Music

30 Oct 2023

Republic Records’ Wendy Goldstein to Receive Inaugural Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award at MUSEXPO 2024

Wendy Goldstein, co-president of Republic Records, will receive the inaugural Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award on March 20, 2024, during a gala dinner on the final night of the four-day MUSEXPO conference. The conference, a leading showcase and networking event for the global music industry, will be held at Castaway, a restaurant and event space in Burbank, Calif., from March 17–20, 2024.

The Seymour Stein – Global A&R Award will celebrate excellence in A&R worldwide, and the spirit of discovery in music. This year’s inaugural award will be presented in association with Richard Gottherer, Stein’s longtime friend and co-founder of Sire Records, and Stein’s daughter Mandy Stein. Seymour Stein died in April at age 80.

Sat Bisla, president & founder of A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO, stated, “Wendy Goldstein’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the art of A&R and her exceptional talent for identifying and developing artists who shape the music industry and impact global pop culture. Wendy’s unique abilities, instincts and musical foresight make her truly remarkable and impactful as an A&R afficionado. She is the embodiment of the spirit of Seymour Stein’s legacy.”

Goldstein, who will be celebrating 30 years in A&R next year, has had a role in the careers of such artists as The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Jonas Brothers, John Legend, Nicki Minaj and Anitta. Goldstein joined Republic Records in 2009, initially as an A&R consultant, later assuming the role of senior vice president of A&R in 2011. In 2014, she was appointed executive vice president and head of A&R and in 2021 she was named co-president alongside Jim Roppo.

Her journey in the music business began as an assistant in the A&R department of Epic Records, followed by stints at Geffen Records and Priority Records/Capitol where she orchestrated a label deal with Disturbing The Peace.

Stein’s signings — including Madonna, Talking Heads, The Ramones, The Pretenders, Depeche Mode and The Cure — have 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).

For more information about MUSEXPO, visit www.musexpo.net.

30 Oct 2023

Watch Joe Jonas Officiate His Band Member’s Wedding During Jonas Brothers Concert

Joe Jonas helped a Jonas Brothers band member say “I do” on Sunday night (Oct. 29) — in front of thousands of fans.

In a video shared to TikTok by user @recessionobsession, the sibling trio stopped their concert at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., to share what happened when they asked their percussionist, Molly Lopresti, to go on tour with them this year. “Look, I’d love to go on tour with you guys, but the only problem is I’m supposed to get married to my fiancé, Nick [Shirm],” Joe explained to the crowd that Molly told the brothers.

“We said, ‘Let’s figure this out, we gotta help them out in some way. If only we knew an ordained minister on this tour,’” Joe teased, implying that he is an ordained minister. “Oh wait, [we do].”

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To the surprise of the cheering audience, Joe then called Shirm to join his fiancée on stage, and the latter recalled that he met Lopresti at school nine years ago, when he “saw her walking across the student union and I thought, ‘Yeah, she might be the one.’”

The ceremony was then underway, with a makeshift onstage “aisle.” After the exchange of vows and rings, Joe declared Lopresti and Shirm husband and wife before the newlyweds sweetly shared their first kiss as a married couple. The Jonas Brothers then fittingly performed their 2007 hit love song, “When You Look Me in the Eyes,” for their first dance.

Watch the full wedding ceremony video here.

30 Oct 2023

Best 2023 Halloween Costumes: Danna Paola, Camilo & More Latin Artists (Updating)

Halloween falls on a Tuesday this year, but many famosos in the Latin music realm — such as Anitta, Rauw Alejandro, and Danna Paola — took advantage of the spooky weekend to dress up and party.

The Brazilian funk star, for example, wore a sexy black dress with thigh-high boots and wore a bloody, black bridal veil, giving off major wife of Dracula vibes. 

Rauw, on the other hand, wore two costumes in honor of the 1999 action-drama film Fight Club, both channeling the movie’s main character, Tyler Durden, portrayed by Brad Pitt. First, he wore a tropical shirt with a red, leather jacket, and then, a long, fur coat and red sunglasses — two emblematic Tyler outfits in the film. “Rule #1: You Do Not Talk About Fight Club,” he wrote on his second Instagram account, @ElZorro. 

Speaking of movie costumes, Mexican pop star Danna Paola and her boyfriend, Mexican actor Alex Hoyer, matched in black sunglasses and black trench coats to dress up as Neo and Trinity of the Matrix movie, also released in 1999. “Wake up neo… it’s Halloween,” Danna wrote on Instagram, where she also flaunted another costume dressed as Catwoman.

Another Latin music couple who showed their festive spirit over the Halloween weekend were Camilo and Evaluna Montaner. The former kept it simple and only wore large, fuzzy mittens; whereas the latter dressed up as an adorable cow. 

Below, see more of the best 2023 Halloween costumes by Latin artists — a list that we’ll continue adding to as more artists share photos of their spooky and/or stylish getups.

30 Oct 2023

10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through the Week: Maisie Peters, Alec Benjamin, Yard Act & More

Looking for some motivation to help power you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.

These 10 tracks from artists including Maisie Peters, Alec Benjamin, Yard Act, Baby Queen and more will get you energized to take on the week. Pop any of these gems into your personal playlists — or scroll to the end of the post for a custom playlist of all 10.

