Music

31 Aug 2023

Here’s Why Fans Think a Destiny’s Child Reunion Is the Next Act In Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Trilogy

When Beyoncé revealed the first details surrounding Renaissance in June 2022, fan theories and speculations regarding Queen Bey’s future releases ran rampant. At the time, Beyoncé’s website and Instagram bio read “act i | Renaissance,” and an accompanying British Vogue spread and cover story teased “a thrilling abundance” of new music.

As the record-breaking Renaissance World Tour finishes out the last of its 10 remaining announced shows, fans are wondering what’s next from the superstar, who recently became the most-awarded artist in Grammy history thanks to her four Renaissance wins.

Coincidentally, shortly after Beyoncé shared a special birthday request that fans wear silver and chrome for the “last month” of the Renaissance World Tour, the official Destiny’s Child website underwent a major transformation. Currently, the site displays the message “25 years — new website coming soon” emblazoned across a clip from the girl group’s memorable reunion at Beyoncé’s 2013 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Naturally, the message prompted to fans to wonder if Beyoncé could be subtly teasing a transition to “act ii,” potentially some kind of Destiny’s Child reunion project or tour.

“Everybody, wake up! Wake up!” warned TikTok user @themykaylacw. “A new website coming? Is this album? Is this a tour? Beyoncé, I just recovered from Renaissance!” User @dejaclift noted that Beyoncé’s opening message at each Renaissance Tour show, in which she expresses her gratitude to be able to perform for 25 years and counting, coincides with the starting date for Destiny’s Child’s group career and not Beyoncé’s solo career.

Another TikTok user, @officialnailmedown, claims that, as per her own research, the Destiny’s Child domain is owned by Music World Entertainment, which was owned by Matthew Knowles, Beyoncé’s father and Destiny’s Child’s manager, who then sold it to APX Group. She theorizes that some kind of Destiny’s Child reunion could be a part of the “three-act project” Beyoncé mused about in a note she shared with fans around the time of Renaissance’s release. What’s more? The 25-year anniversary is also known as the silver anniversary — the same color Bey just requested her fans wear to her shows.

While Destiny’s Child — the lineup of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams — has reunited on multiple occasions, including the 2015 Stellar Awards and Beyoncé’s historic 2018 Coachella headlining set, the group has not released a studio album since 2004’s chart-topping Destiny Fulfilled. Destiny’s Child has earned 10 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including the No. 1 singles “Say My Name” (three weeks), “Bills, Bills, Bills” (one week), “Bootylicious” (two weeks), and “Independent Women, Part I” (11 weeks). On the Billboard 200, they have scored four top 10 projects, including 2001’s Survivor and 2005’s #1’s compilation.

See what the Beyhive and Destiny’s Child stans are theorizing about a potential DC3 reunion:

31 Aug 2023

How Taylor Swift Filmed Her ‘Eras Tour’ Movie in the Midst of the Hollywood Strike

If you missed out on Taylor Swift‘s Eras Tour during the record-shattering 52-date U.S. swing, the good news is that you can play catch-up next month when the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour concert film opens in every AMC Theatre in the U.S., Mexico and Canada on Oct. 13.

Swift excitedly announced the 2 hr. 45 minute film on her socials on Thursday morning (Aug. 31), posting an 80-second trailer and writing, “The Eras Tour has been the most meaningful, electric experience of my life so far and I’m overjoyed to tell you that it’ll be coming to the big screen soon. Starting Oct 13th you’ll be able to experience the concert film in theaters in North America!”

The immediate question, though, aside from “how many times are you going to see it?” was: How was Swift able to film and promote the documentary in the midst of the ongoing Hollywood strike by actors and writers? The production-crippling strike began when the Writers Guild of America walked out on May 2 — followed by members of SAG-AFTRA joining in on July 13 — shutting down production on nearly all movies, TV and streaming projects in the U.S.

However, SAG-AFTRA has struck an interim agreement to cover individual non-AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) productions that meet the same standards the unions are seeking in their negotiations with the studios. A source close to the Swift film confirmed to Billboard on Thursday that the Eras doc had obtained clearance under that agreement before shooting the movie. Billboard also confirmed that the Swift film is included under an assumed name on the list of approved interim agreement projects.

