Music News

31 Jul 2023

Billie Eillish’s ‘Bad Guy’ Receives RIAA Diamond Certification: ‘Forever & Ever Grateful to This Silly Little Song’

Billie Eilish and Finneas officially have a diamond certified single under their belts. On Monday (July 31), the “What Was I Made For?”‘ singer took to Instagram to express her excitement of her 2019 smash hit, “Bad Guy,” receiving the Recording Industry Association of America’s highest honor.

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“Bad Guy went diamond………………………. HUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH??????????” she captioned a photo of herself in the all yellow outfit from the track’s music video. “Forever and ever grateful for this silly little song man. love you guys so much its stupid @finneas.”

Finneas, her brother who produced the single, reposted Eilish’s post to his Instagram Stories and added, “This is f—ing crazy actually.” Established in 1999, RIAA diamond certifications are awarded to singles or album that have solf a minimum of 10,000,000 units in its lifetime.

“Bad Guy” stands as Eilish’s most successful single to date — the track hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August of 2019 and spent a total of 49 weeks on the chart. Released as the fifth single from the 21-year-old’s debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, the track helped the LP peak at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. By 2020, Eilish swept the Grammy Awards’ Big Four categories — record and song of the year for “Bad Guy,” album of the year for When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and best new artist.

Revisit the music video for Eilish’s “Bad Guy” above, and see her post celebrating the achievement below.

31 Jul 2023

5 Best Moments From Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium

Queen Bey’s world tour graced the massive venue for two nights.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at MetLife Stadium on July 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood

Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour rolled into East Rutherford, N.J.’s MetLife Stadium over the weekend (July 29-30), bringing tens of thousands of fans from New York, New Jersey and beyond (license plates from Texas and Florida were spotted in the parking lot) to one of the biggest stadiums in America. After a career-best tour leg in Europe, which netted her $154.4 million, according to Billboard Boxscore, Bey is back – and MetLife attendees are sleeping real good at night knowing they caught a knockout set from an artist in the midst of a creative peak.

Her Billboard 200-topping, Grammy-winning album Renaissance (featuring her latest No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Break My Soul”) is a gift to diva-house aficionados and her longtime queer fanbase, which was out in full force over the weekend. While Renaissance naturally took up the lion’s share of the generous 30-plus song setlist, she played a wide-range of tracks from The Lion King: The Gift to B’Day to 4, as well as several covers.

The ever-shifting set design was a visual feast, boasting everything from a giant translucent horse to a bed that suggested Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus to robot arms swinging around while holding rave fans. At one point, she rode atop a giant silver vehicle that looked suited for the lunar surface while a Pan-African flag flashed on the screen behind her; during another standout moment, Bey and her troupe of dancers strutted around the circular b-stage while she rapped her “Break My Soul (Queens Remix”) homage to living and late musical legends.

Below, here are five amazing moments from the Sunday (July 30) show at MetLife.  

31 Jul 2023

Cardi B Concertgoer Files Police Report After Star Throws Microphone at Las Vegas Show

A concertgoer has filed a police report after Cardi B was captured on video at a Las Vegas event throwing her microphone at a fan who splashed her with a drink.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed to Billboard on Monday (July 31) that an individual filed a police report Sunday alleging battery, claiming she was “struck by an item that was thrown from the stage.” Police did not mention Cardi by name, but the location of the alleged incident matched the address of the venue at which the rapper was performing.

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In a video of the Saturday incident that went viral on social media over the weekend, the 30-year-old hip-hop star (real name Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar) is seen hurling a microphone at an unruly audience member after they splashed their beverage on her during a performance at Drai’s Beachclub on the Las Vegas Strip.

In their statement on Monday, Las Vegas police said that no arrest or citations had been issued, and that “no further details will be provided at this time.”

A spokesperson for Cardi did not immediately return a request for comment.

Saturday is the latest in a rash of recent incidents in which artists have been struck by objects while performing at concerts. In recent weeks, Drake called out a fan for throwing a vape on stage; Bebe Rexha was injured when a cell phone was hurled at her face; a fan tossed her dead mother’s ashes up onto P!nk’s stage; Kelsea Ballerini was struck by an object mid-song; someone sent a sex toy flying at Lil Nas X; and a mysterious object pelted Harry Styles near the eye and left him wincing in pain.

