Music News

06 May 2025

Halsey Is ‘Freaking Out’ After Announcing New Song ‘Hand That Feeds’ With Amy Lee of Evanescence

Halsey is about to release a song with one of her heroes. On Tuesday (May 6), the singer-songwriter announced that her new track “Hand That Feeds” for the upcoming film Ballerina would be arriving in just a few days, featuring none other than Amy Lee of Evanescence.

Sharing the news in a joint post on Instagram, Halsey and the goth rock icon simply uploaded a promotional image — which shows the pair holding hands across a platform on a stage, both of them wearing all black — and wrote, “HAND THAT FEEDS. A song by Halsey & Amy Lee – Out May 9th for @BallerinaMovie @lionsgate.”

In a text message to fans, the “Closer” artist also shared a seconds-long snippet of the song. In the audio clip, Halsey and Lee harmonize over haunting, sparse piano and a chilling siren drone, “Too late ’cause you know you can’t turn around and bite the hand that feeds.”

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“I really hope I see some of you guys on the For My Last Trick tour,” wrote Halsey, who will hit the road for a trek supporting their 2024 album, The Great Impersonator, on May 10. “Here is something to hold you over … (the answer is yes, I am freaking out about it).”

The “Without Me” musician has been a fan of Evanescence since childhood, making the film synch opportunity with her idol all the more special. When promoting The Great Impersonator last year, Halsey dressed up as 18 of their musical heroes, one of whom was Lee. Recreating the Fallen album cover, Halsey wrote in October that the “My Immortal” vocalist was her “OG dark rock queen” on Instagram.

The New Jersey native also shared a childhood photo in which they sport an Evanescence tee. “I wore that shirt into the ground,” she commented on the post at the time.

Starring Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina will arrive in theaters June 6. Halsey and Lee’s collaboration for the project marks the former’s first release since February’s “Safeword” and Evanescence’s first single since March’s “Afterlife” for the Netflix series Devil May Cry.

See Halsey and Lee’s announcement below.

06 May 2025

The Pointer Sisters Soundtrack Epic New ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ Trailer

Rockstar Games unleashed the second trailer for the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI on Tuesday (May 6), and fans are headed back to Vice City.

GTA has a penchant for perfectly curating the soundtrack to match the game’s vibe, and they did it again with The Pointer Sisters‘ 1986 hit “Hot Together” playing throughout the trailer to the forthcoming Bonnie and Clyde crime saga.

About a minute into the trailer, the groovy instrumental begins to play as the main protagonist duo, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, reunite when Lucia gets out of prison. The couple rekindle their flame and pick up with they left off, making plays across the city.

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Jason and Lucia test their romantic bond while executing crime missions to stack cash and play even harder, indulging in the fast life that the state of Leonida has to offer.

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“Hot Together” arrived as the title track for The Pointer Sisters’ 1986 album, which peaked at No. 48 on the Billboard 200. The Pointer Sisters grew up in West Oakland and reached mainstream acclaim in the 1970s and 1980s. The R&B/soul group won three Grammy Awards and has seven Billboard Hot 100 hits to its name, including “Automatic” and “Jump (For My Love).”

June, the youngest Pointer sister, tragically passed away from cancer in 2006. The group has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and released 15 studio albums in total, with the last being 1993’s Only Sisters Can Do That.

As for GTA VI, it’s been a long and arduous road for the much-delayed video game’s ultimate arrival, which will finally come on May 26, 2026. It’s been over 12 years since the last GTA, as Grand Theft Auto V was released back in 2013.

Check out the full trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI below:

06 May 2025

MSG Entertainment Revenue Rose 6% to $243 Million in Latest Quarter

Live events company Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) improved its revenue 6% to $243 million in the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, the company announced Tuesday (May 6). Operating income of $27.3 million marked a 63% improvement. 

The results “reflect continued strong consumer and corporate demand as well as a wide variety of live events across our venues,” CEO James Dolan said in a statement. “We remain on track to deliver solid adjusted operating income growth this fiscal year and believe we are well-positioned to drive long-term value for our shareholders.” 

For the nine-month period ended March 31, revenue was up 2% to $789 million and adjusted operating income rose 13% to $198 million. 

