Music News

22 Jan 2025

Bruno Mars Teases ‘Strip Club Anthem’ With Sexyy Red: ‘Found Her’

On the heels of the Lady Gaga-assisted “Die With a Smile” remaining at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for another week, Bruno Mars has turned his focus to his next single.

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Looking to craft a new strip club anthem, Bruno made sure to give Sexyy Red a call as someone who knows a thing or two about turning the jiggle joints up with ratchet hits. It appears the Bruno x Big Sexyy collaboration is already on the horizon as the Grammy Award-winning superstar teased a snippet of the untitled track on social media on Wednesday (Jan. 22).

“Found Her,” he captioned the post which features a graphic of Sexyy Red hugging on Bruno while he brushes up against her.

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“Yeah! It’s Sexyy,” she can be heard calling out on the teaser clip. “Hey Bruno!”

It’s still unclear when the forthcoming hit is set to arrive but social media is speculating that the track is landing on Friday (Jan. 24) and is explicitly tentatively titled “Fat, Juicy & Wet.”

This all seemed to be part of Bruno Mars’ master plan. The pop supernova hopped into the Instagram comment section earlier this week celebrating “Die With a Smile” topping the Hot 100 for a third consecutive week where he revealed he was heading to the studio and trying to get Sexyy’s attention.

“THANK YOU ALL! I’m headed to the studio right now to make a strip club anthem so I can celebrate and properly act up this weekend,” he wrote to Instagram. “Someone please help me get in touch with Sexyy Red!”

He wasn’t kidding as Sexyy didn’t waste any time in getting in touch with Bruno. “You lookin for ah real bthc baby I’m right hur,” she replied in a since-deleted comment, per Complex.

The unreleased track is expected to be the first single of the year for Bruno, who is teaming up with the St. Louis native for their first collab as well. Listen to the snippet below.

22 Jan 2025

Mary J. Blige, Lisa Lisa & Gloria Gaynor Head Upcoming ‘Voices of a Lifetime’ Slate

Mary J. Blige, Lisa Lisa and Gloria Gaynor comprise the trio of icons who will be spotlighted when Lifetime’s 2025 “Voices of a Lifetime” platform returns this winter. The launch begins Jan. 25 with the premiere of the original movie Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair.

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Inspired by the Blige hit “Family Affair,” the premiere marks the third installment in the Queen of Hip-Hip and Soul’s music-inspired movie franchise that launched in 2023 with Mary J. Blige’s Real Love followed by Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman. The films chronicle the love story of central characters Kendra and Ben, with chapter three picking up with the pair’s move to a new town and the issues that ensue as they work to finally build a life together.  Kendra and Ben are portrayed by Ajiona Alexus and Da’Vinchi, respectively. Both also served as executive producers of the movie along with others including Blige and Davis Entertainment’s Jordan and John Davis. Troy Scott directed from a script written by Rachel Ingram with Front Street Pictures producing the project.

Coming Feb. 1 is Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story about the Latin hip-hop pioneer born Lisa Velez. The authorized biopic focuses on the singer-actress whose career took off as a member of the ‘80s group Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. The gold- and platinum-selling band’s Full Force-produced chain of hits includes “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” “Head to Toe,” “Lost in Emotion” and “All Cried Out.” Jearnest Corchado stars as Velez who, in turn, portrays her own mother and doubles as executive producer. Also in the cast: Bre-Z (Empire) and New York City radio personality Angie Martinez. Produced by Swirl Films, the biopic is directed by Tailiah Breon with a script from Rebecca Murga.

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Rounding out Voices of a Lifetime’s triple rollout on Feb. 8 is another authorized biopic, Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story. Gaynor, aka the Queen of Disco, is the force behind the ageless empowerment anthem “I Will Survive.” Featuring other memorable songs from the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s catalog, the film stars Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, who is among the project’s executive producers and also starred in Roberts’ Emmy-nominated biopic Mahalia. Lance Gross plays Gaynor’s husband and manager Linwood Simon; their tumultuous relationship is among the personal challenges that Gaynor faced during her career.