The list of terms on the interim agreement covers everything from scheduled breaks to payment for fittings, meal and wardrobe allowances for principal actors and background actors, per diems, rest periods and more.

The Eras Tour film was shot over the first three nights of Swift’s six-night stand at L.A.’s SoFi Stadium from Aug. 3-9.

Selena Gomez appeared to take down a photo tagging her Hulu series Only Murders in the Building earlier this week after some followers accused her of breaking the SAG-AFTRA rules concerning promotion during the strike. The union rules prohibit members from promoting new or finished works being released during the strike in interviews, on their socials or on red carpets. Because the Swift film is covered under the interim agreement, Billboard has confirmed that the singer’s post promoting it does not run afoul of any strike rules and there are no restrictions on her promotion of the project.

In an example of the impact of the strike on another musician who also has a foot in Hollywood, when Troye Sivan recently spoke with Billboard, he was excited to plug his new single, “Rush,” but was unable to discuss his work on the recently canceled HBO drama The Idol, which had wrapped its run weeks earlier. “I am in total support of the strike and am holding strong with everyone in waiting it out and making sure that everyone gets treated fairly,” Sivan said, adding that he also couldn’t talk about his upcoming starring role in the coming-of-age drama Three Months.

Swifties already likely know everything they need to about getting tickets to the movie, but just in case: every U.S. AMC Theatre location will run the Eras film at least four times per day on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays, with tickets for priced at $19.89 plus tax for adults and $13.13 for children and seniors plus tax (except for AMC’s branded premium large-format screens.) The film will be available in AMC theaters in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with tickets on sale now here and here.

In light of the chaotic roll-out of Eras Tour presale tickets from Ticketmaster,  AMC said it had upgraded its website and ticketing engines to “handle more than five times the largest influx of ticket-buying traffic” the company has experienced before.

Watch the Eras Tour concert film trailer below.

31 Aug 2023

Here Are the Key Dates for the 2024 Golden Globe Awards

The Golden Globes made a series of major announcements on Thursday (Aug. 31). They announced all the key dates for the 2024 Golden Globe Awards; named eight of the nine members of their newly-formed membership board of directors; and committed to revealing the full list of the new voting body and distribution partner by Oct. 2.

Nominations are set to be announced on Monday, Dec. 11. The awards will take place on Sunday, January 7, 2024. No host has been announced. Comedian Jerrod Carmichael hosted the 2023 show, which was held at the Globes’ usual venue, The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., and carried on NBC.

The membership board of directors is responsible for selecting, ratifying and accrediting journalists as voting members for the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards. Five of the nine members are appointed independent entertainment or media professionals. The four others are elected from within the Golden Globe Association membership. The board is helmed by long-time Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne.

“We are proud of how the Golden Globes has evolved over the past two years and where the organization is headed,” Hoehne said in a statement. “With its unique international footprint and global perspective on the entertainment world, this esteemed and trusted board truly sets the Golden Globes apart as an organization intent on recognizing achievements in film and television with superior credibility and integrity.”

Tim Gray, former awards editor and senior vice president for Variety, joins the board and the Golden Globes organization as executive vice president, effective immediately. 

“I spent 42 years of my life at Variety, so it would take a special job opportunity to get me to leave. This is definitely it,” said Gray. “Major changes are already underway at the Golden Globes and I think people in Hollywood, and around the world, will be pleased when they see integrity restored while the sense of fun remains. I’m impressed with each person on the board – their experience, reputation, and their high standards.”

Dick Clark Productions (DCP) and its partners will plan, host and produce the annual Golden Globe Awards, which are one of the few awards ceremonies to include achievements in both motion pictures and television. The awards date to 1944.

DCP and Eldridge acquired all the Golden Globes’ assets, rights, and properties from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) on June 12. The transaction resulted in the wind-down of the HFPA and its membership. The proceeds from the transaction, plus the existing resources of the HFPA, transitioned into a newly formed Golden Globe Foundation which continues the legacy of the HFPA’s history of entertainment-related charitable giving. 

