Music

15 Mar 2024

What’s Your Favorite New Music Release of the Week? Vote!

Springtime is almost here, and to welcome the warmer season, some of today’s biggest music stars are heating things up with a slew of new releases.

Kacey Musgraves‘ fifth studio album, Deeper Well, shows off a transformative side of the singer. Musgraves told Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1 about the new album, saying, “I’ve found more of a connection to my softer side, my roots, like some of the Americana, the folk, the country…really the warmth of that. I felt drawn to that. I felt like I was in a softer place myself after [Musgraves’ 2021 album] star-crossed and going through a divorce and doing a lot of therapy and honestly falling in love again and opening myself back up to the human experience. These songs just kind of started coming out.”

Similarly, Justin Timberlake’s Everything I Thought It Was arrived six years after his 2018 album, Man of the Woods. The album features previously released singles “Drown” and “Selfish,” which debuted at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning Timberlake his highest debut in six years on the tally. Notably, EITIW also includes a long-awaited reunion from *NSYNC, called “Paradise,” and the full band performed the track onstage at Timberlake’s one-night-only concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (March 13).Notably, EITIW also includes a long-awaited reunion from *NSYNC, called “Paradise,” and the full band performed the track onstage at Timberlake’s one-night-only concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (March 13).

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Over on the hip-hop side of music, Cardi B followed up “Like What (Freestyle)” with another blazing single, “Enough (Miami).” Last week, Cardi teased the single over on TikTok. “Me vs. you and you know who they pickin’,” she raps on the track. “I can survive in the coldest conditions… B–ches is washed, soapin’ the dishes/ I apply pressure like boa constrictors/ One b–ch, two b–ch, old b–ch, new b–ch, none of y’all not gonna do s–t/ I’m in Miami I pull up on cruise ships.”

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Meanwhile, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Zayn introduced new music eras with “Real Woman” and “What I Am,” respectively.

With so many great releases, we want to know which is your favorite. Check out our Friday Music Guide here, and let us know by voting below.


15 Mar 2024

Thomas Rhett Brings Home His 20th Country Airplay No. 1 With ‘Mamaw’s House’ Featuring Morgan Wallen

Thomas Rhett’s “Mamaw’s House,” featuring Morgan Wallen, crowns Billboard’s Country Airplay chart (dated March 23). It increased by 13% to 29.4 million audience impressions March 8-14, according to Luminate.

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The song marks Rhett’s milestone 20th Country Airplay No. 1 and Wallen’s 11th.

“For me, each No. 1 is incredibly special, but to have 20 on the Billboard chart is really mind-blowing,” Rhett says. “It means that fans are connecting with the music we make, and that is a feeling that never goes old. It means the world to me.”

“House” is on the digital version of Rhett’s 20 Number Ones, which arrived on Top Country Albums at its No. 7 high in October 2023, becoming his seventh top 10. Rhett, who is currently working on a new LP, and Wallen co-wrote the song with Matt Dragstrem and Chase McGill.

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Jumping 5-1 on Country Airplay, “House” makes the biggest leap to the summit since Rhett’s last leader, “Angels Don’t Always Have Wings,” flew 6-1 in September 2023. He first reigned with “It Goes Like This” in October 2013.

Rhett ties Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith and Brad Paisley for the ninth-most Country Airplay leaders, dating to the chart’s 1990 launch. Kenny Chesney leads with 32 No. 1s.

Wallen last topped Country Airplay with “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” which started a five-week command in October 2023. Meanwhile, his “Man Made a Bar” featuring Eric Church pushes 7-6 (23.7 million, up 11%).

‘Outskirts’ Moves In

Sam Hunt posts his 12th Country Airplay top 10 as “Outskirts” hops 14-10 (18.8 million, up 22%). The song, which he co-wrote, is his first to reach the region since his Ingrid Andress team-up “Wishful Drinking” hit No. 4 in November 2022.

All charts dated March 23 will update Tuesday, March 19, on Billboard.com.

15 Mar 2024

Watch Willie Nelson & Kermit the Frog Deliver a Sweet ‘Rainbow Connection’ Duet

Is there anything better than the union of two American icons? During his Luck Reunion concert on Thursday (March 14), Willie Nelson performed “Rainbow Connection” with none other than Kermit the Frog.

