Music News

11 Jun 2023

Stray Kids’ ‘5-STAR’ Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart

Stray Kids lead a busy week in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 albums chart (dated June 17), as the pop group debuts at No. 1 with 5-STAR. It’s the Korean act’s third chart entry, and third to debut at No. 1, following MAXIDENT and ODDINARY, both in 2022.

The new album launches with 249,500 equivalent album units earned in the United States in the week ending June 8, according to Luminate. That marks the fourth-largest week, by units earned, for any album in 2023. Further, of its starting unit sum, album sales comprise 235,000 — the largest sales week for an album this year, and the biggest for any title since Taylor Swift’s Midnights sold 1.14 million in its first week (Nov. 5, 2022-dated chart).

Also in the top 10 of the new Billboard 200 albums chart, five other titles arrive in the region: Jelly Roll’s Whitsitt Chapel starts at No. 3; ENHYPEN’s Dark Blood bows at No. 4 after its CD release on June 2 (it was issued via streamers and digital download on May 22); Metro Boomin’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack flies in at No. 7; Foo Fighters’ But Here We Are starts at No. 8; and Moneybagg Yo’s Hard to Love enters at No. 10.

With six debuts in the top 10, the region hosts the most new arrivals in over two and a half years, since the Oct. 10, 2020-dated chart, when six albums also began in the top 10.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units, compiled by Luminate. Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album. The new June 17, 2023-dated chart will be posted in full on Billboard‘s website on Tuesday (June 13). For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram.

Of 5-STAR’s 249,500 equivalent album units earned, album sales comprise 235,000, SEA units comprise 14,000 (equaling 19.55 million on-demand official streams of the set’s tracks) and TEA units comprise 500.

As Stray Kids have seen their first three entries on the Billboard 200 all debut at No. 1, the last act also to have its first three chart entries all debut atop the list was Harry Styles, with his first three solo albums: Harry Styles (2017), Fine Line (2019) and Harry’s House (2022).

Like many K-pop releases, the CD edition of 5-STAR was issued in collectible CD packages (18 total, including exclusives for Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart and a signed edition in the group’s webstore), each containing a standard set of bonus items and randomized elements (photo cards, mini posters, sticker sets, photo books). There were also four alternative digital versions of the album, sold only in the act’s webstore, each containing the base song tracklist, but with alternative covers and bonus voice memos from individual members of the eight-member group, each selling for $6.99.

Effectively all of 5-STAR’s first-week album sales were CDs (98%; 231,000), with about 2% from digital album sales (about 4,000). The set was not available in any other retail format (such as vinyl or cassette).

5-STAR is mostly in the Korean language, but includes some English lyrics. It is the 19th mostly non-English language album to hit No. 1, and the third of 2023, following Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito (one week, March 11 chart) and TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s The Name Chapter: Temptation (one week, Feb. 11).

Stray Kids have yet to chart a song on the U.S.-based Billboard Hot 100 songs chart (through the most recently published list, dated June 10). The act has notched four entries on the Billboard Global 200, and seven titles on the Billboard Global 200 Excl. U.S. chart, which rank the most popular songs globally, and globally excluding the U.S., respectively.

Morgan Wallen’s former leader One Thing at a Time is a non-mover at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 117,000 equivalent album units earned (down 7%).

Jelly Roll rocks in at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 with Whitsitt Chapel, starting with 90,000 equivalent album units earned — his biggest week yet and first top 40-charting release. (He previously logged three albums, none going higher than No. 97.) Of the new set’s first-week units, album sales comprise 63,000, SEA units comprise 25,000 (equaling 33.09 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs) and TEA units comprise 2,000.

Whitsitt’s album sales were aided by three vinyl LPs (including a color variant exclusive for Walmart), a standard CD, a signed CD sold through Jelly Roll’s webstore, a deeply-discounted digital album (only $4.20 for a limited time during the tracking week in his webstore), nine deluxe CD boxed sets that included branded merch and a copy of the CD and a “hymnal” Zine/CD package.

ENHYPEN notches its second top 10 on the Billboard 200, and the Korean pop group’s highest charting effort yet, as Dark Blood bows at No. 4 with 88,000 equivalent album units earned (also the act’s best week yet by units). Of its first-week units, album sales comprise 85,000, SEA units comprise 3,000 (equaling 3.79 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs) and TEA units comprise a negligible sum.

Like many K-pop releases, the CD edition of Dark Blood was issued in collectible CD packages (17 total, including a number of retailer-exclusives), each containing a standard set of bonus items and randomized elements. Dark Blood’s debut on the Billboard 200 comes only after its CD was released, as its digital album and streaming album both dropped on May 22.

Swift’s chart-topping Midnights falls 1-5 on the Billboard 200 with 83,000 equivalent album units earned (down 70%) and Lil Durk’s Almost Healed dips 3-6 in its second week (67,000; down 46%).

Metro Boomin’s star-studded soundtrack to Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse swings in, debuting at No. 7 with 66,000 equivalent album units earned. Of that sum, streaming equivalent album units comprise 62,000 (equaling 83.57 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs), album sales comprise 3,000 and TEA units comprise 1,000. It’s the sixth top 10-charting set for Metro Boomin. The album features guests such as Future, Lil Wayne and Nas.

Foo Fighters’ But Here We Are — the band’s first album since the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins in early 2022 — starts at No. 8 with 62,000 equivalent album units earned. It’s the 10th top 10 album for the group. The album was led by the single “Rescued,” which topped both the Alternative Airplay chart (the act’s 11th leader there) and the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart (its 12th No. 1).

SZA’s chart-topping SOS drops 4-9 with 51,000 equivalent album units (down 8%).

Moneybagg Yo’s Hard to Love is the sixth and final debut in the top 10, as it bows at No. 10 with 51,000 equivalent album units earned. Of that sum, SEA units comprise 48,500 (equaling 66.56 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs), album sales comprise 2,500 and TEA units comprise a negligible sum. It’s the sixth top 10-charting set for the rapper.

Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.

11 Jun 2023

Aespa Makes History With First-Ever Governors Ball Performance: Best Moments

2023 is shaping up to be a busy year for the girls of aespa.

Following the May release of the K-pop group’s third mini album, My World, the quartet — consisting of Karina, Giselle, Ningning and Winter — announced its first ever global tour, which will see them making stops across the United States, Latin America and Europe later this year. To warm up for the trek, the girl group hit the main stage at the Governors Ball Music Festival at New York City’s Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturday (June 10) and delivered their biggest hits, despite being short one member.

Prior to aespa’s Gov Ball performance — a history-making feat as they are the first K-pop act to ever grace the festival — the group’s management company SM entertainment shared a statement with MYs (the group’s fan name) regarding Giselle’s lack of attendance at the festival.

“We are sorry to inform aespa’s US fans that Giselle will not be able to join the group for their upcoming Governors Ball performance due to health issues,” the statement read.

Soldiering on, Karina, Ningning and Winter commanded the stage with their inimitable presence, opening up their set with several nods to the group’s extensive and intriguing lore. Naevis, the AI system that helps the girls’ digital avatars appear in the real world, leads the intro before the trio kicks things off with an energetic performance of “Girls” complete with fiery pyrotechnics to pump up the crowd.

Read on to learn about the best moments from aespa’s Governors Ball debut performance below.

11 Jun 2023

DC Young Fly Delivers Heartfelt Speech at Jacky Oh’s Memorial Service: ‘You Had a Beautiful Soul’

DC Young Fly delivered a touching tribute during his late partner Jacky Oh‘s memorial service in Atlanta on Saturday (June 10).

During his heartwarming speech, The Wild ‘N Out star spoke passionately about his faith and love for Oh, who died unexpectedly in late May at the age of 32. The couple shared three young children together.

“I love you, Jack. These kids are beautiful, man. God granted me that strength to have three,” Young Fly said, peering at the casket.

“You know I was trying to have seven more,” the comedian added while gyrating his hips, which drew laughter from the crowd. “She’s gonna beat me up for that one.”

On a more serious note, DC shared some touching words about his fellow Wild cast member, whose real name was Jacklyn Smith.

“I want our kids to understand that you had a beautiful soul,” Young Fly said. “You didn’t leave us; you in heaven. Your spirit is with us, you’re still here, and he have an amazing support system. Love you. Everybody in here, keep God first.”

TMZ was first to report the news of Oh’s passing, revealing that she died in Miami and that DC was in Atlanta shooting new episodes of Wild ‘N Out when he heard the news of her death. Her cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Oh was one of the “Wild ‘N Out girls” on the Nick Cannon-created MTV series, where she met Young Fly, with whom she shared daughters Nova and Nala and son Prince, who was born in 2022.

In the days after her passing DC posted a loving tribute on Instagram.

“I wasn’t in no rush to post this because I wanted it to be a dream so bad but every hour I’m reminded of realty so I wanna make sure I applaud you in the proper manner,” he wrote. “You are the GREATEST MOTHER I KNOW your soul was beautiful Yu always wanted the best for others and I admired how our family love each other!!! Never had to worry about our kids loving each other cause you were on top of Dat!!!”

Watch the DC Young Fly’s emotional memorial service speech on TMZ here.

11 Jun 2023

The 5 Best Moments From Joni Mitchell’s First Headlining Show in Two Decades

The legendary artist performed for nearly three hours on June 10 with a star-studded group including Brandi Carlile, Marcus Mumford, and more.

Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell performs in concert during Joni Jam honoring her at Gorge Amphitheatre on June 10, 2023 in George, Washington.

Gary Miller/Getty Images

Musicians including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Harry Styles and more have been rumored to make appearances at the legendary “Joni Jam” held at Joni Mitchell’s private home for years. On Saturday night (June 10) at the Gorge Amphitheater in Quincy, Wash., the public was finally allowed to witness one of the sessions.

Following a nearly two-hour set by longtime friend and supporter Brandi Carlile, “The Joker” singer welcomed the star-studded “jammers” onto the stage including Marcus Mumford, Annie Lennox, Allison Russell, Sarah McLachlan and Lucius.

It has been 20 years since fans could purchase a ticket to see Mitchell live. With several health issues plaguing the beloved singer, she has remained mainly out of the public eye for two decades. But last night, the 27,000-capacity Gorge was transformed into an intimate jam session — the stage adorned in couches, love seats and studded accent chairs — for Mitchell fans to relive the “Blue” singer’s magic in-person.

10 Jun 2023

Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice Announce ‘Barbie World’ Release Date

“Barbie World” is coming. Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice confirmed a release date for their collab — with original “Barbie World” hitmakers Aqua — for the Barbie movie soundtrack. Saturday night (June 10), they announced that “Barbie World” will arrive on June 23.

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“It’s BARBIE B!CH‼️‼️‼️ If you still in doubt,” Minaj teased on her post, while Ice Spice captioned hers “bad like da barbie.”

The Barbie track can be pre-saved here ahead of its release, and Aqua is credited alongside Minaj and Ice Spice. The two rappers previously collaborated on a remix of “Princess Diana,” which went to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart in April. It was the first No. 1 by two co-billed women in the list’s 34-year history. It also reached No. 4 on the Hot 100 chart.

The Barbie film, directed by Greta Gerwig, is set to premiere in theaters nationwide on July 21, which is also when its full star-studded soundtrack will drop.

Earlier this week, Minaj also revealed her first album in five years is on the way. It’s expected on Oct. 20.

See the teasers for “Barbie World” below.

10 Jun 2023

Cardi B Sings Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance’ While Dancing on Her Gigantic Kitchen Island: Watch

Cardi B is turning her kitchen into a concert stage.

On Saturday (June 10), the 30-year-old rap superstar shared a comical video of herself dancing on her humungous new kitchen island while singing Lady Gaga‘s hit song “Bad Romance.”

“My kitchen island is soooo big!!! I can’t wait till it’s completely finished,” Cardi captioned the clip on Twitter, which drew a ton of reaction from fans in the comments.

In the 10-second clip, the Grammy-winning artist confidently struts down the gigantic black-and-white marble countertop while singing the opening lines to Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2009.

Some of Cardi’s 30 million-plus followers took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the hip-hop star’s impressive kitchen remodel. “This island bigger than my room damn,” one fan wrote. Another person added, “How do you even reach things in the middle?”

Others compared the enormous countertop to a live performance area. “Sister.. what island? .. that’s a stage ?” they tweeted. Some joked that the video could be a hint at an upcoming Card-Gaga musical team-up. “The Lady Gaga x Cardi B collab has been confirmed on Cardi B’s kitchen island,” the fan wrote.

This isn’t Cardi’s first time performing “Bad Romance.” In 2018, following the release of her chart-topping debut album, Invasion of Privacy, footage surfaced of the rapper performing the chart-topping single at her 2009 high school talent show. Of course a Little Monster let Gaga know about the clip, and she was way into it. “I LIVE,” Gaga tweeted at the time.

The “Up” rapper recently said that she is gearing up for a sizzling summer with some exciting new things on the horizon. “You guys can expect a lot from me this summer,” Cardi told Rolling Stone, which added that she was specifically referring to music and other projects. “I promise,” she said.

New music from Cardi would be her first proper release since July 2022, when she dropped “Hot S—” with Kanye West and Lil Durk. Last year she also guested on songs by Rosalia, GloRilla and Summer Walker. But it’s been five years since Cardi unveiled a full-length LP, her debut album Invasion of Privacy which was released in 2018. Since then, she’s topped the Hot 100 with two songs: 2020’s “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion and “Up.”

Watch Cardi B sing Gaga’s “Bad Romance” while dancing on her kitchen island on Twitter below.

10 Jun 2023

8 Best Moments of Taylor Swift’s First Night at Ford Field on Her Eras Tour

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour moved back inside on Friday night (June 9), playing the first of two concerts at Detroit’s Ford Field, which has been hosting Swift’s home in the Motor City since 2011.

A crowd of nearly 59,300 — including a significant number of travelers to the show — gave Swift a thunderous welcome that left her wide-eyed and grinning by the end of the second song “Cruel Summer.”

“You’re making me feel phenomenal right now,” the pop superstar told the Swifties, a cross-generational albeit mostly female throng (though a few “Proud Swiftie Dad” T-shirts were spotted in the crowd). “I’m already starting to feel, like, powerful, you know what I mean?”

Playing under a roof, of course, meant Swift and company didn’t have to deal with weather issues like they did in Nashville, although it was a pleasant late spring day in Detroit. It also limited the chance she’d swallow any flying insects, like she did in Chicago. The domed setting did, however, provide different circumstances for the Taylor-gaters outside, who could not hear the music like they could at the open-air venues. That kept the numbers down but there was still a concentration of fans on the east side of the stadium, opposite of the stage, who were able to peer through the windows and were filming the production on their cell phones.

The covering also added another dimension to Swift’s opulent light show, particularly during “Don’t Blame Me,” when the rows of floodlights that shot towards the sky made shapes on the roof. It also reflected the pyrotechnic moments in a different way, lighting up the venue even more intensely than others.

Twelve weeks in, Swift’s Eras Tour is looking and feeling dialed-in — a 44-song, three-hour and 20-minute treat for Swifties who haven’t seen her on stage in five years. That made for a smooth night for all concerned on Friday, with some moments that still stood out from the evening.

09 Jun 2023

Aespa Throws First Pitch for New York Yankees

Aespa is gearing up to take the stage at New York City’s Governors Ball music festival this weekend, and they kicked off the fun over at Yankees Stadium.

Three members of the superstar K-pop group took the mound at the New York Yankees game against the Chicago White Sox on Friday night (June 9) to throw the first pitch. The girls were seen waving to attendees before Winter stepped up to the plate for an impressive throw.

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Last year, the girls sat down with Billboard to discuss their recent successes. “Due to the pandemic, we didn’t have many opportunities to meet our fans in person, but ever since the COVID restrictions have loosened up, each and every opportunity spent with our fans and on stage is very precious to us. We have our own metaverse worldview which was able to gain a lot of attention since we were spending more time at home during the pandemic,” KARINA explained. “Many people learned about through online and gained a better understanding of our metaverse origin story and because we’ve made our debut during the pandemic, we cherish each and every opportunity more.”

The group is set to embark on a 14-date tour in the United States this summer, kicking off in Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Arena on Aug. 13, before making stops in Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston and more — concluding at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Sept. 5.

Watch Aespa throw the first pitch for the New York Yankees via Twitter below.

09 Jun 2023

People on Twitter Are Connecting a Section of Donald Trump’s Indictment to a Kid Rock Interview

The federal indictment against Donald Trump was made public on Friday (June 9), detailing charges surrounding the former president’s handling of government documents after leaving the White House.

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Among the 44-page historical indictment listing the 37 felony counts against Trump was a section that caught the eye of multiple Twitter users. “In August or September 2021, at The Bedminster Club, Trump showed a representative of his political action committee who did not possess a security clearance a classified map related to a military operation,” the indictment reads, as Twitter users began speculating and connecting the statement to a 2022 interview Kid Rock had with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson.

“We’re looking at maps and s—, and I’m like, ‘Am I supposed to be in on this s—?’ Kid Rock — a longtime and outspoken supporter of Trump — told the Fox News anchor, who broke out into laughter. “I make dirty records sometimes. ‘What do you think we should do about North Korea?’ I’m like, ‘What? I don’t think I’m qualified to answer this.’”

It has not been confirmed that the section of the indictment is in reference to Kid Rock.

The indictment filed against Trump includes 31 counts of willful retention of classified documents, one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, one count of withholding a document or record, one count of corruptly concealing a document or record, one count of concealing a document in a federal investigation, one count of scheme to conceal and one count of making false statements and representations.

The former president is summoned to appear in court for an arraignment on Tuesday (June 13).

See the clip of Kid Rock’s interview with Carlson below.

09 Jun 2023

Doja Cat Spotted Kissing Comedian J. Cyrus on a Boat

Doja Cat seemed to be enjoying some summer lovin’ on Wednesday (June 7) when she was spotted on a yacht kissing comedian J. Cyrus.

In photos shared by Complex, the duo are seen holding hands and kissing while enjoying the sun in Los Cabos, Mexico. They haven’t publicly confirmed their relationship, as Doja is often private about her dating life. According to The Daily Mail, the Grammy winner and Cyrus were first spotted together out in NYC back in November.

Doja Cat opted instead to share some sizzling bikini photos to her Instagram Stories. In the snaps, the “Need to Know” singer is seen holding on to the rail of the boat, looking off into the distance in a black, sea shell-lined bikini paired with a lacy shawl, futuristic shades and a blonde buzzcut. See the photos before they disappear here.

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In other Doja news, the star has been teasing a new album for months, even taking to her Instagram Stories in April to drop what looks like a 19-song track list. Tracks include “Attention,” “Love Life,” “97,” “Wet Vagina,” “Can’t Wait” and an “unfinished” song called “Ouchies.” She has yet to confirm if the post is actually a track listing for her upcoming project.

The album would follow her 2021 breakthrough project Planet Her, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart dated July 10, 2021, and produced a number of long-lasting hits including “Need to Know,” “Woman,” “Ain’t S—” and “Get Into It (Yuh).”