Gaynor served as an executive producer. She also wrote and recorded an original song for the biopic, which Roberts and Linda Berman produced for Rock’n Robin Productions in association with Apex Content Ventures. Alicia K. Harris directed from a script written by Njeri Brown and Jane Espenson. After the premiere of Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story, Lifetime will present the world television debut of the documentary Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive. Produced by Storyville Entertainment, Sing Me Back Home Productions and Tora 9, the documentary — which initially premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival — was helmed by Emmy-nominated director Betsy Schechter; Gaynor is among its executive producers. For more information and additional updates, visit Lifetime.

22 Jan 2025

Nikola Jokic Says ‘Maybe’ He’ll Perform 50 Cent’s ‘Many Men’ One Day After Declining to Rap It on TV

Nikola Jokic is apparently a big fan of 50 Cent, especially the Queens rapper’s song “Many Men.”

After Denver Nuggets teammate DeAndre Jordan recently revealed that the 2003 song is Jokic’s favorite, the NBA on TNT crew joked with the three-time MVP about him supposedly knowing every word and pleaded for him to rap the words during a postgame interview.

“No, no, no, I’m not,” Jokic laughed, refusing to rap. “D.J. is a bad teammate. I love the song, I love the song, but I’m not going to [rap it].”

“Peyton Watson is our locker room DJ, so anytime Nikola request a song, if it’s not, like, Serbian folk music, it is ‘Many Men’ by 50 Cent,” Jordan shared on the Run It Back podcast. “He knows the words from start to finish. … That’s his song, man, he loves it.”

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Jordan couldn’t confirm if the Serbian big man had ever seen 50’s 2003 movie Get Rich or Die Tryin’, but he said he’s going to get him a tape if he hasn’t. “You know what, I don’t know, but if he hasn’t, I’m going to get it for him on VHS.”

However, the Joker bashfully denied Jordan’s claim, but said he’ll learn the words and maybe perform the song sometime in the future.

“No, no, he’s lying. I don’t know the words. But I’m going to [learn] it. Maybe I’m going to perform, I think,” he said as they egged him on and suggested he do the performance during the upcoming All-Star weekend in February.

The highlight of the clip, though, is Adam Lefkoe rapping the hook and Shaq attempting to rap the words in Serbian (or French, maybe Creole, depending on who you ask.)

22 Jan 2025

Aaron & Nick Carter’s Sister to Open Up About Family’s ‘Deeply Disturbing Path’ in Documentary

Angel Carter Conrad is getting ready to tell her side of her family’s history — including her memories of famous brothers Nick Carter and the late Aaron Carter — in a new documentary titled The Carters coming to Paramount+ later this year.

As announced Wednesday (Jan. 22), the two-part project will give viewers a “deeply personal look at the extreme highs and tragic lows of a family propelled into the spotlight” by Nick’s boy band career with the Backstreet Boys and Aaron’s rise to solo pop stardom. Told through the eyes of Angel — Aaron’s twin sister — the doc will piece together the Carter family’s “deeply disturbing path” through never-before-seen home movies and exclusive interviews with friends Melissa Joan Hart and Scout Willis.

“The Carters follows bona fide American teen heartthrobs, Nick and Aaron, who seemed to have it all,” reads a description. “But behind their remarkable gifts was a family dealing with mental health struggles, drug addiction, and heartbreaking neglect.”

An exact release date has not yet been announced. Director Soleil Moon Frye said in a statement, “I feel morally responsible to create a safe space for others to share their truths … Angel’s courage in sharing her family’s journey of mental health issues, addiction, pain, unbearable loss, and at the core, love, is a profound testament to who she is.”

“This documentary is a labor of love for my family,” added Angel. “By sharing our true story — one shaped by loss, resilience, and healing — I hope to honor our journey and transform our past into a message of hope and purpose for others facing similar challenges.”

Aaron, Nick and Angel are three of five children in their family. They also had a sister named Leslie, who died of an apparent overdose in 2012, and another sister, Bobbie Jean, who died of an accidental overdose in 2023. Aaron died the year prior in an accidental drowning. The siblings also lost their father to a heart attack in 2017.

Seemingly uninvolved in the documentary, Nick Carter is currently embroiled in legal battles with three women who have accused him of sexual assault: Shannon “Shay” Ruth, Dream singer Melissa Schuman and an anonymous Jane Doe, who in August 2023 filed a complaint alleging Nick assaulted her multiple times in 2003 when she was 15. Ruth sued the “Now or Never” singer in December 2022 for allegedly raping her on a tour bus when she was a teenager, while Schuman’s suit came in April 2023 over claims Nick gave her drug-laced alcohol and assaulted her when she was 18.