Over the last three decades, the licensing fees from the Golden Globe Awards have enabled donations of more than $55 million to entertainment-related charities including scholarship programs, film restoration projects and humanitarian efforts. This funding has also supported diverse programs in partnership with advocacy groups aimed at promoting greater access in Hollywood for underserved communities.

This year, Ernst & Young LLP marks its 51st consecutive year overseeing the voting, balloting and tabulation process for the Golden Globes. 

81st Annual Golden Globe Awards timetable

Monday, Oct. 2: Submission website opens for 2024 Golden Globe motion picture and television entries

Monday, Nov. 6: Deadline for submission of Golden Globe motion picture and television entry forms

Monday, Nov. 20: Deadline for television nomination ballots to be sent to all voters

Monday, Nov. 27: Deadline for receipt of television nomination ballots by Ernst & Young at 5:00 p.m. PT

Tuesday, Nov. 28: Deadline for motion picture nomination ballots to be sent to all voters

Tuesday, Dec. 5: Final screening date for motion pictures; Final date for Golden Globes voters to attend non-exclusive, all-access motion picture press conferences

Wednesday, Dec. 6: Deadline for the receipt of motion picture nomination ballots by Ernst & Young at 5:00 p.m. PT

Monday, Dec. 11: Announcement of nominations for the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards AT 5:00 a.m. PT

Friday, Dec. 15: Final ballots sent to all voters

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024: Deadline for the receipt of final ballots by Ernst & Young at 5:00 p.m. PT

Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024: Presentation of the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards at 5 p.m. PT

Complete List of Board Members

Here’s some background on the board members, provided by the Golden Globes, and lightly edited for length. The Globes did not provide a bio on the long-serving Hoehne. The Globes will name the ninth member in the coming weeks.

Tim Gray, former awards editor and senior vice president for Variety, has been named executive vice president of the Golden Globes, with oversight of the membership board of directors. In 2021, he was named Print Journalist of the Year by the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards. In his 40-plus years at Variety, he held a number of positions including editor in chief and wrote extensively about awards. He has overseen special reports on important issues such as Hollywood and violence, marriage equality, and criminal justice reform. He also is the author of Variety: An Illustrated History of the World and 75 Years of the Golden Globe Awards.

Judy Lung, vice president, public relations & communications, Toronto International Film Festival, has spent more than 20 years creating PR, marketing, and social media campaigns for leading entertainment companies including TIFF, Cineplex, Corus Entertainment, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, and eOne. Known for fostering strategic partnerships, and with a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable screen sector, Lung is a frequent speaker and moderator at industry events. Most recently, she was a member of the board of directors of BIPOC TV & FILM, an organization committed to increasing representation of Black, Indigenous, and people of color in front of and behind the camera.

Neil Phillips is an entrepreneur and an inspirational speaker on topics of diversity, education, and culture, Phillips is a Harvard University graduate and former professional basketball player whose early career was spent in youth sports and character development at One On One Basketball and Positive Coaching Alliance. Phillips later spent 10 years serving in administrative leadership roles at his alma mater, Landon School. Motivated to do more to address the national crisis of boys of color, Phillips co-founded Visible Men Academy (VMA). Currently, Phillips is working on a documentary film with The Nantucket Project, focusing on race and human value.

Javier Porta Fouz is the artistic director of BAFICI (Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema) and a critic professor at the University of Cinema. He is also content curator for the VOD platform Qubit.tv and a film columnist and critic with La Nación newspaper and Hipercrítico. He spent 15 years as a writer and editor at El Amante-Cine magazine, and has collaborated with publications such as Clarín, Rolling Stone and Le Monde Diplomatique. He wrote the book Estudio Crítico Sobre El Aura, published the book Buenos Aires Sin Mapa in 2022, and is working on his first novel.

Gerardo Prat is an Argentine-American journalist and author, specializing in broadcasting as a reporter and producer. A member of the Golden Globes for two years, Prat reports from Hollywood for Hispanic media outlets worldwide. Prat began his career as a radio news announcer and journalist in Argentina at the age of 17. As a media entrepreneur, he founded two news companies in Hollywood (Media2air/News2air and SucoPress, Inc). He established production, administration, and strategic alliances to create and distribute news content worldwide. Gerardo was an invited fellow of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and in that capacity, has delivered lectures throughout Latin America related to the media.