With Kermit on banjo and Nelson on guitar, the pair delivered a tender, heartwarming cover of the classic song. The iconic Muppet has a storied history with the track, having originally released the song in 1979 for The Muppet Movie. Kermit’s rendition — performed by Jim Henson — reached No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned an Academy Award nomination for best original song. In addition to “Rainbow Connection,” the two icons also treated the crowd to a rousing gospel medley featuring selections such as “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” “I’ll Fly Away” and “Hard to Be Humble.”

“Rainbow Connection” has been covered by a slew of artists, including Barbra Streisand, Kenny Loggins, Weezer and Hayley Williams, Johnny Mathis, The Chicks, The Carpenters and Nelson himself on his 2001 album that shares the song’s title. Nelson’s Rainbow Connection peaked at No. 52 on Top Country Albums, reaped a bid for best country album at the 44th Grammy Awards and opened with his cover of Kermit’s classic. More recently, Nelson joined forces with fellow country superstar Kacey Musgraves for a duet of “Rainbow Connection” at the 2019 CMA Awards.

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The 2024 edition of Nelson’s annual Luck Reunion, which takes place on the country legend’s ranch in Spicewood, Texas, featured a star-studded lineup of performers, including Tyler Childers, Red Clay Strays, Durand Jones and Zella Day. On the same day as the concert, Nelson announced his forthcoming 75th solo studio album, The Border, which is slated for a May 31 release. Alongside that announcement, Nelson also unveiled the set’s lead single, “The Border,” a cover of Rodney Crowell and Allen Shamblin’s track from the former’s 2019 Texas LP.

Watch footage of Willie Nelson and Kermit the Frog’s “Rainbow Connection” duet below:


https://youtube.com/watch?v=QP-AE9bc1xg&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

15 Mar 2024

Bhad Bhabie Posts Cute Bhabie Birth Announcement

Bhad Bhabie is a mom. The 20-year-old “cash me outside” rapper posted a sweet birth announcement on Friday (March 15) that seemed to confirm that her first-born bhabie girl is here. The silent, 10 second clip consisted of a black and white image of what appeared to be a newborn sleeping under a blanket, with their face covered and a striped cap on their head.

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At press time the “Gucci Flip Flops” MC not revealed any additional information about her newborn, including her name and the child’s birth date. Last month Bhabie (born Daneille Bregoli), told People that haters who were saying she was too young and inexperienced to bring a child into the world should mind their own business.

“I even see people saying, ‘Oh, I don’t think she’s ready. I don’t think she’s ready,’” Bhabie told the magazine. “It’s like, ‘How can you, from your computer screen, determine if I’m ready to be a mother or not?’ I don’t even be on [social media], so how can you determine that? You know? It’s just kind of off.”

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Bregoli announced in December that she was pregnant with a girl that she planned to name Kali Rose; she also said the child’s father is the rapper’s boyfriend, Le Vaughn. At the time, Bregoli suspected that the seeming public nervousness about her becoming a mother at 20 could be chalked up to the 2016 viral reality TV moment that made her (in)famous when she yelled, “Catch me outside, how ’bout that?!’”

“Do you think if people went back and looked at them when they were 13 and 14 and judged them off that time that they would have that job and be held so high?” she said. “They’re kids, they’re teenagers. But mine happened to be broadcasted all over the Internet, all over public television.” Since then, Bhabie has had some success as a music act, landing at NO. 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2017 with the single “Hi Bich”; she has not released any new music sinc 2022’s “Vibe Check.”

Bhabie has been chronicling her pregnancy on Instagram, including a series of Demi Moore-style pics with a very visible baby bump and another series in early February from what looked like her elaborate, all-pink-everything baby shower for Kali.

15 Mar 2024

Ariana Grande Frolics Through Times Square to Celebrate ‘Eternal Sunshine’ Billboard

Ariana Grande has had much to celebrate in the week since her new album Eternal Sunshine dropped March 8, including an enormous digital billboard from Spotify promoting the project in Times Square.

The 30-year-old pop star took a special trip to the New York City landmark to see the billboard with her own eyes, as captured in a video she posted to Instagram Friday (March 15). In the clip, Grande — staying low-key in a face mask, pink bonnet and black puffer jacket — skips around and cheers as her own face appears onscreen.

The singer is only noticed by a couple of fans, whom she poses with in the video. Surrounding her is a group of proud friends as well as her mom, Joan Grande.

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“one week of eternal sunshine,” the superstar captioned the post. “thank you.”

Spotify’s ode to Eternal Sunshine comes after the LP quickly became the streaming service’s most-streamed album in a single day so far in 2024 — within 24 hours of its release.

Grande also shared a backstage photo from her recent performance on Saturday Night Live, as well as snaps from the “We Can’t Be Friends” music video shoot. In a couple of photos, she clutches the teddy bear featured in the visual, which finds the Grammy winner having her memories of a past love wiped a la the Jim Carrey- and Kate Winslet-starring Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the namesake of her new album.

“I think the movie is so beloved because so many people can relate to knowing that something isn’t right but loving so much and wanting to stay,” she told Apple Music 1‘s Zane Lowe of taking inspiration from the film shortly before her record dropped. “I think it kind of fell into place that these songs had little tidbits of that theme. I just felt really inspired by it.”

Her first album since 2020’s Positions, Eternal Sunshine is gunning for a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200. The Max Martin-produced project was preceded by just one single, “Yes, And?,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this year.

15 Mar 2024

New Music Latin: Listen to Releases From Ovy on the Drums & Myke Towers, Reik & More

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

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Ovy on the Drums & Myke Towers, Cassette 1 (King OVY/Warner Music Latina)

Ovy on the Drums’ latest musical project, Cassette 1 — which he first told me about confidentially back in Oct. 2023 — has finally seen the light. A joint EP with Myke Towers, the six-track set showcases the magic that the Colombian hitmaker and Puerto Rican artist, alongside select collaborators, can make in the studio. It kicks off with “Desataaa,” in collab with Spanish newcomer SAIKO, an edgy distorted reggaetón jam that’s laced with Ovy’s signature instrumentation — drums, piano, and violins (think Karol G’s “Provenza,” “Tusa”).

In “Bellaqueria,” the duo reeled in Argentine artist La Joaqui for a rather sensual dancehall number powered by smooth, electric guitars and crashing ocean waves. “Come give more of those kisses that you give me/ Let me surprise you/ You’re hot, I can see it/ And you didn’t want anything/ The night is perfect to get steamy,” they chant. Another notable track on Cassette is the rhythmic, Calypso-infused “Pobre Diable.” Meanwhile, “Godiva” (with Blessd and Ryan Castro), “Amor Narcotico” and “Tu Cuerpo Me Llama,” are hard-hitting futuristic reggaetón bangers with sensual lyrics. 

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Billboard can confirm that Cassette 1 is the first part of multiple collaborative EPs that Ovy on the Drums has in the works. — JESSICA ROIZ  

Ivan Cornejo, “Baby Please” (Interscope Records)

Known for his signature moody lyrics and sad sierreño tunes, Ivan Cornejo strikes a chord here with “Baby Please.” The Mexican American artist, who penned the song in his hometown of Riverside, Calif., also plays guitar and the violin on the new heartbreak song — which will likely soon turn into an anthem, much like all of his other ultra-melancholic songs. The emotional piece finds the 19-year-old pleading for a second chance: “This song was inspired by the desperate desire we feel during our lowest moments in a break up,” Cornejo said in a statement. “We hate the attachment but love the thought of a rekindled love. I wanted this song to feel like I’m vulnerable but at the same time willing to fight for her.” — GRISELDA FLORES

Reik, “Abril” (Sony Music México)

Just in time for spring, Mexican pop trio Reik presents “Abril.” The captivating song begins as a soft ballad, harmoniously led by strings and vocals, and then evolves with electronic elements into a contemporary pop-style piece. The lyrics of the song narrate the longing for a lost love that resurfaces with the arrival of the month of April, as expressed by the band’s vocalist, Jesús Navarro, in the chorus: “And, the truth is, I can’t stop thinking about you/ Nothing comes close to the first kiss I gave you/ And if I had just one wish to make/ May April come back, April come back.” The music video takes place in an urban environment that gradually transforms into a spring setting, with a trail of flowers left by the protagonist. — LUISA CALLE

