Music News

30 Nov 2022

D.L. Hughley Uses ‘Gold Digger’ Lyrics to Mock Kanye West’s Divorce Settlement

D.L. Hughley is clapping back once again at Kanye West following the rapper’s attacks on his style via Instagram back in March. This time, the comedian came for Ye’s divorce settlement with Kim Kardashian that was released on Tuesday (Nov. 29).

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“When (your) life imitates (your) art… YIKES,” Hughley wrote on Instagram, captioning a screenshot news from the settlement that requires Ye to pay his ex-wife $200,000 a month in child support. He then took a page out of Ye’s own book, citing his “Gold Digger” lyrics, “If you ain’t no punk holla, ‘We want prenup’ / ‘We want prenup!’ yeah / It’s something that you need to have / ‘Cause when she leave yo’ a– she gone leave with half…” he wrote.

The settlement comes nearly early two years after Kardashian filed for divorce from West after six years of marriage in February 201. The former will get joint custody of their four children — North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm — plus “equal access” to them, according to the divorce settlement documents obtained by Billboard. In addition to the monthly child support, Ye is also responsible for 50% of the children’s educational, medical and security expenses.

Notably, there is a dispute involving their children, both parties agreed to participate in a proper mediation, per the documents. However, if one of them does not participate, the other is allow to make the decision by default. The two reportedly have an extensive prenuptial agreement, and dutifully kept their assets split during the marriage, limiting the complexity of the proceedings.

30 Nov 2022

21 Savage & Nas Team Up for Fiery Collab ‘One Mic, One Gun’: Listen

For fans who thought that 21 Savage and Nas were feuding, the rumors can officially be put to rest. On Tuesday (Nov. 29), the pair released a collaborative track titled “One Mic, One Gun.”

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The song kicks off with a jazzy, horn-driven instrumental before going into a trap beat. Nas comes in on the first verse, swaggering into the track with usual rap braggadocio and showing love to his New York City roots.

“Whatever I do is N.Y., I’m keepin’ it Queens ’cause that’s my side (What up?)/ I shook up the town, I shook up the city, I shook up the state/ I’m with 21 on my second run, this s–t come with age,” the “One Mic” rapper boasts on the track.

Savage, meanwhile, considers himself an equal to the ’90s rapper and boasts, “I’m on that same trajectory/ Bullet wounds and jail cells couldn’t stop me, this my destiny.” Potentially referencing his and Nas’ supposed “feud,” he continues, “Never controversial, I’m mad the fans expected less from me/ N—- sneezed around me, wipe his nose, won’t get no bless from me.”

“One Mic, One Gun” arrives after Savage made waves for reportedly disrespecting Nas’ legacy. In a Twitter Spaces chat that circulated on the social media platform earlier this month, the rapper said, “I don’t feel like he’s relevant, he just has a loyal a– fanbase and he still makes good-a– music.”

He later appeared to backtrack on the comments, tweeting on Nov. 14 that he “would never disrespect nas or any legend who paved the way for me y’all be tryna take stuff and run with it.”

Listen to “One Mic, One Gun” above.

30 Nov 2022

Which Hit Do You Think Will Be the Top Hot 100 Song of 2022? Vote!

It’s been another banner year on the Billboard Hot 100, with 14 different tracks reaching the top spot on the chart during 2022.

And with December on the horizon, Billboard‘s end-of-year charts are set to be unveiled on Thursday (Dec. 1), so before that happens, we want to know which song you think will turn out to be the top Hot 100 hit of the year.

January started with a holdover from the holiday season, as Mariah Carey‘s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” spent the first two weeks of the year at No. 1 before giving way to Adele‘s smash “Easy on Me.” However, the first new song to take the top spot was actually “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Disney’s Encanto, which dominated the entire month of February and the first week of March.