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MSGE owns and operates New York City venues Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theater, as well as The Chicago Theatre and The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.  

Revenue from entertainment offerings rose 10% to $160 million due primarily to higher revenue from arena licensing agreements with MSG Sports, greater revenue from the Christmas Spectacular production and more revenue from venue-related sponsorship, signage and suites. 

Event-related revenue fell $3.6 million due primarily to lower revenue from concerts. The company attributed the decline to more rentals and fewer promoted events and a decrease in the number of concerts at MSGE venues. 

Arena license fees fell 1% to $36.4 million due primarily to the quarter having two fewer New York Knicks and New York Rangers games compared to the prior-year quarter. 

Food, beverage and merchandise revenue rose 1% to $45.8 million. Higher food and beverage sales at other live entertainment and sporting events were partially offset by lower sales at concerts due to the decrease in the number of concerts in the quarter. 

Following the earnings announcement on Tuesday, MSGE shares rose as high as $36.17, up 6.4%, and were up 5% to $35.67 in mid-afternoon trading. 

06 May 2025

A$AP Rocky Opens Up About His Gun Assault Trial: ‘I Was Definitely Scared for My Freedom’

A$AP Rocky has opened up about his gun assault trial for the first time, calling the experience “gut-wrenching and nerve-wracking.”

In a new interview with Variety published on Tuesday (May 6), Rocky talked about what it was like sitting in the courtroom for his gun assault trial in February — he was accused by former friend A$AP Relli of shooting him in November of 2021. Rocky was found not guilty on all charges. The rapper said the experience taught him to “focus on his own actions,” adding that he is “blessed” to be able to get back to work.

“You got to stop yourself from thinking like that,” Rocky told the publication when asked whether he was worried about being found guilty. “Because that could get the best of you, and you can manifest that energy by mistake. I tried to stay positive at all times. But it was definitely gut-wrenching and nerve-racking, and I was definitely scared for my freedom. I was so thankful that the jury made that decision. I was really thankful for how the judge was respectful and treated me like a first-class citizen. And I was thankful for my team and my lawyer, my family and my mom for being there with me the whole time.”

He added that his character in Spike Lee’s upcoming Highest 2 Lowest film, which Rocky stars in alongside Denzel Wasington, was heavily inspired by his own legal troubles.

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“I was able to act like a piece of s—t who was going away for a long time but didn’t realize the consequences, because in real life, I knew exactly what the consequences felt like,” Rocky said. He added that acting was his “only escape” during the trial. 

The trial’s most viral moment came at the end when Rocky launched himself into Rihanna’s arms after his “not guilty” verdict was read. The rapper told Variety that moment came from “being happy and wanting to get the f—k out that building.”

Now, the “L$D” rapper is moving forward with his life — and with some happy news, too. Shortly before the 2025 Met Gala — which Rocky co-chaired — began on Monday (May 5), Rihanna revealed that she and the Grammy-nominated rapper — who share sons RZA, nearly 3, and Riot Rose, 1 — are expecting their third child together.

06 May 2025

‘106 & Park’ to Celebrate 25th Anniversary With Host Reunion & Performances at 2025 BET Awards

106 & Park is back, at least for one night. On Tuesday (May 6), BET announced that 106 & Park is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a host reunion and a night of special performances at the 2025 BET Awards.

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A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J will be packing on the nostalgia with a reunion after raising a generation of millennial rap and R&B fans.

“106 & Park was more than just a music countdown show — it was the heartbeat of Black youth culture and one of the highest rated BET programs for over a decade,” BET president Scott Mills said in a statement. “From Freestyle Friday to unforgettable live performances, it launched careers, influenced fashion,and became a platform where voices, style and sound converged. 106 & Park both celebrated and fueled many of the most important musical and culture evolutions that occurred during its two-and-a-half-decade tenure.”

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On the performance side, Mr. 106 & Park himself, Bow Wow, will hit the stage with B2K, Mya, Amerie, Jim Jones and T.I. on June 9. The BET Awards will kick off at the family of BET Networks at 8 p.m. ET.

“106 & Park served as a cultural touchstone, embodying the energy, creativity and authenticity of a generation,” stated Connie Orlando, who serves as the EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “It provided artists a direct connection to their fans, transforming everyday moments into lasting memories. The show’s legacy continues to influence how we engage with music, connect with talent and celebrate Black creativity. We are thrilled to commemorate 25 years of this iconic series at this year’s BET Awards.”