In August last year, Nick countersued Schuman for $2.5 million. He also countersued Ruth before that; both times, a judge refused attempts to have the countersuits dismissed.

22 Jan 2025

From Broadway to Movies to Music, Oz Has Bewitched Audiences (And Billboard’s Back Pages) for 125 Years

Few American-made mythologies loom larger than L. Frank Baum’s Oz. His 1900 book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was an instant sensation that was made into theatrical productions and films, and later inspired songs by Elton John, America, ELO and even the Melvins.

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Now, Jon M. Chu’s blockbuster Wicked is taking audiences beyond the yellow brick road, thanks to bewitching performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. So put on your emerald-colored glasses for a look back at Billboard’s coverage of a story that transported people over the rainbow to another world.

Not In Kansas Anymore

Just two years after Baum published his book, a musical adaptation, The Wizard of Oz, opened in a Chicago theater. Thanks to vaudeville veterans Fred Stone and David C. Montgomery playing the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman, respectively, the Jan. 3, 1903, Billboard raved, “It is one continuous case of laughter throughout.” The reviewer noted, however, that “the music isn’t so very catchy.” If they only had a Rodgers & Hart!

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If They Only Had a Brain

When the sixth silent film based on Oz opened in 1925, a Billboard critic wasn’t convinced it was King of the Forest. “No one ever expects logic in a film of this species and certainly no one finds any in The Wizard of Oz,” wrote a reviewer in the April 25 issue of director Larry Semon’s slapstick take. The good news: “You can safely invite the school committee and the clergy to view this film as it is wholesome and totally without objectionable features.”

‘What Happened Next Was Rich’

When MGM’s lush The Wizard of Oz premiered in New York, Billboard was there — as was star actress Judy Garland, who sang a few songs after the screening with frequent co-star Mickey Rooney. The “vaudefilmers” combo grossed $68,000 and broke “all house records,” according to the Sept. 2, 1939, issue. Two weeks later, Billboard forecast a bright future for “Over the Rainbow”: “You can count on its staying around for some time.” By Sept. 30, the song was a jukebox must: “No ifs and buts to it — it’s got to be in every machine.”

No Place Like Harlem

When The Wiz, a stage musical reimagining with an all-Black cast, opened on Broadway in 1975, a Jan. 18 Billboard review hailed its “sauce, moxy and innovation.” Sidney Lumet’s big-screen adaptation was “a wow” but “rather long,” according to the Oct. 14, 1978, issue. The same reviewer also said that Michael Jackson “excels as Scarecrow in several numbers,” including “a vibrant duet” with Diana Ross on “Ease on Down the Road” — which hit No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 the next week.

Age-‘Defying’ Appeal

A full century after Oz first hit the Gay White Way, Wicked debuted on Broadway. It was very “Popular”: When Billboard launched its Top Cast Albums chart in the Jan. 21, 2006, issue, the original cast recording was the first No. 1. Wicked’s broomstick flight to Hollywood was just as successful. “Ariana Grande is a revelation,” praised a Nov. 22, 2024, Billboard article, adding that Erivo’s Wicked Witch “feels real and relatable — even in a musical with talking goats.”

22 Jan 2025

These Were the 50 Most Played Artists at Ushuaïa Ibiza in 2024

The clubs are currently dark in Ibiza, but months before the 2025 season gets underway, we’ve got tabs on the 50 most played artists at island institution Ushuaïa in 2024. These 50 artists rank highest on a list of 3,001 unique acts whose music was identified at the club in 2024.

The top five slots are occupied by Martin Garrix, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia and Armin van Buuren, which is logical given that all five of these acts had residencies at the mega-club in 2024. The list also includes a load of both marquee and slightly more underground names including John Summit, Peggy Gou, Daft Punk, Avicii, Disclosure, Rüfüs Du Sol, Odd Mob, Anotr, Hugel and many more. See the complete list below.

The data that created this list collected by KUVO Powered by DJ Monitor, who install technologies in clubs and use music recognition technology (MRT) and direct metadata capture (DMC).

