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Los Angeles-based trio LA LOM make their first Billboard chart appearance with debut album The Los Angeles League of Musicians, as the 13-track set launches at No. 5 on the Tropical Albums chart (dated Aug. 24).
“I know I wasn’t thinking about charts when we made the record,” Zac Sokolow, LA LOM’s guitar player, tells Billboard. “We’ve been really excited to have the opportunity to share our original music with people around the world, and we’re really happy to hear that the record is resonating with people.”
The Los Angeles League of Musicians was released Aug. 9 on Verve/VLG. That gives the label its first entry and top 10 on a Latin chart in over a decade, since Natalie Cole’s Natalie Cole En Español debuted at No. 1 on both, Top Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums charts in January 2013.
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The Los Angeles League of Musicians (LA LOM is its acronym), opens at No. 5 on Tropical Albums with a little over 2,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. for the tracking week of Aug. 9-15, according to Luminate. Most of the album’s first week sum comprises traditional album sales, with a small amount of units through streaming activity. That equates to 358,000 official on-demand U.S. streams for the album’s songs.
On Tropical Albums, one unit equals one album sale, 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams for a song on the album.
With The Los Angeles League of Musicians, LA LOM banks its first entry on a Billboard chart and its first top 10 on any ranking.
Notably, it’s just the third album to debut in the top five on Tropical Albums so far in 2024, after Prince Royce’s Llamada Perdida (No. 2 start in March) and Marc Anthony’s Muevense (No. 4 debut in May). Further LA LOM marks the third top five debut by a group this decade, joining El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico’s En Cuarentena and Buena Vista Social Club’s Ahora Me Da Pena EP, both which achieved a No. 3 opening in April 2021 and May 7, 2022, respectively.
“We all have a background playing different styles of music that we heard around Los Angeles, the city we all grew up in,” Sokolow adds. “Everything from classic soul, rockabilly, country, jazz, to traditional music from Eastern Europe. When we play cumbia, we bring all these elements from the city to our music. The tropical/cumbia that’s most popular around LA is probably the pop cumbia style from Mexico you hear on the radio, but there are also some really great bands that play music influenced by the chicha from Peru, or the vallenato style from Colombia. We play our own style from Los Angeles.”
Thanks to LA LOM’s U.S. growing footprint, the group, composed of Zac Sokolow (guitar), Jake Faulkner (bass), and Nicholas Baker (drums/percussion), concurrently makes its debut on the Emerging Artists chart, at No. 18. The tally ranks the most popular developing artists of the week, using the same formula as the all-encompassing Billboard Artist 100, which measures artist activity across multiple Billboard charts.
Further, the album takes LA LOM to its first appearance on Top Current Album Sales, where it arrives at No. 44.
“What you hear on the record is pretty close to the way we play live, but we always play the best when we are playing to a room full of dancers,” Sokolow concludes. “We’ve been pretty busy touring the last couple months and have dates coming up all over the world. Make sure to come see us when we make it to your town!”
The Democratic National Convention continued Tuesday night (Aug. 20) at Chicago’s United Center, and more music stars took the stage to celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris‘ presidential nomination. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Patti LaBelle stepped onstage to deliver her 1977 hit “You Are My Friend” for the […]
Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage, according to People and first reported by TMZ.
The documents reportedly list the date of separation as April 26, 2024, but were filed on Aug. 20, which marks the two-year anniversary of their wedding ceremony in Georgia. Lopez and Affleck have yet to publicly announce their separation.
Lopez and Affleck first began dating back in 2002 after meeting on the set of Gigli, the first of two movies they would star in together (the second being Jersey Girl in 2004), before getting engaged. The couple delayed their planned 2003 wedding before calling it quits in 2004. Just a month after the couple officially tied the knot in Las Vegas, Bennifer celebrated their marriage in August 2022 in front of family and friends at their home in Riceboro on the Hampton Island preserve outside of Savannah, Georgia.
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The marriage marked Lopez’s fourth wedding, following Ojani Noa, Cris Judd and Marc Anthony. Affleck was previously married to Jennifer Garner.
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“I never thought that he and I would get back together,” Lopez told Billboard earlier this year of her relationship with the actor. “I just just couldn’t give up on idea that there was something amazing out there for me, even when it got really bad — and it did at times. I always believed deep, deep down to not give up completely. It wasn’t until I got to the point where I was really OK on my own and not having to be in a relationship when I feel like universe kind of opened up and said, ‘Well here you go.’”
She added of the duo sharing the astrological sign of Leo, “Let me tell you it’s fiery! It’s great, and it’s challenging. We are both very willful. If you know what Leos are like, you know we’re passionate. Oh my God, so passionate, the both of us. One of us gets on a tangent about something, it’s like, ‘Just sit down and let him have his moment.’ Or he needs to sit down and let me have my moment. We know each other in that way and we’re getting to know each other again, which is really beautiful too.”
Reports of trouble in the marriage began in the spring, when Affleck was notably absent from the Los Angeles and Mexico City premieres of Netflix’s Atlas, which J.Lo starred in. During a promo stop in Mexico City in May, a reporter asked, “Is your divorce with Ben Affleck real? These rumors?”
In video of the exchange, Lopez’s co-star Simu Liu jumped in and said, “Okay, we’re not doing that. Thank you so much guys, we really appreciate it. Thank you.” Lopez then looked at the the reporter and said, “You know better than that.”
Michael Goldstone, founder and co-owner of Mom + Pop Music, will receive the second annual Seymour Stein Global A&R Award from MUSEXPO and A&R Worldwide. The award will be presented during the International Music Industry Awards gala on March 19, 2025, at the conclusion of the 25th global edition of MUSEXPO, which is set to take place in Burbank, Calif.
This award holds special significance for Goldstone, who moved to Stein’s Sire Records in 2003. While at Sire, Goldstone’s signings included Regina Spektor, Tegan and Sara and The Veronicas.
Prior to Sire, Goldstone worked in various capacities (PR, marketing, artist development and ultimately A&R) at Chrysalis, MCA, PolyGram, Epic and DreamWorks.
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In May 2008, Goldstone left Sire to launch the indie label Mom + Pop Music Company together with Peter Mensch and Cliff Burnstein of Q Prime management. Goldstone and Mom + Pop Music co-owner Thaddeus Rudd were named to Billboard’s 2024 Indie Power Players list, where Goldstone said being indie means “Staying true to artistic integrity and collaboration. We deeply value the relationships that we’ve built with our artists and take pride in empowering creative freedom.”
The Seymour Stein Global A&R Award celebrates excellence in A&R worldwide, and the spirit of discovery in music. The award was created by Sat Bisla, president & founder, A&R Worldwide/MUSEXPO; Sire co-founder Richard Gottehrer; and Mandy Stein, Seymour’s daughter.
The inaugural recipient was Wendy Goldstein, president/chief creative officer of Republic Records. She received the honor on March 20, 2024, during a gala dinner on the final night of the four-day MUSEXPO conference.
Seymour Stein died in April 2023 at age 80. His signings — including Madonna, Talking Heads, The Ramones, The Pretenders, Depeche Mode and The Cure — left an indelible mark on the music landscape. His dedication to the art of A&R made him a legendary figure in the music industry. This award seeks to celebrate and perpetuate his legacy.
Stein received the Ahmet Ertegun Award at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2012, he received Billboard’s Icon Award at MIDEM. In 2018, he received a trustees award from the Recording Academy (alongside composer John Williams and the late concert promoter Bill Graham).
She’s a real tough kid, and Taylor Swift proved it with her new music video for “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart,” which arrived on Tuesday (Aug. 20), shortly after she wrapped up the European leg of her Eras Tour in London. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, […]
LL Cool J caused a bit of a stir a couple weeks ago during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay.
The NFL Hall of Famer asked the Queens rapper turned actor who he would pick to be on Def Jam’s Mount Rushmore. Naturally, LL put himself on there, given that his debut single “I Need a Beat” and debut album Radio were the first official releases on the fabled rap label. He also picked groups Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys, and had Slick Rick round things out. Shannon Sharpe pushed back about leaving Jay-Z off, but had to remind him that the rapper was on the label “a thousand years later.”
His picks caused a bit of controversy online because some felt Jay-Z and DMX should’ve been on his list, however, the rap legend based his picks on the acts that helped build Def Jam from the ground up. While making an appearance on the Joe Budden Podcast, LL defended his reasoning.