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Samira, “Toxic”

Pop newcomer Samira has spent the year releasing a string of increasingly promising singles, and “Toxic” bests them all by imbuing its entire runtime with a sense of danger, as the stormy percussion and the lyrical warning signs suggest trouble lies ahead with her bad-boy subject. “Toxic” doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but provides Samira with a new high-water mark. — JASON LIPSHUTZ

Yaeger, “Jaguar”

Love Swedish pop? Dig into the latest confection from Yaeger, the impressive singer-songwriter who recently hopped on the latest album from fellow Swedes Icona Pop, and whose new single carries a similar sensation of Tove Lo’s best tracks. “Jaguar” feasts upon a killer synth riff (borrowed from downtempo electronic greats Boards of Canada), not backgrounding that hook too much as Yaeger’s voice drifts between vulnerability and ferocity. — J. Lipshutz

Kanii feat. Trippie Redd, “Sins (Let Me In)” Remix

After dropping “Sins (Let Me In)” last month, Kanii has tapped Trippie Redd to flesh out its bleary-eyed, melodic bounce, and the remix is a match made in heaven. Trippie’s croon grounds the track in the middle of Kanii’s vocal flourishes, gripping the skittering beats until his voice fades out — but “Sins (Let Me In)” still has another minute of evaporating emotion before the curtain closes. — J. Lipshutz

CIL, “Bloodsucker”

Plenty of pop artists try to stand out each and every week with dramatic vocal showcases, but CIL possesses the skill and confidence to pull it off. New single “Bloodsucker” is a snappy kiss-off with some muted strings, a quick guitar solo and a ghostly texture, but the instrumentation takes a backseat to her melismas, belts and snarling soul throughout the track. If you haven’t been following CIL yet, “Bloodsucker” will command your attention. — J. Lipshutz

Yard Act, “Dream Job”

Yard Act’s 2022 debut The Overload demonstrated a modern understanding of classic post-punk, but the previews of 2024 sophomore LP Where’s My Utopia? suggest that the British rock group is ready to burst forward with new ideas. “Dream Job” funnels their talkier tendencies into a crowd-approved groove, with the band shimmying over the dance track with undeniable fervor and untamed personality. — J. Lipshutz

The Voidz, “Flexorcist”

While The Strokes’ music often soars with live instrumentation — a hallmark of the group’s early garage rock revivalist sound, thanks to early releases Is This It and Room on Fire — Julian Casablancas’ side project, The Voidz, trades the crunchy guitar riffs and heavy drum beats for ’80s excess in new single, “Flexorcist.” The indulgent, nearly six-minute single sees the singer’s vocals sitting under a blanket of upbeat synths and keytar accompaniment as he casts an eye roll at a know-it-all (“What — you’re an expert?/ You read about it somewhere?,””It’s always something with you”) on the chorus. Talking Heads-inspired drum beats carry the song through its fade-out. — Starr Bowenbank

Wilderado feat. Matt Berninger, “In Between”

In September, indie-folk band Wilderado released its first single of 2023 with “In Between.” Now, the band has tapped The National’s Matt Berninger for a cozy acoustic take on life’s in betweens. And while the lyrics seem to tell a sliver of a larger story, Berninger’s signature low range adds depth to the open-ended narrative — resulting in an engaging “choose your own adventure” listen. — LYNDSEY HAVENS

Alec Benjamin, “Different Kind of Beautiful”

Pop singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin has returned with the creeping and complimentary “Different Kind of Beautiful.” Produced by duo Stargate, the single is the first taste of a new album coming next year. The moodier, Weeknd-inspired beat and elongated ending notes are evidence of what’s to come, with Benjamin confirming in a statement: “The song represents the start of a whole new chapter.” — L.H.

Maisie Peters, “You’re Just a Boy (And I’m Kinda the Man)” 

Hailing from Maisie Peters’ seasonally appropriate new album The Good Witch, “You’re Just a Boy (And I’m Kinda the Man)” is a strummy, energetic tune that’s as much of a profession of love as it is a savage dunk on a romantic man-child. The influence of Taylor Swift looms large on this signee to Ed Sheeran’s Gingerman Records, but Peters’ deceptively sweet voice and sly humor gives it a distinct flavor. — JOE LYNCH

Baby Queen, “I Can’t Get My Shit Together” 


https://youtube.com/watch?v=AV8TQDTBJPg&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

A perfect anthem for a frustrated Monday morning, “I Can’t Get My Shit Together” finds Baby Queen bellowing her frustrations in a staccato chant over a playful blast of synth-y indie-pop. The South Africa-born, London-based singer might not feel like it, but when it comes to crafting sub-three-minute bursts of pop pleasure, her s–t is very much together. — J. Lynch  

30 Oct 2023

R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Azealia Banks, Destin Conrad, 42 Dugg, Skylar Blatt & More

Between a rare in-depth Jay-Z interview, a new Brent Faiyaz LP, and an announcement confirming new music from Megan Thee Stallion, the major players across R&B and hip-hop kept the scene busy the past week — but some left-of-center artists also had their own worthy contributions to the conversation. New Music Friday (Oct. 27) treated DSPs to a new tidal wave of bangers across hip-hop R&B to populate playlists ahead of Q4’s major holiday parties and celebrations.