Yeison Jimenez & Luis Ángel “El Flaco,” “Hasta El Último Momento” (Yj Company – Black Lion Digital)

When Mexican banda fuses with Colombia’s música popular, like it does in “Hasta El Último Momento,” the result is a powerful and uplifting anthem that celebrates the power of gratitude and invites listeners to live life to the fullest. The special collaboration begins with vibrant trumpets and rhythmic percussion, and brings together both genres’ energetic rhythms and soulful melodies. This song will be included in Yeison Jiménez’s next studio album, 17-32. The lyrics convey a powerful message about cherishing life’s experiences over material wealth. And it reminds us that moments of joy, love and connection are more valuable than any monetary possession. — INGRID FAJARDO

Joss Favela & Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho, “Somos” (Sony Music Latin)

Marked by its compelling requinto riffs and resonant tuba, “Somos” delves into the profound bond that renders two souls inseparable, a sentiment vividly captured in the lyrics: “Tú y yo somos mucho más que separados.” Written by Joss Favela, the sierreño love ballad — a style popularized by the late, great Ariel Camacho — captures the essence of being more together than apart, making the single a testament to love’s unifying power. It’s a heartfelt narrative of indivisible love, rooted in Favela’s desire to pivot from his usual themes of heartache to a celebration of love. “My idea was to do a love song,” Favela says in a statement. “Because generally if you have noticed, I sing a lot about heartbreak — because sometimes that’s how I get ideas of pain, and when I had a love song I wanted to invite them.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Andrés Cepeda, “Prométeme” (Warner Music México)

With his first release under Warner Music, which he joined in October, Andrés Cepeda presents a romantic pop-rock ballad. Led by pleasant electric guitar riffs, “Prométeme” begins softly, speaking about the thrill of beginning of a relationship, before soaring with a vigorous chorus: “Promise me that you’ll still stay when I fail/ When as time passes, I give myself away and the truth comes out/ When our lips touch and lose their electricity/ Promise me that you’ll still stay until the end.”

The single — “a song that proposes the future of a long-term relationship, with all the difficulties and obstacles that this represents,” Cepeda explains in a press release — was recorded between Bogotá and Los Angeles. It also comes with a music video filmed in the Bogotá neighborhood of Chapinero, where the singer and his band appear blindfolded playing in a room full of flowers —the freshness of new, blind love at its best. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:

15 Mar 2024

Juanes Makes His Triumphant Stage Return in New York City 8 Months After SummerStage Shutdown

Eight months following an abrupt halt due to “excessive crowds” at Central Park’s SummerStage, Juanes made a grand return to New York City, delivering an unforgettable performance at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday (March 15).

“I can finally see your faces since the last time I was here [in New York] at SummerStage,” Juanes said during his show, reflecting on the history-making moment when, for the first time in 30 years, SummerStage had to stop an ongoing concert because of a non-weather-related problem. “My heart is full thanks to you; I am very happy to be here.”

The sold-out Radio City performance was highly anticipated after the overwhelming attendance of more than 17,000 fans at the Central Park SummerStage in July, which was called off last minute due to “excessive crowds.” Fans in NYC were finally able to see Juanes’ full show Thursday, when he performed some of his greatest hits and tracks from his Grammy and Latin Grammy award-winning 10th studio album, Vida Cotidiana, released in May 2023.

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The Colombian rockstar, clad in black and wearing a denim vest that showed his arm tattoos, kicked off with “Gris” and followed with his classic “Mala Gente” — the only two songs he played in Central Park last year before his show was shut down — electrifying the 6,000-strong crowd at Radio City.

A particularly memorable moment was the medley of “Lo Que Me Gusta a Mí,” “Fuego” and “Hermosa Ingrata,” during which he seamlessly mixed rhythms and melodies. The acoustic version of “Para Tu Amor” stood out as he came off stage to perform it among the audience, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere.

The concert setlist wove a narrative through Juanes’ discography, touching on themes of love, social reflection and personal introspection. Among the most chanted songs were the heartfelt “Amores Prohibidos,” “Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor” and also the mega catchy “La Paga” and “La Camisa Negra,” during which he showed off his unmistakable guitar riff.

Juanes closed the night with Juan Gabriel’s “Querida,” “Me Enamora” and “La Luz,” encapsulating the essence of his artistry and the connection he shares with his fans.