In Cardi’s case, she was in the middle of delivering her hit song “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” — which spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2017 – when she was suddenly splashed by the liquid from a cup. In a video that the star herself retweeted, she turns angry and throws her mic down into the crowd while appearing to yell.

31 Jul 2023

Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott’s Daughter Stormi Makes Her Musical Debut on ‘Utopia’

Stormi baby is following in her dad’s footsteps!

The five-year-old daughter of Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner makes an adorable appearance on the rapper’s freshly released album, Utopia, as her sweet voice is heard on the track “Thank God.” When Scott shouts out Stormi in the lyric, “Storm’s a minor, but you know she’s livin’ major,” she replies, “That’s right, Daddy.” 

Scott and Jenner share two children together: Stormi and one-year-old son Aire. Rumors began circulating that the couple had split over the holidays following unconfirmed reports that Scott had cheated on Jenner. The duo have dated on and off since 2017, briefly splitting in 2019 before reconciling a year later.

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The Kylie Cosmetics founder has since been romantically linked to actor Timothée Chalamet. Scott seemed to have made a reference to the new relationship on his song, “Meltdown,” when he raps, “Chocolate AP and chocolate the Vs got the Willy Wonka factory/ Burn an athlete like it’s calories/ find another flame hot as me, b—-.”

The Willy Wonka line is seemingly in reference to Chalamet’s lead role in the upcoming film, Wonka. Jenner and Chalamet have not publicly confirmed their relationship.

Listen to Stormi’s cameo on “Thank God” below.

31 Jul 2023

10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through the Week: Tori Kelly, Cafuné, Yeek & More

Looking for some motivation to help power you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.

These 10 tracks from artists including Tori Kelly, Cafuné, LE SSERAFIM, Yeek and more will get you energized to take on the week. Pop any of these gems into your personal playlists — or scroll to the end of the post for a custom playlist of all 10.

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Yeek, “$$$$” 

With sparse 808s and a “cash flow” vocal loop at the top of the song (not to mention the title), “$$$$” seems like it’s gonna be a midtempo hip-hop song — until Yeek’s moody, velvety voice transports it to Weeknd-adjacent territory, fit for late-night cruising down empty streets. Befitting the genre-liberated musician, “$$$$” closes out with a dynamic drum break, which nicely sets up the bedroom alt-rock vibes of the single’s B-side “ETA2” feat. Paris Texas. – JOE LYNCH

Ethan Tasch, “Shell”

Ethan Tasch began his career as an indie-folk artist in 2020, most notably releasing breakout single “Room.” Now, as he prepares for the release of his debut album this month, the artist’s latest offers a sneak peek into the project. On the midtempo “Shell,” Tasch sings of being a shell of himself over a twangy guitar and steadying beat — capturing what it feels like to chug along the best one can, even on the not-so-great-days. – LYNDSEY HAVENS

Tori Kelly, “cut”

Tori Kelly has returned after four years with a captivating EP that makes clear she’s at her most self-assured. “Cut” is a prime example, as the singer’s powerful vocals glide over a beat that fuses ’90s R&B production with a sped-up and shimmering dance-inspired chorus. Not convinced? Take her word for it: “I’m the only one you know who take control,” she asserts. – L.H.

Madeline Kenney, “Reality Mind”

Some of the most effervescent pop moments of 2023 are tucked in the crevices of Madeline Kenney’s just-released album A New Reality Mind, and on “Reality Mind,” the synths are something to behold: as Kenney processes her personal evolution, her voice is surrounded by laser-beam riffs and a lovely pile-up of keys, giving the impression that the singer-songwriter is floating in space as she repeats the titular phrase. – JASON LIPSHUTZ

Nicotine Dolls, “How Do You Love Me”

Looking for a track to scratch the epic alt-rock itch that bands like Snow Patrol used to regularly reach? Look no further than “How Do You Love Me,” a winning new belt-along from NYC group Nicotine Dolls, whose lead singer Sam Cieri wowed on America’s Got Talent last summer and now injects this song with palpable drama and soulful personality. – J. Lipshutz

Cafuné, “Demise”

