Music News

23 Jan 2025

Hip-Hop Community Mourns Death of Influential Journalist & Screenwriter Barry Michael Cooper

Barry Michael Cooper, the journalist who coined the term “New Jack Swing” to describe the music Teddy Riley was making during the ’80s and wrote the screenplays for influential movies like New Jack City featuring Wesley Snipes’ iconic role as Nino Brown, Above the Rim starring 2Pac in one of his most memorable roles as street hustler Birdie, and Sugar Hill (also starring Snipes) passed away Tuesday (Jan. 22).

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Nelson George, another influential hip-hop journalist, broke the news on his Substack. “Barry Michael Cooper died today in Baltimore, according to his son Mathew,” he wrote. “It’ll take me a minute to gather all my thoughts, but just wanted to thank him for recommending to Robert Christgau at the Village Voice when I was trying to write for the Riffs section back in 1981. It was a key moment in my career and life.”

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Adding, “Barry helped define pop culture in the ‘80s and ‘90s with his early reporting on crack, by naming Teddy Riley’s sound ‘new jack swing’, and writing star vehicles for Wesley Snipes (New Jack City, Sugar Hill) and Tupac (Above the Rim.) Though he lived much of the last decades of his life in Baltimore, he was Harlem to his core.”

Michael A. Gonzales, who co-wrote the important Bring The Noise: A Guide to Rap Music and Hip-Hop Culture with Havelock Nelson, tweeted out the Village Voice article profiling Teddy Riley where the term New Jack Swing was invented and referred to Cooper as one of his “main inspirations.”

A&R extraordinaire Dante Ross wrote a lengthy caption on Instagram about how much of fan he was of his writing and acknowledged the influence his movie scripts had on the hip-hop genre and community.  “His Harlem trilogy of flicks, New Jack City, Sugar Hill and Above The Rim were beyond influential in terms of Hip Hop cinema, they literally changed the game,” he said.

New Jack City, Above the Rim, and Sugar Hill continue to be referenced by rappers and meme’d online by fans 30 years later.

So far, no cause of death has been announced. He was 66 years old.

23 Jan 2025

Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s ‘Lilac’ Stays at No. 1 for Fifth Week on Japan Hot 100

Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Lilac” continues to rule the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for the fifth week, on the chart dated Jan. 22.

Downloads, streams and video views for the Oblivion Battery opener are down to 67%, 89%, and 95%, respectively, compared to the week before, but karaoke is up to 104%.  The track holds at the top spot for the third consecutive week and for fifth time in total, with a huge lead over the track at No. 2 and below.

At No. 2 is Rosé & Bruno Mars’ “APT,.” also holding for the third week. While the track is slowing down in downloads, streams and video, it gained slightly in radio and karaoke.

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STU48’s “Chiheisen wo miteiruka?” debuts at No. 3. The title track of the girl group’s 11th single sold 165,727 copies in its first week to hit No. 1 for sales.

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Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Que Sera Sera” slips a notch to No. 4. Streams are down to 93% and downloads to 50% week-over-week, but radio and karaoke are up to 170% and 105%, respectively.

“CBZ (Prime time)” by BSS, a group consisting of members SEUNGKWAN, DK, and HOSHI of SEVENTEEN, bows at No. 5. The lead track of the trio’s second single “TELEPARTY” sold 63,797 copies to come in at No. 2 for sales, while also hitting No. 94 for downloads, No. 86 for radio and No. 41 for video. “’Shohikigen,” by SEVENTEEN released last year, also came in at No. 3 for sales, and the track rises to No. 20 on the Japan Hot 100 after six weeks.

In other chart moves, a number of rapper Chanmina’s tracks have climbed the Japan Hot 100 again, due to the final judging of the audition project she’s producing, No No Girls, airing on Jan. 11. “Harenchi” came in at No. 51 and “Never Grow Up” at No. 79. Also, after the movie 366 Days hit domestic theaters on Jan. 10, the song the story was inspired by, HY’s “366 Days,” has returned at No. 84. The last time this classic ballad charted was about six months ago, in July 2024.

The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.

See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from Jan. 13 to 19, here. For more on Japanese music and charts, visit Billboard Japan’s English Twitter account.

23 Jan 2025

Clipse’s No Malice Says ‘Not Like Us’ Is His Favorite Song at the Moment

The Brothers Clipse were at Paris Fashion Week for Pharrell‘s Fall/Winter 2025 Louis Vuitton Men’s collection runway show dipped in custom LV and were stopped by social media style account @thepeoplegallery_.

First, No Malice was asked for styling advice, with the Virginia rapper giving a simple answer: “Being comfortable, being you.” The brothers were then asked what this specific collection means to them and Pharrell, with Pusha T answering that “It shows the world the legacy and the influence that Nigo and Pharrell have together.” Finally, Malice was asked by host Maurice Kamara what his favorite song is right now to which he replied, “‘Not Like Us‘” after thinking about it for a bit and walked off with a smirk.

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The Clipse have a long history when it comes to Drake and his Young Money crew dating back to the mid-2000s when the feud began with Lil Wayne wearing Japanese streetwear line BAPE, which was popularized by Pharrell and the brothers Stateside.

The group is planning to make a return this year after a 16-year hiatus with their last album together being 2009’s Til the Casket Drops. They unofficially released one of their new songs “Chains & Whips” (a song that’s rumored to feature Dot) in 2024 during Pharrell’s first LV runway show and Pusha confirmed that Let God Sort Em Out is finished and that the album is produced entirely by Pharrell during a conversation with journalist Ari Melber.

There isn’t a release date yet, but it should be hitting DSPs sometime this year.

23 Jan 2025

ROSÉ of BLACKPINK Shreds Live Rock Performance of ‘3am’ at Channel Street Skatepark: Watch

ROSÉ totally shredded at the skatepark recently — but not on a skateboard. Instead, the BLACKPINK star delivered gnarly vocals while performing a live version of her song “3am,” setting up shop with her band at Channel Street Skatepark in Los Angeles.

A video of the performance posted Thursday (Jan. 23) opens with an overhead view of skateboarders zooming back and forth on the park’s topsy-turvy ramp before panning over to ROSÉ and her band. Dressed in a simple black crop top and jeans, the performer’s voice rings out crystal clear over powerful electric guitar, bass and drums.

“I just want it to be you when it’s 3 a.m.​/ And I’m losing mysеlf in my mind again,” she sings on the track as skaters continue doing tricks behind her. “The one who gives mе love that is bulletproof/ The world can roll their eyes, but there’s no use/ I just want it to be you.”

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“3am” appears on ROSÉ’s debut solo album rosie, which dropped in December and reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The LP also spawned the star’s hit duet “APT.” with Bruno Mars, which spent 11 weeks atop the Billboard Global 200.

The musician’s solo record comes amid a hiatus for BLACKPINK as ROSÉ and her bandmates — JENNIE, JISOO and LISA — work on solo projects. In a recent interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the “On the Ground” musician opened up about how writing songs for rosie was “like a free therapy session” for her.

“I healed so much through the whole process,” she added. “For me, it’s a really personal album and I’m really grateful for it.”

Watch ROSÉ’s live performance of “3am” above.

23 Jan 2025

KCON 2025 Announces Japan & Los Angeles Dates

KCON is back!

Entertainment company CJ ENM announced on Thursday (Jan. 23) its official dates for the K-pop festival’s Japan and United States shows this year. KCON JAPAN 2025 will take place in the country’s Chiba prefecture from May 9 to 11. Shortly after, KCON LA 2025 will take place from August 1 to 3.

Venue information, performing artists and ticket sales will be announced at a later date. 

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KCON, which launched in the United States in 2012 and has since expanded to all over the globe, combines “masterfully produced K-pop shows with a convention where fans can experience every aspect of Korean culture – from music and fashion, to television and food,” per the event’s description.

KCON LA 2024, which took place at Crypto Arena, L.A. Convention Center and Gilbert Lindsay Plaza, featured performances by Alexas, A.CE., Apoki, Bibi, Boynextdoor, Craxy, Drippin, Dxmon, Enhyphen, god, Hyolyn, INI, Isaac Hong, Jeon Somi, Jo Yuri, Kep1er, Katseye, Kim Soo Hyun, Me:I, NCT 127, NMIXX, P1Harmony, Park Min Young, Pow, Stayc, Taemin, TWS, Tiger JK, Zerobaseone and Zico.

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Last year’s festival marked an incredible success for the company, with KCON JAPAN notching a record-breaking crowd of 140,000 and attracting over 5.9 million fans worldwide for KCON LA 2024 both at the festival site and via its digital platforms. KCON also made U.S. history with the first-ever national primetime broadcast of a K-pop show with CW Network’s live broadcast.

23 Jan 2025

La T y La M & Malandro de America’s ‘Amor De Vago’ Adds Third Week at No. 1 on Billboard Argentina Hot 100 Chart

Argentinians La T y La M and Malandro de America continue its domination on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart, as “Amor De Vago” adds a third week at No. 1 (chart dated Jan. 25).

The song, released Aug. 23 through Zelaya Producciones/Grace Music, earned both artists their first champ when it jumped 2-1 on the tally (dated Jan. 11), three weeks ago. It also earned Malandro de America his first appearance to date.

Bad Bunny’s new album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart, yields new career records. In addition to activity stemming from 12 songs already on the chart, five others debut. “DtMF,” which leads this week’s multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, also leads the recruits, as it flies 62-3 with the Greats Gainer weekly honors.

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In sum, Benito places 18 songs on the chart, 17 from the Debí Tirar Más Fotos plus a collab with Rauw Alejandro, ““Qué Pasaría…,” at No. 23. With 18 simultaneous titles, he outdoes himself, and sets a new record for the most concurrent songs since the chart launched in 2018.

Here’s Bad Bunny’s collection of songs on the current chart:

No. 3, “DtMF”
No. 6, “BAILE INoLVIDABLE”
No. 9, “NUEVAYoL”
No. 10, VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR”
No. 12, “WELTiTA,” with Chuwi
No. 13, “VELDá,” with Omar Courtz & Dei V
No. 21, “EL CLúb”
No. 22, “Qué Pasaría…,” with Rauw Alejandro
No. 25, KLOuFRENS
No. 29, PERFuMITO NUEVO,” with RaiNao
No. 33, “EoO” (debuts)
No. 39, “KETU TeCRÉ”
No. 50, “TURISTA” (debuts)
No. 52, “BOKeTe”
No. 59, “PIToRRO DE COCO”
No. 61, “CAFé CON RON,” with Los Pleneros De La Cresta (debuts)
No. 65, “La MuDANZA” (debuts)
No. 80, “LO QUE LE PASÓ a HAWAii” (debuts)

Two other songs bow this week, starting with Danny Ocean and Kapo’s “Imagínate” at No. 89, and Sebastián Yatra and Bad Gyal’s “2AM” at No. 95.

23 Jan 2025

J Balvin & G-Shock Make History With New Watch Collab: Shop Here

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Before setting off on a North American tour later this year, J Balvin is making history with G-Shock on a new collaborative watch.

The partnership marks the watch brand’s first product collaboration with a Latin artist and a “first-of-its-kind design” timepiece that includes Spanish text on the dial. The limited-edition watch is available for pre-orders now on the G-Shock website with a general release on Jan. 27. Shop the watch here or below.

The limited-edition DWE5600 model features an interchangeable bezel and band in two different colors — translucent matte yellow and a sleek classic black, which fans can mix and match both options to create their favorite look. The watch face design is equally distinctive, featuring Balvin’s signature lightning bolt motif with the case back and LED backlight all including similar logos.

“G-SHOCK’s tough and bold style has always resonated with my journey,” says J Balvin in a statement. “With this launch, I wanted to create something that reflects my music and culture, while also giving fans a unique way to express themselves. This watch does just that, with bold, interchangeable parts that let everyone make it their own. I’m excited to bring this new product to life and continue my journey with a brand I’ve always loved.”

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The watch comes with all the popular bells and whistles that G-Shock is known for, including a shock-resistant, carbon core guard structure, 200m water resistant, stopwatch, countdown timer, multi-function alarm, LED light, 12/24 hr. time formats, and a full auto calendar.

Snag the limited-edition watch available for preorder now on G-Shock’s website, or try your luck with the general release on January 27. Shop the watch below.

J Balvin G-Shock Watch: Shop Limited-Edition Collab

G-Shock x J Balvin “Ma G DWE5600JB1A9” Watch

J Balvin G-Shock Watch: Shop Limited-Edition Collab

G-Shock x J Balvin “Ma G DWE5600JB1A9” Watch

23 Jan 2025

Charli XCX to Produce & Possibly Star in New Movie ‘The Moment’ Based on Her Original Idea

Charli XCX is producing — and will possibly star in — a new movie she conceptualized.

As announced by Variety on Thursday (Jan. 23), the 32-year-old singer/songwriter will team up with A24 for a film titled The Moment, which will be based on her own original idea. Details about the plot and characters have not yet been revealed, but the publication reports that Charli may also star in the project.

Aidan Zamiri will make his directorial debut on the project. The Scottish photographer and filmmaker also wrote the screenplay with Bertie Brandes; A.G. Cooke, who produced much of Charli’s year-defining 2024 album Brat, is locked in to compose the score.

The Moment marks the first undertaking of the “Apple” singer’s new production company, Studio365. It’s also part of a larger career pivot from Charli, who has previously opened up about wanting to shift from music to acting; coming up, viewers will see the pop star play roles in Benito Skinner’s Overcompensating series, Gregg Araki’s upcoming thriller I Want Your Sex, Daniel Goldhaber’s Faces of Death remake and Julia Jackman’s 100 Nights of Hero graphic-novel adaptation.

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“I’m enjoying learning about being on a set and learning from great directors and actors,” Charli told Variety of her new ventures in December. “I hate it when musicians dive into a different field head-first without really researching or learning much of anything about it. So I did a lot of reading to educate myself over the past three or four years before I actually did anything.”

News of Charli’s next film arrives on the same day the 2025 BRIT Awards nominations went live, with the singer sweeping nods in five categories — more than any other act this year — including artist of the year, pop act and dance act. She’s also up for album of the year with Brat, while “Guess” is in the running for song of the year.

23 Jan 2025

Cynthia Erivo Celebrates ‘Unbelievable’ Oscars Nomination: ‘A Dream Come True’

Cynthia Erivo is defying gravity with her Oscars nomination.

The Academy unveiled its 2025 nominees on Thursday (Jan. 23), with Erivo snagging a nod in the best actress in a leading role category for her portrayal of Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s Wicked. To celebrate, the star took to Instagram to share a series of photos from the film, along with a heartfelt caption expressing her gratitude for the honor. “Moments like this don’t come along very often, and when they do, it is sacrilege to let them pass by without a moment of gratitude. I am grateful, grateful to @theacademy, grateful to be a part of something that makes people feel seen, grateful to be a cog in the wheel of a piece that makes us believe in magic, grateful to have experienced a dream come true, and deeply deeply grateful for this unbelievable recognition,” she wrote.

Erivo continued, “I often get asked what I would say to my younger self. Well today there’s nothing to be said. She is smiling, beaming, glowing from ear to ear. That speaks volumes.”

She went on to congratulate her co-star Ariana Grande, who received her first-ever nomination for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Glinda. “To my sister, @arianagrande, what a joy it is to be here with you watching as you ascend and amaze and become the actress you were meant to be. Congratulations first time nominee, I’m so so proud of you!! There is no one in the world I would have wanted to do this with more than you.”

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Erivo also thanked Chu, who she deemed, “our fearless leader whose kindness provided us with the room to play,” adding, “you are deserving of all good things and I’m lucky to call you my brother.”

See her full post here. The actress was previously nominated for best actress in 2020 for her role in Harriet, as well as best original song for the film’s “Stand Up.”

Erivo is up against Emilia Pérez‘s Karla Sofía Gascón, Anora‘s Mikey Madison, The Substance‘s Demi Moore and I’m Still Here‘s Fernanda Torres. Earning 10 nods total this year, Wicked ties with The Brutalist for second-most nominated project at the 2025 Oscars. Only Emilia Pérez has more, scoring 13 total.

23 Jan 2025

Doja Cat Tries to Sneak Into Taco Bell’s Super Bowl Ad in New Teaser Clip

Taco Bell is gearing up to air its Super Bowl commercial next month, showing off authentic fans across the country through clips taken at thousands of Live Más Drive-Thru Cams. Now, Doja Cat wants to be part of the fun.

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In a teaser clip released on Thursday (Jan. 23 fittingly titled “Photobomb,” two fans pose with their Taco Bell meal at one of the unique drive-thru photo booths as the narrator explains, “This year, Taco Bell is making fans the star of their Big Game ad — not celebrities.”

However, when the duo check out the photo they took, they notice that Doja Cat snuck her way into the background of the photo. That’s when the “Say So” superstar gets spotted by a Taco Bell employee, and they have a hilarious back-and-forth in which Doja demands to be in the upcoming commercial to no avail.

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The teaser ends with the narrator concluding, “If you took a photo at one of our Drive-Thru Cams, ou could be in our Big Game ad. Participants may be slightly famous but not Doja Cat famous.”

Despite being too famous for the Super Bowl ad, Doja Cat has been a longtime Taco Bell superfan. Back in 2022, the singer appeared to single-handedly usher in the return of the restaurant’s beloved Mexican Pizza after she petitioned for the item to return to menu on social media and beyond.

“I’ve already made history with Taco Bell—you’re welcome for the Mexican Pizza comeback—so when I heard Taco Bell was featuring its biggest fans, I assumed that I would be part of the action,” Doja said in a press statement. “Don’t get me wrong, I should be the star, but my fellow Taco Bell fans really showed out… I guess I’ll just have to wait and see what happens during the Big Game.”

Watch the teaser spot below, and catch the full Dave Meyers-directed Big Game ad on Feb. 9 to see which of the biggest fans — and if Doja Cat — made the cut.