There will be plenty of activations for fans to get in on the festivities in Los Angeles for culture’s biggest week. The BET Fan Fest (BETX) will be set up at the L.A. Convention Center with the 106 & Park stage throughout the weekend on June 7 and June 8, leading into the BET Awards.

Launched on Sept. 11, 2000, 106 & Park enjoyed a fruitful run filled with appearances from music’s biggest stars, and went off the air after a 14-year run in 2014.

06 May 2025

The Lionel D. Pickens Foundation Officially Launches on the 10-Year Anniversary of Chinx’s Passing

The family and friends of Queens rapper Chinx, who died in 2015, are setting up a foundation in his name on the 10th anniversary of his passing.

The Lionel D. Pickens Foundation will focus on youth mentorship and development by connecting young people with mentors to help guide them academically, professionally and emotionally; scholarships for ambitious students regardless of circumstance; small business grants that provide local entrepreneurs with funding and resources’ and community initiatives such as coat drives, Thanksgiving turkey giveaways and toys drives for families in need across the five boroughs of New York City.

“Lionel was more than an artist — he was a dreamer, a provider, and a beacon of hope to so many,” said Veronica Clinton, co-founder and Chinx’s mother, via press release. “Through this foundation, we are continuing what he started: helping others rise up, chase their goals and never give up, no matter where they come from.”

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The foundation’s official launch will be commemorated with his annual community candle lighting on May 17 on Queens Blvd, where supporters, family and friends will gather to remember Lionel “Chinx” Pickens and celebrate the foundation’s mission. 

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“This foundation is our way of turning pain into power,” said Janelli Caceres, co-founder and Lionel’s widow, via press release. “It’s about honoring Lionel by investing in the futures of others — especially those who’ve been forgotten, underestimated or underserved.”

Douglas Ellison, one of the foundation’s board members and Chinx’s former manager, added, “Lionel had the heart of a leader, he lifted people up, he inspired them to dream bigger. This foundation continues that work, so his voice, his values and his love for this community never fade.”

Chinx killed in a 2015 drive-by shooting while sitting in his car at a red light. Last year, Quincy Homere was sentenced to 23 years for his hand in the killing, while Chinx Hill’s case is still pending because he’s already incarcerated for an unrelated charge.

Chinx made a name for himself during the mid-2000s when he started making music with the late Stack Bundles and later, French Montana.

06 May 2025

Signed: Andrea Bocelli Inks 5-Year Deal With AEG Presents, Mark Ambor Belongs With Capitol

Andrea Bocelli signed an exclusive, five-year worldwide agreement with AEG Presents for the creation and management of his live performances, in collaboration with his management team (Veronica Berti and Francesco Pasquero), agency WME and record label Universal Music Group. The deal, which begins on Jan. 1, 2026, covers all of Bocelli’s ticketed live events globally.

Mark Ambor, who scored his first Billboard Hot 100 entry with the smash 2024 track “Belong Together,” signed to Capitol Records. The singer-songwriter is currently touring in Europe and set to play festivals including Governors Ball, Lollapalooza (in both Chicago and Berlin) and Outside Lands. He concluded his North American tour last year.

Don McLean (“American Pie”) signed with Day After Day Productions for exclusive global touring representation. The singer-songwriter currently has more than a dozen tour dates lined up in the U.S.

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Country singer-songwriter Ink signed with Big Loud Records and Electric Feel Records. She is managed by SALXCO. Ink co-wrote three tracks for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, including “16 Carriages,” “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “American Requiem,” as well as Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s smash single “Luther,” among many other credits.

Management firm Shelter Music Group announced the signings of five artists: Cheap Trick, Boys Like Girls, Chiodos, American Hi-Fi and Dead Poet Society. Cheap Trick is gearing up for its 2025 tour and a new album; Boys Like Girls will support the Jonas Brothers on its 20th anniversary stadium and arena tour; Chiodos is currently touring to promote the 20th anniversary of All’s Well That Ends Well and will embark on another tour in the fall, with a new studio album and more touring to come next year; American Hi-Fi are gearing up to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band’s self-titled debut album; and Dead Poet Society are set to tour across Europe and the U.K. this summer, and later across the U.S. in support of Chevelle.