Cafuné wrote new single “Demise” “about feeling mentally stuck in that internal dialogue of being unkind to yourself; trapped in decision paralysis, silencing yourself for fear of being misunderstood,” according to a press release. Ironic, considering how effortless every aspect of “Demise” sounds: as a preview of the New York duo’s upcoming EP Love Songs for the End, the single radiates strummy pop confidence, particularly in the way the vocal hooks careen off each other. – J. Lipshutz

Moss Kena, “Open Water”

When it comes to buoyant indie-pop, Moss Kena simply doesn’t miss: new single “Open Water” elevates the formula that the singer-songwriter showcased on past tracks “Primadonna” and “Light It Up,” pushing forward with natural metaphors, vocal somersaults and subtle, synth-led production. With a new EP due in September, Kena is continuing to demonstrate his gifts as a pop savant. – J. Lipshutz

Snakehips feat. Muni Long, “My Body // Your Body”

Sweaty and sumptuous, “My Body // Your Body” — released as a new single on the deluxe edition of British production duo Snakehips’ latest album, Never Worry — not only finds the dance veterans in top form, but allows recent R&B breakout star Muni Long depart her “Hrs and Hrs” tempo for a vocally captivating night at the club. It’s still technically July — plenty of time still left in the summer to add this to your favorite warm-weather playlist. – J. Lipshutz

Meernaa, “So Far So Good”

Fans of idiosyncratic, relatively chilled-out indie-pop a la Aldous Harding, Westerman and Nilüfer Yanya should embrace “So Far So Good,” the quietly effective new track from Oakland native Carly Bond, better known as Meernaa. The elegant instrumentation supplements the delectable hooks without overwhelming the song’s catchiest moments, resulting in a handful of blissful refrains that beg to have their details pored over. – J. Lipshutz

LE SSERAFIM, “Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard’s Wife (Rina Sawayama Remix)”

LE SSERAFIM’s latest K-pop banger, “Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard’s Wife,” trades its synth driven instrumentation for something grittier, darker and more becoming of Rina Sawayama’s eclectic style. The “STFU” singer hops on the remix of the track — a perfect complement to the voices of members Sakura, Kim Chae-won, Huh Yun-jin, Kazuha, and Hong Eun-chae — and delivers her verse in a calm and collected manner, coolly boasting about women in history who have been movers and shakers, and suggesting women in the present have just as much fun. “We’re flawless and we’re fearless, deserve to have some fun/ Take the back seat, you know I like that,” she sings. – STARR BOWENBANK

31 Jul 2023

Bob Geldof Says Last Texts From Sinead O’Connor Were Full of ‘Despair and Sorrow’ & ‘Ecstatically Happy’

Bob Geldof shared during a recent show that he had been in contact with longtime friend and labelmate Sinéad O’Connor just weeks before her death, according to Ireland’s The Independent. The Boomtown Rats frontman dedicated the band’s performance at Cavan Calling in Ireland on Saturday (July 29) to the late artist, and shared some details with the crowd about one of his and O’Connor’s final conversations.

“Many, many times Sinead was full of a terrible loneliness and a terrible despair,” he told the crowd, according to The Independent. “She was a very good friend of mine … We were talking right up to a couple of weeks ago.”

He continued, “Some of the texts were laden with desperation and despair and sorrow, and some were ecstatically happy. And she was like that.”

According to the publication, Geldof then went on to discuss O’Connor’s infamous performance of “Nobody Compares 2 U” on Saturday Night Live in 1992, during she condemned the Catholic Church, saying that she was inspired by him doing something similar. “She tore up the picture of the Pope because she saw me tearing up a picture of John Travolta on Top Of The Pops. It was a little more extreme than tearing up f–king disco — tearing up the Vatican is a whole other thing but more correct actually, I should’ve done it.”

O’Connor died July 26. Her family confirmed the news in a statement to BBC, which read, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

31 Jul 2023

Lance Bass, Jack White & More Mourn Paul Reubens & His ‘Genius Character’ Pee-Wee Herman

The entertainment world mourned the loss of an irreplaceable talent on Sunday (July 30), when it was announced that Paul Reubens, the comic actor behind the beloved Pee-wee Herman character, died at age 70.