Elisabeth Sereda is a print, radio and TV journalist in news and entertainment with an emphasis in music and film. A Golden Globes member since 1994, her reporting has appeared in German Cosmopolitan, ORF, and in Austrian radio and national public service broadcaster Ö3. Sereda writes for the Austrian daily Kurier, the magazine OOOM, and reports for various Austrian TV broadcasters. She is the author of two non-fiction books, Starporträt and Hollywood Backstage, and has been nominated for the International Media Award by the Publicists Guild numerous times. Her first English-language novel Casket Girls is slated to be released at the end of 2023.

Barbaros Tapan has been a member of the Golden Globes since 2016 and is the founder and president of the Hollywood Turkish Film and Drama Days. Tapan’s sports and entertainment reporting has appeared in a variety of media outlets. Tapan became the U.S. representative of Turkey’s biggest media company, the Demiroren Media Group, in 2000. He currently writes for Demiroren Media’s daily newspaper Hurriyet, produces TV shows for BeIN Media-Turkey, and serves as the U.S. editor of the Turkish Airlines magazine Skylife. Tapan was honored every year from 2018-20 by the Entertainment Journalists Association of Turkey.

For more information on the Golden Globe Awards, visit www.GoldenGlobes.com.

Penske Media Corporation, Billboard‘s parent company, is a part-owner of dick clark productions and has a partnership with Eldridge.

31 Aug 2023

Foo Fighters Become First Act to Earn 30 Top 10s in Alternative Airplay Chart History

Foo Fighters extend their record for the most top 10s in the history of Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart, as “Under You” jumps into the top 10 of the Sept. 2-dated list.

The song leaps from No. 12 to No. 8 to become the Dave Grohl-led band’s milestone 30th top 10.

That’s the most accumulated on the chart dating to the list’s September 1988 inception, by two over the next closest act, Red Hot Chili Peppers, with 28.

Most Top 10s, Alternative Airplay

  • 30, Foo Fighters
  • 28, Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • 24, Green Day
  • 23, U2
  • 21, Weezer
  • 19, Pearl Jam
  • 18, Linkin Park
  • 18, The Offspring
  • 17, Muse
  • 17, The Smashing Pumpkins

Foo Fighters first hit the Alternative Airplay top 10 with their first entry, “This Is a Call,” which hit No. 2 in August 1995. The band is currently riding a streak of six top 10s in a row, dating to the No. 10-peaking “Shame Shame” in December 2020.

“Under You” predecessor single “Rescued” reigned for 10 weeks beginning in May, marking Foo Fighters’ 11th No. 1.

Concurrently, “Under You” rises 17-11 on Mainstream Rock Airplay, where the band will break out of a tie with Shinedown for the most top 10s in that chart’s history should it rise at least one spot higher; each group currently has 30. The song also debuts at No. 29 on Adult Alternative Airplay.

On the all-rock-format, audience-based Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, “Under You” shoots 6-2 with 4.9 million audience impressions Aug. 18-24, up 28%, according to Luminate. Upon its ascent into the top 10, it gave Foo Fighters sole possession of the most top 10s in that survey’s archives, with 16.

“Under You” also lifts 12-11 on the multimetric Hot Hard Rock Songs tally. In addition to its radio airplay, the song earned 378,000 official U.S. streams in the tracking week.

The song is the second single from But Here We Are, Foo Fighters’ 11th studio set, which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Alternative Albums chart in June and has earned 125,000 equivalent album units to date.

31 Aug 2023

Rod Wave’s ‘Call Your Friends’ Reaches the Top 10 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart

Rod Wave captures his second top 10 this year on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart as “Call Your Friends” debuts at No. 7 on the list dated Sept. 2. The track, released on Alamo Records, will appear on the rapper’s forthcoming album, Nostalgia, due Sept. 15.

