my help.”

For Lady A, country music is less about a system of belief and more about a sound that they enjoy playing. “We just try to focus on authentic music that we love, and as country music fans, we feel like this is the genre for us,” Kelley says.

As for online debates about the political leanings of country music, Kelley said he didn’t have much interest in participating. “I try not to focus on too much of the social media world,” he said. “There is definitely a lot of debate out there, but I can tell you, at least speaking for myself, I just want to focus on the music.”

Fellow lead singer Hillary Scott added that it was important for the band to create “safe spaces for the fans to come and enjoy” their music above all else.

Check out Lady A’s latest single “Love You Back” — a song that Scott says is all about “wanting to give the fans what they want” — below:

27 Sep 2023

Jason Kelce Says Brother Travis Kelce Is Being a ‘Gentleman’ With Taylor Swift

Jason Kelce has given a much-desired update on the status of his brother Travis Kelce‘s relationship status with Taylor Swift, a rumored match that sent the world into a frenzy after the pop star attended Sunday’s Kansas City Chiefs vs. Chicago Bears game at Arrowhead Stadium.

In a new interview with DeCamara & Ritchie on Audacy’s SportsRadio 94 WIP, the elder Kelce — who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles — fielded questions about Swift’s time in Kansas City over the weekend, during which she spent the NFL game passionately cheering for Travis’ team in a private box suite alongside the Kelces’ mother, Donna, before leaving the stadium with the Chiefs tight end. Swift’s attendance — which has been commented upon by everyone in football from Patrick Mahomes to Bill Belichick — definitely didn’t dispel rumors that the musician and athlete may be dating, which began surfacing in recent months after Travis confessed in May to having a crush on Swift.

“It was fun watching the whole world take it in, to be honest with you,” Jason told the radio show Wednesday morning (Sept. 27). “But yeah, I’m more focused on talking to Trav and Mom after the game and seeing how everything went, and hopefully, everything went smoothly for her.”

“I saw videos of the brigade that the Chiefs had to put outside the suite that she was in – you just hope that somebody of her level and stature can enjoy the game,” he continued, touching on the global superstar’s security needs. “And it certainly, I mean, seemed like she was enjoying it from all accounts and everybody I talked to, so you’re kind of just hoping that she had a good time, and you’re asking questions about her to your mom and whatnot.”

The Eagles offensive lineman went on to address whether his brother and Swift had taken things to the next level following Sunday’s game — although, much like the rest of the world, he doesn’t know that much about it. “I wish I could tell you. I have gotten no inclination from Travis as to what his batting percentage has been or anything like that,” he admitted.

Jason did share, however, that he believes his little bro is opting to take things slow with the “Anti-Hero” singer. “I would say with this one, it definitely seems like he is going above and beyond to be a gentleman,” said the Eagles’ center. “I think that he can probably handle both of those gears when necessary.” 

His latest comments on “Travlor” come about a week after he first fueled the rumor mill by joking that the speculation about his brother’s love life was “one hundred percent true.” Now, he clarifies that he was “just trying to be sarcastic.”

Said Jason: “I’m happy that it finally happened out in the public side, so I can hopefully stop being asked questions about it.”

27 Sep 2023

The 1975’s Matty Healy Says Band Is Going on ‘Indefinite Hiatus’ After Current Tour Wraps

Matty Healy said The 1975 will go on an “indefinite hiatus” when the group completes dates for its current Still… At Their Very Best world tour in late March 2024. The band — who’ve been on the road playing festivals and headlining gigs since March 2022 — kicked off the first leg of their current run on Sept. 16 in Atlanta.

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On the third date of the outing — slated to run through a March 24, 2024 show in Amsterdam — at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA on Tuesday night (Sept. 26), the NME reported that Healy told the crowd near the end of the set that the 1975 would take an open-ended pause after their two-year global trek.

“It’s wonderful you’re all here,” he told the crowd in video captured by fans. “After this tour, we will be going on an indefinite hiatus with shows, so it’s wonderful to have you guys with us tonight. Thank you so much.” Last month, the band extended the current tour with the addition of a string of 2024 UK and European dates.

The Still… At Their Very Best run of shows has spawned a string of viral moments this year, most of which were focused on Healy’s attention-grabbing stage antics. After the singer made comments critical of Malaysia’s anti-LBGTQ laws and kissed his male bandmate on stage at the Good Vibes Festival in July, the event’s organizer said they are seeking $2.7 million in restitution from the group. Healy then appeared to joke about his group’s Malaysian “ban” during a headlining slot at Lollapalooza in Chicago in August; the 1975 cancelled shows in Indonesia and Taiwan following the incident in Malaysia.

In June, Healy said he was “not very online” following his reported split with Taylor Swift after a rumored brief fling; neither side ever commented on or confirmed any relationship after photos of the two holding hands in New York sparked heated speculation. In other provocations on the road, Healy kissed a security guard in Denmark in June, sort of apologized for offensive racist remarks he made about Ice Spice in a podcast interview in April and sucked a fan’s thumb at a show in January.

At press time a spokesperson for the 1975 had not responded to Billboard‘s request for clarification on whether the announced “hiatus” was a planned break from touring after the lengthy two-year trek or if the time out had another explanation. The 1975 spent two years on the Music For Cars tour in 2018-2020, then took a two-year break from the road before kicking off the At Their Very Best tour on Nov. 3, 2022.

See footage of Healy’s hiatus comment below.

27 Sep 2023

‘Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats’ Stop-Motion Special Won’t Leave You ‘Alone on Halloween’: Song Preview

Just in time for Spooky Season, Disney’s latest stop-motion special Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats is floating to a screen near you.

In the new special — which premieres Sunday on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD and hits streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu — Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy go trick-or-treating at a spooky mansion only to be greeted by the wicked Witch Hazel, who turns the five friends into real-life versions of their Halloween costumes.

Beau Black

Beau Black

Trick or Treats includes new songs from Daytime Emmy-nominated songwriter Beau Black, who is celebrating 10 years making music with Disney Junior. On Friday, Walt Disney Records will release an EP that includes Black’s three original songs from the special: “Fright Night,” “Alone on Halloween” and “Friends Like You Make Halloween.”

Below, Billboard has an exclusive first look and listen of “Alone on Halloween,” performed by Witch Hazel (Misty Lee), while Minnie the spider, Goofy the ghost and the other transformed friends scramble to dodge more magic spells. “Alone” is one of 10 song highlights that Black shared with Billboard as he celebrates a decade of making music with Disney Junior, which has included Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Miles From Tomorrowland, the Lion King spin-off series The Lion Guard and Firebuds, among many others.

Check out Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats starting Sunday, and find Black’s 10 musical highlights for 10 years below, wrapping with “Alone on Halloween.”

27 Sep 2023

J. Cole Posts Letter Colin Kaepernick Sent to NY Jets After Aaron Rodgers Injury: ‘I Hope There’s a Spot Out There For My Boy Kap’

J. Cole would like NY Jets fans to change their famous chant from J-E-T-S! to “Kap-Kap-Kap!”

On Tuesday (Sept. 26), Cole posted a letter he said he obtained from exiled NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, in which the player who famously got sidelined after taking a knee during the National Anthem in protest of police brutality and racial inequality in 2016 offered up his services to the Jets in the wake of the week-one injury to Aaron Rodgers. Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the 49ers in 2017 after his protest made international headlines and offered himself up as a free agent, but the six-year veteran has not had any offers from another NFL team since.

“I asked Colin @kaepernick7 if I could share this letter with the world. He was reluctant,” Cole said of the note dated Sept. 21. “My argument was that I believe the people and all organizations should know the truth about how hard he works and how much he still wants to play. And always has. In the end, he agreed to let me.”

In his note, the former San Francisco 49ers QB told the Jets’ GM Joe Douglas that he would be “honored and extremely grateful for the opportunity to come in and lead the practice squad.” At press time it did not appear that Kaepernick had posted the letter on his socials, or commented on Cole posting it.

“I’m writing, of course, in response to the unfortunate loss of Aaron Rodgers. I know the aspirations this season were, and still are, to win a championship, and so that Hall of Fame sized hole will need to be filled as best as possible to keep the team on a Super Bowl track,” Kaepernick wrote in his note about the loss of the legendary Rodgers, who went down with a torn Achilles tendon just four plays into his first season with the Jets.

“As of right now, Zach Wilson is charged with that task, and I wish him and the rest of the team the best moving forward,” Kaepernick continued. “However, I know that there are currently depth issues at the position, and I’ve heard that the back-up spot is likely to be filled by a veteran Quarterback. As much as I would love the opportunity to fill that spot, I’m writing you in hopes that you can imagine a much different approach involving me.”

Kaep said he would be happy to lead the practice squad in an effort to help the team’s defense be ready each week by giving them the advantage of getting a “truer read on the more mobile/athletic/versatile quarterbacks it will face in weeks 4, 5, and 6 (Mahomes, Wilson, and Hurts.”

It would also, of course, allow the team to get a look at where Kaepernick is at this point, football-wise, after more than six years on the shelf. Kaepernick assured the Jets that he has not stopped training since his exile, working out every weekday, while attaching a list of references that included Michigan head coach (and former 49ers coach) Jim Harbaugh, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and UCLA head coach (and former 49ers coach) Chip Kelly.

Rumors about Kaepernick’s availability and interest have been swirling for several weeks, following the Rodgers loss that instantly deflated title chances for the Jets, who are currently mired in the longest active playoff drought in the league at 12 seasons.

“I wish the @nyjets organization luck. My boy @bas is a big ass fan so I saw the heartbreak of every Jets fan when Arod went down,” added Cole, who shouted out CKaep on the 2018 Miguel track “Come Through and Chill,” where he rhymed, “In case my lack of reply had you catchin’ them feelings/ Know you’ve been on my mind like Kaepernick kneelin’/ Or police killings, or Trump sayin’ slick s–t.”

“@richeisen Everyone from players, to coaches, to execs are feeling the pressure I’m sure. I hope y’all can turn it around, and I hope there’s a spot out there for my boy Kap.”

See Cole’s post below.