The sad news was posted to the star’s Facebook and Instagram pages, revealing that Reubens was battling cancer for years. “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” read the message. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”

The announcement asked that fans who wish to honor his memory donate to Stand Up to Cancer and organizations that are involved in dementia and Alzheimer’s care, research and support.

Reuben’s Pee-wee appeared throughout the 1980s in his Saturday morning children’s show Pee-wee’s Playhouse, and later made waves in feature films like Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) and Big Top Pee-wee (1988).

Since the news of his death broke, celebrities and peers have been posting tributes in celebration of the legendary comedic actor. Read on for heartfelt tributes from Lance Bass, Tegan & Sara and more.

“The great Paul Reubens has moved on to a better place. Creator of the genius character Pee Wee Herman, and an actor and comedian of incredible talent, Paul was a good friend to me and reached out any time he felt I was in need. A generous soul who never forgot a birthday or christmas card for those he loved. He had incredible taste in music and was very funny in everyday life. I first got to witness his gift while filming a video for the Raconteurs together, and we became friends instantly. I was just thinking about you last night Paul, peace be with you.” – Jack White on Instagram.

“I got a Pee Wee Herman doll for Christmas when I was seven. My mom let me open it on Christmas Eve. I worked myself into a frenzy over the doll and later threw up in bed (on the doll). My personality between 7-9 was all Pee Wee. RIP Paul. Thanks for the laughs and inspiration. – Tegan & Sara on Twitter.

“’Au revoir Pee Wee! OVWA’! 1952-2023,” – Lance Bass on Instagram.

“Man. Of my 80s teen years, I’ve prolly seen maybe 2 other films slightly more than I seen #PeeWeesBigAdventure ——I mean on #ThatSite I’ve used ‘…& knitting & knitting….’ umpteenth times to emphasize a never ending story. I mean man. This dude was one of the most beautiful coolest dudes EVER man. There is a certain amount of us that thought we were in an exclusive club because this mofo would never let Christmas or a birthday go by without acknowledging it. And his music tales and concerts he went to all those stories. Even our (@qls) friendship with #AleeWillis got sparked off with him when it was Paul who told me who authored the lyrics to Earth Wind & Fire’s ‘September’——-he told me how influential her personal design taste helped inform the house design of Pee Wee’s Playhouse (we visited before she passed and it’s pop culture heaven). Paul was one in a million. Always made you feel like no matter what you did it was important (he gave NOTES on the Elvis Costello lp lol!!!)——this dude was one of the kindest amazing humans ever. I’m really sad about this. I’m also expecting to hear kind blowing stories of his generosity & his humor from all of his friends. Thank you Paul (@PeeWeeHerman) some of my best jokes were authored by you when I was a kid. Rest In Power Paul!” – Questlove on Instagram.

“No tweet can capture the magic, generosity, artistry, and devout silliness of Paul Reubens. Everyone I know received countless nonsensical memes from Paul on their birthday, and I mean EVERYONE. His surreal comedy and unrelenting kindness were a gift to us all. Damn, this hurts.” – Conan O’Brien on Twitter.

“Pee Wee got his wish to fly. Thanks Paul Reubens for the brilliant off the wall comedy. Our boy Pee Wee…” – Steven Martin on Twitter.

31 Jul 2023

The 1975’s Matty Healy Posts Cryptic Comment After Muse Reportedly Change Setlist in Malaysia

Less than two weeks after the Good Vibes Festival was canceled by Malaysian authorities following The 1975 singer Matty Healy’s same-sex onstage kiss with a bandmate, the band’s envelope-pushing singer seemed to have thoughts on another rock group’s actions in the country with notoriously strict anti-LGBTQ laws.

According to NME, Healy weighed in on Muse‘s reported decision to swap a track out of their set during a show at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (July 29) in order to avoid angering local authorities. In a since-vanished Instagram Story, Healy first reportedly posted a screenshot of Muse’s pre-order message that preached “Join the Resistance,” underlining the last two words in red while writing the word “sick” above them; Muse’s 2009 album was called The Resistance.

He then reposted a story about Muse spiking a song – reportedly dumping “We Are Fucking Fucked” from their 2022 Will of the People album in favor of 2009’s “Resistance” — based on an interview with one of the promoters behind Muse’s Asian tour, Hello Universe’s Adam Ashraf. Healy added the phrase “…oh” above that headline. Rojak Daily reported that Hello Universe was assured that “the [Muse] show will go on and as long as the band (Muse) behaves appropriately, everything should be smooth.”

