State Champ Radio

by DJ Frosty

Current track

Title

Artist

Current show
blank

State Champ Radio Mix

1:00 pm 7:00 pm

Current show
blank

State Champ Radio Mix

1:00 pm 7:00 pm


Music News

Page: 87

Sheryl Crow is bidding farewell to her Tesla. The Grammy-winning singer, 63, announced on Instagram Friday (Feb. 14) that she’s selling her Tesla and donating the proceeds to NPR. Her decision comes in response to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s push for government efficiency through his unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to cut […]

Bad Bunny will soon be soothing babies to sleep with Rockabye Baby!’s upcoming album release, Lullaby Renditions of Bad Bunny. The set, featuring instrumental lullaby versions of 14 Bad Bunny songs, is due out on Friday, Feb. 21. Some of Bad Bunny’s biggest hits are on the track list, including the Hot 100 No. 1 […]

Adele was clearly enjoying herself during NBC’s SNL50: The Homecoming Concert.
On Saturday (Feb. 15), the 36-year-old British superstar shared a video of herself joyfully singing and dancing along to Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean performing the Fugees classic “Killing Me Softly.”

“Wow @nbcsnl just wow. Incredible! I can’t believe what I’m watching,” Adele captioned an Instagram Stories clip, clearly blown away by the duo’s performance.

In the short video, the “Easy on Me” hitmaker, dressed in cozy clothes, stands in front of a fireplace with her arms raised, swaying to the music as she sings along to the performance on her TV screen.

Trending on Billboard

The SNL50 concert, which streamed live to viewers through Peacock on Friday from New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, featured Hill and Jean performing a medley of hits, including “Lost Ones” and “911.” The three-hour event, hosted by former SNL cast member Jimmy Fallon, also featured performances by Cher, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus and many others. Check out the best moments from the SNL50 concert here.

In September 2018, Adele penned an emotional tribute to Hill after attending the Fugees member’s concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The show was part of a tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hill’s debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

“I saw Lauryn Hill in 1999 at Brixton Academy when I was 10 years old. Tonight I saw her play at the Hollywood Bowl. I’ve just turned 30! What a woman what a record, by far Miseducation is my favorite record of all time,” Adele wrote on Instagram at the time.

She continued, “Such an honest representation of love and life, I feel I can relate too but also I know there’s elements and levels I never will be able to. Ms. Lauryn Hill was on form in every way possible. Thank you for the record of a lifetime, thank you for your wisdom! Thank you for existing. Happy 20th.”

Adele wrapped up her two-year Las Vegas residency in November 2024. After her 100-show Weekends With Adele extravaganza at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum, she hinted at taking a “big break” from music.

The singer, who has not gone on a world tour since her 2016-2017 run in support of her 25 album, is known for taking extended breaks between albums and tours. These gaps have grown longer over time, from three years between her debut album 19 (2008) and 21 (2011), to four years until 25 (2015), and six years between 25 and 30 (2021).

From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Gente De Zona and Guaynaa Perform at We Love Foundation

The We Love Foundation celebrated its 12th annual gala, bringing together personalities across the world of entertainment; from fashion to music. The gala took place Feb. 12 at the Rubell Museum in Miami.

Puerto Rican hitmaker Guaynaa and Cuban duo Gente de Zona performed at the event. In addition, the foundation presented its Spirit Award to Venezuelan comedian George Harris, who was part of the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week.

Trending on Billboard

Funds raised during the gala will go towards humanitarian initiatives, including support for Venezuela, Mission:Brain in Mexico, the Guiribitey Foundation in the Dominican Republic and the Agrolibano Foundation in Honduras, according to a press release. “These organizations work tirelessly to improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities by providing access to health, education and welfare.”

Shakespeare, Spiced Up: Amor with No B.S.

Amor with No B.S., an off-Broadway production staged at The Flea Theater in Manhattan on Valentine’s week (Feb. 11), showcased a Gen-Z Latin cast’s reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless works. This ambitious rendition, featuring Diego Echeverria, Sofía Vilches, Eli Vazquez, and Bralmarys Batista, highlighted modern love and identity issues, bringing humor and heart to classic pieces such as Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and Hamlet. A standout moment featured Vilches masterfully delivering Bad Bunny’s hit “Tití Me Preguntó” into Shakespearean prose, demonstrating the connection between historic themes and the current experiences of young Latin audiences. 

