Music News

23 Nov 2022

Machine Gun Kelly Releases Title Track From His New Film ‘Taurus’

Colson Baker, better known as Machine Gun Kelly, released the title track from his semi-autobiographical movie Taurus on Wednesday (Nov. 23). The flick features MGK in the lead role under his birth name. The 32-year-old plays a troubled artist on the rise searching for the spark that will inspire his next record.

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“Fighting with myself so I can’t help that I’m competitive/ This movie is my life but I still remain uncredited,” he raps on the track. “I don’t care how big I get, I still remain unedited/ I built this from the ground up, y’all just living it.”

The film, written and directed by Tim Sutton, also stars Kelly’s fiancée Megan Fox, as well as Maddie Hasson, Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory, Ruby Rose, Scoot McNairy, Lil Tjay and “Glass House” collaborator Naomi Wild. It is currently available in select theaters and on demand.

On Sunday, MGK won favorite rock artist at the 2022 American Music Awards, saying during his acceptance speech: “There have been some people in the rock community who have called me a tourist, but they’re wrong. I’m a rocket man,” he proclaimed.

Additionally, he received his first Grammy nomination last week, earning a best rock album nod for Mainstream Sellout, which includes the singles “Maybe” and “Emo Girl” with Willow Smith. The album was his second straight to top the Billboard 200.

Check out the “Taurus” video below.

23 Nov 2022

Lauryn Hill to Join Tom Joyner Foundation Cruise Benefiting HBCUs

Legendary singer and rapper Ms. Lauryn Hill is teaming up with the Tom Joyner Foundation for her next philanthropic venture. The singer is set to join the foundation’s cruise in 2023, and her efforts will go toward raising money for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

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“I am so excited that Ms. Lauryn Hill is performing on the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage 2023,” Joyner said in a press release announcing the cruise. “She is one of the best of all time. Cruisers coming to Party with a Purpose and help raise money for HBCU scholarships won’t be disappointed with what will be an amazing show!”

The cruise’s Ultimate Party With a Purpose was created by Joyner, the now-retired radio host. His long-running show, The Tom Joyner in the Morning Show, was nationally syndicated, running on ABC Radio Networks for decades.

The radio host’s philanthropic event has run for years now, and 2023’s edition will feature 40 different live entertainment acts. The cruise will also feature appearances from celebrities, as well as seminars and theme nights.

Cabins are 80 percent sold out, but fans can still secure a place on the cruise — running May 20-27 — here.

The upcoming appearance is very rare for Hill, who has been choosy about her concerts or canceled scheduled dates. Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing),” from her album of the year Grammy-winning project The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, spent two weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 back in 1998.

23 Nov 2022

On The Radar Latin: Yubeili, Alex Luna & More Emerging Artists to Discover

Every month, Billboard Latin editors will feature a small group of new or relatively unknown artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover. Check them out below:

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Artist: Alex Luna
Country: Mexico

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Alex Luna’s “Te Marqué Pedo” came across one of my Spotify playlists. The first time you hear the chorus of his viral single “perdón si te marque pedo (I’m sorry if I called you drunk),” it just clicks. And that’s probably also why Christian Nodal wanted to jump on the remix. Luna’s sound is refreshing and it’s on full display in this song, which is a chill pop track that thrives sonically but also lyrically. His lyrics aren’t forced, they’re just an honest representation of a 21-year-old baring all his emotions with no filter. — INGRID FAJARDO

Song For Your Playlist: “Te Marqué Pedo”

Artist: Luna Luna
Country: The United States (Texas)

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: This four-piece Austin-based Latinx band will have you swooning in no time with their wistful synthpop and slow-burning indie rock selects, some in Spanglish but mainly all dedicated to hopeless romantics. I came across Luna Luna—which originally derived from the group’s Colombian-born member Kavvi with GarageBand on his iPhone—on TikTok, and quickly discovered they’re all the rage in the local Texas music and festival scenes. After a year of not releasing new music, but still very active on social media and touring, the group made a comeback with their 80s retro “Talk Too Much.” It’s their track “Commitment,” however, that can give you a real sense of Luna Luna.  — JESSICA ROIZ

Song For Your Playlist: “Commitment”

Artist: ROBI
Country: Puerto Rico

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: ROBI (real name: Roberto C. Báez Moraza) might have gotten on the radar with the viral Feid-assisted “Pantysito,” but with every single released thereafter, he’s proven to be a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Carolina, ROBI’s musical style is influenced by the island’s urban essence but also stays truthful to the genre’s he admires: pop, ballads, and alternative rock. A musician at-heart, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter plays the drums, the xylophone, dances, and composes his own music. In addition to Feid, he’s already collaborated with Jay Wheeler and Piso 21, and teamed up with the new wave of talent including Moffa, ADSO, and paopao, to name a few. — J.R.

Song For Your Playlist: “Sigo Feliz” featuring Piso 21

Artist: Yubeili
Country: Mexico

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: If you were in Las Vegas for Latin Grammys week, you might’ve caught Yubeili’s performance at the Los Producers event (where he performed 2Pac’s “California Love”) or perhaps heard his name for the first time as the music community in the U.S. were discovering him and his music. I heard his name at an event and immediately looked him up. A growing force in the reggaeton scene in Mexico, Yubeili — who grew up listening to Dr. Dre and Eminem — is placing all bets on reggaeton to make a name for himself in a growing urban scene in a country that has always been more known for regional Mexican. But what I found cool about his style is that he’s not confined to just reggaeton, he’s also dabbling in corridos tumbados and trap to reach a wider and younger audience that isn’t married to one style of music. — GRISELDA FLORES

Song For Your Playlist: “Copiloto”

Artist: Divino Niño
Country: U.S., Colombia & Puerto Rico

Why They Should Be On Your Radar:  With their unflinching mix of glitchy reggaeton, Latin trap, and house music, Chicago dwellers Divino Niño have created a chaotic catharsis that’s as addicting as it is blissful on their bilingual LP, Last Spa on Earth. Tuning into their all-killer-no-filler fourth studio album is almost as liberating as drinking a 40 oz…to freedom, à la Sublime. Comprised of Colombian vocalist/guitarist Camilo Medina and bassist Javier Forero, Puerto Rican-Venezuelan guitarist Guillermo Rodriguez-Torres, as well as Justin Vittori (a.k.a. JV) on keys and Pierce Codina on drums, together the fiery pack of friends make glimmering productions soaked in iridescent synths, laden in rebellious lyrics, and with plenty of exciting transitions. It’s a trippy indie pop experience for the ages. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Song For Your Playlist: “Drive” 

23 Nov 2022

Here Are All the Holiday Specials for Music Fans This Season

‘Tis the season for chestnuts by the fire, snowy winter nights, family gatherings and, of course, festive TV specials.

Whether it’s hanging out on the couch in the house you grew up in or cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa on a chill night at home alone, we at Billboard have compiled all the holly, jolly musical holiday specials lined up to air this season. From parades and Disney events to big holiday shows put on by major stars like Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus and more, music fans have an endless number of festive entertainment to enjoy this winter.

See below for our full roundup of holiday specials to catch on TV this year, in chronological order along with channel and air time.

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November 24

96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – 9 a.m. ET on NBC

November 27

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure – 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration – 8 p.m. ET on ABC

November 30

Christmas in Rockefeller Center – 8 p.m. ET on NBC

December 1

Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas – 8 p.m. ET on NBC
CMA Country Christmas – 9 p.m. ET on ABC

December 3

A New Orleans Noel – 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime

December 14

A Very Backstreet Holiday – 8 p.m. ET and ABC

December 25

Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade – 10 a.m. ET on ABC

December 31

Dick Clark‘s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve – 8 p.m. ET on ABC

Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party – 10:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock

23 Nov 2022

Diplo Poses in Traditional Qatari Dress During 2022 World Cup : ‘What’s Up Habibi?’

Diplo looks like he’s having the time of his life while attending the FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

In a pair of photos posted to his Instagram Story on Wednesday (Nov. 23), the DJ is seen wearing a traditional long shirt called a thobe, paired with a loose red and white cloth headdress known as a gutra while watching a match between Costa Rica and Spain from one of the eight stadiums built for this year’s World Cup.

“Damn spain up 7-0 i’m not even paying attention I just wanna make sure my hat thing looks alright,” he wrote, posting one of the same selfies on Twitter.

His Major Lazer bandmate Ape Drums also shared a number of videos from the occasion, including Diplo goofing off and pretending to be a salesperson at one of the arena’s merch stands. “What’s up, habibi? What you want? Anything you want I get for you. I get anything for you,” he quipped to the camera as Ape Drums laughed from behind the lens.

The pair were in Doha along with Walshy Fire for Major Lazer to headline the opening night of the Daydream Festival Qatar on Tuesday night. The fest continues for seven more days through Dec. 18 with performances by Alesso, Nervo, Armin Van Buuren, Tiësto, Jonas Blue and more.

Earlier in the week, Diplo also cheered on Team USA, who will next face England in a match scheduled for Friday.

“We came to support our boys in Qatar and made some new friends,” he tweeted at the time, posting a video as he chanted “USA! USA!” before pointing out a Qatari fan waving an American flag.

Check out Diplo’s many tweets from the World Cup below and Ape Drums’ Instagram Stories here.

23 Nov 2022

Hear Exclusive Seismic Dance Event 2022 Sets From Fatboy Slim, LP Giobbi, Chloé Caillet & Sama’ Abdulhadi

Earlier this month 5,000 dance fans gathered at Austin’s Seismic Dance Event to do what dance fans to best — dance.

Held at The Concourse Project, a 7-acre venue holding three stages, 2022 marked the third year for the boutique festival, which launched in Austin in 2018 and has since become a destination for global house and techno acts.

“We want to deliver the big festival experience with an intimate vibe,” Seismic co-founder Andrew Parsons, who produces the event alongside his wife Kelly Gray, told Billboard in 2019. “We aren’t trying to sell 20,000 tickets, because that’s not the goal. We always want to keep it boutique.”

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Parsons and Gray are the creative minds behind RealMusic Events, the Austin-based production company that hosts Seismic and has been credited for injecting underground electronic flavor into the “live music capital of the world.”

The festival is also committed to sustainability, partnering wiht Blond:ish’s organization Bye Bye Plastic for separate waste streams into landfill, compost and recycling. (At the 2021 event, 16,468 single-use plastic cups were saved from landfills.) The 2022 Seismic lineup featured heavy-hitters including Jamie xx, Charlotte de Witte, The Martinez Brothers, Gorgon City and Oliver Heldens‘ HI-LO project.

Additionally this year, UK legend Fatboy Slim played a set that launched with the indelible piano chords to his all-time biggest hit “Praise You” before shifting into Freddy Mercury’s isolated vocal from Queen‘s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” (Seriously, listen to it.) Parisian rising star Chloé Caillet whipped up a heady, sexy vibe; scene queen LP Giobbi meshed house music and classic rock samples; and Palestinian producer Sama’ Abdulhadi delivered the hard-hitting techno that’s made her a global name.

Relive these moments or experience them for the first time with the full Seismic 2022 sets from these four stars below.

23 Nov 2022

Joe Jonas Says His New Movie ‘Devotion‘ Put the ‘Pressure’ on Him as an Actor

Joe Jonas opened up in a new interview on Tuesday (Nov. 22) about what it was like tackling his big screen acting debut in the new war drama Devotion.

“Yeah, there were nerves that would come into play here and there, but it’s good to feel something like that again,” the Jonas Brothers singer told Entertainment Weekly of his experience on the set of the Korean War epic. “It’s been a while since I was putting myself in rooms where you’re like, ‘Oh, okay, I’ve got to show up, I’ve got to show my worth in this, and the pressure is on now,’ and how do you bottle that up and utilize it and use it to your advantage, instead of letting it just eat you and take over.”

For the film, which hit theaters nationwide Wednesday (Nov. 23), Jonas also recorded “Not Alone,” his new collab with Khalid. Co-written with Ryan Tedder, the emotional ballad plays over the end credits of Devotion. “I got to see the movie early on, and I brought my friend Ryan Tedder,” he said. “There was a grand piano that happened to be in the screening room, so we started working on the song and brought in a friend of ours, Harv, and I brought in Khalid, and we finished the tune, and that became ‘Not Alone.’

“It really came down to the fact that the one thing [the characters] have is that they’re there for each other, regardless if they are there for them physically,” he added of the track’s thematic connection to the movie.

Telling the story of real-life fighter pilots Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner, Devotion also stars Jonathan Majors, Glen Powell, Christina Jackson, Ali Asghar Shah, Thomas Sadowski, Serinda Swan, Daren Kagasoff and more.

23 Nov 2022

12 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Performances You Probably Forgot

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been an iconic holiday event for more than 90 years, and in recent memory, it has brought some of music’s shining stars and up-and-coming acts along for the float- and balloon-filled ride.