Ashraf also reportedly said Muse’s management reached out to his company after the 1975 incident to ensure that Muse’s set would comply with Malaysia’s guidelines. “They called us shortly after the incident went global,” Ashraf said of the reported reaction to Healy speaking out against the country’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights in an onstage rant, followed by the lengthy kiss with bandmate Ross MacDonald. The 1975’s set ended a half hour early and Healy said his group had been banned from the country; The 1975 later cancelled the rest of their Asian tour.

A spokesperson for Muse had not returned a request for comment at press time on Healy’s post or the reported song swap.

The outspoken Healy’s pre-kiss speech launched a broadside against a country he said is repressing its LGBTQ+ citizens, and eventually led to the cancellation of the remainder of the festival. It may also lead to festival organizer Future Sound Asia considering legal action against The 1975 due to the heavy losses reportedly caused by the cancellation.

The song Muse reportedly spiked contains the lyrics, “We’re at death’s door/ Another world war/ Wildfires and earthquakes I foresaw/ A life in crisis, a deadly virus/ Tsunamis of hate are gonna drown us/ Ah, we are f—ing f–ed/ Ah, we are f—ing f—ed.” It was unclear at press time why that song would have run afoul of Malaysian authorities’ taste. Section 14 of the Malaysian penal code provides for a fine for anyone using “indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting words… [with] intent to provoke a breach of the peace.”

31 Jul 2023

Paul Reubens, Comic Actor Behind Pee-Wee Herman, Dies at 70

Paul Reubens, the comic actor known for his portrayal of the character Pee-wee Herman, has died. He was 70.

News of the star’s death was announced on his Facebook and Instagram pages, which revealed that Reubens died Sunday (July 30) after a battle with cancer. “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” read the message. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”

Included with the announcement was a message from Reubens himself. “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” he wrote. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have love you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”

The announcement asked that fans remember him by making donations in honor of his late parents — Judy and Milton Rubenfeld — to Stand Up to Cancer and organizations that are involved in dementia and Alzheimer’s care, research and support.

Reuben’s beloved character Pee-wee appeared not only on the 1980s Saturday morning children’s show Pee-wee’s Playhouse, but also in feature films Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, which was directed by Tim Burton, and Big Top Pee-wee.

Read the announcement of his passing below:

This is a developing story.

31 Jul 2023

Nicki Minaj Teases Incoming ‘Eargasms’ on ‘Pink Friday 2’: ‘Don’t Make That Serve!’

Nicki Minaj may currently be transforming the Earth into a “Barbie World,” but the Grammy-nominated rapper’s sights are already set on her forthcoming fifth studio album, Pink Friday 2. On Sunday (July 30), the Queens rapper took to Twitter to tease her Barbz about some of the new records on the highly anticipated album.

“Yesterday I worked on my current TOP 2 songs off [Pink Friday 2],” she wrote. “The eargasms that y’all are about to have. Ooohhhh chiiiii huntyyyyy don’t make dat serveeeee.” The effusive tweet confirms that Nicki is still working on material for the new album, and that, at least according to her, fans will fall in love with the new music.

Pink Friday 2 will mark Minaj’s first studio album since 2018’s Queen. In the interim, the rap queen has released a plethora of projects including 2021’s re-release of her breakthrough Beam Me Up Scotty mixtape and last year’s Queen Radio: Volume 1, a compilation album that featured “Super Freaky Girl,” her first unaccompanied No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100.

Earlier this year, the “Super Bass” rapper confirmed that Pink Friday 2 is slated for a Nov. 17 release. Released back in 2010, the original Pink Friday peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spawned hits such as “Super Bass,” “Moment for Life,” “Your Love,” “Right Thru Me” and more.  

2023 has already been another banner year for Minaj. Between her remix of Sexyy Red’s “Pound Town 2,” her Ice Spice-assisted Hot 100 top 10 hits (“Princess Diana” and “Barbie World”) and the Hot 100 top 15 hit “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” Minaj has remained omnipresent on the charts as she continues down the road to Pink Friday 2.

See Minaj’s tweet below: