Music

31 Jan 2024

How 310babii Danced His Way Up the Hot 100 With ‘Soak City (Do It)’

If you asked 310babii what school was like after he nailed his first Hot 100 hit, he would probably say it was just another day. 

“It wasn’t too crazy,” he says months after watching his viral song “Soak City (Do It)” climb the charts. “Underclassmen would sing my lyrics in the hallway and be childish, but everybody else would be chill to the point where they didn’t make it weird. They knew what was going on with my music, but they didn’t like to fan out to me and yell. They were pretty regular and chill.”

Released last June, “Soak City” became an instant favorite on TikTok, courtesy of 310’s buoyant energy and simple dance instructions. Encouraging listeners to showcase their best moves, all that’s required is footwork and attention to detail. “Left, do it. Right, do it,” chants 310 on the hook like a playful drill sergeant on the playground. Football stars Travis Kelce and CJ Stroud joined in on the action by performing an adapted version of the Squabble Dance during their respective football games. The earworm also got the stamp of approval from LeBron James, Travis Scott and famous Twitch streamer Kai Cenat.

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“When I saw CJ Stroud dancing after scoring and they put my song behind him doing The Squabble, I was like, ‘Oh. I think it’s out of here,’” says 310. “That was the first big step to being a hit record. I just needed that push.”



According to 310, the whole creative process only took him 15 minutes.

“I was making songs in my room, doing my regular recording like I would everyday at that time and I just felt good about the song at the moment,” he remembers. “It seemed like everything I said was butter. I wouldn’t say that it seemed like ‘the one,’ but I thought that it seemed like a song that was going to be good. I didn’t think it was going to be on the Billboard Hot 100 and change my life the way it did, but I knew it was a good song. It’s catchy.”

310 also didn’t use fancy studio equipment to make “Soak City.” All he needed was his phone, as he used the app BandLab, a straightforward music recording program, to create the track. According to him, the song wasn’t mastered until months after its release. “Soak City (“Do It”) debuted at No. 100 in September and currently sits at No. 61 on the Hot 100 this week, a new peak.

“I feel like BandLab offers exactly what the kids want and wanna hear,” says 310. “Right now, I’m speaking on behalf of my generation; we don’t want the million-dollar mixes or the Drake mixes. We want s–t that’s not low quality, but it doesn’t need to be too crisp and epic. Sometimes, the 808s are gonna be a little distorted, or the voice is going to sound like [it came from] a cheap mic, but that’s the beauty of it. I think that’s what it was for me,” he says. 

He adds: “For so long, the kids didn’t even hear the mixed version of the song, bro. It was just straight off the phone, and that’s what they like. BandLab is just the new wave. They have some presets on there that big industry guys are aware of. It’s for sure a hidden gem.”

“Soak City (Do It)” received the remix treatment with West Coast all-stars Tyga, DJ Mustard, Blueface, OhGeesy and BlueBucksClan jumping on the song. The track’s popularity also allowed 310 to meet Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, the athlete who made him first realize that his music was gaining traction. They met before the Texans’ AFC Divisional Game in Baltimore this month.

“I’m motivated after seeing my song on the Hot 100,” he relays to Billboard. “My mental is just like, ‘Keep going.’ If I can get that one, I can get another by working hard. [It’s] motivation for working on my album and having the determination and work ethic to keep going harder and trying to improve.”

31 Jan 2024

Dead & Company Announces Las Vegas Residency at the Sphere

They’re baaaack! Dead & Company is reuniting after wrapping up what was their “final tour” last summer. The group shared in a video on its social media accounts on Wednesday (Jan. 31) that it is heading to Las Vegas for a residency at the Sphere.

Over a black screen, white text appears to share the news: “In 2023, Dead & Company played their final tour. “But there are other ways to make sure the music never stops,” the video begins as audio of screaming fans can be heard. “And it’s gonna be a ball.”

Music kicks in, and a nighttime view of the Sphere appears with the band’s red, white and blue skull logo slowly appearing on the side of the massive, 20,000 capacity state-of-the art venue.

The teaser did not reveal any details about the residency’s dates or when tickets would go on sale.

Dead & Company — which is made up of Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, as well as John Mayer, Jeff Chimenti and Oteil Burbridge — formed in 2015. (Bill Kreutzmann was originally part of the band as well, but exited in 2023, before the band kicked off its last trek.) Its final tour last year grossed nearly $115 million, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore, and sold nearly 850,000 tickets across 28 shows. That made the trek the supergroup’s highest tour gross, with its previous best being the $53.7 million earned during the Fall Tour 2021.

U2 opened up Las Vegas’ Sphere in September with its U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere show. The Irish band’s residency ends March 2. Phish is set to play the venue April 18-21. The Sphere’s website also does not indicate when Dead & Company is set to begin and end its just announced residency.

See Dead & Company and Sphere’s announcement below:

31 Jan 2024

Next Week’s Hot 100: Megan Thee Stallion vs. Nicki Minaj vs… Ben Shapiro?  

The Contenders is a midweek column that looks at artists aiming for the top of the Billboard charts, and the strategies behind their efforts. This week (for the upcoming Billboard Hot 100 dated Feb. 10), the year’s biggest new rap beef may power the next No. 1 debut, if a conservative pundit doesn’t elbow his way into the race. 

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Megan Thee Stallion, “Hiss” (Hot Girl Productions) / Nicki Minaj, “Big Foot” (Young Money/Cash Money/Republic): Megan Thee Stallion set the rap and pop worlds ablaze on Friday with her incendiary “Hiss,” striking back against haters and foes who have plagued her drama-filled past few years. No specific names were mentioned, but certain bars were popularly interpreted to be directed at Nicki Minaj – who took the insult personally, firing back at her fellow MC over social media all weekend before dropping her own pointed response to Megan, “Big Foot.”  

With the battle between the two inevitably turning into a chart war, many will be looking to next week’s Hot 100 to ultimately crown a victor. It’s not a particularly fair fight, since “Hiss” has a three-day head start on “Big Foot,” having been released at the very start of the tracking week, rather than Sunday at midnight. Nonetheless, with both now out for multiple days, “Hiss” currently leads “Big Foot” by most real-time metrics – it’s atop both Spotify and Apple Music’s daily US streaming charts (“Foot” is right behind it on Apple but about 20 spots lower on Spotify) and claims both the No. 2 and No. 3 spots on the iTunes Top 100 with its multiple versions (“Foot” is No. 4, with both songs also now boasting multiple other variants throughout the top 25).  

Will it be enough to pass Jack Harlow’s “Lovin on Me” for the top spot on the Hot 100? It could be close: “Lovin” remains a strong performer in all chart factors, even still gaining in radio as it spends his second week atop the Radio Songs listing. But with “Hiss” given a jolt by all of the extra publicity over the weekend, it’s not only maintained its release momentum, it’s still been growing – and if it continues to do so over the final couple days of the tracking week, it could have a real shot at nabbing Megan both the first Hot 100 No. 1 debut as a lead artist and the first unaccompanied No. 1 of her career.  

Tom MacDonald feat. Ben Shapiro, “Facts” (Self-released): Yes, really: After right-wing pundit Ben Shapiro helped propel multiple songs to No. 1 this decade (including Megan’s own “WAP” back in 2020) with either his endorsement or his disavowal, he’s now in pursuit of a Hot 100-topper of his own. He even admits as much on “Facts,” his collab with “anti-woke” rapper Tom MacDonald, as he directs audiences during his own rap verse – again, yes, really — “All my people download this, let’s get a Billboard No. 1.”  

He’s likely to get a No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart, anyway, as “Facts” has held the lead on iTunes essentially since its Jan. 26 release date, even amidst the Nicki/Megan beefing. The song’s streaming numbers are relatively small compared to “Hiss” and “Lovin on Me,” though, and it has no real radio support, so to even challenge for No. 1 it will still have to post a pretty stratospheric sales number in its debut week. Shapiro’s certainly banking on getting bragging rights over one of the week’s primary contenders, at least: “Nicki, take some notes, I just did this for fun,” he also taunts in his verse.  

Justin Timberlake, “Selfish” (RCA): In a less wild week, Justin Timberlake’s comeback single would likely be the most buzzed-about debut – though with Timberlake’s commercial fortunes declining fairly steadily over the past decade, “Selfish” was probably always something of a long shot for a No. 1 entrance.  

The love song, whose bow will also be hurt by its release coming last Thursday (meaning its first day of consumption totals will count towards the previous chart week), has nonetheless sold consistently and streamed somewhat steadily. It also has been embraced immediately on pop radio, with the song debuting at No. 33 on Pop Airplay this week after just a single day’s airplay. It might not be in the hunt for No. 1, but it could challenge the No. 25 debut of *NSYNC’s “Better Place” last year for the highest-charting JT-related song on the Hot 100 this decade.  

IN THE MIX 

Morgan Wallen, “Spin You Around (1/24)” (Honeyhole/Big Loud/Mercury/Republic): With Taylor Swift recently raising the commercial ceiling on re-recordings of decade-old songs, it’s hardly shocking to see Morgan Wallen’s acoustic re-do of this early-career ballad – successfully intended to overshadow his old label’s unsanctioned deluxe reissue of early-career debut EP Stand Alone – be received commercially like a brand new single. “Spin You Around (1/24)” may not have the longevity of Wallen’s One Thing at a Time hits, but the combination of curiosity streams and sales for a song many newer fans might not even be familiar with should get it a notable Hot 100 debut.  

Ice Spice, “Think U the Shit (Fart)” (Dolo Entertainment/10K/Capitol): Something of a “yes, really” in its own right, Ice Spice’s purposefully goofy latest single has divided the internet into those who find it to be frivolous, winking fun and those who think it’s just too silly for serious listening. The song might not be too long for the charts – the rapper just announced her imminent debut album, so she may be moving on fairly quickly herself – but initial interest in “Shit (Fart)” should be enough for a good Hot 100 debut, perhaps good enough to become her first unaccompanied top 40 hit.

31 Jan 2024

On The Radar Latin: Jimmy Rodriguez, Maura Nava, & More Artists to Discover

Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors spotlight a group of rising artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.

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Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered by scrolling on social media, networking, or coming across their music at a showcase, for example. See our January 2024 recommendations below.

Artist: Jimmy Rodriguez

Country: Mexico

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: I first heard Rodriguez when he auditioned for Telemundo’s La Voz second season. Like all the participants, he presented himself with great emotion and was full of dreams. But something that made him stand out, besides his impeccable voice, was that he arrived wearing a Carlos Vives shirt as a gesture of manifestation (Vives indeed becomes his coach). The Mexican-born, Miami-based artist, also known as “El Mexicano Salsero,” is a combination of cheerful energy, creativity and distinctive vocals. Forming part of a new generation of salsa stars, Rodriguez brings his Mexican roots and tropical fusions together when he’s performing live, where often times you’ll see him rocking his handlebar mustache, traditional “pantalones de charro” pants, and the Mexican flag proudly hanging around his microphone. Along with his live band, it becomes an experience, not just a typical show. — INGRID FAJARDO

Song For Your Playlist: “El Rumbón” feat. Motiff & Tony Succar

Artist: Lara Project

Country: Venezuela

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Composed by Venezuelan-born brothers Manuel and Félix Lara, the Lara Project duo brings retro dance sounds from the ’70s and ’80s to the forefront. Using synths, pulsing beats and live instrumentation, the siblings effortlessly navigate and intertwine diverse musical genres, casting a wide net for potential listeners. The head-bobbing “Comme des Garçons,” released earlier this month, thrives on an irresistible funk rhythm and a captivating mid-tempo beat. The duo is set to drop their upcoming new album, Sobrenatural, in March via Interscope. — GRISELDA FLORES

Song For Your Playlist: “Comme des Garçons”

Artist: Maura Nava

Country: Mexico

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Nava is a rare hidden gem, one who has a story of admiration and resilience and who’s captivating vocals live to tell it. The Mexican-born, Miami-based rising act first gained exposure thanks to her cat — yes, her cat — via a TikTok video where she was flaunting her opera-singing skills and her furry pet crashed the video, only to perform with her. The video, which was blessed as “opera cat,” has garnered nearly 10 million views. But beyond her viral stint, it’s Nava’s enchanting aura and effortless soprano vocal range that ultimately got her into award-winning producer’s Julio Reyes Copello’s ArtHouse Academy, a deal with Universal Music Latin, and her own track on the soundtrack to Prime Video’s Zorro series. — JESSICA ROIZ

Song For Your Playlist: “Encontrarme” (Carla Morrison cover)

Artist: RENEE

Country: Mexico

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: There are few times when a streaming platform gets its recommendations right, but in this case, it led me to a musical treasure with RENEE. Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, the singer-songwriter (whose full name is Sofía Renee Jiménez Alvarado) gives a new air to pop with her soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and sonic mix of jazz, soul, bossa nova and folk. Her lyrics address topics from the complexity of romantic relationships to her emotional state, while in her musical career she has reinvented herself on several occasions — both in her music and in her hair style.

She debuted in 2019 on Universal Music Mexico with RENEE, a three-song EP that goes from pop-soul and bossa-nova (and includes the single “Esperándote”), followed by the EP Viaje al Amanecer the same year, where she also showed her folk side. In 2020, she released her debut LP Breve Espacio. Highlights from her discography since include the bright funk “Quiero quedarme para siempre” with La La Love You, released in 2022, as well as the moving ballad “Extraños de nuevo,” and her 2023 album NMDQH, which includes her hit song “Nunca Tristes (Me Vale Madre).” RENEE started 2024 with the song “El Disfraz,” also showing her acting skills in the music video. With such an eclectic and captivating musical persona, it is certain that none of her songs will go unnoticed. — LUISA CALLE

Song For Your Playlist: “El Disfraz”

Artist: Ximena Guzmán

Country: Colombia

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: A natural born singer and songwriter, Ximena Guzmán began her formal music training at the age of 11 at the Conservatorio del Tolima, before studying lyrical singing at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Bogotá. After collaborating and performing with national orchestras, mariachi ensembles and llanero groups, both nationally and internationally, she made her solo debut in October with the single “Duele,” showing a powerful, melodic voice with a contemporary style. She followed that in December with the infectious mariachi trap fusion “A Solas,” part of an upcoming EP produced by JC Karo (who has worked with stars such as Pedro Capó, Ricky Martin and Anuel AA), to be released this year by Ditto Music. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Song For Your Playlist: “A Solas”

31 Jan 2024

Afrobeats Fresh Picks: Asake, Black Sherif, Highlyy, Fave, Yung D3mz, PsychoYP & More

While 2023 represented a year of remarkable growth for African music, 2024 is already shaping up to be a year where multiple new stars are discovered. Singer-songwriter-producer Yung D3mz was selected as Apple Music’s Up Next artist in Ghana at the end of last year, and new fans can discover his recent EP Before the Sun Comes Down. And after scoring high-profile features on Davido and Olamide‘s albums, Nigerian singer-songwriter Fave is making a name for herself, especially with her new single “Belong to You.”

And 2024 will also be the year that the superstars will receive higher honors than ever before. On Sunday (Feb. 4), the Recording Academy will give out the Grammy award for best African music performance for the first time. Nominees in the category include Mr. Money Asake, who doesn’t stop getting after the money in his new single “Only Me,” and Davido, who reunited with Kizz Daniel for the first time since their 2018 collaboration “One Ticket” on the remix of “Twe Twe.”

We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Get into our first Fresh Picks of 2024, and start off the new year with some new tunes in our Spotify playlist below.

Chssom & Crayon, “Chemistry Luv”  

Chssom and Crayon capture the intense pull of “Chemistry Luv” with high-pitched piano chords that could be transposed for the woman of their dreams to walk down the aisle to. “Girl, I’ve never felt like this before!” Chssom exclaims in the hook, demonstrating the potency of the spell he’s under.  

Yung D3mz & Tera Kòrá, “Futuristic”  

Yung D3mz recruits Curaçaoan producer Tera Kòrá for the sun-soaked penultimate track of his latest EP, Before the Sun Comes Down. Kòrá’s “soulswing” sound – which he describes as “a warm and moving, loungey vibe” that’s inspired by his “sunny Caribbean roots” – breathes new life into D3mz’s Afro-fusion. From the dizzying flute melodies to the bubbling bassline, it’s impossible not to sway your hips to this song.  

KJ Spio, Oxlade & Sarkodie, “Undress You”  

Ghanaian music executive and self-proclaimed “culturepreneur” KJ Spio taps Oxlade and Sarkodie for this slinky, sensual track. With a swoon-worthy melody inspired by T-Pain’s 2005 smash “I’m Sprung,” “Undress You” paints a lascivious picture of how they plan on letting the night unfold, with Oxlade crooning “Time to have sex” in the chorus (a la Mad Cobra’s 1992 dancehall hit “Flex”) and Sarkodie rapping, “More sex less talk we waking up to the sunset.”  

Highlyy, “Honest” 

The Essex-born Congolese breakout sensation bares her soul on the “Honest” cut from her debut EP +243. The twinkling keys and pensive pitter-patter of the percussion give listeners a glimpse of the war between Highlyy’s head and heart, as she remains firm in her decision to end things with a lover – even if it’s one of the toughest decisions she’s had to make. “I was talking to a boy, a very toxic situationship. There’s always that person that you say you’re done with but keep running back to them. That song means everything to me because it’s so true,” she told Clash.  

PsychoYP & Jeriq, “Disintegrate”  

No one and nothing can break down indomitable Nigerian rappers PsychoYP and Jeriq on “Disintegrate,” the first track off their joint EP Evil Twin. The two effortlessly feed off of each other’s flows, flexing with lines like “Afum your 12 missed calls during a business meeting, I’m sorry but I won’t call you back unless Inwe ezigbo reason,” because the hustle doesn’t stop for anyone.  

Fave, “Belong To You”

The young Nigerian singer broke out in a big way in the past few years, with high-profile features on tracks by Davido and Olamide and her own single “Baby Riddim,” but this new cut is something different from her — a straight-up R&B-pop cut that showcases her powerful vocals and the emotion in her voice as she relates a relationship seemingly broken, but with deep wells of feeling under the surface. She’s poised for a breakout look.

Asake, “Only Me”

Sometimes it seems like the breakout star of the past two years can do no wrong, and Asake keeps up the relentless pace of his output here with another catchy, melodic hit for the catalog. He has a way of crafting these earworms out of small phrases that give his songs a lasting quality, and his inclination to always incorporate choral backing vocals gives his songs a cinematic feel that others just can’t match.

Black Sherif, “January 9th”

Celebrating his 22nd birthday, the Ghanaian takes time to reflect on his position and the weight of the pressure on him, while seeming to take a very zen point of view on the matter. The production is deeply soulful and his lyrics rise to the occasion, making this single a mission statement of sorts — with everything he’s got going on, everything is still alright. It’s a good sign for his forthcoming album.

Kizz Daniel & Davido,” Twe Twe”

The remix to Kizz’s latest single features one of Africa’s biggest stars, and has fun playing with and overlaying different rhythms and syncopation, which helps it stand out from many of its contemporary songs on the scene right now. The lush production propels it forward and the duo — together on a track for the first time in several years — brings it home.

Ckay, “Is It You?”

Afrobeats’ resident emotional loverboy returns with another entry in the genre, with a wistful hook and verses that see him pining over a woman he’s just met. His melodies and vocals have continually set him apart, and while we wait to see what else he’s got in store, he keeps hitting his sweet spot with songs that recall some of his biggest hits, though with a bouncier beat behind him here.

31 Jan 2024

Adam Sandler to Receive People’s Icon Award at 2024 People’s Choice Awards

Adam Sandler will receive the People’s Icon Award at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards. The comedy star is the sixth recipient of that award, following Melissa McCarthy, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry and Ryan Reynolds.

As previously announced, Lenny Kravitz will receive the Music Icon Award at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards. The show, hosted by actor Simu Liu, will air Sunday, Feb. 18, at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif.

Sandler, 57, has enjoyed phenomenal success as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and musician. His films, including such box-office hits as Grown Ups, Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, Big Daddy and The Longest Yard, have grossed more than $3 billion worldwide. He has also proven to be a versatile actor with acclaimed dramatic roles in Uncut Gems, Hustle and his upcoming Spaceman. His films on Netflix are some of the most-watched on the platform, including the recent You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.

Sandler’s work has been recognized over the years with nine People’s Choice Awards, six MTV Movie Awards and 12 Kids’ Choice Awards. Sandler was the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Those who honored Sandler on the program included Dana Carvey, Idina Menzel, Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Judd Apatow, Drew Barrymore, Conan O’Brien, Chris Rock, Pete Davidson and David Spade.

“Adam Sandler has been a fixture in the industry for decades, entertaining us since he got his start on Saturday Night Live more than 30 years ago,” Jen Neal, executive vice president, live events and specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment, said in a statement. “From Billy Madison to Mr. Deeds, his unforgettable characters have endured the test of time and left their mark on audiences for generations. We’re excited to honor him with this year’s People’s Icon Award.”

The 2024 People’s Choice Awards will air live Sunday, Feb. 18, at 8 p.m. ET/tape-delayed at 8 p.m. PT on NBC, Peacock and E! from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. Den of Thieves is producing the show. Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager and Barb Bialkowski will executive produce.

31 Jan 2024

REZZ, Zedd, ISOxo & Knock2 & More to Headline Lunar New Year Party Series

The Lunar New Year — encompassing Chinese New Year, Seollal in Korea, Tet in Vietnam and more — starts on Feb. 10, bringing two weeks of festivities celebrating the year of the dragon.

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For those in the New York City area, the party options include Lunar Eclipse, a three-week run of dance/electronic shows at The Brooklyn Hangar being thrown in honor of the holiday.

Headliners include Alesso Feb. 2-3, Tiësto Feb. 8-9, REZZ Feb. 10, ISOxo and Knock2 Feb. 15, RL Grime Feb. 16 and Zedd Feb. 17-18. Support acts include Mersiv and Daily Bread for REZZ, Dubvision for Alesso, Luis Torres for Tiësto and Rossy and Deadcrow for RL Grime.

The shows are being produced by Ignite Group, Apollo ID and DEG Presents, and tickets are on sale now. (The night featuring San Diego-based bass producers ISOxo and Knock2 is currently sold out, as is the Feb. 17 show from Zedd.)

“After years of discussing we finally decided to make Lunar Eclipse a reality,” Eddie Dean, founder of DEG presents, tells Billboard. “The Asian community has always supported DEG, and now we are working together.  If you go to any dance music show in NYC, you will always see a strong showing from the Asian community, so it makes so much sense to have an Asian-focused festival here in New York City. I’m really excited to help my friends at Ignite and Apollo by producing this impactful event. Lunar Eclipse has such great potential featuring such massive names in our first year.” 

A 2023 DEG Party, lunar eclipse poster

Courtesy of DEG Events

31 Jan 2024

Grammy Host Trevor Noah on Why He’s Glad Travis Kelce Won’t Attend

As Trevor Noah prepares to return to the host the Grammy Awards for the fourth time on Feb. 4, he finds himself facing a new situation; not only is he the host, he’s a nominee for the 66th edition of the awards as his album, I Wish You Would, is nominated for best comedy album. 

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Noah is the fifth Grammy host to also be a nominee in the same year, but Kenny Rogers is the only host who heard his name called as a winner, when “The Gambler” won best country vocal on the 1980 telecast. Noah has been nominated for best comedy album before, when Alicia Keys hosted in 2020. 

Even though he is a hosting veteran, Noah tells Billboard he still gets nervous beforehand, and feels tremendous relief once the show is over and realizes he’s successfully eluded “the lion that was chasing us.” 

In addition to his Grammy duties, Noah also helms the Spotify podcast What Now? With Trevor Noah, which he says has allowed him to flex different muscles from when he hosted The Daily Show. “It’s having a conversation,” he says of the podcast. “The difference between a conversation and an interview is that an interview is one way, and a conversation is bi-directional, and you’re trying to create a conversation that other people want to listen to and can derive something from. I’m really reveling in the experience of creating something new that I hope can contribute to fostering conversations amongst people.” 

Below, Noah talks about his Grammy chances, what he’s learned about hosting “one award show at a time” and his feelings about Travis Kelce’s possible attendance at the ceremonies. (This interview has been edited for space and clarity.)

Do you know if best comedy album is going to be given away on air or during the pre-telecast? 

I don’t know of that right now because the running order hasn’t been completely finalized because new acts keep coming in. But either way, I’m just ecstatic to be in that category with that level of comedians. Are you kidding me? These are my idols and my friends. I’m really lucky to be amongst that ilk.

Does that make you more nervous to also be a nominee, as opposed to just host? 

It’s going to be an interesting one because I’ve never been nominated and hosting at the same time, so I don’t know if the one feeling will overcome the other way or if the two will combine into one. I only hope that I slip into the zone of hosting and then by the time my award comes, I have either completely zoned in. I just I just hope I’m in the right place.

What does that mean to slip into the zone of hosting? 

When I speak about getting into the zone, it’s a combination of remembering all of the preparation, thinking hard about what we’re there to do and then remembering how many people have worked hard to make the show what it is. So I’m in my head, I’m preparing for every contingency that I cannot prepare for and just trying to be ready for anything that could possibly go wrong in any possible moment. And then I’m also reminding myself to have fun. I’m thinking about being present in the room because I think you can miss things if you’re not present. So, it’s a lot of conflicting emotions that you’re trying to manage, but when you hit it is when you’re in the zone. 