Then, Glass Animals‘ “Heat Waves” completed its historic, slow-burning climb to No. 1 after a record 59 weeks. (The psychedelic bop now holds the title as the longest charting song of all time on the tally.)

By the middle of April, Harry Styles kicked off his Hot 100 domination with “As It Was.” The lead single from Harry’s House eventually settled in to spend 15 nonconsecutive weeks in the top spot, alternating for the crown with the likes of Jack Harlow‘s “First Class,” Future‘s “Wait For U” featuring Drake and Tems, and “Jimmy Cooks” by Drake and 21 Savage.

Female artists finally got their well-deserved due over the summer when Lizzo, Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj each took turns at No. 1 with, respectively, “About Damn Time,” “Break My Soul” and “Super Freaky Girl” before Styles came roaring back to spend five more weeks at the top.

The song that eventually toppled the former One Direction-er’s hot streak was Steve Lacy‘s “Bad Habit,” followed by Sam Smith and Kim Petras‘ “Unholy.” And with the arrival of Midnights in late October, Taylor Swift has dominated the chart for the last five weeks, with “Anti-Hero” passing “Shake It Off” as the second longest running chart-topper of her career thus far.

Before Billboard‘s end-of-year charts are released Thursday, vote for the song you think will top all the others in our poll below.

30 Nov 2022

Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie Dies at 79

Christine McVie, beloved Fleetwood Mac musician and prolific lyricist, died on Wednesday (Nov. 30). She was 79 years old.

The late singer’s family shared the news via a statement posted to Facebook, which noted that she passed away at a hospital “following a short illness.”

“She was in the company of her family,” the statement continued. “We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally.”

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Following the sad news, McVie’s bandmates shared a joint statement to the official Fleetwood Mac Twitter page. “There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie,” the message read. “She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure. She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life. We were so lucky to have a life with her.”

The statement concluded, “Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed.”

McVie had an illustrious, respected career both as a soloist and as a member of Fleetwood Mac, which she joined in 1970. During her time in Fleetwood, the band had 25 Hot 100 hits, including nine top 10s and one No. 1 smash: “Dreams” in 1977.

The group also enjoyed 29 albums that charted on the Billboard 200, including seven top 10s and four No. 1s, including 1977’s Rumours, 1976’s Fleetwood Mac, 1982’s Mirage and 1997’s The Dance.

As a solo artist, McVie was known for hits such as 1984’s “Love Will Show Us How” and “Got a Hold on Me,” the latter of which peaked at No. 10 on the Hot 100.

30 Nov 2022

Rosalía Teases Possible Rauw Alejandro Collab, Talks Honesty in Music & Going Filterless

Rosalía hinted at new music in the future with boyfriend Rauw Alejandro during an exclusive interview with Billboard.

“We’ve been in the studio together, as you know,” she teases, stopping short of providing more details. “We’ll see, we’ll see.” However, she did reveal that her favorite song from Alejandro’s new album is “Lejos Del Cielo.”

The Spanish star was relaxed and in good spirits during a conversation prior to winning the Latin Grammy for album of the year for her acclaimed release Motomami. Wearing a leather skirt, a Pink Floyd T-shirt and little makeup — mimicking her onstage persona — she said honesty and transparency have been the hallmarks of both her iconoclastic album and herself. Using no filters on her social media posts and little makeup in her shows is in keeping with the philosophy.

“With all the dancing I do on stage, my makeup gets ruined, so I might as well take it off,” she tells Billboard. “I think it’s all part of this project. It has different intentions, and one of them is ‘I’m going to try to be as honest and transparent as possible.’ So not wearing makeup half of the show is part of that. I hope it makes sense to others. I can’t control the effect my music has on those who receive it, but I can control the intention I put behind it.”

As far as the fabulous outfits she wears on stage, Rosalía says she tries to strike a balance between “functionality and aesthetics.” Leather, she points out, makes her feel particularly powerful. “Outfits that hark to motorcycles — that’s related with the entire Motomami project. A structured jacket gives me strength.”