Through its 45-minute runtime, Amor with No B.S. fused traditional drama with modern cultural nuances under the stewardship of producer Roberto Sneider, director Estefanía Fadul, and playwright Matt Barber, with a backing from Chispa, the Latin-centric dating app. “Reimagining Shakespeare from a Latine perspective isn’t merely about modernizing a classic — it’s a testament to how young Latino singles can own their cultural identities, be proud of their roots, and still push the boundaries of love,” Julia Estacolchic, head of brand and marketing at Chispa, said in a press release. “Our Amor with No B.S. campaign champions the idea that real love flourishes when you cast off stereotypes and embrace who you truly are.”

Amor with No B.S. cast (left to right: Eli Vazquez, Sofía Vilches, Bralmarys Batista, Diego Echeverria)

Courtesy of Arxna

Carlos Vives Celebrates His Mom

Carlos Vives celebrated his mom’s 90th birthday with a big hoorah, accompanied by mariachi and all. The Colombian singer-songwriter shared with his more than eight million followers on Instagram photos and videos of the birthday party, expressing his love for his mother.

“We celebrate the 90th birthday of my mom, the woman who has taught me to love my land so much and to whom I owe my life,” the “Fruta Fresca” singer wrote on an Instagram post. “Love you mommy, you deserve all the love and all the most beautiful songs in the world.”

Rosalía Joins Euphoria

Spanish hitmaker Rosalía will join the cast of HBO’s hit series Euphoria for its third season, set to premiere in 2026. The news of her casting was announced on Friday (Feb. 14).

“If there’s anything that excites me as much as creating a good melody or writing a great lyric, it’s becoming a better performer every day,” Rosalía said in a statement shared on Instagram. “Euphoria has been my favorite series over the last few years and I couldn’t be happier and more grateful to be acting alongside all of these incredibly talented people that I admire so much and contributing my ‘granito de arena’ to bring Sam [Levinson’s] vision to reality to make magic. I can’t wait to share what we’re doing!!! Besitos, Rosi.”

Additional reporting by Isabela Raygoza.

Far from comin’ to ya on a dusty road, NBC’s SNL50: The Homecoming Concert streamed live to viewers via Peacock from New York City’s famed Radio City Music Hall on Friday (Feb. 14), with the celebration honoring the long-running sketch comedy show and its rich musical history the moment it kicked off. Host Jimmy Fallon […]

It’s about damn time for some new Lizzo music! The superstar went live on Twitch on Friday (Feb. 14), and after navigating some technical difficulties with her muted microphone, she gave her fans a Valentine’s Day gift with a new teaser. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news […]

Former Eagles guitarist, Don Felder, is recovering after he was abruptly rushed offstage after a medical emergency during a Rock Legends Cruise performance. In a video shared by an attendee and posted by TMZ, the musician is seen introducing the Eagles classic, “Tequila Sunrise,” sharing the inspiration behind the song before he began strumming his […]

Gene ‘Groove’ Allen, a rapper and actor who was known for his role in rap trio Groove B. Chill, died on Wednesday (Feb. 12). He was 62 years old, according to TMZ, who first reported the news. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The Long Island, New […]

The first Top Gabb Music Songs chart of 2025 continues a trend that started with the inaugural ranking for October 2024: a new No. 1 each month.
This time around, it’s Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” that tops the tally, debuting at No. 1 on the January 2025 survey as the most-played songs on Gabb Wireless phones that month.

Billboard has partnered with Gabb Wireless, a phone company for kids and teens, to present a monthly chart tracking on-demand streams via its Gabb Music platform. Gabb Music offers a vast catalog of songs, all of which are selected by the Gabb team to include only kid- and teen-appropriate content. Gabb Music streams are not currently factored into any other Billboard charts.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Despite premiering in August 2024, “Die With a Smile” had not taken off on Gabb until January, becoming both acts’ first No. 1 on the monthly tally. The previous rulers include Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” KSI’s Trippie Redd-featuring “Thick of It” and Jelly Roll’s “Run It.”

Concurrently, “Die With a Smile” rose to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in January and has reigned for five weeks total, including on the most recent (Feb. 15-dated) list.

Trending on Billboard

It assumes the lead over former No. 1s “Thick of It,” “Run It” and “Beautiful Things” at Nos. 2-4, respectively. Juice WRLD’s “Face 2 Face” rounds out the top five at a new peak, rising 6-5.

Mars appears in the top 10 of Top Gabb Music Songs twice, as his ROSE collaboration “APT.” appears at No. 6, while Myles Smith’s “Stargazing” is the only other new entrant in the top 10, rising 12-9.

Other debuts aside from “Die With a Smile,” meanwhile, include “I Always Wanted a Brother” from the 2024 Disney film Mufasa: The Lion King (No. 22), Paul Russell’s “Lil Boo Thang (No. 24) and SZA’s “Saturn” (No. 25).

