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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.

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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.

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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 DĂ©fense 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

Benny Blanco knows that Selena Gomez is a fan of cheesy Valentine’s Day gestures — literally. In celebration of this year’s Day of Love, the producer showed off the unorthodox gift he gave his famous fiancĂ©e: a bathtub full of queso. On an Instagram video posted Friday (Feb. 14), Blanco follows a trail of tortilla […]

GloRilla is trying her best to beat the BBL allegations. On Thursday, the Memphis rapper posted a video to her X account taking a break in the gym while wearing a waist-trainer. “Hey, y’all, I’ve been seeing everybody with all the BBL allegations and I wanna come on here and be honest,” she told her […]

Concurrent with the release of their new album Automatic today (Feb. 14), The Lumineers notch their eighth No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart, as “Same Old Song” rises two places to the top of the tally (dated Feb. 22). The Lumineers slot into a four-way tie with The Black Keys, Death Cab for […]

While talking over the phone from prison with The Art of Dialogue, Death Row co-founder Suge Knight made an interesting revelation involving two late superstars. Apparently, 2Pac was a big fan of Aaliyah — so much so that he not only wanted to make music with her, he also wanted to sign her to Death Row.
Suge explained that the first time the late rapper/actor learned about the young singer was when they went to check out a Gladys Knight show. “We had a thing,” Suge remembered. “I would always listen to oldies, and Pac would listen to rap. He didn’t like oldies, so I told him, ‘I gotta show you what oldies are about.’ So, I took 2Pac to go see Gladys Knight perform in Vegas.”

Trending on Billboard

He then says that eventually Aaliyah came out to perform and blew 2Pac’s mind. “Aaliyah starts singing and 2Pac said, ‘Don’t get up! Don’t get up!’” Knight recalled. “I said, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘Because Gladys Knight knows you, you’re gonna speak to Gladys Knight, and then you’re gonna talk to that little girl singing. And the next thing you know, you’re gonna be doing an album.’ He said, ‘I’m gonna go talk to her, you come later on, because I want to do an album with Aaliyah.’”

Knight added of 2Pac, “He wasn’t thinking about signing nobody else. He thought she was the biggest star and had the best voice ever. Me and that dude spent hours and hours and days and days together. Me, personally, I never seen him get so excited about no female artist. 
 He lost his mind over Aaliyah. He talked about her for days and days. I got tired of hearing him talking about that little girl. He said, ‘I got these songs I want do with her. I’m gonna do this song with her.’ 
 He was super, super, super excited.”

“I always looked up to 2Pac because he was such a real brother,” Knight continued. “I don’t know how long it’s going to take me to get over his death, but I do know his music will live on forever. All of us have suffered a major loss, including those who tried to destroy his name, reputation and spirit when he was alive.”

A day after 2Pac’s fatal shooting in 1996 at age 25, Aaliyah told MTV News, “I was very saddened, truthfully, at the tragic and senseless loss of such a multi-talented young man.” Aaliyah also passed away tragically early, dying in a plane crash in 2001 at age 22.

Check out Knight’s new interview below.

Demi Lovato celebrated another Valentine’s Day with their fiancĂ© Jutes on Friday (Feb. 14), taking to social media to share a carousel of gorgeous photos from a shoot the duo took part in recently.

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In the Old Hollywood-style snaps, Lovato is seen in a white dress and headscarf, complete with matching white sunglasses, loose 1950’s wavy hair and a red lip. Jutes, meanwhile, rocks a sleek black suit and sunglasses, as the couple poses in a vintage convertible car. “Jordan, I cannot WAIT to marry you!!” Lovato captioned the post. “The past 3 years have been the best 3 years of my life and I have you to thank for that. I’m obsessed with your heart, your love and your light. I can’t wait to grow old with you and start a family together. Happy Valentine’s Day to the love of my life. I love you honey!!!”

See the Instagram photos here.

Trending on Billboard

Jutes, meanwhile, posted photos from the same shoot on his Instagram page, writing in the swoon-worthy caption, “happy valentine’s day to the love of my life. words will never do you justice, and I’ll never stop feeling like the luckiest guy alive. there’s no better feeling than being loved by you. I adore you baby and I can’t wait to marry you.”

The couple first made their relationship Instagram official in August 2022, and the next year, Jutes popped the question, on Dec. 16, 2023. The following day, Lovato showed off her engagement ring on Instagram and wrote, “I’m still speechless 
 My love, I’m beyond excited to marry you.. every day I’ve spent with you has been a dream come true and I can’t wait to love and cherish you forever. Here’s to the rest of our lives. I love you baby.”

The duo have also worked together on music. Jutes helped Lovato write multiple songs on their most recent album, Holy Fvck, including second single “Substance,” “Happy Ending” and “City of Angels”; the LP reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200.