With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Destin Conrad and Masego’s blistering duet to Azealia Banks’ long-teased drill anthem. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.

Freshest Find: serpentwithfeet, Ty Dolla $ign & Yanga Yaya, “Damn Gloves”

For the lead single for his forthcoming Grip LP, experimental R&B auteur serpentwithfeet dips his toe into house music influences with “Dam Gloves.” Assisted by frequent collaborator Ty Dolla $ign and South African artist Yanga YaYa, serpentwithfeet utilizes production reminiscent of Travis Scott and Beyoncé’s “Delresto (Echoes)” for a dark, sensual paean to slow-grinding and wining. “I don’t need no weed, I don’t need no liquor/ I just wanna keep grind-grindin’ on my n—a / Whatever’s on his leg, good God, it’s gettin’ thicker,” he teases.

Shordie Shordie feat. Baby B, “First Kiss”

Taken from the back half of his melodic Murda Beatz-helmed Memory Lane 2 project, “First Kiss” finds Baltimore rapper Shordie Shordie linking up with rising R&B singer Baby B for a tender guitar-inflected ode to the dream of your first kiss also being your last. It’s a surprisingly warm and heartfelt duet that incorporated elements of A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and Juice WRLD’s sing-songy flow with Shordie’s intimate grasp of emotive hooks. “Do you remember your first kiss?/ Not the fake one, but the one with some purpose,” he questions.

Destin Conrad & Masego, “Super Paradise”

Last week (Oct. 27), R&B crooner Destin Conrad dropped off Submissive, his third full-length project. The sensual set finds its closer in the Masego-assisted “Super Paradise,” a breezy, string-laden number that makes subtle nods to dembow as the pair trade verses about submitting to their lover out of desire, not desperation. It’s a very carnal affair.

Skylar Blatt feat. Lola Brooke, “F–k Fame, Pt. 2”

In the lead-up to her forthcoming Dennis Daughter project, Brooklyn rapper Lola Brooke has put out her fair share of pop-leaning radio-ready singles to keep her name on the mind of both consumers and radio programmers post-“Don’t Play With It.” On this new collaboration with Cincinnati rapper Skylar Blatt, Lola doubles down on the menacing snarl that garnered her name recognition. The two female rappers trade punchline-packed bars about the frivolity of fame — a smart choice of topic given hip-hop’s currently tenuous relationship with the apex of the mainstream music scene. Lola effortlessly embodies the gruffness of Skylar’s chorus, resulting in the (unfortunately) rare collaboration in which both artists are genuinely informing the other’s approach to the song.

Masego feat. Wale & ENNY, “You Never Visit Me (Remix)”

The original solo version of “You Never Visit Me” has been out for nearly a year, but that didn’t stop Masego from calling in some reinforcements for the song’s new remix. Featuring Wale and English rapper ENNY, the song’s remix opens up the breadth of perspectives regarding abandoned relationships. Wale joins Masego in wallowing over a lover walking out on him, but ENNY flips the song’s hazy, jazz-informed arrangement to soundtrack the snarky apathy she feels towards her former partner. “But, now I got you on a need to know bases/ If I keep it real/ I seen the truth and now I can’t face it,” she coos.

42 Dugg, “Go Again”

For his first single post-prison release, Atlanta rapper 42 Dugg opts for a biting stream-of-consciousness flow that combines his natural knack for catchy hooks with a single gargantuan verse that finds him doubling down on his braggadocio in all areas of his life. “Catch you slippin’, I’m slidin’, tell me I’m good at rappin’/ Y’all good at hidin’, n—a, come out and get active/ My chopper shoot backwards (B–ch), my b–ches gets pampered / You probably didn’t have her, doggie, she callin’ me daddy,” he spits.

Azealia Banks, “Dilemma”

In typical Azealia fashion, the controversial New York rapper has finally unveiled an official version of “Dilemma” after first teasing the song over four years ago. On the new track, the “212” rapper retreats from her trademark house and ballroom influences, and, instead, opts to dip her toe into another segment of New York’s music scene: drill. While a large number of drill rappers tend to favor animatedly gruff growls, Banks plays with the dynamics of her timbre to retain a sense of individuality. This is most clear in the song’s final chorus — which arrives after one breathless and impressive rap verse — where she whispers the lyrics with a priceless sense of brooding humor.

30 Oct 2023

Inigo Quintero’s ‘Si No Estas’ Surges to No. 1 on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Chart

Iñigo Quintero’s “Si No Estás” crowns the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. songs chart (dated Nov. 4). The Spanish singer-songwriter reigns with his first entry on the chart.

Plus, “Too Much” by The Kid LAROI, Jung Kook and Central Cee debuts at No. 10 on Global Excl. U.S.

The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, which began in September 2020, rank songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories around the world, as compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 is inclusive of worldwide data and the Global Excl. U.S. chart comprises data from territories excluding the United States.

Chart ranks are based on a weighted formula incorporating official-only streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as download sales, the latter of which reflect purchases from full-service digital music retailers from around the world, with sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites excluded from the charts’ calculations.