The Vida Cotidiana USA and Canada Tour, produced by Live Nation, began on Feb. 13 in Portland, Ore., and will end on March 30 in Hollywood, Fla. Upcoming cities include Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Chicago, Montreal, Toronto, Houston, Dallas, Boston and more.

15 Mar 2024

Usher to Receive President’s Award at 2024 NAACP Image Awards

Usher will receive the President’s Award at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards, to be held on Saturday, March 16, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. This award dates to 1987 and has been presented to a mix of musicians, political figures, film stars, athletes and others.

Previous music stars to receive the honor – which is presented “in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service” – are Ella Fitzgerald (the inaugural winner, 1987), Lauryn Hill (1999), John Legend (2016), Jay-Z (2019) and Rihanna (2020).

Usher has already won two 2024 NAACP Image Awards in pre-telecast presentations. He won outstanding male artist and outstanding soul/R&B song for “Good Good,” his hit collaboration with Summer Walker and 21 Savage. And Usher is nominated for the top prize, entertainer of the year, which will be presented on the live telecast. In that category, he is competing with Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey and Keke Palmer.

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The show will air live on Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET, CBS, BET Her, VH1, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Paramount Network, Pop, Smithsonian Channel, TV Land. The show will also stream live on the CBS network feed available on Paramount+.

Usher headlined Apple Music’s halftime show for Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, just days after the release of his ninth album, Coming Home, which marked his debut as an independent artist. Usher has won eight Grammy Awards and has landed nine No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200.

Usher is the founding chairman of Usher’s New Look, which has served more than 55,000 youth worldwide through education and mentorship. His commitment to philanthropy and social activism has earned him the NAACP’s 2010 Ford Freedom Award Scholar and Morehouse College’s 2014 Candle Award.

“We are honored to present this year’s President’s Award to Usher for his unparalleled talent and remarkable contributions as an artist and advocate for our community,” Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, said in a statement. “Beyond his vocal talent and stage presence, Usher has empowered thousands of under-resourced youth to pursue their dreams through college readiness programs, financial literacy, and career planning. His dedication to creating positive change in the world has touched countless lives, redefining the boundaries of creativity and compassion.”

“Usher stands as a distinguished multihyphenate performer, consistently setting new standards for Black Excellence,” BET president and CEO Scott Mills, said in a statement. “With a career spanning over three decades, Usher has earned his place as one of the foremost performers of our era and a beacon for social change in our community. It is a profound honor to recognize his extraordinary impact and lasting legacy.”

Andra Day will be the only performer on the 2024 NAACP Image Awards, which will be hosted by Queen Latifah. Presenters include Donnie Wahlberg, Idris Elba, Jeffrey Wright, Keke Palmer, Kerry Washington, Leslie Jones, Sterling K. Brown and Taraji P. Henson.

Previously announced honorees include poet laureate Amanda Gorman, who will be honored with the Chairman’s Award, and R&B supergroup New Edition, who will receive the Hall of Fame Award.

For the first time, BET and the NAACP will broaden access by providing audio descriptions for the live telecast. This ensures that blind and visually impaired viewers will be able to take in all the action occurring on the screen. VITAC and Audio Eyes will provide the audio description on the Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) channel.

The night kicks off live at 7 p.m. ET on BET, BET Her and VH1 with the 55th NAACP Image Awards Red Carpet Live! hosted by Terrence J, Naturi Naughton, and Novi Brown.

NAACP will also recognize winners during a Fashion Show on March 15.

15 Mar 2024

Bowen Yang Calls Ariana Grande Relationship Rumors ‘Incorrect’ & ‘Absolute Falsehoods’

Bowen Yang has Ariana Grande’s back. While reviewing the pop star’s new album Eternal Sunshine on his Las Culturistas podcast Wednesday (March 13), the Saturday Night Live cast member took a moment to defend his friend from monthslong speculation about her relationship with Wicked costar Ethan Slater. 

“The narrative is wrong,” Yang said frankly in conversation with his co-host Matt Rogers. “[Grande’s] not even outwardly saying that, but the narrative has been incorrect. People have even retracted things in these stories with no f—king apology to the people who are involved.”  