Other women give her strength, too. Her ideal girl band? “I’d do a band with Patti smith, Eartheater and Bjork.”

Watch Rosalia’s full interview with Billboard above.

30 Nov 2022

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s Relationship: A Timeline

Longtime friends became a high-profile romantic partnership (and one of the most famous couples of all time) when Kanye West and Kim Kardashian became romantically involved in the spring of 2012. As the two were – and still are – some of the biggest superstars on the planet, their union was a cosmic collision for the ages, burning big and bright before ending in a fiery, supernova explosion.

In the eight years between their joyous wedding in 2014 and devastating divorce, finalized in 2022, the world watched with eager eyes as Kimye experienced the joys of marriage and parenthood. Fans everywhere saw Kanye join the rest of Hollywood’s biggest “K” names when he became a full-fledged member of the Kardashian family, celebrated alongside the couple as they welcomed four kids together – North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm – and shared in their devastation when Kim filed for divorce in February 2020.

But while Kim and Kanye’s marriage ended, their relationship – turbulent as it may be – definitely did not. The two will always be linked both in private — as they work to co-parent — as well as in public, as they duke things out on social media. In the years following the breakup, Ye repeatedly bashed his ex-wife for her parenting choices and subsequent romances in Instagram posts and in interviews.

For better or worse, though, Kimye will forever be a staple of 2010s pop culture and a textbook example of what it means to be a certified celebrity couple. Relive all the high and low points of Kanye and Kim’s time together with the relationship timeline below:

30 Nov 2022

Lil Baby to Join Maluma as New LA3C Headliner

Lil Baby has been added to the LA3C lineup, joining Maluma as headliner for the two-day festival. Originally announced headliner Megan Thee Stallion can no longer perform at the event due to “unforeseen circumstances,” so the “California Breeze” rapper will step in atop the Saturday night, Dec. 10, bill.

“We are excited to share that Lil Baby will be headlining #LA3C on Saturday, December 10,” the festival shared on Instagram. “⁣Due to unforeseen circumstances, Megan @TheeStallion will no longer be performing at this year’s festival. She sends her sincerest apologies to all her fans.”

LA3C — Penske Media Corporation’s new music, art and food festival — will take place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11, at Los Angeles State Historic Park. SEVENTEEN and Snoop Dogg also lead the performance lineup, along with additional acts including R&B band Free Nationals, Regional Mexican star Gerardo Ortiz, Colombian singer Fonseca, Spanish artist Marc Segui, producer Shawn Wasabi, Mexican-American singer Monogem, R&B singer Shea Diamond, hip-hop artist Chicocurlyhead and more.

The “Savage” rapper was announced as an original LA3C headliner back in September, alongside Sunday headliner Maluma. In a statement from PMC, Megan Thee Stallion sent her “sincerest apologies” to fans for the cancellation.

The LA3C festival, with headliners Lil Baby and Maluma, is slated to run from 1 to 10 p.m. PT on Saturday, Dec. 10, and noon to 9 p.m. PT on Sunday, Dec. 11. All attendees must be 21+. See everything you need to know about the inaugural event, including how to get tickets, here.

Penske Media Corporation is the parent company of Billboard.

30 Nov 2022

Billboard Launches Fan-Centric Music Community with Bebops

Following the success of Billboard ChartStars, Billboard and Web3 technology partner Unblocked are launching a new venture that’s out of this world. Bebops are Billboard’s latest NFT community, bridging the gap between music fans and Web3 enthusiasts. 

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The Bebops are an alien species who are drawn to earth’s popular music. Like music stans, they always know what’s trending, who’s on the Billboard charts, and they are determined to make sure that fans are at the center of the next revolution in music: Web3. Each Bebop is a one-of-a-kind avatars that lives on the Flow Blockchain. Each Bebop is designed to have a unique combination of colors, facial features, and accessories.

