Music News

15 Aug 2024

Taylor Swift Shifts From Kim to Ye With New Live Release of ‘thank You aimEe’: See Fan Reaction

In a new live bonus track from The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift is raising eyebrows simply by capitalizing a couple of letters.

On Thursday night (Aug. 15), Swift’s webstore announced the release of two new limited-edition digital versions of her latest album: One includes “The Prophecy (Long Story Short – Live From Lyon)” while the other includes “thank You aimEe (Mean – Live from London).” The curiously capitalized second track differs from how the title was stylized when it was first released as part of The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology expanded double album back in April. Then, it was titled “thanK you aIMee”; now, instead of capitalizing KIM (in an apparent reference to Kim Kardashian), the new version capitalizes YE (in a seeming reference to Swift’s longtime foe formerly known as Kanye West).

The move did not go unnoticed on social media, with Swifties going wild for the track’s new focus. “doing this right after blocking his album from number one… taylor swift the legend that you are!” one X user commented, in reference to Tortured Poets topping the Billboard 200 in its 15 week vs. Ye and Ty Dolla $ign’s Vultures 2 in the runner-up spot. “NOT THE CAPITAL LETTER CHANGE!!!! TAYLOR NATION YOU’RE SO MESSY AND I LOVE IT!!!!” another X user wrote.

Commenters are also speculating that the new stylization could signal the imminent arrival of Reputation (Taylor’s Version). The original 2017 album was recorded in the aftermath of Swift’s feud with the then-married couple — which surrounded Ye’s controversial “Famous” lyric about Taylor and a recording of a private phone call released by Kardashian — and addresses the impact on the pop star’s image among music fans and critics.

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The new version of “thank You aimEe” was recorded at London’s Wembley Stadium on June 22 when Swift performed the song for the first time as a mash-up with the 2011 Speak Now single “Mean” during her acoustic set. “Someday I’ll be singing this song at Wembley,” Swift improvised to the melody of “Mean” during the performance. Swift is back at Wembley this week for five more dates before the European leg of her Eras Tour wraps up on Tuesday. She’ll pick the trek back up when she returns to North America in November, stopping first in Toronto.

See Taylor Nation’s announcement of the two new digital variants — which are only available until midnight ET tonight — below.

15 Aug 2024

LISA Is a ‘New Woman’ in High-Powered Rosalía Collaboration

LISA is a “New Woman,” and she’s bringing Rosalía along for the ride.

The BLACKPINK superstar teamed up with the Spanish artist to drop a fun, Y2K-inspired single, “New Woman,” on Thursday (Aug. 15), along with an equally colorful music video. “Hit it when I serve/ B—-, you better swerve/ Revving up my, uh-uh-uh-uh-aura/ Focus on my mind/ Taking my time/ I’m a new woman,” LISA declares on the catchy chorus.

For her verse, Rosalía adds a bilingual element to the track by musing: “Nací pura, sí/ Ni una era será un flop en mi porvenir/ P—, soy la Rosalía, solo sé servir,” which translates to “I was born pure/ There won’t be a flop era in my future/ W—-, I’m Rosalía, I only know how to serve.”

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The new song comes a little over a month after the K-pop icon stepped into a new phase of her solo career outside of BLACKPINK with “Rockstar,” which debuted at No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Billboard Global 200, as well as became LISA’s first-ever No. 1 hit on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S.

“Rockstar” and “New Woman” also mark LISA’s first releases since signing with RCA Records to support her solo endeavors, inking a deal in partnership with her own LLOUD company that will allow her to retain ownership of her master recordings. “I’m super excited to be joining the RCA family, and I am confident they are the best team to create a bigger movement in my solo career,” she said in a statement in April. “Looking forward to showing the world everything we have been preparing.”

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Watch LISA and Rosalía’s “New Woman” music video below.

15 Aug 2024

Kim Kardashian Says Her Son Saint Tries to Set Her Up With Athletes: ‘If You Only Knew’

Kim Kardashian may not be ready to get back in the dating scene, but her kids want her to be!

The SKIMS founder stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she revealed that she’s not currently dating anyone — much to her four children’s dismay. “It’s so funny because my kids try to set me up. Like, they’re ready now but I’m not. They’re so particular. They come home and make lists.”

Kardashian shares 11-year-old North, eight-year-old Saint, six-year-old Chicago and five-year-old Psalm with her ex-husband Kanye West. The reality TV superstar revealed that Saint, who’s a major sports fan, wants her to date a basketball player or soccer player. “I’m like, ‘If you only knew,’” she joked.

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Ultimately, Kardashian said she tells her kids: “‘Guys, [dating] just isn’t what I want right now.’”

Kardashian filed for divorce from West in February 2021 after six years of marriage, and had a brief romance with comedian Pete Davidson in 2022. Before her relationship with West, the star was romantically linked to multiple athletes, including football running back Reggie Bush, Dallas Cowboys’ wide receiver Miles Austin and basketball player Kris Humphries, whom she was married to for just 72 days. Most recently, in fall 2023, Kardashian was rumored to be dating Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., though they never confirmed their relationship to the public.

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Watch her full interview with Fallon below.

15 Aug 2024

Kamala Harris & Tim Walz Share Their Love for Prince, Bruce Springsteen & More: ‘I Feel Like a Trip to Paisley Park Is Going to Happen Here’

With the presidential elections approaching, the Democratic ticket is helping voters get to know them on a personal level.

Kamala Harris and her selected Vice President, Minnesota governor Tim Walz, sat down for a wide-ranging chat uploaded to YouTube on Thursday (Aug. 15), where the duo discuss topics including their childhoods, taco recipes and their hope for the future of America.

They also share a love for music, and the conversation led to each politician sharing the music that shaped them throughout their lives. For Walz, it started with Bruce Springsteen’s 1980 album The River, which he called a “transformational piece of music” for him. He also shared his love for Bob Seger. “My first car, it was the summer of 1980 and I’d been saving up. I buy a 1973 orange Chevy Camaro,” he recalled. “Got an eight-track player in it. The previous owner left Bob Seger’s Night Moves in there. I listened to it, and it’s kind of the soundtrack of my life. […] What’s really great about it is I’ve got a ’79 international that’s my car and it’s got an eight-track player in it. I have the very eight-track to this day.”

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For Harris, Aretha Franklin was a major part of her childhood. “My mother had every Aretha album and our Christmas gift to my mother, her birthday gift was always like, what’s the latest Aretha Franklin record?” she explained.

Harris added that while Stevie Wonde, Miles Davis and John Coltrane were also fixtures within her family home, one of her “personal favorite musicians” was Minnesota’s own Prince. “My husband Doug and I — I’m more of a hip-hop girl, and he’s more Depeche Mode,” she shared. “However, in the Venn diagram of things, Prince he and I love the same. Talk about how Prince was with that guitar, man. I almost know by heart every one of those songs.”

“I feel like a trip to Paisley Park is going to happen here,” Walz said of the late icon’s beloved Minnesota estate, to which Harris happily replied, “It’s on my bucket list.”

Watch Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s full conversation below.

15 Aug 2024

Australian Breakdancer Raygun Calls Social Media Hate Over Olympic Performance ‘Pretty Devastating’

Viral breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn has spoken out following her performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics, which received significant backlash at the inaugural breakdancing competition earlier in August.

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Raygun took to Instagram on Thursday (Aug. 15) to defend how serious she took competing in breaking at the Olympics and called the hate “pretty devastating.”

“I didn’t realize that would open the door to so much hate,” she began. “Which is frankly been pretty devastating. While I went out there and I had fun, I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all, truly.”

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Raygun continued: “I’m honored to have been part of the Australian Olympic team and to be part of breaking’s Olympic debut.”

Still, fans didn’t care for her explanation, and Gunn’s comments section was filled with backlash. “There needs to be investigation on how you got on Olympics,” one person wrote.

As far as the “allegations” and alleged “misinformation” going around, Raygun directed fans to read the Australian breaking team’s official statement.

“We condemn the global online harassment and bullying of Raygun,” they wrote in her defense. “The pressure to perform on the Olympic stage is immense, especially against the opponents in her particular group. We stand in solidarity with Raygun.”

The World DanceSport Federation came to Gunn’s defense and offered her support from an officer regarding her mental health.

“We offered [the] support of our safeguarding officer,” a statement from the organization’s general secretary read. “We are aware of what has happened, especially on social media, and definitely we should put the safety of the athlete, in this case, mental safety in first place. She has us as a federation supporting her.”

Adele threw her support behind Raygun and admitted the breaking routine made her “very, very happy.”

“I can’t work out if it was a joke, but either way it has made me very, very happy. And me and my friends have been shitting ourselves laughing for nearly 24 hours. But I just wanted to know if you’ve seen it,” she said at a recent show.

Dr. Dre, however, seeminglyblasted Raygun without name-dropping her. “I did not like that. It’s so many great breakdancers, I don’t know why they had this particular person doing that,” he said to Entertainment Tonight. “It was funny, I got some laughs out of it, but what the f—? There are incredible breakdancers out right now — I don’t know how that happened.”

Watch Raygun’s response video below.

15 Aug 2024

Michael Rubin Apologizes for Comments on Hate in Black Culture After Backlash From ScHoolboy Q & More

Michael Rubin has apologized for comments he made about the Black community on during an appearance on The Breakfast Club yesterday morning (Aug. 15).

While discussing a wide range of topics — like admitting he banned “Not Like Us” to be played at his annual Independence Day party — the subject of Meek Mill‘s relationship with Diddy and the harassment he received on social media came up. “When I see the narrative of, a really good friend of mine like Meek, and people are trying to… Again, if he was gay — which there’s not one gay bone in his body — who cares?,” he said.

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“Number one, If people wanna be gay, it is 2024. Who the f—k cares? Number two, there’s not a gay bone in his body, so why do people wanna lie about that? Why do people want to change the narrative of a bet he made with me to hurt him?,” referring to a clip of the Philadelphia rapper doing “bunny hops” on a tennis court after losing a bet. “That is the one thing I’ve learned about… you know, look, I’m just being blunt because it’s me,” he continued. “It’s the one thing I’ve learned about Black culture that I don’t like is that Black hate on hate.”

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Naturally, that clip went viral on social media and received backlash, most notably from ScHoolboy Q. “Brah… I’m cool on this app this sh—t outta control dog,” the TDE rapper said of a clip he quote tweeted. He then sent out a series of tweets saying “there’s not such thing as black on black anything wtf” and deleted another saying, “You know what I don’t like about you n—s? I hate when you n—s be acting like n—s… basically.”

Earlier today, Rubin took to X and issued an apology. “I got a phone call from one of the people I have the most respect for in the world,” he tweeted. “They told me while they appreciate my intention, it’s not my place to speak on Black culture. I get it and really appreciate the input! My intention was to say how important it is that we need to uplift each other, stop hate on each other, and push each other to win, and always root for each other’s success!” Adding, “My bad , Much love and appreciate the feedback.”

Rubin, who was once a minority owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, grew close with Meek Mill when the rapper was dealing with probation issues back in 2017. They both continue to work together on social justice through the Reform Alliance.

You can watch the full Breakfast Club interview here.

15 Aug 2024

Kavinsky’s ‘Nightcall’ Sees Streaming Surge After 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony Performance

In the wake of a 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony that dealt heavily in French indie and electronic music, one of the featured songs — Kavinsky‘s 2010 electronic classic “Nightcall” — has experienced a major streaming surge.

On Saturday (Aug. 10), the day before the Closing Ceremony was held in Paris, “Nightcall” had 281,000 total global on-demand streams, according to Luminate. The day of the performance on Sunday (Aug. 11), the track clocked 358,000 global on-demand streams. And on Monday (Aug. 12), the day after the ceremony, the track surged to 789,000 global on-demand streams — a 120.2% increase over the day prior. On Tuesday (Aug. 13), the song maintained its momentum, with 897,000 total global on demand streams.

“Nightcall” is the title track from Kavinsky’s 2010 EP and was written by French producer and Daft Punk member Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo; the track also features heavily on the soundtrack for the 2011 film Drive. Kavinsky played the song during a Closing Ceremony performance that also presented French indie outfit Phoenix, French indie electronic duo Air and a medley of covers of tracks by French electronic duo Justice.

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According to data provided to Billboard by Shazam, “Nightcall” also generated the most Shazamed minute ever for the app at 4:50 p.m. ET on Sunday when Kavinsky was performing the song. (The top three Shazaming countries during this minute were France, the United States and Mexico.) This topped the record set by “Supernature,” the 1977 track by French disco legend Cerrone, during the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony on July 26. 

“Nightcall” also broke the record for the most Shazamed song in a single day ever, followed by two Phoenix tracks performed at the Closing Ceremony: “Lisztomania” and “If I Ever Feel Better.”

The bump also crossed continents: Shazam reports that Closing Ceremony performer Billie Eilish had her biggest day ever on the app after she performed “Birds of a Feather.”

15 Aug 2024

‘The Masked Singer’ Announces Miley Cyrus Night, ‘Barbie’ Night & More Theme Episodes for Season 12

The Masked Singer has unmasked its next batch of theme nights for season 12, with plans to treat audiences to episodes dedicated to Miley Cyrus, Barbie and more.

As announced Thursday (Aug. 15), the competition series’ upcoming installment — which premieres Sept. 25 on Fox — will feature nights celebrating the Hannah Montana alum’s music catalog and the Barbie franchise in honor of Mattel’s 65th anniversary. Plus, the show will commemorate Footloose on the iconic dance film’s 40th birthday, as well as devote episodes to themes such as “Soundtrack of My Life,” “Thanksgiving Night,” “Sports Night” and “’60s Night.”

Season 12 also has a first-of-its-kind “Who Are You Fest” in store, featuring music from memorable festival lineups. As usual, the themes will correspond to the mystery performers’ song selections, celebrity guests, set designs and more.

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Hosted once again by Nick Cannon with Ken Jeong, Rita Ora, Robin Thicke and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg back on the judge’s panel, Masked Singer is also shaking things up by inviting celebrity “Masked Ambassadors” — aka a selection of the show’s past competitors including Dick Van Dyke, Jewel, NE-YO and DeMarcus Ware — to personally endorse this season’s round of singers. Each ambassador will have a special connection to one of the masked singers, providing clues about their friends’ identities.

“Get your Masked binoculars out and your guessing hat on for a season that is sure to come in like a wrecking ball!” reads a release.

The announcement comes a few months after season 11 of Masked Singer wrapped in May, with “Goldfish” proving victorious and eventually revealing her identity as High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens. Clay Aiken, The Office‘s Kate Flannery, Sisquo and more also competed last season.

15 Aug 2024

HARDY, Ben Johnson & Dave Alan Johnson Helming New ‘Music Row’ Docuseries

Singer/songwriter HARDY, songwriter Ben Johnson and film/TV writer and producer David Alan Johnson are teaming up to give viewers an in-depth look at the industry that works to bring country music to the masses, highlighting songwriters and producers behind some of today’s most impactful country hits.

They will executive produce the upcoming docuseries Music Row, which is currently in production in Nashville. The series will feature top Nashville songwriters and artists including “The Painter” hitmaker Cody Johnson, “Your Place” musician Ashley Cooke, CMA Triple Play award winner Hunter Phelps, Nashville Songwriters Association International’s songwriter of the decade Ashley Gorley and more.

Exceleration Studio is producing the series, with Susana Zepeda serving as producer on the unscripted series and David Alan Johnson serving as showrunner. Exceleration Studio CEO Steve McBeth and Zepeda are handling sales for the series.

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“Storytelling is the heart of country music, and it’s what makes the genre so special,” HARDY said in a statement. “It is magic to go from huge talent huddled in a small room to a stadium singing in unison. This show has the best talent in the business with scores of hits and awards showing us how it’s done.”

“While the songs are sung, the songwriters and producers are often unsung,” Ben Johnson added.  “HARDY and I are thrilled to partner with Dave in finally showing people how some of their favorite songs were created.”

“This show celebrates those who walk into a room with nothing and walk out with a piece of art, a song, that can move people around the world for generations,” said Dave Johnson, who is executive producing for Exceleration Studio. “HARDY and Ben are among the best to ever do it, and it’s been a complete joy to learn from them – and all of their talented friends – how the wonder of what they do happens!”

Zepeda added, “Country music has exploded into an industry beloved both in the U.S. and abroad, and we’re confident the ever-growing global audience will connect with this show.”

15 Aug 2024

Travis Kelce’s ‘Grotesquerie’ Character Makes His First Appearance in New Teaser

Spooky season is just around the corner, and Ryan Murphy is correctly setting the vibe with the teaser of his newest drama series, Grotesquerie.

In the minute-long trailer released on Thursday (Aug. 15), Niecy Nash-Betts’ character, Detective Lois Tryon, is heard narrating a series of terrifying images, including crime scenes, haunts, nuns, evil entities and more. “I don’t know how it started,” she says. “It’s like a hole opened up in the world – to the center of nothingness.”

At one point in the clip, Travis Kelce’s character appears briefly, crossing his hands in front of his face, appearing to perform some type of magic. In addition to Betts and Kelce, Grotesquerie also stars Courtney B. Vance, Lesley Manville and more.

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In the show, “a series of heinous crimes have unsettled a small community,” per the description. “Detective Lois Tryon feels these crimes are eerily personal, as if someone—or something—is taunting her. With no leads and unsure of where to turn, she accepts the help of Sister Megan. However, they find themselves ensnared in a sinister web that only seems to raise more questions than answers.”

Grotesquerie is the latest in Kelce’s growing list of entertainment gigs off the Kansas City Chiefs’ field.  Prime Video confirmed earlier this year that Kelce is slated to host its upcoming game show Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?, a spin-off of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? The series will feature contestants using celebrities to help with 11 elementary-school-level questions as they compete to win $100,000.

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Watch the full Grotesquerie trailer below. The show hits FX and Hulu starting on September 25.