Iñigo Quintero’s “Si No Estás” ascends from No. 4 to No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart with 54.2 million streams (up 10%) and 1,000 sold (up 37%) outside the U.S. Oct. 20-26. The piano-pop song is the first entry on the ranking for the singer-songwriter, who becomes the second act to reign with a rookie entry this year, after Fifty Fifty’s “Cupid” led for two weeks beginning in May.

“Si No Estás,” which has benefited from buzz on TikTok and Instagram, made Quintero a first-timer on Billboard’s charts just four weeks earlier. The single also tallies a third week at No. 1 on the Spain Songs chart, among its coronations on other Billboard Hits of the World surveys.

Jung Kook’s “Seven,” featuring Latto, keeps at No. 2 following nine weeks at No. 1 on Global Excl. U.S. beginning in July; Tate McRae’s “Greedy” jumps 6-3 for a new high; Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” charges 8-4, returning to its best rank; and  Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red” descends 3-5, following two weeks on top starting in September.

Also in the Global Excl. U.S. top 10, “Too Much” by The Kid LAROI, Jung Kook and Central Cee launches at No. 10, with 31.5 million streams and 14,000 sold outside the U.S.

The Kid LAROI, from Australia, adds his second Global Excl. U.S. top 10, after “Stay,” with Justin Bieber, dominated for nine weeks in 2021. British rapper Central Cee also notches his second top 10, after “Sprinter,” with Dave, hit No. 6 in July.

Jung Kook earns his seventh solo Global Excl. U.S. top 10, the most for a member of BTS; he accounts for half of their 14 top 10s apart from the group. Here’s a rundown, ranked by peak position, of BTS members’ top 10s outside the superstar South Korean septet (which has posted 11 top 10s, including seven No. 1s):

  • “3D,” Jung Kook & Jack Harlow, No. 1 (one week), October 2023
  • “Seven,” Jung Kook feat. Latto, No. 1 (nine weeks), July 2023
  • “Like Crazy,” Jimin, No. 2, April 2023
  • “Left and Right,” Charlie Puth feat. Jung Kook, No. 2, July 2022
  • “That That,” PSY feat. SUGA, No. 2, May 2022
  • “Slow Dancing,” V, No. 4, September 2023
  • “Dreamers (Music From the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022),” Jung Kook, No. 4, December 2022
  • “Love Me Again,” V, No. 6, August 2023
  • “The Astronaut,” Jin, No. 6, November 2022
  • “Rainy Days,” V, No. 8, August 2023
  • “Set Me Free, Pt. 2,” Jimin, No. 8, April 2023
  • “Stay Alive,” Jung Kook, No. 8, February 2022
  • “Vibe,” TAEYANG feat. Jimin, No. 9, January 2023
  • “Too Much,” The Kid LAROI, Jung Kook & Central Cee, No. 10 (to date), November 2023

The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts (dated Nov. 4, 2023) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow (Oct. 31). For both charts, the top 100 titles are available to all readers on Billboard.com, while the complete 200-title rankings are visible on Billboard Pro, Billboard’s subscription-based service. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.

Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.

30 Oct 2023

Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer’ Hits No. 1 on Billboard Global 200 Chart

Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” ascends to No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 songs chart (dated Nov. 4). The song – originally released on Swift’s 2019 album Lover before being promoted as a single and gaining new prominence as the superstar has performed it on her The Eras Tour this year – becomes Swift’s third No. 1 on the survey.

Plus, Iñigo Quintero’s debut hit “Si No Estás” surges from No. 10 to No. 5 on the Global 200 and Tyla likewise scores her first top 10 on the chart as “Water” bounds 21-9.

The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, which began in September 2020, rank songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories around the world, as compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 is inclusive of worldwide data and the Global Excl. U.S. chart comprises data from territories excluding the United States.

Chart ranks are based on a weighted formula incorporating official-only streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as download sales, the latter of which reflect purchases from full-service digital music retailers from around the world, with sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites excluded from the charts’ calculations.

“Cruel Summer” climbs 2-1 on the Billboard Global 200 with 61.4 million streams (up 17%) worldwide Oct. 20-26, as well as 10,000 sold (down 78%, a week after it benefited from the release of two new mixes). Swift achieves her third No. 1 on the chart, following two songs that debuted on top: “Anti-Hero” led for four weeks beginning in November 2022 and “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” reigned for a week in November 2021.

Swift ties Olivia Rodrigo for the most Global 200 No. 1s among women; Drake also has three leaders. Overall, they rank third after BTS, with seven No. 1s, and Bad Bunny, with four.

Meanwhile, over four years after its release, “Cruel Summer” completes the third-longest trip, from a title’s release, to No. 1 on the Global 200. Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” dominated for three weeks beginning in June 2022, sparked by its synch in the fourth season of Netflix’s Stranger Things, after the song was originally released in 1985, and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” spent the first of its 13 weeks at No. 1 to date in 2020, after it was released in 1994.

Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red” rebounds 3-2 on the Global 200, following four weeks at No. 1 beginning in September; Tate McRae’s “Greedy” pushes 5-3 for a new high; and Bad Bunny’s “Monaco” falls to No. 4, a week after it debuted at No. 1.

Iñigo Quintero’s “Si No Estás” jumps 10-5 on the Global 200, with 56.5 million streams (up 10%) and 1,000 sold (up 35%) worldwide. The piano-pop song is the first entry on the chart for the Spanish singer-songwriter, who, benefiting from buzz on TikTok and Instagram, became a first-timer on Billboard’s charts just four weeks earlier.

Plus, Tyla, from South Africa, achieves her first Global 200 top 10 as “Water,” her first entry on the chart, rushes 21-9, with 43.6 million streams (up 19%) and 4,000 sold (up 14%) worldwide. TikTok has been a key contributor in the song’s growing profile, with a portion of the track having soundtracked nearly 1 million clips on the platform.

The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts (dated Nov. 4, 2023) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow (Oct. 31). For both charts, the top 100 titles are available to all readers on Billboard.com, while the complete 200-title rankings are visible on Billboard Pro, Billboard’s subscription-based service. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.

Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.

30 Oct 2023

Westside Gunn Finally Found the Peace That He’s Been Looking For

It’s the eve before Westside Gunn’s final album, And Then You Pray For Me, and the Griselda commander is 30 minutes late to the Billboard offices — courtesy of yours truly giving him the wrong address. But the self-proclaimed FlyGod appears fine: There is no barrage of insults darted my way nor any canceled interviews for my late-game incompetence. Instead, Westside, sporting a messy bedhair look, comes in peace and dapping everyone in the room before taking his seat. Bemused by his entrance, I quickly apologize, but he shrugs off the miscommunication and gets comfortable. 

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Westside and his cohorts partied the previous night away at New York’s City Gold Bar, celebrating the forthcoming release of his swan-song LP. The intimate session ran until the wee hours of the morning, resulting in Gunn’s upside-down appearance as he strolls into the office in the same outfit he wore that night. The FlyGod is still in rare form, as his entire $15,000 ensemble remains in pristine condition, despite the debauchery from the night before.

“I realized that everything in life that I need in life, I have,” says Gunn on reaching a higher level of peace. “I don’t gotta go as hot as I used to. I would’ve came in here with seven chains on like a year ago. You wouldn’t even see my neck a year ago. [Now] I got on one joint. I’m chilling.”

That newly acquired level of peace and confidence arrived at a cost, when Westside Gunn lost his close friend, the visionary creator and fashion designer Virgil Abloh, to cancer in 2021. Abloh played an instrumental role in Gunn’s 2020 masterwork Pray 4 Paris, as he invited the Buffalo staple to Fashion Week in the French capital and provided much-needed inspiration for his lauded effort. From designing the album’s cover art to having the rapper sit in on his Louis Vuitton Fashion Show, Abloh rejuvenated Gunn’s creative juices and sparked his magnum opus. Despite their musical union being curtailed by Abloh’s untimely demise, Gunn returned to Paris before recording his latest effort. The trip was worth it, as Gunn carved out an indelible sequel set, glazed with luxury boss raps, sleek boom-bap production, and a parting gift from his fallen friend — the album’s cover art. 

“I don’t want to be corny and keep always having to use the Virgil narrative,” relays Gunn. “I want bro to get his shine on this, because he was the inspiration. He did the cover. He was the inspiration from the first one that carried on to the second one. The whole Pray For Paris series, that’s Virgil. He wasn’t here in the physical, but definitely in the spiritual.”

The rewards for Gunn are shining through this time around, as he topped Billboard‘s Emerging Artists chart last week. He also netted a career-best showing on the Billboard 200 with And Then‘s No. 29 debut, powered by 20,000 equivalent album units earned in the set’s opening week, according to Luminate. It also landed at No. 7 on Top Rap Albums and No. 8 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. 

Billboard spoke to Westside Gunn about his latest album And Then You Pray for Me, returning back to Paris for inspiration, his influence on today’s hip-hop and more.

You’ve technically dubbed this your final album — but you’re still gonna be putting out music?

Correct. I don’t see myself doing 15-20 song projects anymore. It’s no need for that. I did that s–t for so long. It’s like, what for? Now it’s cooking. If I go to the studio and make two songs today, drop that s–t tomorrow, it’s like, “What am I waiting for?” I’m just gonna flood s–t and do what I do. There’s gonna be a lot of people playing catch-up.

That’s how I built Griselda in the first place — attacking. I just feel like I want to take it back to that. Just sitting there and trying to format it like a complete album, because I do all the curation — I feel like I don’t have to do that anymore. My catalog is already what it is. If I want to walk away on some Barry Sanders s–t, I could walk away still looking good. Not injured. I could live my life. I could be on some retire after a win a championship type s–t or one of them n—-s when they switch the jersey with Shaq on the Celtics like, “Why is Shaq on the Celtics looking old and s–t?” Like nah, let me leave while I’m on top. Even when I’m saying this, it’s no more pressure. I did everything I had to do. Now it’s do when I want to. 

Was there pressure doing this album after being in Paris with Virgil in 2020 and then having to find that purpose again while going back to Paris but without him this time?

I was still going to the Fashion Week, but it was no Virgil. But it was something about the energy when I went this time. When I went in January, it felt like the first time. That’s how you have, basically, part two. It was the same exact energy. Even though Virgil wasn’t here physically, he was definitely there spiritually. This is Virgil. He’s here, trust me. The whole album was done overseas. I went from that vibe — I literally went to Paris Fashion Week and didn’t leave Europe. I just stayed.