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Yann Pissenem, the creator of Ushuaïa and its sister club Hï, in August announced that he’s opening a new nightclub on the island called [UNVRS] this year.

The 50 Most Played Artists at Ushuaïa Ibiza in 2024:

  1. Martin Garrix
  2. Calvin Harris
  3. David Guetta
  4. Swedish House Mafia
  5. Armin Van Buuren
  6. Dimitri Vegas
  7. MK
  8. John Summit
  9. Sem Jacobs
  10. Steve Aoki
  11. Avicii
  12. Cajmere
  13. Tiësto
  14. Marlon Hoffstadt
  15. Gala
  16. Daft Punk
  17. Adam Port
  18. Disclosure
  19. Nic Fanciulli
  20. Blackchild
  21. Dom Dolla
  22. Lost Frequencies
  23. Noizu
  24. Benny Benassi Pres. The Biz
  25. Diplo
  26. Cassimm
  27. Melé
  28. Mark Knight
  29. Armand Van Helden
  30. Anotr
  31. Loofy
  32. Martin Ikin
  33. Crusy
  34. Massano
  35. Eleganto
  36. Rihanna
  37. Mau P
  38. Oden
  39. Peggy Gou
  40. Andruss
  41. Odd Mob
  42. Sebastian Ingrosso
  43. Sonny Fodera
  44. Florence + The Machine
  45. Groove P
  46. Hugel
  47. Pawsa
  48. Rüfüs Du Sol
  49. Central Cee
  50. Steve Angello

22 Jan 2025

Jason Aldean Praises Carrie Underwood for Being a ‘Pro’ Amid Tech Issues at Trump Inauguration Performance

Jason Aldean is sharing his support for Carrie Underwood after her performance at Donald Trump‘s presidential inauguration ceremony, where technical difficulties led to the American Idol winner delivering a rendition of “America the Beautiful” a cappella.

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Aldean appeared on a recent episode of Fox News’ Fox & Friends after performing at the inaugural Liberty Ball. He praised Underwood for powering through the performance, telling the hosts, “First of all, it’s a hard song to do anyway. When you’re supposed to be singing to a track and that’s what gives you pitch reference for the song and to not have that and for her to just kinda say, ‘All right, listen, we’ll go.’ That’s a big move and that’s a pro move on her part, so I thought it was great.”

Prior to her performance, Underwood released a statement defending herself against critics who were disappointed in her decision to appear at the event, saying, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

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Aldean agreed, and shared his own thoughts on Trump re-entering office as a longtime, outspoken supporter of the politician. “I do feel a bit vindicated. My wife and I talk about this all the time, for the last four years especially, you’re taking a lot of heat for stepping out and telling people how we feel about the state of the country and that regime that had been in office. It’s been a little odd at times.”

He continued, “To have President Trump back in office, I think it gives everyone a sense of relief for a lot of people.”

Watch Aldean’s chat with Fox & Friends here.

22 Jan 2025

Sting Cancels Concerts on Doctor’s Orders

Sting is pulling out of his next few public engagements as he recovers from a temporary throat infection, the rock star announced Tuesday.

In a post on his Instagram, the Police frontman’s team wrote that he would be canceling his scheduled appearance at the Jan. 23 Bass Magazine Awards, as well as his Jan. 24 and Jan. 26 concerts in Phoenix and Wheatland, Calif., based on “advisement from his doctor.” The message also confirmed that Sting can no longer perform at Cherrytree Music Company’s 20th-anniversary concert in Los Angeles, which was slated for Jan. 25 but will now take place May 29. Shaggy, Mike Einziger of Incubus and more guests were also expected to perform.

The “Every Breath You Take” singer’s Phoenix show has been rescheduled to June 1, while his Wheatland performance has been postponed to May 28. “Fans should retain their tickets for the postponed shows, as they will be honored on the new dates,” the post on his Instagram reads. “Sting sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience and extends his gratitude to the fans for their understanding.”

One day after the announcement, Sting personally addressed fans with a follow-up message on his account. “I am steadily improving from a temporary throat infection which has prevented me from singing,” he revealed, thanking fans for “all of the well wishes.” “I’m looking forward to resuming my performances and rescheduled shows soon.”