See the full top 25 below.

Top Gabb Music Songs

“Die With a Smile,” Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (debut)

“Thick of It,” KSI feat. Trippie Redd (=)

“Run It,” Jelly Roll (-2)

“Beautiful Things,” Benson Boone (=)

“Face 2 Face,” Juice WRLD (+1)

“APT.,” ROSE & Bruno Mars (-3)

“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” Luke Combs (-2)

“Slow It Down,” Benson Boone (+2)

“Stargazing,” Myles Smith (+3)

“Please Please Please,” Sabrina Carpenter (-1)

“Deja Vu,” Olivia Rodrigo (-3)

“God’s Plan,” Drake (+2)

“Popular,” Ariana Grande (-6)

“Too Sweet,” Hozier (+4)

“Love Somebody,” Morgan Wallen (+1)

“Butterfly Effect,” Travis Scott (-1)

“Bones,” Imagine Dragons (+5)

“Let You Down,” NF (+3)

“Defying Gravity,” Ariana Grande feat. Cynthia Erivo (-8)

“Wildflower,” Billie Eilish (=)

“Enemy,” Imagine Dragons (+2)

“I Always Wanted a Brother,” Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Aaron Pierre & Kelvin Harrison Jr. (debut)

“Stressed Out,” Twenty One Pilots (-4)

“Lil Boo Thang,” Paul Russell (debut)

“Saturn,” SZA (debut)

DROPS FROM DECEMBER 2024: JVKE, “Golden Hour”; “What Is This Feeling,” Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo; “Eyes Closed,” Imagine Dragons; “Jealousy, Jealousy,” Olivia Rodrigo

Billboard has announced the launch of its first French edition. The new venture is licensed by So Press. Billboard France marks the 12th global edition of Billboard.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

In the Parisian night, an imposing entourage makes its way to the photo studio. About 10 people – assistants, photographers, and collaborators – orbit around a familiar silhouette. The studio door opens to reveal Burna Boy, accompanied by his sister Ronami, an inseparable figure in his success, who combines the roles of manager, stylist and advisor with unwavering conviction. There’s an obvious quality to his charisma – the kind that shifts the energy of a place as soon as the person enters.In recent years, Burna Boy has been particularly prolific, allowing himself few moments of respite. Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, he comes from a family deeply rooted in music (his grandfather was the manager of legend Fela Kuti).

From promising beginnings in 2012 with the single “Like To Party” to a noteworthy first album, L.I.F.E, released in 2013. However, it was from 2017 that his career took on an international dimension. Mainstream global audiences discovered him during a collaboration with Drake on “More Life” in 2017. He followed with three major albums (Outside, African Giant, and Twice as Tall) while delivering well-chosen features like “Jerusalema” with Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode, and “Be Honest” and “Location” with British artists Jorja Smith and Dave, respectively.

Trending on Billboard

After filling La Défense Arena and its 40,000 seats in May 2023, the Nigerian artist is preparing to take on a new challenge: the Stade de France, on April 18, 2025, the starting point of a European tour of about 10 dates.

France holds a special place in Burna Boy’s career. It’s the third country where he’s most listened to, behind the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the SNEP (Syndicat national de l’édition phonographique, in English National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing), the has 11 certified singles in France and has already been streamed more than 700 million times there.

“It’s a celebration of African excellence and proof that our music knows no boundaries,” he confides, showing pride in being the first non-French-speaking African artist to perform in the legendary venue. ” It’s not just about me as an artist but about representing a continent, a culture, and a people whose stories deserve to be heard on the biggest stages in the world.”

Figurehead of Nigerian Music

In 2019, he proclaimed himself African Giant. Today, the title seems trivial compared to the scale of his triumph. Burna Boy’s journey illustrates that of an outsider, a meteoric rise from Port Harcourt to the heights of international music. Initially an English-speaking breakthrough that today knows no boundaries.

More than a decade after Burna Boy’s rise with L.I.F.E, Nigerian music has established itself as a major force in global popular culture. Afrobeats, a genre of which he has become the most respected ambassador, transcends geographical, linguistic and cultural boundaries. Vevo even reported that in 2023, views of Afrobeats and Amapiano tracks increased by 61%, exceeding four billion. As reported by IFPI, Sub-Saharan Africa is the region with the fastest-growing music industry (the only one exceeding 20% growth in 2023).

Burna Boy’s Grammy Award, which he keeps on a dedicated table at home, also demonstrates a new American appetite for the Nigerian sound. “It’s not just about recognition—it’s what it symbolizes. It represents the power of staying true to yourself, breaking boundaries, and proving that African music belongs on the global stage. It’s a reminder that our culture and art are worthy of the highest honors.”