New Found Glory signed to Pure Noise Records, which released the band’s latest single, “100%.” The band is set to perform at Slam Dunk Music Festival before touring with The Offspring and Jimmy Eat World on the SUPERCHARGED: Worldwide in ’25 Tour in North America, followed by several U.K. headline dates.

Country singer-songwriter Mark Chesnutt signed with Conway Entertainment Group/Ontourage Management for management and Absolutely Publicity for PR. Chesnutt is represented by Risha Rodgers at WME’s Nashville division for live bookings.

RaeLynn signed with The Valory Music Co., which will release her latest track, “Heaven Is a Honky Tonk,” on Friday (May 9) in partnership with Red Van Records/Jonas Group Entertainment. The country singer-songwriter is touring with Jason Aldean on his Full Throttle Tour this summer.

British Columbia-based singer-songwriter Luca Fogale signed to Nettwerk, which released “Begin,” his first single of 2025, with more music set for release in the coming months. Fogale just wrapped a headline tour of North America and is currently touring in Europe. He’s managed by Colin McTaggart and Piers Henwood at Amelia Artists and booked by Grant Paley at Midnight Agency for Canada.

R&B artist RAAHiiM (“Peak (Fed Up)”) signed with MNRK Music Group, which released his single “Just Like Me” on Friday (May 2). He’s set to support Jessie Reyez on her North American tour beginning on June 10. RAAHiiM is managed by Joven Haye and booked by Olivia Mirabella, Yves Pierre and Jacqueline Reynolds-Drumm at CAA.

Capitol Christian Music Group signed singer-songwriter Eli Gable, whose debut single, “Holy Ghost Town,” releases May 16. The Ohio native moved to Nashville in 2020 and creates music that blends worship, folk and rock styles. Gable will join Rend Collective on the Folk! 2025 Fall Tour starting Oct. 17 in Portland, Maine. The CCMG roster also includes Chris Tomlin, Blessing Offor, Crowder and Franni Cash. – Jessica Nicholson

Universal Music Korea signed hip-hop artists Okasian and Bryan Chase. Both rose to prominence in Korea as part of The Cohort’s hip-hop crew. Both recently featured on “LOV3,” a track off Sik-k and Lil Moshpit’s [K-FLIP+] EP released in March.

06 May 2025

Quavo’s Rocket Foundation Hosts Brunch for Mothers Who Have Lost Children to Gun Violence

Quavo’s the Rocket Foundation hosted a Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday (May 4) for moms who have lost children to gun violence.

The Migos frontman was in attendance alongside his mother, as well as the late TakeOff’s mom and grandmother; TakeOff was killed in a shooting in Houston on Nov. 1, 2022.

Quavo launched the Rocket Foundation following the death of his nephew, with a goal of reducing gun violence across the country. Draped in white and pastel colors, attendees enjoyed a day of healing as flowers by Fenty Beauty and photos of the lives lost lined the building in Atlanta.

“It’s three times a year that’s really hard. This is one of the major ones. TakeOff made me a mama,” TakeOff’s mother, Tatiana Davenport, told The Atlanta Voice. “I pray that mothers will have a place, like a refuge, where they can get finances to help them grow. They may need spiritual help. They may need mental help. Because it’s all hard, and it’s all combined into one. So I pray that this day will allow them to feel that they can continue to go on and grow.”

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There was also a panel with representatives from various anti-violence groups discussing what can be done in the community to enact the changes they want to see.

It’s the fourth initiative of its kind hosted by the Rocket Foundation, which has plans for another meeting with members of congress this summer.

Earlier this month, the Rocket Foundation named Gregory Jackson Jr. as the president of the organization. Jackson Jr. previously served as the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which was dismantled by the Trump Administration.

“What they’re going through, while it’s painful, there’s a whole community here that has their back and has been through similar trials, and we’re just stronger together than we are apart,” Jackson Jr. told those in attendance. “Maybe just every once in a while, there’s a sad night, they’ll remember that there are so many other people there to support them, even if they aren’t physically there with them. And frankly, we want to inspire them to continue to be courageous in speaking out on this issue, pushing for change, because that’s how we fix this.”

On the music side, Quavo released a posthumous collaboration with TakeOff “Dope By Phone,” which hit streaming services on May 2.

06 May 2025

Pharrell Williams Hosts Post-Met Gala UNO Tournament for Kim Kardashian, Ciara & More

Pharrell Williams‘ hosting duties had only just begun after the 2025 Met Gala — which he co-chaired with A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo and Lewis Hamilton — ended Monday night (May 5).

Following the glamorous event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the producer invited a star-studded list of guests to join him for an “after hours” UNO tournament at Crane Club in the West Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. Among the players were Kim Kardashian, Keke Palmer, Jaden Smith, Pusha T, Future, Ciara, Lala Anthony, Questlove, PinkPantheress, Maggie Rogers and Halle Bailey, who posed for photos, sipped on drinks and — at least in some cases — probably made a few lifelong enemies with some well-timed “Draw Four” cards.

Emceed by streamer and onetime Billboard cover star Kai Cenat, the evening also saw the winners of the tournament take home prizes ranging from a Richard Mille watch to diamond Tiffany & Co. earrings. A Louis Vuitton trunk was also awarded, as was a custom UNO varsity jacket designed by the night’s host himself.

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The tournament capped off one of the most highly anticipated celebrity events of the year, with many of Williams’ UNO guests having walked the Met Gala red carpet just hours prior to the game night. This year’s theme, which the producer helped lead with his fellow co-chairs, was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” a tribute to “the role of sartorial style in forming Black identities, focusing on the emergence, significance and proliferation of the Black dandy,” according to Vogue.

In addition to helping host the gala, Williams — who is the men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton — assisted in curating many of the night’s looks, including those worn by Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, LISA of BLACKPINK, Future and more.

See photos from Williams’ post-Met Gala UNO party below.

Kim Kardashian, Ciara, La La Anthony and Kai Cenat

Kim Kardashian, Ciara, La La Anthony and Kai Cenat

Zach Hilty/BFA.com

PinkPantheress and Halle Bailey

PinkPantheress and Halle Bailey

Zach Hilty/BFA.com

Future

Future

Zach Hilty/BFA.com

06 May 2025

Megan Thee Stallion Sneaks Phone Into Met Gala: Watch Her Sample Appetizers With Doechii & Angel Reese

Megan Thee Stallion risked it all for the ‘gram. The Houston Hottie pulled up to the 2025 Met Gala on Monday night (May 5) and broke the event’s no-phone policy to post a video to social media of her sampling appetizers with Doechii and WNBA star Angel Reese.

Thee Stallion went live from the “Hottie Cam” at the Met Gala to give her fans an inside look at what food was being served throughout the night. The trio enjoyed some cornbread and caviar, vegan lox, truffle lobster rolls and more.

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“We’re not supposed to have our phones, but we’re doing it,” Megan said with a laugh. There could be some music on the way from Meg and Doechii, as the Houston Hottie said the TDE rapper was on her “album wishlist” for Act: III.

Megan certainly had fun mingling with the other superstar guests as well when she linked up with Ciara, actress Lupita Nyong’o and the “gorgeous” Serena Williams.

Meg brazenly flexed about sneaking her phone into the gala and posted footage with cameos from Tracee Ellis Ross, Doja Cat and track star Sha’Carri Richardson.

Attendees are discouraged from using their cellphones throughout the night at the Met, as Vogue explains that the phone policy is to keep what happens at the annual event “largely under wraps.” There’s no telling what the consequences are for breaking the rules.

Megan Thee Stallion wasn’t the only one using her phone, as Halle Bailey, Sydney Sweeney and LISA posed for a selfie together. Another photo emerged of Angela Bassett with Yara Shahidi. Questlove got a crew together for an epic selfie in the background, which he posted to Instagram.

It was a star-studded affair on Monday night (May 5) inside the hallowed Metropolitan Museum of Art. Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky and Pharrell served as co-chairs for the Met Gala, which saw attendees serve looks related to the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme, celebrating Black fashion.

LeBron James was also an honorary chairman, but the Lakers forward did not attend the event after suffering a sprained knee in the NBA Playoffs last week.