Ahead of the 2022 parade, which features Gloria Estefan, Fitz & the Tantrums, Ziggy Marley, Joss Stone, Jordin Sparks and Betty Who, take a trip down memory lane with some big-name artists who (you may have forgotten) once graced a Thanksgiving float.

23 Nov 2022

Fetty Wap Gives Back to His Hometown With ‘Sweet Yamz’ Thanksgiving Giveaway

Fetty Wap is spreading some holiday cheer and taking the meaning of giving to a meaty new level. The “My Way” MC hosted his “Sweet Yamz” Thanksgiving Giveaway in his hometown of Paterson, NJ on Tuesday (Nov. 22).

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The name of the giveaway is a play off Fetty Wap’s latest single, “Sweet Yamz.” The rapper partnered with Dr. Mills, the principal of College Achieve Paterson charter school, his family (including sister Divinity Maxwell and brother Rob McCoy) and frequent collaborator Monty to provide free food and groceries for everyone who attended the event.

“We are grateful for this contribution of Thanksgiving meals to our families,” Dr. Mills said in a press release. “Times are tough as people across the country are struggling with the rising cost of food. Once again, our community has risen to the occasion and given back to Paterson. Now, many who would have had to go without will be able to enjoy a wonderful holiday celebration with their families.”

Music was provided by New Jersey native and Hot 97’s very own DJ Drewski.

“I’m very grateful for my fans and for my community because I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” Fetty Wap chimed in. “Giving back, especially in my hometown, is very important to me no matter what the circumstances are. Even though I can’t be there in person, shout-out to every single one of my fans, supporters, and everyone that’s still rocking with me!”

Fetty Wap has notched three top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

23 Nov 2022

Love, Lizzo: How to Watch Lizzo’s HBO Max Documentary for Free

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From humble beginnings to her meteoric rise to stardom, Lizzo is sharing an “intimate look” into the moments that have helped shape her career in the HBO Max documentary, Love, Lizzo, premiering on Thursday (Nov. 24).

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According to the film’s description, Lizzo gets candid about “body positivity, self-love, and recognizing the contributions of Black women” in the documentary, directed by filmmaker Doug Pray and executive produced by Lizzo with her production company Lizzobangers. The film features three years’ worth of footage in addition to home videos of the Grammy winner as a child.

“Growing up I never dreamed I’d get to experience all of the things I’ve accomplished in my life, and I’m just getting started,” Lizzo said in a press release announcing the documentary. “I’m so excited I get to share and relive my journey with my fans and HBO Max. From Cuz I Love You to my dramatic world tour, losing and gaining love, and creating my new album Special, y’all get to see the amount of time, patience, blood, sweat and tears that went into this process. It takes 10 years to become an ‘overnight success,’ and hopefully I can inspire other young creatives to keep going.”

Love, Lizzo is produced by Kevin Beisler, Kevin Weaver, Ryan Kroft, Nicole Rocklin, Pray and Stephanie Meurer. The documentary is presented by Warner Music Entertainment and Live Nation Productions and is an Atlantic Films production in association with Boardwalk Pictures and Diamond Docs.

How to Watch Love, Lizzo on HBO Max for Free

HBO Max subscribers can start streaming Love, Lizzo as soon as it drops on Thursday (new content tends to debut at midnight on HBO Max). The film is streaming at no additional charge.

If you’re not already subscribed to HBO Max, the streaming giant is offering major savings for Black Friday! New and returning customers can join HBO Max for just $1.99/month (regular $9.99/month) for the first three months. The limited deal ends on Nov. 28.

HBO Max

$1.99/month for 3 months

$9.99/month

80% off% OFF

HBO Max is home to bingeworthy originals, must-watch movies, family-friendly programs, and lots more. Stream House of the Dragon, The White Lotus, Westworld, Euphoria, Selena + Chef, The Sex Lives of College Don’t Worry Darling, and A Christmas Story, Christmas and other movies and original content on HBO Max. You’ll also find music documentaries and biopics such as Elvis, Tina, Bessie, Amy, Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss, and the TV series Rap Sh!t.

Want free HBO Max? Unfortunately, HBO Max doesn’t have a free trial, but the platform does provide free episodes. To get free HBO Max, you’ll have to go through a cable or streaming provider.

If you already have HBO through Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, YouTube, and other cable and streaming providers, you can enjoy HBO Max for free. DirectTV Stream also offers free HBO Max in the Premiere Package (click here for more details) and Xfinity is offering a Black Friday deal that includes free HBO Max for a year.

Watch the trailer for Love, Lizzo below.