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In its debut tracking week of Aug. 18-24, “Call Your Friends” registered 13.9 million official U.S. streams, according to Luminate, prompting a No. 4 start on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart. Streams virtually power the entire debut on the multimetric chart, with a negligible amount of track sales and 2,000 radio audience impressions also in the mix. (For scale, the cutoff of this week’s 50-position R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay is 142,000 impressions, though, “Call Your Friends” is not being actively worked and promoted to radio stations as a single. The rapper’s prior release, “Fight the Feeling,” is the radio focus.)

With “Call Your Friends,” Rod Wave adds his eighth career top 10 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and maintains his consistency, having hit the region each year since 2020. Here’s a recap of his top-10 collection:

Song Title, Artist (if other than Rod Wave), Peak Position, Peak Date

  • “Rags2Riches,” featuring ATR Son Son, No. 7, Aug. 22, 2020
  • “Tombstone,” No. 5, April 10, 2021
  • “Street Runner,” No. 9, April 10, 2021
  • “By Your Side,” No. 10, Dec. 11, 2021
  • “Cold December,” No. 9, Feb. 5, 2022
  • “Alone,” No. 7, Aug. 27, 2022
  • “Fight the Feeling,” No. 7, April 15, 2023
  • “Call Your Friends,” No. 7, Sept. 2, 2023

Elsewhere, “Call Your Friends” launches at No. 6 on the Hot Rap Songs chart and is the week’s highest debut on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, at No. 26.

Nostalgia looks to extend Rod Wave’s top-10 streak on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, now at five consecutive projects. The run began with Ghetto Gospel (No. 10 in 2018) and followed with Pray 4 Love (No. 2, 2019); SoulFly (No. 1, 2021); Beautiful Mind (No. 1, 2022) and Jupiter’s Diary: 7 Day Theory (No. 9, 2022).

31 Aug 2023

Miley Cyrus Reveals Why ‘See You Again’ Never Got a Music Video

Miley Cyrus‘ fans have always had her back. In another installment of the star’s “Used to Be Young” TikTok series, she recalled how her surprise first hit “See You Again” never got a music video because her label didn’t think it would do well on the charts — something her listeners proved very, very wrong.

The former Hannah Montana star began by explaining how she wrote “See You Again” with the intention of distinguishing herself from the Disney Channel alter ego she became famous for. “I have my own name in the song, I say ‘my best friend Lesley’ in the song, and so this was really the beginning of me storytelling for my fans,” she explained. “I wrote that song in a way that would feel really personal to Miley so there would be no confusion between me and the character.”

The track was released in 2007 as a single from Cyrus’ debut album Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus, which doubled as a Hannah Montana season two soundtrack album and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The song made its Billboard Hot 100 debut in December of that year, eventually reaching a striking peak of No. 10 in May 2008.

And yet, “See You Again,” released along with the dual album under Hollywood Records, never got a music video treatment. Why? “My record label at the time didn’t think the song was a hit, so there was never a music video made for it,” Cyrus explained in her TikTok.

“My record label told me that this song wasn’t gonna be a hit, and my fans decided otherwise,” she added. “It’s always been us.”

For the record, the “Flowers” singer is still a fan of “See You Again.” While listening to a snippet in her TikTok, she danced along and cheered, “Work, work, work.” “Hannah’s for kids, Miley’s for grown a– men in heels,” she joked.

Cyrus has been going through dozens of pieces of old footage and mementos from her career’s early years in a revealing TikTok series she put together in celebration of her new single “Used to Be Young.” In previous installments, she’s spoken about the insanely busy work schedule she followed as a pre-teen rising Disney star, how she really felt about Sinead O’Connor’s “Wrecking Ball” criticism and more.

Watch Miley reflect on “See You Again” below:

31 Aug 2023

Jay-Z’s Team ROC Hires Attorney for Man Wrongfully Arrested at Wisconsin Applebees

After Kenosha police officers mistakenly believed Jermelle English Jr. was involved in a hit-and-run incident and arrested him at a Kenosha, Wisc., Applebees in July, Jay-Z’s Team ROC — Roc Nation’s philanthropic and social justice arm — has hired attorney Alex Spiro to get all charges dropped in the upcoming case. 