He returns this new American recognition well by inviting GZA for a feature on the title track of his latest album, I Told Them. On this album, he openly samples great American artists (Toni Braxton, Brandy, Jeremih, among others). “Yes, it’s intentional. Sampling is a way to pay homage to the sounds that shaped me while creating something new. It’s about bridging cultures and showing that music is a universal language. I’ll continue to experiment because growth and creativity go hand in hand.”

Burna Boy

Xiaoyi Dai/Billboard France

The Anglo-Saxon World As a Leitmotif

Having studied in London during high school, then briefly at Oxford Brookes during university, the English scene opened its doors to him first, and he’s always known how to reciprocate. He looks fondly on this ecosystem whose Nigerian roots are also illustrated in music (he mentions J Hus, Dave, NSG, and Not3s). “They’re carrying the torch in their own way. The UK has always had a deep connection with African music, and these artists are blending their experiences with Afrobeats influences to create something unique. It’s a beautiful exchange of cultures, and it shows how far-reaching Afrobeats’ impact is.”

African Music Conquering the World

The resonance of Burna Boy’s music is part of a larger movement. Since 2020, Afrobeat has spread westward thanks to crossover hits like CKay’s “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)” or Rema’s “Calm Down,” which have exceeded a billion streams on Spotify. Nigeria is now the sixth best music-exporting country, and Burna Boy serves as the figurehead of a scene that has definitively conquered the world.

He enthusiastically discusses this new generation of Nigerian artists who are breaking codes. “[They’re] fearless,” he states. “They are experimenting with sounds and taking risks. It’s interesting to see how they’re building on the foundation. They’re proof that Nigerian & indeed African music has no limits.” As the genre gained popularity abroad, more Afrobeats artists began their first U.S. tours after lockdown.

Among all of them, Burna has performed on the biggest stages – where real superstars are born. But this consecration can be frightening too, as Western stars have almost immediately embraced Nigerian sounds. An observation that doesn’t scare Burna Boy: “In 10 years, if we are mindful to keep putting in the work, Afrobeats will be even more global, influencing every corner of the music industry. It will evolve, incorporating new sounds and ideas, but its essence—our African roots—will remain intact. I see it being a dominant force in shaping global pop culture.”

His view isn’t limited to Nigeria. He observes with interest the emergence of French-speaking West African scenes: “[They] are incredibly vibrant and full of talent. Artists from Ivory Coast, Senegal and Mali are creating something powerful by mixing their musical traditions with modern sounds.”We take the opportunity to ask his view on French artists in general. The answer will surprise many: “I’ve always admired artists like Stromae, Matt Pokora, Tayc & Aya to mention a few. Their ability to tell stories and push creative boundaries resonates with me. French music has a unique depth, and it’s influenced how I approach my own storytelling.”

Refocusing on Raw Emotions

“When you’re honest in your music, people feel it, no matter where they’re from.” His extraordinary ability to transform personal experiences into anthems, as exemplified by “Last Last,” born from a romantic breakup, has indeed played a crucial role in Burna Boy’s rise. His tracks are imbued with raw emotions of universal dimensions, explaining his global success.

His next project (perhaps named “No Sign of Weakness” if we believe some cryptic messages sent to his fans before Christmas), promises to explore new horizons and unprecedented spirituality in his music. “It’s extrospective,” he reveals. “It’s not just about me but about looking outward, reflecting on the world, and how my experiences connect to the bigger picture. It’s about growth, understanding, and challenging perceptions while staying true to who I am.”

The Pillars of His Life

He supports organizations like R.E.A.C.Hng that work with disadvantaged communities in Nigeria and created the ProjectPROTECT fund which helps those wrongfully detained in cases of police violence. “I’ve been blessed,” he acknowledges, “and I believe it’s my responsibility to use my platform to uplift others.” Politics permeates Burna Boy’s tracks, particularly through his songs “Wetin Man Go Do” and “Another Story.”

This social consciousness comes with a deep sense of family. His mother Bose and sister Ronami play crucial roles in his career. “They’re my pillar,” he affirms. “They understand me not just as an artist but as a person, and they push me to be the best version of myself. Working with them is natural because we share a bond and a vision that goes beyond business. It also has its headaches as do all relationships but I’m the better for it.”

As his French fans await a historic show at the Stade de France, Burna Boy more than ever embodies an era where African music dictates global trends. But it’s almost carried by an uncontrollable wave that his eighth album arrives, to once again redefine the limits of the genre.

Burna Boy

Xiaoyi Dai/Billboard France