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“I know DMX is supremely talented, used to kill the stage, sold a ton of records. I know Jay did a ton of stuff up there… I can name a zillion artists up there who did unbelievable shit up there. I’m very clear about that,” he said. “But I also know that when I walked into Rick Rubin’s dormitory, it was a f—king idea, bro, like you trying to talk to me about guys that are popular. I watched the sh—t when it was a f—king idea on a Post-It. It’s two different conversations.”
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Adding, “The world is talking about the most popular. That’s all they care about. Who’s the most popular, who’s the richest, who sold the most records, who was exciting. I get that, and I respect it, I love it. But that’s not what built the company, that’s what expanded the company at a different point.”
He also reminded detractors that his song “4,3,2,1” helped introduce DMX to a larger audience. “I introduced DMX to the world, you think I don’t love DMX?” he asked. “I put him on my song to introduce him to the f—king world. I put the guy on. You know what I’m saying?”
The full episode is a Patreon exclusive as of right now, but it should be more widely available soon.
Under the embrace of the afternoon sun in Diriyah, a city known as the birthplace of the first Saudi state and a symbol of the Kingdom’s rich history, Billboard Arabia meets August cover star Ghareeb Al Mokhles for a photoshoot and an interview. In this captivating setting, Ghareeb’s enthusiasm and radiant smile reflect his deep connection to his roots. From the outset, it was clear that Ghareeb was fully at ease in this atmosphere, ready to share his insights into Shelat – a music genre known for its rhythms and vibrant melodies, with lyrics built upon colloquial Bedouin poetry.
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After the photo session, the artist moves to the interview location with a calm and composed demeanor. Ghareeb is calm albeit passionate about his work and the genre of music he performs. He proudly identifies as a son of “Najran” and a devoted Shelat enthusiast, passionately discussing his lifelong love for music. He credits his inspiration to his older brother Talal and iconic artists like Mohammed Abdu and Khalid bin Abdulrahman, fondly recalling his early artistic experiences, including performing national anthems and songs during his school years.
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As he shares these memories, it is clear that his deep-rooted connection to his heritage and his unwavering passion for Shelat continue to shape his artistic journey. Delving into the origins and essence of Shelat, Ghareeb explains that it is “an ancient folk heritage that has evolved into an artistic form distinct from conventional songs, marked by its Bedouin influences.” Traditionally, Shelat consists of poetic verses sung to specific melodies, often performed a cappella with echoes, originally by camel herders and during special occasions like weddings. Over time, this tradition expanded with the addition of music and instrumental arrangements, evolving into the Shelat genre we recognize today. “We’ve added rhythms and beats to it, we’ve added instrumentation.”
Ghareeb’s foray into producing Shelat began as an experimental project shared on social media in the mid-2010s. To his surprise, the overwhelmingly positive response and high demand for his work in this genre ignited a deeper passion within him. Reflecting on this, Ghareeb notes, “The audience’s enthusiasm fueled my passion for Shelat, turning it into a genuine talent. I fully embraced this art and continued to pursue it.”
Nearly a decade later, Ghareeb has established himself as a leading figure in the genre, amassing millions of views across various platforms. His 2021 release of the Shelat “Kheeba” (Disappointment) exemplifies this success, garnering nearly 240 million views on YouTube alone. He describes it as a defining moment in his career: “It marked a significant turning point for me. I was able to truly showcase my talents, and I’m deeply grateful for the success it brought. This Shelat song holds a special place in my heart, and each of my works has built upon the foundation laid by the previous ones.”
This success culminated in a record-breaking milestone, with his YouTube channel surpassing one billion views. Ghareeb credits this achievement to the widespread popularity of his Shelat, stating, “This figure reflects the audience’s appreciation of what I offer.”
Capitalizing on this record-breaking moment in the world of Shelat, we ask Ghareeb about his reaction to reaching his first million views, “It was an incredible joy,” he says. “I was in the south (of Saudi Arabia), eagerly waiting for that million. I stayed up all night.” This milestone has solidified Ghareeb’s status in the Shelat industry. Not only has he advanced the genre, infusing it with new musical and artistic dimensions, but he is also frequently cited on social media as a trailblazer in the field. His lyrics, known for their simplicity, are a key part of his appeal. During our conversation, Ghareeb emphasizes his commitment to choosing clear and straightforward lyrics to connect with a wider audience.
Ghareeb Al Mokhles
Hayat Osama/Billboard Arabia
Each artist is distinguished by their unique use of color and thematic elements in their music and lyrics, and this is particularly evident in Ghareeb’s work. His standout tracks, such as “Kheeba” (Disappointment) and “al-Boad Motei” (Distance Is My Demise), vividly capture the themes of separation and sorrow that often follow farewells. In the interview, Ghareeb talks about his preference for “melodies and tranquility in melancholic compositions” and shares his deep-seated admiration for Khalid bin Abdulrahman’s work since childhood. When asked if his life was marked by sorrow, Ghareeb responds, “No, thank God. May God keep sadness away from us and you. I just have a deep affinity for melancholic moods.”
Contrary to the belief that Shelat is reserved for specific occasions or exclusive to Gulf listeners, Ghareeb explains that Shelat is versatile, performed across various settings, and resonates with audiences beyond the Gulf and the Arab world. Ghareeb elaborates on the multifaceted nature of Shelat encompassing a range of themes such as expressions of reproach and sorrow, tributes to distinguished camels, celebratory pieces for weddings, and renowned tribal Shelat that convey praise and pride at family events. He also makes note of his fan base spanning South Asia, including India and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, underscoring the genre’s broad appeal.
The rising success of young Shelat artists like Ghareeb Al Mokhles signifies that this art form is far from a transient fad; it is a dynamic and evolving genre. Its increasing popularity is reflected in the growing streaming numbers and a steadily expanding audience, and the launch of Billboard Arabia’s Shelat chart.
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From Florida to London! To celebrate the final night of her Eras Tour European leg at London’s Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night (Aug. 20), Taylor Swift welcomed a special guest onstage. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news For The Tortured Poets Department hit, “Florida!!!,” Swift surprised fans with […]
Doja Cat and Joseph Quinn are painting the town red with their rumored new romance — with the pair stepping out in London holding hands over the weekend — and fans have a lot to say on the matter. The public’s first sighting of the apparent couple came Aug. 17, when the rapper and A […]
Doechii is giving fans more reason to celebrate her 26th birthday with the arrival of her Alligator Bites Never Heal mixtape.
The project is her first in two years and will be released on Aug. 30. The Top Dawg Entertainment artist revealed the tape’s tracklist on Tuesday (Aug. 20) which is filled with 19 songs and a lone feature from Kuntfetish on “GTFO.”
“Alligator Bites Never Heal Track-list 19 songs. Which one are you claiming,” she invited fans with her caption on social media.
The automobile-themed “Nissan Altima” is the only previously-released single to make the cut after arriving earlier in August. Other tracks on the project include “Slide,” “Beverly Hills,” “Boiled Peanuts,” “Denial Is a River” and “Catfish.”
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Doechii received plenty of love from fans and her music peers on Instagram with the likes of Kehlani, Joey Bada$$, Reason and Yebba showing support in her comment section.
“19 songs I used to pray for times like these,” an excited fan wrote.
The Florida native revealed the cover art for the project — which finds her holding an albino alligator in her lap — earlier in August, which came as a special surprise. “Happy Birthday to me,” she wrote.
Doechii has been feeding fans with her “Swamp Sessions” throughout summer Fridays, which acts as more of a creative exercise for her. “I set a timer for an hour and I write a song. Whatever I get in an hour is what gets posted!” she wrote to Instagram in July. “I’m adding one scene visuals to scratch that creative director itch, enjoy.”
She’s posted a handful of “Swamp Session” singles to IG such as “BULLFROG,” “CATFISH,” “NISSAN ALTIMA,” which features Isaiah Rashad, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock, as well as “FLORIDA WATA” and “SUNDAYS BEST,” featuring Fana Hues.
Alligator Bites Never Heal arrives two years since her her last project She / Her / Black B—h. The EP boasts collaborations with Rico Nasty, Jst Ray and SZA. The SZA-assisted “Persuasive” reached No. 33 on Billboard‘s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in 2022.
Find the Alligator Bites Never Heal tracklist below