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According to ABC WISN 12, cell phone footage caught Kenosha police officers approached English inside the restaurant and accused him of being a suspect in the car crash. Despite vehemently denying his involvement, authorities pinned him down to the ground while he held his 1-year-old child. Witnesses told police the suspects involved in the hit-and-run included two Black men and a woman carrying a child heading toward a local Applebee’s. Officers believed English was the culprit and aimed to pull the baby out of his hands while attacking him on the ground. According to the Associated Press, the video appears to show one of the officers punching English.

Though police later learned English and his family were not involved, Kenosha police charged him with disorderly conduct, resisting and obstructing an officer. The woman who was with him received the exact same charges, along with possession of marijuana. The actual culprits were later found and apprehended in the restaurant’s bathroom. 

According to ABC and NBC News, the Kenosha police have launched an internal investigation into the incident. Billboard has reached out to the Kenosha Police Department for comment.

“The reckless arrest of Jermelle English Jr. and the careless endangerment of his infant child by the Kenosha Police Department is an absolute travesty,”Dania Diaz, Team ROC’s managing director, said in a release. “The Team ROC team is here to support Jermelle and his family through this traumatic experience, demand justice and hold the Kenosha police officers accountable.”

Along with working on getting the charges dropped, Spiro will also work to “evaluate civil suits against those responsible,” according to the announcement from Team ROC.

This isn’t the first time Team Roc has aided the community of Milwaukee. In 2020, it helped coordinate a rally for Alvin Cole in Wauwatosa, who was killed by a police officer earlier. Team ROC paid legal fees for the peaceful demonstrators arrested and fined for their involvement. 

31 Aug 2023

Afrobeats Fresh Picks of the Month: Burna Boy, Olamide, Uncle Waffles, Black Sherif & More

The summer may be winding down, but the Afrobeats release schedule has barely let up — and August has proven to be another big month, with major albums from superstars like Burna Boy and Olamide, plus EPs from Uncle Waffles and Kelvyn Boy, among others.

And that hectic schedule of great new music is unlikely to end soon, with forthcoming albums from the likes of Teni and Muzi — both of whom also have new tracks out this month — on the way, among many others. Before the Headie Awards this weekend — airing Sept. 3, with Burna Boy, Asake and Rema leading the nominations — there’s plenty of new music to check out.

We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and find your new end-of-summer soundtrack with our Spotify playlist below.

Uncle Waffles feat. Tony Duardo, Manana & Lusanda, “Echoes”  

The “princess of amapiano” returns with her second EP Solace, a tranquil, ethereal experience compared to her “very upbeat and explosive” debut EP Asylum, she described in a press release. Its lead single and first track, “Echoes,” envelops listeners in an array of mesmerizing harmonies from eSwatini-born singer Manana and South African singer Lusanda about wishing to patch up an old relationship (“Echoes/ ‘Cause this heart is hollow/ Empty from the hole you left,” Manana croons), and scintillating production from Waffles and frequent collaborator Tony Duardo.  

Muzi, “eMtunzini” 

South African artist and producer Muzi plans on traveling down memory lane (in his family’s Toyota Cressida) for his upcoming album uMuzi, due Oct. 13 via Fool’s Gold Records. But for his first stop, the sun-soaked lead single “eMtunzini,” Muzi retells his parents’ love story, and his own origin story, while weaving in between his native Zulu and English. The impassioned, exhilarating house production and deep vocals repeating “Feel like we’re a vibe/ Feel like we should spend more time” make “eMtunzini” a prime addition to anyone’s roadtrip playlist.  

Lord Afrixana feat. Firefly, “Pillow” 

After writing for Beyoncé, Davido and more, rising Ghanaian singer-songwriter Lord Afrixana is making a name for himself on his Protect the Culture/Warner Records debut Ghana Must Go. On highlight track “Pillow,” he comforts his love interest by promising to be the kind of man her ex never was while Firefly challenges whether he’s ready to provide the kind of loving she requires in her arousing retort.  

Black Sherif, “YAYA” 

From the Ghanaian rapper’s introspective two-pack Take Care of Yourself Blacko, the single “YAYA” tells the story of strife, staying true to oneself despite the fame and success and searching for peace through the lens of Black Sherif’s alter ego, “a rebel who gave fate a chance and is in search of healing,” according to a press release.  