That sounds exhausting.

Can I tell you — it is. It is. I have yet to go to an afterparty for the Grammys. My record was I think seven minutes when we were in Vegas [in 2022]. I sat down at a table at the after party and then I went back to my hotel room and I slept. I am exhausted after the Grammys. It’s an adrenaline dump. As soon as you say “good night,” your whole body goes, “Okay, have we successfully run away from the lion that was chasing us?” And then then your body collapses.

This is a year where women lead the nominations. SZA has nine nominations. Victoria Monet has seven; Boygenius, Brandy Clark, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift all have six nominations. It varies from year to year, but there have been years that aren’t so hospitable to women artists. What do you think about this year? 

I think it’s really fantastic. I remember many Grammy Awards, where women just really swept everything, like the year [1999] Lauryn Hill took home so many and the year [2020] where Billie Eilish completely dominated. I find in time things ebb and flow. This is definitely a year where it isn’t just about women running the biggest category, but it’s also the breadth of talents that’s pretty amazing. You have all these different genres, you have all these different points of view, you have all these different styles, you have all these different stories, all the possibilities of history being made.

I honestly appreciate and applaud that, because it’s not just about women being dominant in the category, — it’s how broad women are able to be in the music industry, I think that’s a fantastic achievement for music and something we should keep pushing for in any category. However you want to make your music, make your music, and your gender doesn’t define how that music is or isn’t received. I think that’s a wonderful message.

How much do you feed off of the energy of the opening performance? 

It completely sets the tone for the night. It sets the tone for the people in the room. It’s like, “All right, let’s go.” And what it does for me as a performer is it makes me feel like I’m part of an ensemble, so I can’t come in there after a performance that has just raised the roof and step in with languid energy. It makes me feel like I’m part of an army that is marching into this performance battle and I have to play my part. 

The record for hosting belongs to Andy Williams, who’s hosted seven times. Do you want to break his record?

I host one award show at a time. They surprise me and call me back a few months before and that’s how I live my life. 

This interview is happening before the Kansas City Chiefs play the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC championship, but if the Chiefs lose, we may have the first outing of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift together at an awards show. How are you planning for that?

Well, I’m hoping that the Chiefs don’t lose because I really like Travis. He’s like one of the sweetest human beings I’ve ever met. He’s a really lovely guy. I met him years and years ago in the summer [in] upstate [NY]. He was just like this sweet guy. We talked about comedy and football. He was really wonderful to everyone around him. I had no clue who he was in that way. Ever since then his star has only risen. So I’m rooting for him 1000 times over. So I actually hope that I don’t see him because he’s still in the mix and he’s still doing well. But if anything changes, I’ll be ready. And that’s what being a host is all about.

As you go into the fourth year as host, how much more are you participating in the writing and in the whole process? 

I’m really lucky that under [executive producer] Ben Winston’s umbrella, he’s always trusted me when it comes to the writing, so we’re a wonderful team. It’s like dancing with a partner who knows exactly where your hips are at all times. I’m really grateful to be in such fantastic and skilled company. I collaborate as much as I can. I’m responsible for everything that comes out of my mouth. I’m responsible for everything that I write in and around the moments with my team. We’ve always been given complete leeway and I think it’s because the producers and I guess the [Recording] Academy trust me that I’m not there to spoil anybody’s night.

And, most importantly, I’m not there to make the night about me. A good Grammys is a night where you don’t remember me, but you go, “That was a great show.” A great Grammys is where you remember me and you think it was also a great show. 

31 Jan 2024

Megan Thee Stallion Releases 2 New Versions of ‘Hiss’: Listen

Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hiss” just got a bit louder as she released a pair of new versions of her vengeful first solo offering of 2024.

In a salute to her Houston roots, a chopped ‘n screwed edition as well as the official instrumental — which is co-produced by LilJuMadeDaBeat and Bankroll Got It — hit streaming services on Wednesday (Jan. 31).

“Thee Chopped & screwed and instrumental versions of #HISS are out NOW run it up hotties,” Megan instructed her fan base with her caption on X.

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“Hiss” topped the U.S. Spotify chart earlier this week and could earn the Houston Hottie a lofty debut on the Billboard Hot 100 next week as she adds another hit to her decorated résumé.

Houston native and OVO sound signee OG Ron C helms the chopped ‘n screwed version to give Meg’s “Hiss” slowed-down vocals a syrupy aesthetic.

Megan Thee Stallion returned on Friday with the new track, which will serve as the second single for her upcoming Traumazine follow-up album due out in time for the summer

The Houston Hottie didn’t take any prisoners as she appeared to have smoke for Drake, Nicki Minaj, Minaj’s husband Kenneth Petty, Tory Lanez, ex Pardison Fontaine and more.

Minaj took offense to the bars and continued to go after Megan over the weekend. The tirade culminated on Monday (Jan. 29) with the release of Minaj’s “Big Foot” response track, which disses Megan throughout.

Thee Stallion didn’t address Minaj directly during her Good Morning America appearance on Tuesday (Jan. 30), where she promised her fans a tour this summer.

“Oh, we’ve having the tour this year. The Hot Girl Sumer tour is going to be 2024, summertime,” the “WAP” rapper said. “I feel like I’ve never been able to be outside doing my own thing during the summer, since like 2019. So this is going to be the first time that I drop an album on time for the summer. I do want to give the hotties the Megan Thee Stallion experience.”

Listen to the new versions of Meg’s serpentine-themed “HISS” below.

31 Jan 2024

Creepy Nuts’ ‘Bling-Bang-Bang-Born’ Hits No. 1 on Japan Hot 100

Creepy Nuts hits No. 1 with “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, dated Jan. 31, giving the popular duo consisting of rapper R-shitei (R-rated) and DJ Matsunaga their first-ever No. 1.

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After entering the top 10 last week from No. 27, the MASHLE Season 2 opener rises 5-1 this week, powered by streaming (No. 1, 14,657,362 weekly streams, up 63% from last week), downloads (No. 4, 9,465 units, up 35%), and radio (from No. 10 to No. 7). The track also hits No. 1 on Billboard Japan’s TikTok chart after the “BBBB Dance Challenge” inviting fans to dance to the show’s opening animation went viral on the short movie platform. “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” also rules the Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan chart released Jan. 25 after bowing at No. 8 last week.

tuki.’s “Bansanka” slips to No. 2 this week, coming in at No. 2 for streaming (10,536,519, up 7.9%), No. 6 for downloads (6,757 units, up 1.9%), No. 4 for video views (2,161,787 views, up 9%) and karaoke, and No. 77 for radio. Though the song couldn’t extend its stay atop the Japan Hot 100, it continues to maintain momentum with overall points increasing by about 7.7% from the previous week.

As Mrs. GREEN APPLE continues to chart two songs in the top 10, the band’s latest hit “Nachtmusik” rises 7-3. It’s the theme for the movie Silent Love that opened in domestic theaters Jan. 26, and boosted by this film starring Ryosuke Yamada’s release, streams for the track soared by about 45% to rack up 7,994,782 plays, moving 11-6 for the metric, while radio climbed 14-1. Downloads are down 38% from the previous week to 6,666 units.

M!LK’s fourth single from a major label, “Kiss Plan,” debuts at No. 6. The track comes in at No. 2 for sales, launching with 79,197 CDs, up by about 30% over the 60,820 copies of its predecessor, “STARS.” The track logged 3,112,622 streams to hit No. 34 for the metric, which is also slightly more than the first-week figure of the previous single.

Kanjani Eight’s “Anthropos” follows at No. 7, ruling sales. The opener for the anime series Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange was written by Tatsuya Kitani (Jujutsu Kaisen ’s “Where Our Blue Is”). The veteran boy band’s 50th single sold 162,727 copies in its first week, about 7.8% more than its predecessor, “Ookami to Suisei” (150,848 first-week copies), launching the band’s 20th anniversary year with a bang.

back number’s “Fuyu to Haru” (Winter and Spring) debuts at No. 9. It’s the J-pop band’s first new release in about six months since “Kaiju no Size.” The latest number is produced by Masanori Shimada, who worked on the band’s single “Horizon” from Aug. 2020. “Fuyu to Haru” hits No. 2 for downloads with 12,842 units and No. 19 for streaming with 4,448,468 streams, while also coming in at No. 2 for radio and No. 28 for video. The three-man group is off to a strong start with its first release of this year.

The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.

See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from Jan. 22 to 28, here. For more on Japanese music and charts, visit Billboard Japan’s English Twitter account.