“I can tell you for a fact that what people out there seem to be clinging on to is incorrect,” added the comedian, who stars in the upcoming Wicked films alongside Grande and Slater. “A media narrative can be completely consuming and devastating and frustrate you to no end because of how wrong it is. Pushing absolute falsehoods — I’m sorry, it is a really f—king disorienting thing to experience. “ 

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Reports of the “Yes, And?” singer’s romance with Slater first emerged just days after news of her split from husband Dalton Gomez broke in July. Soon afterward, the SpongeBob SquarePants Broadway star’s estranged wife, Lilly Jay — with whom he shares a young son — told Page Six that Grande was “the story” behind her breakup from Slater, adding that the pop star is “not a girl’s girl.”  

In September, Grande filed for divorce from Gomez, two months after Slater and Jay filed. (She and Gomez settled their split in October.) Both TMZ and People have reported from the beginning that the Wicked stars’ romance began after both of their previous relationships ended. 

“If you think this invites karma, I’m here to tell you, your set of facts – I’m not going to reveal the actual facts, because they’re not mine to reveal,” Yang continued on the podcast. “But I can say that the matrix of information that you are using to draw a line to the karmic outcome you want is not existent.”   

Grande herself touched on her recent experiences with the rumors surrounding her relationship with Slater in an interview leading up to her new album’s March 8 release. “We don’t need to go into any specifics, but of course there’s an insatiable frustration, an inexplicable hellish feeling with watching people misunderstand the people you love, and you,” she said on The Zach Sang Show. 

About Eternal Sunshine – on which Grande seemingly shuts down the rumors on songs such as “True Story” — Yang noted, “She could’ve very easily made this a Reputation [by Taylor Swift] album, an album that was like, ‘F–k you, I’ve been completely misunderstood’ … Instead, it’s this very fragile, delicate work.” 

Listen to Yang defend Grande on Las Culturistas below. 

15 Mar 2024

Dr. Dre Crowns Eminem as the ‘Best Emcee Ever’: Watch

Dr. Dre and Eminem are among the most iconic collaborative duos to ever grace hip-hop. Even 25 years into their relationship, Dre still believes that the Detroit legend is the best to pick up a microphone.

The West Coast legend stopped by SiriusXM’s The Life of Mine With James Corden on Thursday (March 14), where he championed Eminem’s greatness.

“I think he’s the best emcee ever,” he said of Marshall Mathers, who landed at No. 5 on Billboard‘s Greatest Rappers of All Time list. “Point blank, period. Of course, there are going to be arguments about that because he’s a white guy. I don’t think anyone that’s rapping can touch Eminem on that microphone.”

Dre reflected on meeting Eminem for the first time at Jimmy Iovine’s office in the ’90s and how their first time in the studio produced The Slim Shady LP‘s “My Name Is.”

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“I met Eminem at Jimmy Iovine’s office,” Dre shared. “We slapped hands, went to the studio and started recording and I’m not sure if anybody knows this, but I think the first four albums was just me and him and his writing and his delivery and his imagination is off the charts and I don’t think anyone would disagree with that.”

“I was playing with the MPC and I hit play on it and he just went, ‘Hi, my name is.’ It happened that fast. No bull—t, and then we went from there and that was the beginning of this relationship.”

Dr. Dre’s handprints are all over Eminem’s first four albums he’s referencing on his Aftermath label, the latter two (Encore and The Eminem Show) Dre served as an executive producer.

The 59-year-old is also reuniting with an old friend for a new project, as Dre’s teasing an album on the way with Snoop Dogg.

From “Stil D.R.E.” to “Nuthin’ But A G Thang” and “The Next Episode,” Dre and Snoop have effortlessly cooked up plenty of G-funk anthems together over the years, and they’re looking to recapture that magic once again decades later.

“I know as odd as it sounds, I’ve only produced one album on Snoop, which was in 1993, Doggystyle,” he said of Snoop’s acclaimed debut, which topped the Billboard 200. “I mean, we’ve done some songs and we’ve played around in between, of course, but that is the one and only album I’ve produced on Snoop, Doggystyle, so we decided to call this one Missionary.”

“Snoop is really sounding fantastic and people are gonna be really shocked and amazed at how we’ve been able to come back together after all these years and do something,” Dre shared. “It’s really interesting.”