Burna Boy, “City Boys” 

Move over City Girls, because Burna has something for the “City Boys” on his latest album I Told Them…. He starts the Jeremih-sampling track with audio from British rapper J Hus’ Instagram story, where he dismantles his “ugly” perception of himself and rather praises himself as “sexy.” The monologue sets the tone for the braggadocious anthem, where Burna blends his signature Afro-fusion with U.S. hip-hop (that’s amplified throughout the album as well as in his “City Boys” TikTok challenge). He even acknowledges fans’ misinterpretation (“I need a boat and shy hoes”) of his chant-worthy chorus from last summer’s smash “Last Last” (“I need Igbo and shyo”), proving that the Nigerian hitmaker’s fingers remain on the pulse of what’s hot in the culture.

Burna Boy feat. Seyi Vibez, “Giza”

On an album in which he reaches across the Atlantic more than ever, it’s the song where he links up with Nigerian street king Seyi Vibez that stands out the most. There’s something about the distinct style that Seyi has been delivering over the past 18 months that is both raw and engaging, and Burna taps into his soundscape to deliver one of the best tracks on I Told Them… It may not have the U.S.-leaning pop appeal of other records on the project, but it’s arguably the most captivating.

Olamide, “Problem”

If Unruly, as he’s threatened, is Olamide’s last album, it’s both a triumphant finale and a shame that he won’t continue to deliver tracks like the single “Problem” — one of the best distillations of his strengths that he’s put out across his illustrious career. Produced by Magicsticks, the beat itself is infectious, and Olamide’s delivery, particularly on the hook, is carefree and effortless. It’s easily the best track off the album.

Olamide, “Life Goes On”

Unruly can be broken down into three parts — two five-song solo sections from the YBNL boss that bookend a slew of top-shelf collaborations. And the back end of the album has a number of tracks that stand out and tie the whole project together — “Supplier” and “Street Jam” could easily be included here, too — but “Life Goes On” is another of the best tracks of his career, combining his melodic flows and rapped verses, and serving as a farewell of sorts if this is, indeed, his final project. Let’s hope that’s not actually the case.

Kelvyn Boy feat. Babyboy AV, “Roma”

Ghanaian singer Kelvyn Boy has a history of slipping effortlessly through various genres, and “Roma” sees him dipping into highlife styles for a breezy track that could be the perfect send off to the summertime. The major key instrumentation gives it an irresistible quality, and it’s an easy highlight off his great new EP For the Kulture.

Teni, “Lanke”

Sometimes it feels like Teni can do everything; all three singles she’s released this year are wildly different from each other, and each are great in their own way. The latest, “Lanke,” is the most carefree and outwardly joyous, as expressed in its hook and its gleeful new music video, out today. “Feel good, regardless of what life throws at you,” she said about the track. “Omo Lanke is someone that owns a wheelbarrow. You never see a person that owns a wheel barrow drive straight. Good or bad, we stay pushing, we don’t stop, we keep going. We appreciate the good, we learn from the bad.”

31 Aug 2023

It’s ‘True’: Gary Kemp to Be Named a BMI Icon at 2023 BMI London Awards

Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet will be named a BMI Icon at the 2023 BMI London Awards, to be held Oct. 2 at The Savoy Hotel. The private event will be hosted by BMI president & CEO Mike O’Neill.

Kemp is best-known for writing Spandau Ballet’s swoon-inducing 1983 smash “True.” The song topped the Official U.K. Singles Chart for four weeks and reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Eight years later, it was sampled in PM Dawn’s “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss,” a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100.

In addition, producer Richard Isong, better known as P2J, will receive the BMI Impact Award, which recognizes ground-breaking artistry, creative vision and impact on the future of music. This marks the first time a producer has received this honor.

“We’re in for an exciting night celebrating our BMI family of U.K. and European songwriters, composers and music publishers,” O’Neill said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to pay tribute to the legendary Gary Kemp in recognition of his incredible creative accomplishments. His timeless songs have reached multiple generations, leaving a lasting impression on the world of entertainment and inspired many to follow in his footsteps. We’re also honoured to present P2J with the BMI Impact Award. His work is a testament to the unifying power of music in bridging cultures and captivating audiences worldwide.”

The ceremony will also honor the U.K. and European songwriters and publishers of the previous year’s most-performed songs on U.S. streaming, radio and television from BMI’s repertoire. The Million-Air Awards, song of the year, and awards for pop, film, television and cable television music will also be presented throughout the evening.

Kemp is one of the most successful songwriters to come out of the New Romantic era in British pop music. As a founding member and guitarist for Spandau Ballet, Kemp wrote the lyrics and music for all of the band’s hits. “True” has received more than 5 million airplays in North America alone. “Gold,” “Communication” and “Only When You Leave” also made the Hot 100.

Kemp’s songs have been sampled by many artists, including Backstreet Boys, PM Dawn, Nelly, Paul Anka, Rui da Silva and Lloyd. As a solo artist, Kemp has released two albums for Columbia Records, Little Bruises (1995) and Insolo (2021). He’s also written two musicals with Guy Pratt, with whom he currently co-hosts a podcast called the Rockonteurs. For the last five years, Kemp has toured with Nick Mason’s band Saucerful of Secrets as co-lead singer and guitarist.

Kemp is also an accomplished actor and author. He has appeared in several films, including the 1992 blockbuster The Bodyguard and the British crime thriller The Krays. In 2009, he authored his autobiography, I Know This Much: From Soho to Spandau.

Kemp has received a Q Award, a BRIT Award, an IVOR Novello for outstanding song collection and five BMI Awards. As a BMI Icon, he joins an elite group of recipients including Bee Gees, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Ray Davies, Peter Gabriel, Queen, Sting and Van Morrison.

P2J will be recognized with the BMI Impact Award for the influence he’s had on the future of music. Previous winners are Tems, RAYE and Arlo Parks.

For the past decade, P2J has established himself as an in-demand producer through his work with chart-topping artists such as Beyoncé, Burna Boy, Doja Cat, Gorillaz, Ed Sheeran and WizKid. His work spans multiple genres, including pop, grime, rap and Afrobeats. P2J received his first Grammy nomination late last year – album of the year – for his work on Beyoncé’s Renaissance. His music has amassed more than a billion streams.

31 Aug 2023

Netflix Premieres New Music Produced by Tainy for Upcoming ‘Neon’ Series

In Netflix’s upcoming fictional series Neon, Tyler Dean Flores plays Santi, a wanna be reggaetón artist who moves from a small Florida town to Miami to get a record deal and become a star.

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It’s a rags-to-hopefully-riches story, but with a reggaetón twist. Santi heads to Miami with his two best friends, who also happen to be his “manager” and social media and marketing director, and who are as clueless as he is, but also have the guts to shamelessly power along.

The series, which debuts Oct. 19, has a star-studded roster of behind-the-scenes players, including Daddy Yankee, who is credited as executive producer, and the SB Projects team of Scooter Braun.

As for the music, Santi’s big calling card is his song “Exagerao,” which, viewers find out, he uploaded to YouTube and has become a bit of a hit, big enough to be recognized by fans in local nightclubs and even a couple of promoters and record execs.

”Exagerao” was produced in the real world by hitmaker Tainy, who is one of the executive music producers for the show, along with Lex Borrero and Ivan Rodriguez from Ntertain and Neon16.

“Exagerao,” said Tainy in a statement, is perfect for a U.S. born Latin like Santi “because it’s not just a reggaeton song, but it comes from his perspective. Yes, the production bangs and feels like a club song, but it also connects with the character culturally. The slang, the delivery, his lover-boy persona, even the choices on his pronunciation being more like a second-generation Latino in the U.S. In subtle ways every line tells you about Santi.”

While the fabled  “Exagerao” video the show’s characters talk about so much is yet to come, Billboard got a sneak peek of “Exagerao” the song, which hits streaming services today (Aug. 31).

Santi’s vocals are courtesy of Neon 16 up and coming artist RMAND, who lends his voice to the character’s three songs in the series.

Check out “Exagerao” below:

Netflix will premiere Neon during Latin Music Week, which takes place Oct. 2-6 in Miami. To register, click here.