I’d come back and do what I got to do. I’d see my kids, see my babies. Soon as summer vacation started, [my daughter’s] ass was in Paris two days later. Now I’ma bring my family out here. Now I’ma show y’all everything I already experienced. Now I got my places in Athens, I got my places in London, I got my places in Paris, I got my places in Germany. Now I can take them. 

Talk about the recording and writing experience in Paris and London. Is it a heightened experience for you versus stateside?

Nah, I wouldn’t say that. I been doing the s–t so long. It’s just energy. It don’t matter where I’m at. The energy really don’t change like that because I’m still me. When I’m in Europe, it’s a lot of five-star s–t. It’s Westside Gunn on his bougie s–t. I’m rubbing elbows. They love me. 

I heard they don’t love n—as in Paris.

They hate n—as but they love me. When I pull up and I got on all my s–t, I ain’t gonna say I’m a Suge Knight type, but I’m a Suge Knight type. I’m an Eastside Buffalo n—a. You gonna have to really explain yourself, telling me, “No.” I gotta accept that no.

I read you were in Egypt, and had a reflective moment seeing people struggling out there. How have those experiences reshaped your view of life?

I know I’m just super-blessed, bro. I was just talking about being in Egypt, or places like La 42 in the Dominican Republic. It’s places like that where it’s just like, “D–n.” ‘Cause both times I was surprised. I was shocked. The first time I went to the DR, I’m thinking resort-type of s–t. We ‘bout to have fun. I’m thinking BBLs. We gonna get a blowout. I’m going over there on the same type of time. Then, where we shot the videos — man, shout-out to the homies in La 42 — they held it down. It was just raw, rough, grimy and s–t. 

I’m just thankful. I’m planning to go back in December and give back to the community. I just felt I could’ve did more then, but I just wasn’t prepared. The last thing I want to do is go to somebody’s hood and stunt on them. That wasn’t my objective to go out there looking like that and have kids coming around, “I haven’t ate in two days.” I wasn’t on that. I didn’t think like that. I realized that everything in life that I need in life, I have. Right now, it’s just bonus. I don’t gotta go as hot as I used to. I would’ve came in here with seven chains on like a year ago. You wouldn’t even see my neck a year ago. I got on one joint I’m chilling.

Three years ago for Paris Fashion Week, you were around Virgil, Pop Smoke and TakeOff. When you went back, knowing they all passed, did that hit you at any point while there?

Hell yeah, because life is short. You never know. Pop Smoke was one of the biggest artists when he passed. He was on the rise to being … who knows what Pop Smoke would’ve been right now. We’d have still been rocking, for sure. It wasn’t on him, it was in him. Some people are just different. Pop was a different kind of guy. When I met Pop, I didn’t even know he was like 20. He was a kid. When he met me, you know Brooklyn, man, he seen me with all me s–t on. He looking like, “Godd–n.” He didn’t even understand the s–t was that heavy. This the real s–t. Like, what the f–k you got going on?

Takeoff was a fly individual. One of the flyest. You could tell he was the guy in the team being low-key and swaggy. I’m a low-key, swaggy type of guy. I pop my s–t too, but I’m a low-key dude. I can come out doing press, but if I’m not doing this, I’m low-key. You don’t hear too much about me. I’ma lay-low dude. I got too many responsibilities to be throwing myself out there. I don’t take nothing for granted. I cherish all these moments. You don’t know if that’s gonna be your last Fashion Week. I don’t know if this is gonna be my last album, so I’ma treat it like my last album. I’m on that type of time.

Life different as you grow older. You realize different things that don’t make sense. Even though I’m a little older … I don’t wanna say I was doing young n—a s–t, but it’s like, “Why have 10 cars, bro?” That’s the type of s–t I’m thinking now. “You got 10 cars, bro. You got eight chains on your neck. Why the f–k do you gotta have eight chains on you neck?” It don’t even impress me no more. I’m just on a different type of time. I don’t gotta have on seven chains. But this outfit $15,000. 

You know somebody who embodies a humble flex, Post Malone. Post did an interview with Esquire saying y’all did some music together. 

I’ll let Post handle all that talking. I ain’t ’bout to talk too much, man. Me and Posty about to f–k s–t up. 

What would Post Malone and Westside Gunn song sound like? What’s the studio vibe being around each other?

Those be the best kind. Those be the ones that’s really tapped in. They got their hearts into it. You can tell it’s genuine and pure, man. A lot of people don’t want to give up the flowers because they so worried about getting it themselves. I love people like Post who are gonna give up the flowers. I love people like [Tyler, The Creator] who are gonna give up the flowers.

I don’t like the ones who act like they can’t give flowers. That s–t bothers me. Everybody get inspired by somebody. All of that you the illest n—a in the world s–t. I think I’m the illest n—a in the world and I still give everybody flowers. When Dolph was living, Young Dolph my favorite. I got a painting of Dolph. I got paintings of Migos in my house that I had before that Fashion Week. I’m tapped into the culture for real. Everybody can go and be like, “Westside been supporting.” I be hitting the young boys. I might hit up little homies like CEO Trayle like, “I’m f–king with your s–t. Keep s–tting on these n—as. Nudy, keep s–tting on these n—as.”

From Tyler to Kanye to Post, not a lot of people could have so many different demographics rock with them. Why do you think they gravitate towards you?

I’m the illest n—a, for real. I promise you. I got the illest resume of all-time. When it’s all set and done, close the books. I don’t care, name a rapper. Whether it’s the biggest names in the world from the Kendricks to the Hovs to the Nases, I still have the illest resume. Right now, you can probably name them doing projects or songs with five or 10 people, I’m gonna name like 50. My list too impeccable. To sit here and be like, “I got songs with DMX…” I’m an Eastside Buffalo n—a. I should get like 10 bonus points for that. Sean Price, Prodigy, MF DOOM, rest in peace to all of them. I got songs with all four of them.

That’s just the people that passed. You want take it back to the ones that inspired the style, I got songs with Kool G Rap. I got songs with Slick Rick. The fly n—as of that era. Then you move after that to Wu-Tang, The LOX, Mary J. Blige. It could be a Free Nationals album, I’m nominated for a Grammy with Free Nationals and nominated for a Grammy with Royce [Da 5’9]. I did songs with Black Star. Killer Mike too. From the A$APs to the Tylers, everybody praises the illest.

One of my favorite joints on the new album is “Babylon Bis” with Stove God Cooks. You had a line on there where you said, “I don’t know why everyone want to hate on West.” Where do you feel that energy comes from?

The fake fans. Not the real ones. I’m talking about the bigger you get, the more trolls you get. Hating because they don’t understand it. I hate a n—a who hate because he don’t understand. N—a you don’t understand it, you don’t understand it. That’s why I never believe when the older heads s–t on the younger heads. N—a you 45, you not 17, so keep your mouth shut. If anything, give them n—as props and tell them to do their thing. Give them your blessings and let them live their life so they can take care of their family and live how they need to live.

10 times out of 10, it’s a washed-up n—a that used to be popping. Now you hating on a young n—a that’s getting a new bag. You not in the clubs, partying, so you not gonna understand it. How could you understand what these young boys are doing? You ain’t gang-banging and drilling. It’s a different language. But that’s the same thing with me. I’m talking so fly, that if you don’t know what I’m talking about, this s–t gonna go so far over your head and you think I’m trash, because you don’t understand the language. You can’t just got to Japan and start talking French. N—-s gon’ look at you like you stupid. They don’t get it.

That’s the same thing with me. I’m talking jail slang. If you haven’t been to jail, you not gonna know what I’m talking about. It might be some gang lingo or a street name. If you haven’t been to Buffalo, how you gonna know what I’m talking about? I know what I’m talking about in this next level. I could tell you who, what, when, where, why in my language. But if you don’t know my language it’s just gibberish. The n—as that speak my language are like, “This n—a’s a God.” 

On “DR. BIRDS,” did you expect, “Tell Virgil write ‘Brick’ on my brick” to be this transcendent all these years later?

Yeah, I always do s–t like that. I knew it when I did it. N—as gon’ say this s–t forever. When we did that WWCD album, I was just in there with Daringer. N—as was just cooking beats. We made that whole album in like two sessions. That album did not take longer than 72 hours to make for sure. I don’t even really think it was a full 48. Every last beat and song was cooked in 48 hours. No samples. All was cooked. Daringer and Beat Butcha made everything from scratch.

WWCD — five years from now, they gon’ go back to that old Griselda s–t like, “We slept on that.” Like my album I did with Shady, Who Made the Sunshine, I guarantee five years from now n—as will go back to it. All my s–t age like fine-wine. You play Pray For Paris right now, you be like, “Yo.” You play [Hitler Wears Hermes 8] Side A/Side B like, “Yo this n—a did a joint with Wayne, did a joint wit 2 Chainz.” It’s like we in real time, so they don’t want to give me the roses now — but five years from now, they gonna be I’m the illest n—a of all-time. Because everybody else gonna start fizzling away. I’m telling you this gon’ happen. Everybody gonna go back to dropping that one album every three years. I’ll be right there giving you the illest s–t you ever heard, making my moves and n—as can’t keep up.

Let’s talking wrestling quickly. Are you more Razor Ramon or Scott Hall?

Razor Ramon for sure. That was a tough one. I mean I don’t even want to say that because I’m both, man. That’s me in real life. You got West, everybody call me West for 20 years. Then you got SuperFly Guy. Them n—as the same person. SuperFly Guy might just be a little bit more bougier. I say both them n—as. Razor Ramon with the chains with the Scarface persona like Tony Montana. Especially at that time, nobody had ever did [that] with the toothpick and the ignorant s–t. Whoop on you and throw you out the way. The bad guy. That was the bad guy. When he was on his nWo s–t, that’s the most legendary s–t of all-time. How can you really top that?

Nah, I respect all the old fly s–t. Then, n—a, Scott Hall in nWo? That n—a was the illest. That’s my favorite wrestler of all-time. That don’t take from the other n—a with the chains and the toothpick. I’m really both. It’s like me in real life. 

You started a wrestling promotion. Now that you’re not naming albums full-time, are you gonna devote more time to that? 

For sure. That’s why I also did this album like this. So I could take the pressure off me feeling like I had to make an album. Back in the day, it was the flood s–t. Now you only hear me when I do an album or a feature. It’s like you really only hear me when I do an album now. I don’t feel like once a year is enough. I give a motherf–ker a song once a month at least. Why not? These motherf–kers are getting lazy. N—as is forgetting where the f–k they come from. We forgot what we here for. When everybody else is more f—king doing everything else, I’m still in this ring. 

Are we still getting that Madlib EP?

Yeah, actually this is exclusive: Nobody knows we talked this week a couple of days ago. You know, this is a busy week for me. I got a lot of s–t going on. But we already planning for the future. Me and Madlib supposed to go to Japan next month. I want somewhere new to cook. We supposed to go to Japan and cook Gunlib.

30 Oct 2023

Chloe Bailey, Recording Academy’s Harvey Mason jr. & Missy Elliott Among Honorees at Girls Make Beats Fundraising Gala

At the inaugural Girls Make Beats Fundraising Gala, the nonprofit will honor Missy Elliott, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr., Chlöe Bailey and hip-hop duo Flyana Boss.

The Girls Make Beats nonprofit began as a way to foster young women’s involvement in music production, DJing and audio engineering. Its event, titled “Hip Hop 50th: Celebrating Women Past, Present, and Future,” will take place at Avalon Hollywood on Nov. 4.

“We are thrilled to unite the vibrant hip-hop community in celebration of the remarkable achievements of women in music,” Girls Make Beats founder Tiffany Miranda said in a statement. “With less than 3 percent of women currently represented as producers, our mission extends beyond closing the gender gap. It’s about elevating awareness regarding the significance of empowering girls in underserved communities and facilitating their pursuit of dreams.”

Elliott will receive the night’s Diamond Impact Award for her work as an artist and a producer. The rap legend produced many of her own hits alongside longtime collaborator Timbaland, including the 2002 Billboard Hot 100 No. 2 smash “Work It.”

Chlöe, who rose to fame in the duo Chloe x Halle with sister Halle Bailey and now records as a solo artist, will receive the Powerhouse Producer Award. She produced 10 of the 14 songs on her debut solo album In Pieces, which was released in March.

Mason will receive the Champion Ally Award thanks to his work fostering an “inclusive and supportive music community,” the nonprofit said in a press release. “I am humbled to be a part of a collective effort working to champion women and girls in our industry,” Mason said in a statement. “Through initiatives like Women in the Mix, we at the Academy will continue to support organizations like Girls Make Beats and amplify women’s voices as they use their talent to shatter any artificial, outdated barriers.”

Finally, Flyana Boss — Bobbi Lanea Tyler and Folayan Omi Kunerede — will receive the Next Generation Wave Maker Award for the early strides they’ve made in the hip-hop community as rappers and producers.

Billboard is among the media partners at the Nov. 4 event, alongside iHeartMedia. “Billboard is thrilled to support Girls Make Beats and the incredible young women honing their skills as producers,” Dana Droppo, Billboard‘s chief brand officer, said in a statement. “We need more of them and are committed to continuing to platform women and girls in music for years to come.”

For more details about the gala and how to attend, head to GirlsMakeBeats.org/gala.

Billboard is a media partner of the Girls Make Beats Fundraising Gala.

30 Oct 2023

Halsey Quietly Dropped Out of Live ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Performances Due to ‘Scheduling Conflict’

Just weeks after she was announced as a special guest slated to play the role of Sally in the annual live stage performance of Tim Burton’s Halloween classic The Nightmare Before Christmas, Halsey quietly pulled out of the production.

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While no additional information was available at press time about her absence, a source close to the singer tells Billboard that they informed the production several weeks ago that they were unavailable for the performances due to an unspecified “scheduling conflict.” At press time spokespeople for Halsey and the Hollywood Bowl had not returned Billboard‘s request for additional information.

Earlier this month, the Grammy-nominated singer was tapped to celebrate the movie’s 30th anniversary at shows slated to take place on Oct. 27, 28 and 29. Halsey was slated to appear during the first two nights of the production, with Katherine O’Hara, who voiced the Sally character in the original film, reprising her role on Oct. 29. Other special guests scheduled for the anniversary performances included SNL alum Fred Armisen as Lock, Ken Page as Oogie Boogie and Riki Lindhome.

Composer Danny Elfman was scheduled to return to the live presentation as lead character Jack Skellington. Elfman composed the music for the 1993 stop-motion film, which centers around Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. In October, Rolling Stone reported that Elfman was sued by a woman over allegations of sexual misconduct, less than two weeks after Halsey was announced as a guest star in the Nightmare show; RS earlier reported that Elfman was sued by a female musician who claimed sexual harassment and later sued again of his alleged failure to fully pay an agreed-upon $830,000 settlement. A rep for Elfman denied the allegations to RS, saying, “The allegations of misconduct made against Mr. Elfman are brless and absurd. His legal team is assessing all options and he will vigorously defend these claims in court.” 

The official Hollywood Bowl page for the show that was hosted by comedian Greg Proops no longer lists Halsey as a member of the ensemble; ticketholders were reportedly alerted just days before the show that Halsey would not be appearing in the role that in recent years has been played by artists including Billie Eilish and Phoebe Bridgers.