Music fans who purchase a Bebop will get verified ownership of their Bebop avatar and access to an exclusive, fan-centric community on Discord. The Bebops community will be an online space for fans to share their passion for all things music, whether it be the latest Billboard Hot 100 chart or discussing a new album drop. Billboard and Unblocked also plan to celebrate the community with fan-centric experiences as Bebops continue to grow.

“I am thrilled to support Billboard Bebops and explore the limitless potential Web3 has to create new music experiences driven by community, playfulness, and personal taste,” says Dana Droppo, Chief Brand Officer of Billboard.

Billboard Bebops will be available on Billboard ChartStars on Tuesday, December 6, starting at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT. For more information on pricing, availability and becoming a member of the Bebops community, click here.

30 Nov 2022

Ciara Wishes Hubby Russell Wilson a Happy 34th Birthday: ‘Today a King Was Born’

Ciara got dressed up in her finest all-black going-out fit to celebrate husband Russell Wilson’s 34th birthday on Tuesday (Nov. 29). The Denver Broncos QB slipped into a tuxedo for a photo shoot in which the devastatingly handsome pair shared a kiss in their living room soundtracked by Mary J. Blige’s “Everything.”

“Intelligent, Beautiful, Loving, Caring, Thoughtful, Consistent, Special, Anointed, Rare, A Legend, a Winner, Everything that is YOU!” Ciara wrote in the caption to her post. “I love you so much Birthday Boy @DangeRussWilson! Today a King was born! I love you so much! I’m so proud to celebrate you today and everyday.”

Wilson appreciated the loving words, responding in kind to his wife’s post, writing, “I am grateful I get to spend the rest of my life with you. And one day Eternity in Heaven. I love you Mrs. @Ciara Wilson.” The couple, who got married in July 2016, share a daughter and a son.

Back in September, Ciara returned to playlists with the feel-good R&B jam “Better Thangs” featuring Summer Walker. The single dropped after the singer closed a new deal with Republic Records and Uptown Records (in partnership with her Beauty Marks Entertainment label) on the heels of her July single “Jump.”

“For me, joy is the ultimate feeling that I was feeling [when creating ‘Better Thangs’], and I wanted for people to feel that with this record,” Ciara told Billboard after the song dropped. The Grammy-winning artist revealed that both “Jump” and “Better Thangs” will appear on the as-yet-untitled studio album that will serve as a follow-up to her 2019 release, Beauty Marks. 

Check out Ciara’s post below.

30 Nov 2022

Sam Smith Is ‘Not Here To Make Friends’ in Pantless Song Teaser: Watch the Clip

When you’re nervous about saying something in public, the most common piece of advice is to imagine your audience in their underwear. Well, Sam Smith has something very public to say — and they just decided to flip that advice around.

In a new clip posted across their social media accounts on Wednesday (Nov. 30), Smith teased one of the songs off of their new album, titled “I’m Not Here To Make Friends.” In the video clip, Smith is seen looking over a tall balcony, wrapped in a pashmina. As they begin to mouth along with the words, the camera pans down to reveal they’re wearing very little else; a pair of briefs and fishnets barely cover a dancing Betty Boop tattoo on the star’s thigh as they groove along to the track.

The song clip itself offers yet another new sound for Smith as they venture into disco — a four on the floor beat pairs with a grooving baseline as Smith croons about what they’re ready to offer a lover. “I could ease your appetite/ No you’ve never been this high,” they sing. “Don’t be scared if you like it/ ‘Cause I’m not here to make friends.”

The new teaser comes as Smith continues to ride the high of “Unholy” — the Kim Petras collab spent its ninth week on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 3, as well as a seventh week at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S this week. Both “Unholy” and “I’m Not Here To Make Friends” are set to appear on Smith’s fourth studio album Gloria, which is due out Jan. 27 via Capitol Records.

Check out Smith’s full song teaser below.