Music

31 May 2023

What’s Your Favorite Bizarrap Music Session (So Far)? Vote!

Bizarrap‘s Music Sessions have now become a cultural phenomenon thanks to his collaborations with Latin music heavy-hitters such as Shakira, Arcángel, Nicky Jam and, his latest, Peso Pluma.

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His “BZRP Music Sessions #53” with Shakira — released in January — peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The diss track broke a handful of Guinness World Records. It now makes them title holders for the most streamed Latin track on Spotify in 24 hours (14,393,324), most viewed Latin track on YouTube in 24 hours (63,000,000), fastest Latin track to reach 100 million views on YouTube (in two days and approximately 22 hours) and most streamed Latin track on Spotify in one week (80,646,962).

Another favorite music session is the Argentine producer’s team up with Spanish artist Quevedo. It’s one of Bizarrap’s most watched sessions on YouTube, and it’s the one that catapulted both artists to global success. Their “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52” scored both their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Currently, it has more than 520 million views on YouTube.

Other most-viewed sessions include his “BZRP Music Sessions #36” with Nathy Peluso — which  instantly became a viral social media sensation in 2020 thanks to Peluso’s catchy verse (“I’m a, I am a, I’m a nasty girl, fantastic/ Este culo es natural“) — and “BZRP Music Sessions #13” with Argentine rapper and singer Nicki Nicole, who teamed up with Bizarrap early on for one of his first-ever sessions.

Below, vote for your favorite Bizarrap Music Session (so far). If you don’t see your favorite in the poll, feel free to add it in the “Other” section.

31 May 2023

Tupac Shakur Is Finally Getting His Own Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Rose That Grew From Concrete is finally receiving his own sidewalk honor: a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On June 7, legendary rapper, poet and actor Tupac Shakur will receive his star in the recording category during a public ceremony at 6212 Hollywood Blvd.

“Tupac Shakur was a rapper, actor, activist, poet, and revolutionary,” says Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “This iconic artist has continued to be part of the zeitgeist for decades after his passing and will continue to be an important cultural figure for many years to come. Surely, as one of L.A.’s own, Tupac’s star will be added to the list of most visited stars.”

Born in New York City but spending his formative years in California, Shakur is revered as a West Coast legend and a cited inspiration to artists across the globe, including Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, J. Cole, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber and countless others.

At the Baltimore School for the Arts, Shakur studied acting, poetry, jazz and ballet. In his early career, Shakur was known as MC New York before taking on the moniker 2Pac during his time with rap group Digital Underground.

As a solo artist, Shakur released his debut album 2Pacalypse Now in 1991 via Interscope Records. He went on to share three more albums before his fatal shooting at age 25 — all of which charted on the Billboard 200, with All Eyez on Me and Me Against the World topping the chart. Following his death, six posthumous studio albums were released through Amaru Entertainment, started by Shakur’s mother, and Interscope Records.

Both All Eyez on Me and Shakur’s greatest-hits collection are RIAA-certified diamond, surpassing the 10-million mark. In 2017, the rap icon was the first solo hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As an actor, Shakur starred in films including Juice, Poetic Justice, Above The Rim, Gridlock’d and Gang Related.

The Walk of Fame star unveiling will be hosted by L.A. radio host Big Boy and guest speakers will include director Allen Hughes (Hulu documentary series Dear Mama), writer Jamal Joseph and Tupac’s sister Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, who will accept the star.

The ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. PT and will stream live here.

31 May 2023

Disney’s ‘Moana’ Live-Action Remake Taps ‘Hamilton’ Director Thomas Kail

With The Little Mermaid making a splash in theaters this past weekend, news regarding another Disney film’s live-action remake is making waves. On Wednesday (May 31), The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Hamilton and In the Heights director Thomas Kail will helm the upcoming live-action version of Moana.

The film was first announced earlier this spring. Alongside Broadway vet Kail directing, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson — who will will reprise his role as Maui, the demigod of the wind and sea — will produce via his company Seven Bucks productions with Dany and Hiram Garcia. Beau Flynn is also producing via Flynn Picture Co. Jared Bush, the animated movie’s original screenwriter, wrote the script for the live-action movie alongside Dana Ledoux Miller.

While the titular character has yet to be cast for the film, Auli’i Cravalho — who originally starred as the voice of Moana — revealed that she won’t reprise the role but will instead serve as an executive producer on the project.

“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” she said on Instagram earlier this month. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.”

She continued, “I can’t wait to find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength. I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next woman of Pacific Island descent to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures and communities that help inspire her story, and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo.”

31 May 2023

Latto Enlists Cardi B for ‘Put It on Da Floor’ Remix & It’s Coming Soon

Rip them out the plastic, they been acting brand-new! Latto‘s “Put It on Da Floor” has been taking social media by storm, and this Friday, Latto will treat fans to a new version of her latest viral hit.

The Grammy-nominated rapper took to Twitter on Wednesday (May 31) to reveal that Cardi B will appear on the official “Put It on Da Floor” remix. First previewed during Latto’s performance at Coachella last month, “Put It on Da Floor” has since grown into a social media phenomenon, with fans literally ripping themselves out of plastic bags to emulate the track’s fiery opening lines.

“I put it on the floor, and, now, I’m ’bout to put it on the floor again. Remix this Friday!” Latto said in a video posted to Twitter. The “Muwop” rapper then goes on to recite the song’s opening lines before ripping a black plastic bag to reveal none other than Cardi B.

The new version of “Put It on Da Floor” is the first official collaboration between Latto and Cardi B, and the song also serves as Cardi’s first musical release of 2023. Last year, the Bronx rapper appeared on a slew of singles, including “Hot Shit” (with Kanye West & Lil Durk), a remix of Rosalía’s “Despechá,” and the Billboard Hot 100 No. 9-peaking “Tomorrow 2” (with GloRilla). As for Latto, “Put It on Da Floor” joins the Lu Kala-assisted “Lottery” and “Don’t Play With It” (with Lola Brooke & Yung Miami) as her 2023 musical releases thus far.

To date, Latto has charted five hits on the Hot 100, including the No. 3-peaking “Big Energy.” 777, her most recent album, reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200 in 2022, a career-best. Cardi B has earned 11 top 10 hits on the Hot 100, five of which have reached the summit. Her debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy, peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has been charting for 200 weeks and counting.

31 May 2023

The Linda Lindas Perform at Scripp’s National Spelling Bee

The Linda Lindas performed at the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee this week, marking the competition’s first-ever musical performance.

“Playing the @scrippsnationalspellingbee was an honor and a B-L-A-S-T,” the band wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday (May 30), before wishing luck to “all the spellers.” The National Spelling Bee’s Bee Week takes place this week at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, with the finals airing on Thursday (May 31) on ION network at 8 p.m. ET

The Linda Lindas went viral in 2021 for their powerful performance of their song “Racist, Sexist Boy” at the Los Angeles Public Library, and the all-girl group featuring members Bela Salazar, Eloise Wong, and sisters Lucia and Mila de la Garza released their debut album Growing Up in 2022.

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The group is set to head out on tour as the opening act for select shows on Paramore’s tour this summer. The tour follows the Feb. 10 release of Paramore’s sixth studio album This Is Why, the band’s first LP in almost six years. The record’s lead single — which doubles as the title track — dropped in September.

31 May 2023

Phil Wickham’s ‘This Is Our God’ Tops Christian Airplay Chart

Phil Wickham rolls up his fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart (dated June 3) with “This Is Our God.” In the tracking week ending May 25, the song increased by 5% to 6.4 million impressions, according to Luminate.

The 39-year-old singer-songwriter, from San Diego, co-penned the song with Pat Barrett, Steven Furtick and Brandon Lake. It was produced by Jonathan Smith and will be included on Wickham’s album due this fall.

“‘This Is Our God’ is my favorite song to sing and lead right now,” Wickham tells Billboard. “This song is a declaration of who Jesus is and what He’s done for us. There is so much faith, hope and truth in it. It’s been incredible hearing the church lift it up and sing it out in the past few months since its release. Thanks to everyone who has been listening to, singing and sharing this one!”

Wickham’s fourth Christian Airplay leader completes his fastest trip to the summit: 19 weeks. His “House of the Lord,” which dominated for four weeks starting in October 2021, took 20 weeks to reach the apex. “Battle Belongs,” which likewise reigned for four frames, beginning in April 2021, needed 25 weeks, and his first No. 1, “This Is Amazing Grace,” ruled for 10 frames starting in March 2014, wrapping a 27-week climb.

Wickham’s new Christian Airplay No. 1 follows his duet with Anne Wilson, “Behold,” which hit No. 2 in December 2022. He has notched 10 top 10s, starting with “Safe,” which hit No. 4 in April 2010.

Jones’ First Gospel Airplay No. 1

On Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart, Brent Jones earns his first No. 1, as “Nothing Else Matters (Instead of Complaining, Praise Him),” which he wrote solely, lifts to the top, up 9% in plays.

The Los Angeles native follows “Open Your Mouth and Say Something,” which reached No. 9 in March 2019, and first entry “He Rose” (No. 17, January 2015).

Jones, who is also the Minister of Music at the Friendship Baptist Church in the Los Angeles area, launched his music career as leader of Brent Jones & The T.P. Mobb in the 1990s. The act posted three entries on Top Gospel Albums: 1999’s self-titled LP peaked at No. 4, followed by beautiful (No. 7, 2002); and The Ultimate Weekend (No. 14, 2008).

Jones has charted two solo albums on the survey: Joy Comin’ (No. 6, 2014) and Open Your Mouth and Say Somethin’ (No. 3, 2018).

31 May 2023

R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: J Hus, Kenny Mason, Khamari & More

It’s the last day of May, which means summer is around the corner. As the hottest season of the year approaches, we’ve got you covered with the very best of emerging R&B/hip-hop talent. This week sees the return of rap standouts J Hus and Kenny Mason, while blossoming acts like grouptherapy. and Khamari are making their way to the R&B centerstage.

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Check out all of this month’s picks with our Spotify playlist, linked below.

Freshest Find: Khamari, “Cherry Picking”

Boston-made artist Khamari has made a splashy album debut with A Brief Nirvana. The 11-track project is the multi-instrumentalist’s gripping introduction to the world, with cuts like “Cherry Picking” embracing the quiet and vulnerable. Centering songwriting and the texture of his brain-tickling voice, Khamari is captivating, eliciting emotion and forgotten memories with each track.

J Hus, “It’s Crazy”

J Hus returns with a vengeance on his new drill-adjacent track “It’s Crazy.” Released with a frenetic video, the U.K. rapper peers directly into the camera, questioning, “Why you wanna see the evil in me when I wanna live my life peacefully?” The new song marks a new era of music for J Hus — and is hopefully the precursor to a new album.

grouptherapy., “Nasty”

L.A.-based best friend trio grouptherapy. are reveling in their youth. On “Nasty,” the collective is embracing their resilience and self-acceptance: “We all felt a need to let our id speak and embrace our nastier side; whether that be sexy and seductive or slick like an oil spill,” they share in a press release. “This is grouptherapy. on our pimp shit.”

Cochise, “Hydroplane”

“Hydroplane” is the climactic intro to Cochise’s new EP No One’s Nice to Me. He enunciates more than usual on the opener track, rapping, “I’m counting out this money, while I’m counting up my blessings,” over cinematic strings and glimmering keys.

Kenny Mason, “Dracula”

Kenny Mason’s new Coupe-produced track “Dracula” further proves that he is one to watch. The Atlanta artist likens himself to the infamous vampire, but with platinum teeth and thirsting for bags of money. Mason went full rapper mode for “Dracula” though his knack for effortlessly fusing rap and grunge is what makes him a standout amongst the next class of artists.

audrey mika, “satuRday”

Thank god for Saturdays: the day of the week that lacks the scaries of Sundays and the anticipation of Fridays. Audrey Mika agrees, the cheery singer embracing the beauty of the weekend feeling being spread throughout less exciting days of our lives. The cut is uplifting and perfect for those lazy summer afternoons, equipped with a bouncy percussion line and Mika’s soft rasp.

$NOT, “Easter Pink”

An ode to Cam’Ron and Y2K style, $NOT delivers “Easter Pink”: a perfectly summer single, made to be blasted with all the windows down. The MBWAV instrumental is perfectly nostalgic as $NOT coolly raps, “Wanna be my friend again? Ride around up in the Benz/ Drivin’ up into night ’til we hit the mornin’.”

31 May 2023

Janelle Monae Is Hitting the Road for The Age of Pleasure 2023 North American Tour: See the Dates

Janelle Monáe is gearing up to take her forthcoming album, The Age of Pleasure, on the road. The singer revealed details for a 2023 North American tour on Wednesday (May 31).

The star will kick off the 26-date trek on Aug. 30 at WAMU Theater in Seattle, and will make stops in Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York City and more before wrapping up in Inglewood, Calif., at the YouTube Theater on Oct. 18. 

Tickets for the Age of Pleasure tour will go on sale in a Verizon presale beginning Thursday, June 1, at 10 a.m. local time. General onsale for the tour will begin starting Wednesday, June 7, at 10 a.m. local time on Ticketmaster.com. 

The Age of Pleasure will arrive on June 9 via Atlantic Records. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the singer explained that the record is inspired by the sounds of the Black diaspora of then and now.

“It was inspired by all of my friends, my community of folks who are from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, the Caribbean, Atlanta, L.A., Chicago,” she said. “Seeing all of us together in our Blackness, in the love that we had in our eyes for each other. People from the continent f–k around with trap from Atlanta. You know what I’m saying? I love how the diaspora — we talk to each other.”

See the official poster and the full list of dates for the Age of Pleasure tour below.

AGE OF PLEASURE TOUR DATES: 

  • Wed Aug. 30 – Seattle, Wash. – WAMU Theater
  • Thu Aug. 31 – Vancouver, BC – UBC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
  • Sat Sep. 2 – Portland, Ore.  – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
  • Wed Sep. 6 –Salt Lake City, Utah – The Complex
  • Thu Sep. 7 – Morrison, Colo. – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
  • Sat Sep. 9 – Kansas City, Mo. – The Midland Theatre 
  • Mon Sep. 11 – Minneapolis, Minn. – Armory
  • Wed Sep. 13 – St. Louis, Mo. – Stifel Theatre
  • Thu Sep. 14 – Chicago, Ill. – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
  • Sun Sep. 17 – Boston, Mass. – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
  • Mon Sep. 18 – Philadelphia, Penn. – The Met
  • Wed Sep. 20 – Montreal, QB – Mtelus
  • Thu Sep. 21 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall 
  • Sun Sep. 24 – Washington, D.C.  – The Anthem*
  • Tue Sep. 26 – New York City, N.Y. – Radio City Music Hall
  • Thu Sep. 28 – Brooklyn, N.Y. – Kings Theatre 
  • Mon Oct. 2 – Charlotte, N.C. – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre 
  • Tue Oct. 3 – Nashville, Tenn.  – Ryman Auditorium
  • Wed Oct. 4 – Birmingham, Ala.  – Avondale Brewing Company
  • Fri Oct. 6 – Atlanta, Ga. – Fox Theatre Atlanta
  • Mon Oct. 9 – Dallas, Texas – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
  • Tue Oct. 10 – Houston, Texas – Bayou Music Center 
  • Wed Oct. 11 – Austin, Texas – Moody Amphitheater
  • Sun Oct. 15 – Phoenix, Ariz. – Arizona Financial Theatre
  • Tue Oct. 17 – San Francisco, Calif. – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
  • Wed Oct. 18 – Inglewood, Calif. – YouTube Theater

31 May 2023

SZA Reveals Why She Got a Brazilian Butt Lift

SZA has always had a distinct sense of style, often seen in loose-fitting streetwear with her lush curls completing the relaxed, girl-next-door look.

In a new interview with Elle, the “Kill Bill” singer revealed that her favorite accessory is a lesser known aspect of her look. “I treat my butt like a purse,” she says, adding that she’s had a Brazilian butt lift done. “It’s just there to enhance whatever else. And that’s why I paid for it, because it works all by itself.”

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However, she explained that her decision to undergo the procedure was completely her own. “I always wanted a really fat a– with less gym time,” she told the publication. “I didn’t succumb to industry pressure. I succumbed to my own eyes in the mirror and being like, No, I need some more a–.”

Elsewhere in the interview, she elaborated on making her own decisions when it comes to her life and her music, and why she never focuses on being popular. “I try not to care too much because I really had some deep disappointments when I would just be so invested. But I can’t invest because none of it is real. Even if I win a bunch of Grammys, that s— doesn’t matter. It would be so cool,” she says. “But also I would not be surprised at all if I didn’t win any [more]. Because that’s just how s— goes. But that’s why the tour matters to me. ‘Cause it’s like, No, we packed out these stadiums all over the country and that was real. That’s why I can’t let up, because at the end of the day it was like, yeah, [whatever haters say] is good and well, but just make sure you add, we have sold-out dates in all arenas. Make sure you tell them that we sold out the Forum twice and we could have done it four times. Make sure you tell them that I was in the air, and that my mic was on.”

The singer unveiled her long-awaited sophomore album, S.O.S., in December, and it immediately debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, her first chart-topper. With more than 400 million streams in the U.S. during release week, S.O.S. became the second-largest streaming week for a female artist and third-largest of 2022 among all albums.

31 May 2023

Mobile Music: The Best Portable Recording Booths That You Can Buy Online for Cheap

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Getting clear audio for music recordings requires more than just your smartphone’s microphone app. If you want to get isolated sounds, you’re going to need a recording booth, but professional studios cost a hefty price many wallets can’t just shell out. Rather than sacrifice your next single’s sound quality, you can invest in a portable recording booth, which will offer compact sizing and the ability to take it with you on the go.

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Ariana Grande, Ty Dolla $ign and Chloe Bailey are just a few artists who record music from the comfort of their home, and you can too — with the right supplies. If you love a DIY project and want to keep things under $100, you can create your own portable recording booth with just solid soundproofing foam panels, a microphone, microphone stand and audio isolator (this one comes with all three microphone parts). Don’t worry, though, there are also complete sets available if you’d rather avoid a project.

To get you started, we found portable recording booths that fit into smaller spaces and are packable.

See the list below.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundup on how to take online music lessons online and best over-ear headphones.

Amazon

Snap Studio Vocal Booth

$499.99

The Snap Studio Vocal Booth has earned the label of an Amazon Choice not only for its 180-degree vocal shield, but its ability to create a pop-up recording booth wherever you are. The 360 booth comes with sound-insulating blankets, an easy to assemble pipe frame, reverberating reducing material and more.

Amazon

Pyle Wood Microphone Isolation Shield

$75.99 $99.99 24% OFF

Record your latest podcast episode or song and receive the clear audio using this portable microphone isolation shield (and don’t forget your Shure microphone). It uses the combination of wood and 2-inch high-density foam to absorb sound and an adjustable mic depth to customize to your liking.

Walmart

Griffin Studio Microphone Soundproofing Acoustic Foam Panel

$43.95 $51.95 15% off% OFF

Prevent outside noises from disrupting your recording using Griffin’s Studio Microphone Soundproofing Acoustic Foam Panel. It’s made from a 2-inch high density foam and five panels that are foldable to carry with you from place to place.

Guitar Center

SE Electronics Reflexion Filter PRO

$199

Capture audio or instrument sounds without any background noise with the help of SE Electronics’ Reflexion Filter PRO. It’s designed with six main layers to allow sound waves to pass through and absorb, while the included mic stand keeps everything still.

Amazon

Iconic Mars Comet Recording Vocal Studio Isolation Booth

$99.95

For the most compact possible design, consider the Iconic Mars Comet Recording Vocal Studio Isolation Booth. It simply slips over your microphone and the high density foam ensures your vocals or instrumentals are the only thing being recorded. It also only weighs six ounces ensuring you won’t have to lug it from place to place.

Guitar Center

SE Electronics Reflexion Filter X

$99

Whether you’re recording in your bedroom or from the road, this SE Electronics Reflexion Filter X will make sure only the best audio is captured. It just requires a mic stand and your mic to isolate and ensure your next single is captured.

Amazon

TroyStudio Portable Sound Recording Vocal Booth Box

$32.99 $42.99 23% OFF

TroyStudios portable recording booth is completely versatile as it can go on a mic stand, desk, office and more. The five walls of high density foam will completely surround your microphone blocking out any unwanted sounds allowing you to focus on recording your sound bites. It’s even foldable for easy storage and packability.

Amazon

XTUGA Recording Microphone Isolation Shield

$59.99

The last thing you want is the sound of a passing car or background chatter getting in the way of your next recording. That’s where XTUGA’s isolation shield steps in as it’s bendable and flexible to go over your microphone and customize it to your specific needs.