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As of now, the musician is still expected to appear alongside Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga and more major stars at the FireAid benefit concert supporting wildfire relief in L.A. on Jan. 30.

Sting is currently in the midst of his Sting 3.0 tour. After a special joint performance with Billy Joel at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb. 8, the “Fortress Around Your Heart” artist will embark on a run of Latin American shows starting Feb. 14 in Rio de Janeiro.

See Sting’s posts below.

22 Jan 2025

Jim Jones Defends Drake’s UMG Lawsuit: ‘It’s Some James Bond Sh–‘

Jim Jones is defending Drake‘s divisive UMG defamation lawsuit.

During an appearance on the Broke N’ Frontin podcast, the subject of the Toronto rapper’s controversial subject came up, and the Dipset member had an interesting perspective.

“He’s not personally suing against Kendrick Lamar, which everybody seems to think that this lawsuit is about,” Jones said. “He didn’t sue Kendrick Lamar, he sued UMG, which is the biggest company that has the biggest bag, n—a. You think I ain’t gon’ sue Amazon if I get a chance to? We suing everybody, n—a. Any one of them companies I get a chance to, playing at that level, to sue for billions? I’m going for it.”

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He then acknowledged that if Drake were suing Kendrick directly, the rap community “should be in an uproar,” before trying to compare this situation to Tracy Morgan’s 2014 Walmart lawsuit after the actor sued the retail giant over his semi accident. “When Tracy Morgan caught that bag, we was happy for him, right?” he asked. “So how the f— we not gonna be happy about somebody that can get a bag from one of the biggest companies that been raping everybody anyway?”

Jones added: “If it was any other thing, I would call a red flag when I see one, but this got no reflection of the street, it’s got no reflection of the rap culture; this is a bigger and higher power. And it’s a dangerous thing he’s doing. It’s some James Bond shit he’s doing. He’s doing some sh– that’s taboo, that n—as been scared to do.”

Jones has been in the news lately due to his back-and-forth with fellow Dipset member and old friend Cam’ron. He recently took to Instagram to announce that the track he teased addressing the situation will be released at the end of the month on Jan. 31 and that the wait was due to his label. “‘JOMO (Jump Off My AYOO)’ new single drops Jan 31st,” he wrote in a caption. My label told me I’m trippin slow down a bit my bad.”

You can watch the full conversation below.

22 Jan 2025

Jelly Roll & Christian Artist Brandon Lake Tease New Version of ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’

Jelly Roll is teaming up with Contemporary Christian Music hitmaker Brandon Lake for a new collaboration on a fresh version of Lake’s hit song “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” Both Lake and Jelly Roll teased the song on social media this week, and the collaboration will officially release Feb. 7.

In November, Lake earned his Billboard Hot 100 debut with “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” which also became his sixth No. 1 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. The song’s sound and message resonated with listeners, prompting Lake to release his eight-track EP Hard Fought Hallelujah: Heavyweight Edition, featuring various versions of the song, including live, demo, acoustic and instrumental versions.

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Lake shared a video snippet of the song on his Instagram, and Jelly Roll’s wife Bunnie XO commented on the post, writing of her husband Jelly Roll, “My baby is fineeee.”

Written by Lake with Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings, Elevation Church singer-songwriter Chris Brown and Rodrick Simmons, the song features lyrics including “I’ll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail, story-to-tell hallelujah.”

“I wanted to give my fans a taste of something special while on the road,” Lake shared of the song, according to CCM Magazine. “This song is about the battles we face, the grit throughout the fight for faith and the praise that comes after. I hope it resonates deeply with everyone.”

The collaboration seems a natural pairing for the two artists, as Jelly Roll often includes faith-centered references in his own music, while Lake’s brand of worship music wraps in hard rock and soulful influences. Jelly Roll’s current album, Beautifully Broken, topped the Billboard 200 last year, while Lake most recently earned Grammy nominations for best contemporary Christian music album (Coat of Many Colors) and best Contemporary Christian music performance/song (for “Praise”). Lake also picked up songwriter of the year (artist) and Pop/contemporary album of the year (for Coat of Many Colors) trophies at the 2024 GMA Dove Awards.

See a preview of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” below: