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Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter Coco Jones brought the house down during her sold-out NYC stop on the Why Not More? Tour — even in the middle of a rainstorm. On a wet and windy Wednesday night, fans wrapped around the block in ponchos and hoodies, eager to witness the rising star’s undeniable presence. For many, Coco […]
Mac Miller will be honored by the Pittsburgh Pirates with his hometown baseball team set to pay tribute to the late rapper by hosting a Mac Miller bobblehead night on July 19. The Pirates unveiled plans for the bobblehead with a heartwarming video featuring Pirates star Andrew McCutchen and fans detailing the impact that Mac […]
Megan Thee Stallion announced that she will be launching a new self-designed swimwear brand in collaboration with Walmart.
Meg announced on Wednesday (May 14) that her new Hot Girl Summer line will be available at the retailer starting on May 19. The 18 size-inclusive pieces will be sold at nearly 500 Walmart stores across the country, Walmart.com as well as the rapper’s website.
“Everyone knows I love being near a pool or a beach, so I finally decided to turn my passion into a business and create my own swimwear brand,” Megan said in a statement. “It was only right that we kick off Hot Girl Summer with this launch and provide Hotties of all body types with the official Hot Girl uniform. I used to shop at Walmart growing up, so it’s a full circle to have my own line available at Walmart and I’m so grateful for their support.”
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The initial collection of Hot Girl Summer includes an assortment of bikinis, monokinis, one-piece swimsuits and swimsuit cover-ups. They’ll be included in a dozens of colors, including purple, gold, black, orange and pink. The Houston native designed the entire collection herself, making her the first hip-hop artist to launch her own swimwear brand.
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“At Walmart, we want our customers to feel confident by offering fashion that celebrates their individuality and unique style,” Ryan Waymire, SVP Women’s Group of Walmart said in a statement. “Megan embodies confidence and authenticity, and we’re excited to collaborate with her on an exclusive swim collection that completes the ultimate Hot Girl Summer uniform.”
The news comes as Meg’s attorney Alex Spiro shut down claims from Tory Lanez’s legal team about alleged new evidence in the 2020 shooting case that they say proves his innocence.
“Tory Lanez was tried and convicted by a jury of his peers and his case was properly adjudicated through the court system,” Spiro said in a statement to XXL. “This is not a political matter — this is a case of a violent assault that was resolved in the court of law.”
Lanez was convicted on three felony counts for assaulting Megan Thee Stallion by shooting her in the feet following an argument outside a July 2020 party in Hollywood Hills.
Check out a few of the new bathing suits below shared by Megan.
YoungBoy Never Broke Again is getting back on the road once again. YB announced the 2025 MASA Tour (Make America Slime Again) on Thursday (May 15) as the Baton Rouge native regained his freedom after being released from federal prison in March. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and […]
Wait, what was that? Lorde made an interesting revelation in her Rolling Stone cover story published Thursday (May 15), revealing that she once watched Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee‘s famous sex tape after taking psychedelics.
In the wide-reaching interview, the New Zealand singer-songwriter opened up about everything from struggling with an eating disorder to dealing with a breakup after a yearslong relationship. One of the ways she ultimately healed after those struggles was through therapeutic psychedelic trips, as referenced in her April single “What Was That,” on which she sings, “MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up.”
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After her second time taking the drugs for that purpose, Lorde recalled searching for the actress and the Mötley Crüe drummer’s adult film without really knowing why. But what she saw stuck with her.
“I found it to be so beautiful,” the musician told the publication. “And maybe it’s f–ked up that I watched it, but I saw two people that were so in love with each other, and there was this purity. They were jumping off this big boat … They were like children.”
The tape Lorde was referring to was filmed in 1995 on Anderson and Lee’s honeymoon, which they celebrated in Mexico after getting married just 96 hours into knowing each other. The intimate footage was later stolen and sold, embroiling the couple — who divorced in 1998 — in scandal.
Noting that she watched the entire tape, Lorde said of the exes, “They were so free.”
“And I just was like, ‘Whoa. Being this free comes with danger,’” she added.
The interview comes more than a month ahead of Lorde’s new album Virgin, which drops June 27. So far, the only taste fans have gotten of the LP has been “What Was That,” although the musician opened up more about the record — which she describes as visceral and rooted in bodily imagery — in her Rolling Stone interview.
“I think coming more into my body, I came into an understanding of the grotesque nature of it and the glory and all these things,” she explained. “[The album’s] right on the edge of gross. I often really tried to hit this kind of gnarliness or grossness. ‘You tasted my underwear.’ I’ve never heard that in a song, you know? It felt like the right way to tell this whole chapter.”
See Lorde on the cover of Rolling Stone below.
Yeri Mua, the Mexican influencer who became TikTok’s No. 1 most-viewed musical artist globally in 2024, officially releases her debut album under Sony Music México, De Chava, tonight (May 15).
“It’s an album that totally captures my essence, who I am as a person,” the 23-year-old artist tells Billboard Español. “I’m not that grown-up, I’m young, but I’m at that stage in life where you start to understand many things — even though I never stop having fun, enjoying myself and falling in love. Literally, it’s about chava (girl) things.”
The 15-track set — which includes previously released singles like “Traka,” “Croketita” with La Lokera, “Avión Privado” with El Malilla, “Él No Es Tuyo” with Bellakath and Uzielito Mix, and “Modo Antidepresivo” alongside Snow The Product — arrives with the focus track “Morrita (Tinker Bell),” a song featuring Chilean artist Lewis Somes, in which she sings to an ex that he’s already lost her, and that he doesn’t have a brain.
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Produced (among others) by SAAK, Uzielito Mix and Jocsan La Loquera, it also includes collabs with La Joaqui (“Salida de Chicas”), Chris Tales (“Viña Mari”), and Marcianeke (“Combi”) — all with very colloquial and explicit language.
Yeri Mua signed with Sony Music México in mid-2024, when she was already amassing more than 600 million streams of her solo music and collaborations, according to a statement issued by the label at the time. From giving beauty tips and undergoing a remarkable physical transformation to becoming one of the top “reggaetón Mexa” performers, she is now entering a new phase in her rising career as a singer.
“I feel very proud of what I’ve achieved so far, much more confident than ever — and above all, deeply in love with what I’ve created with Sony Music — so, I’m ready for whatever comes next,” she says in her signature carefree style.
After a series of performances in the U.S. and Costa Rica, Yeri Mua is preparing for an important milestone in her career: her first solo concert in Mexico City, scheduled for May 30 at the Pepsi Center. She will then take her Traka Tour to other Latin American countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Guatemala.
But today, as De Chava is being released, she reflects on her beginnings, opens up about her fears, and looks forward to the future.
As an influencer, you were used to everything happening quickly. The process of building a career as a singer is different. How have you handled that?
I’m not going to lie, it’s been a very long process — because, obviously, things happen along the way. I even questioned myself about whether I really wanted this, and I lost a bit of motivation. But ultimately, here I am, happy.
How do you feel after transitioning from influencer to singer?
It was difficult, because now I have to earn people’s respect as an artist. Sometimes I even felt embarrassed to say I was a singer — but I am, and I’ve learned to believe in myself and trust in my ability to make this work. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here facing this head-on. I haven’t stopped being who I was — in fact, the album talks a lot about beauty, wanting to look spectacular, the things I enjoy doing, and what I love. I think many people can relate to my songs, regardless of their age.
I’m aware of my privilege, and I think there’s nothing wrong with that. Obviously, an influencer lives much more comfortably than most ordinary people who earn a minimum wage and work long hours. Yes, it’s a privilege to dedicate yourself to social media, but it’s not easy — it’s taken me a lot of effort to get to where I am; I’ve worked hard for this. I worked other jobs before becoming an influencer. Being an influencer was like a period of preparation for what God had planned for me.
Now as a singer, what’s your opinion about this profession?
My dreams have materialized, and it’s largely thanks to my team. An artist can’t achieve something like this alone, so I’m grateful and happy to have them.
There have been restrictions in many Mexican states on narcocorrido singers because of the lyrics. Are you prepared if this happens with reggaetón?
I think it was somewhat logical that this would happen with regional Mexican music because of words connected to drug trafficking. As for reggaetón, I don’t think explicit words will be censored. They might make some people uncomfortable, but they don’t offend or harm anyone.
Your upcoming Latin American tour is another big step forward in your music career.
I did very well on the tour I did in the United States, as well as in Costa Rica. Now it’s time to visit my fans in several countries, and I want to thank them for their support — so I’m going to give it my all.
It all began with a song. In 2022, Goldenvoice/AEG executive vp Stacy Vee and Morgan Wallen’s booking agent, The Neal Agency’s Austin Neal, were planning the country superstar’s 2024 Stagecoach headlining gig. Wallen’s “Sand in My Boots” had recently become his fifth No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
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“I couldn’t get the song out of my head, and it inspired the concept,” Vee says, via email. “I brought up the idea of partnering on a [festival] and giving Morgan the keys on curation on a gorgeous beach and calling it Sand in My Boots. It turned out, they had been discussing the exact same idea at the exact same time.”
“Morgan has a wide range of musical tastes and influences, and we felt that would be cool to showcase on a big stage,” Neal says via email. “Plus, it felt like a legacy play and good opportunity to bring artists he likes and listens to all together at one time to play a show.”
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This weekend, that idea becomes a reality as the first Sand in My Boots festival takes place May 16-18 on the beaches of Gulf Shores, Ala., where the Hangout Festival was formerly held.
Headliners Wallen, Post Malone and Brooks & Dunn will be joined by an extremely varied lineup — many of them among Wallen’s personal favorites — that includes fellow country artists Ella Langley, Hardy, Ernest, Treaty Oak Revival, Riley Green and Bailey Zimmerman, as well as rappers Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz, BigXThaPlug and Moneybagg Yo and indie rockers The War on Drugs and Real Estate.
“When the idea of Sand in My Boots started becoming a reality, it was extremely important to me to build a festival of artists that I enjoy and listen to regularly,” Wallen says in an email interview. “Having a blend of different genres was exciting and I hope fans feel the same way.”
“It felt like something was missing in the space of a country-led multi-genre music festival,” Neal says. “Ours brings other genres to the format vs. the other way around and allows us to be a more eclectic, version curated around Morgan’s influences and tastes.”
There are few festivals as musically eclectic as SIMB that feature acts of from so many different genres. “We didn’t come up with this idea trying to fill a gap, but I believe that is what we have done,” Wallen says. “We created a festival that was centered around my country culture and that just so happens to include a variety of sounds. Sand in My Boots really was born out of building something that I was proud of, and also having a festival that these artists enjoy coming to.”
Wallen and Neal, who also began managing Wallen last summer, say their biggest challenge was wondering if people would buy into the multi-genre concept. “Will fans be receptive to it? Will the artists enjoy it? How do we put forth a weekend the fans will remember and want to come back to?” Wallen says.
They needn’t have worried. The festival’s 40,000 tickets sold out in under two hours, Vee says. But Neal admits there were a few lingering thoughts as to how it would sell. “The night before we went on sale Morgan and I laughed, ‘They’ll either love it or hate having that many styles of music with a festival built around that,’” he says. “It happened so quick, and that tells us there are more people out there that listen to all styles of music.”
“I think it’s just a testament to all the teams involved that helped build and deliver a bill that fans were excited to check out,” Wallen adds. “I wasn’t worried, more so curious how they would respond, and I am extremely grateful they responded the way they did by selling it out that fast.”
There is now a waiting list for all tiers of tickets ranging from general admission ($599 +$77.87 fees) up to Livin’ the Dream. ($7,999 +1,039.87 fees). As Wallen has done for the last few years with his concerts, $3 from every ticket goes to the Morgan Wallen Foundation, which supports sports and music programs for youths.
Wallen and Neal worked hand-in-hand with AEG on all facets of the festival. “We advise(d) on everything from production to curation and design graphically. Ticketing to influences, and merchandise and sponsorship are all done in partnership with AEG,” Neal says.
“Morgan was so collaborative,” Vee says. “He gave such great ideas, so hands on with activations, sponsors, the look and feel of it, the creative. He had his hand in everything. He’s a great promoter. He has such wonderful ideas. He never left us waiting, always quick with the feedback, through his manager.”
Of course, the one thing none of them can control is the weather. Luckily, as of publishing it looks like clear skies for the three days. When asked how often he’s consulting the weather, Neal says, “Every minute.”
The opening day of the festival coincides with the release of Wallen’s new album, I’m the Problem, but it wasn’t necessarily planned that way. “I would love to say it was, but it wasn’t originally,” Neal says. “The timeframe just worked out to fit the weekend and we felt it would be a cool tie to have uniquely Morgan experiences around the release of his fourth studio album.”
Wallen says he will highlight a few new songs in his set. Given all the demands on Wallen’s time with the festival and release, though, Neal says it’s unlikely Wallen will be popping up on stage to join other artists.
Even though this year’s event sold out immediately, Neal says there are no plans to expand to two weekends should there be future festivals. “We’re happy with where it is,” he says. “An exclusive event that exists in one weekend, where everything is highly curated.”
The only disappointment so far has been rock hitmakers 3 Doors Down having to drop out due to leader Brad Arnold’s cancer diagnosis. “It’s an incredibly sad thing, and I hate that Brad is going through that,” Wallen says. “I’m just praying that Jesus is with him and his family during this time and gives the strength to get through it.”
Post Malone has been tapped to headline the 2025 Cattle Baron’s Ball, the world’s largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. According to a release, the reveal of Posty’s performance at the 52nd annual event was made on Wednesday night (May 14) during the Trailblazers and Headliner Reveal Party. This year’s Ball will take […]
For the past decade, Maren Morris has been one of the most recognizable names in country music — with award-winning albums, a really striking voice and presence and some of the best and biggest singles the genre has produced in recent years. And over that time, she’s also made high-profile forays into the top 40 […]
What began in 2014 as a beautiful Instagram moment in the Mojave Desert with thousands of biodegradable lanterns launching in unison in the night sky will this year transform into a full-scale music festival with major acts.
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Taking place Oct. 3-5, Rise Festival will feature headliners Rüfüs du Sol on Friday, Calvin Harris on Saturday and John Mayer on Sunday. Other artists on the bill include Ben Böhmer, Coco & Breezy, Goose and LP Giobbi.
Rise Festival will happen at the Jean Dry Lake Bed about 40 minutes southwest of Las Vegas. Organizers expect around 20,000 people per day at the event, which brands itself as “the world’s largest sky lantern festival.” Ticket packages go on sale Friday (May 16) via the festival’s website.
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The independently produced and promoted festival took a break in 2024 and in 2025 hired a new CEO, David Oehm, who previously worked with Las Vegas festival Life Is Beautiful and who laid plans for a significant expansion.
Joining Oehm is Rise president and COO Ashley Goodhue-White, who was also part of Life Is Beautiful in its early years and who later left to pursue her own production company. In 2015, Rise was one of her first clients. She rejoined the festival this year after a stint with Las Vegas Grand Prix. In 2024, Rise was acquired by NobleLight Foundation, a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurs focused on positive socioeconomic and environmental change, and converted into a nonprofit charitable event meant to “bring more light into the world.”
“Each night has a unique musical point of view,” Oehm says. “We wanted to find acts aligned with our brand ethos and overall identity: joyful, elevating, cinematic, atmospheric, emotional. Our headliners and everyone else down the lineup reflect that. Every artist we’ve spoken with has been surprised by the concept — there is nothing like it — and seeing visuals where we’ve got thousands of sky lanterns [launching in unison].”
Their work assembling the lineup results in 17 artists across electronic, indie, folk and experimental genres, and a new site footprint encompassing three experiences. The Path, a desert lounge with seating meant to be a transition space, weaves within an open art gallery. It’s a space to chill, meditate and appreciate the scenery.
“Rise is not just another music festival,” says Goodhue-White. “There’s so much powerful meaning behind it, and it is a space for everyone. We want people to get out of their cars, stop scrolling on their phones and be immersed — take in the desert around them.”
The Compass hosts the sky lantern release twice per night. Here, “there are 6,500 torches, perfectly spaced, surrounded by food and beverage options,” Goodhue-White says. When festivalgoers arrive, they get a kit with a cushion, an instruction card, a pen and two lanterns. When ready, they pick out the torch they want — closer to the stage or farther away. Most people personalize their lanterns with messages. Then the staff lights the torches and everyone releases lanterns at the same time.
“After a few acts perform on The Compass stage, the lanterns are released and we refer to that as the ‘world’s largest collaborative art installation.’ People are releasing their hopes and their dreams. You sit there with thousands of other people and have a moment together,” she says.
Then, guests go from The Compass to the new Horizon Stage, where the headliners and other acts perform. Gates open daily at 3 p.m., and Rise wraps up by midnight.
“Rise has always been the largest event at the Lake Bed,” Goodhue-White says. “We work closely with the Bureau of Land Management, Metro and Clark County Fire. We partner with Leave No Trace and leave the area better than we found it every year — everything we bring, we remove.”
See the complete lineup below.
Rise Festival
Courtesy Photo
