Music

22 Mar 2023

Quavo Puts Aside Difficult Spell For ‘Nonsense’ Rap on ‘That’s My Jam’: Watch

The last six months have been nothing short of tragic for Quavo, whose Migos bandmate and nephew Takeoff was murdered in late 2022.

On Tuesday night (March 21), the rapper put aside grief and let the lyrics flow.

Quavo stepped up to the mic for the latest round of That’s My Jam, Jimmy Fallon’s hour-long music and comedy variety games show, to test his powers for rhyming gobbledygook.

The mission — to hit a “nonsense karaoke” version of Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz’s “Get Low,” replacing its words with drivel.

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For a taster, Quavo smashed out: “Remember Chunk? The Best Goonie/ Got a duck tat, saw it on a magazine.” He had the crowd waving their hands in the air, and they really didn’t care.

The “nonsense karaoke” bit is a world away from the release last month of Quavo’s “Greatness” video, his second tribute to Takeoff following his killing outside a bowling alley in Houston, Texas. He also released the emotional ballad “Without You,” earlier in the year.

Quavo made his first TV appearance since Takeoff’s death with a gripping rendition of “Without You” at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, on Feb. 5.

“I wish I had a time machine/ Just so you take a ride with me/ I miss just how you smile at me/ Unc & Phew until infinity,” sang Quavo, with Maverick City Music matching his somber tone.

The “nonsense karaoke” performance had anything but a somber tone. Watch below.

22 Mar 2023

An Australian Senator Wore a Tame Impala Shirt In Parliament House

Tame Impala got an unexpected shout-out when senator David Pocock wore a branded band tee for an impromptu interview in Parliament House.

Pocock, a former captain of the Wallabies, Australia’s national men’s rugby union team, spoke to media in Canberra’s halls of power, fronting the scrum in a black, Tame Impala number.

Politics is no ordinary contact sport. When footage went wide of the independent senator rocking the Western Australian psychedelic-pop act, criticism rained down from the right-wing Sky News, the domestic affiliate of Fox News, which blasted Pocock for not wearing a “collared shirt.”

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“I’d come straight from an early morning game of tennis to celebrate 100 years of Tennis ACT and agreed to do a door stop (not a prearranged interview) in the hallway on the way out of the Press Gallery after a morning radio interview,” was Pocock’s response. “Great to see the big issues being reported,” he fired back.

Pocock is something of a renaissance man. Born in Zimbabwe, he represented Australia at the highest level of rugby, with 83 Tests to his name, and is a three-time nominee for world player of the year. He holds a Master of Sustainable Agriculture from Charles Sturt University, and campaigned for conservationism and social justice when he chose to retire from professional sports. He went on to run a successful campaign in 2022 for one of the Australian Capital Territory’s two Senate seats, and is now considered one of the most powerful people of Australia’s federal parliament.

Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker got a feel for life as an elite rugby player when, in recent weeks, he fractured his hip. To correct the injury, the production whizz underwent surgery to have screws and rods inserted into his femur, the strongest bone in the body.

In better news for Parker, his band Tame Impala released “Wings of Time,” on March 10, a soundtrack to Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and he collaborated with Gorillaz on “New Gold,” which appears on Cracker Island, a recent No. 1 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart.

21 Mar 2023

GALE Scores First Top 10 on a Billboard Chart: ‘Such A Special Moment For Me’

Puerto Rican singer-songwriter GALE secures her first top 10 on any Billboard chart as “Nuestra Canción” lifts 16-10 on the Latin Pop Airplay chart (dated March 25).

“This is such a special moment for me, my team and my career,” GALE tells Billboard. “I am so grateful to everyone listening and supporting ‘Nuestra Canción.’ I will be dancing and singing it with my friends at the top of our lungs.”

“Nuestra Canción” was released Feb. 16 via Sony Music Latin. It reaches the upper tier in its third week after it debuted at No. 21 on the March 11-dated ranking. The song logged 1.1 million in audience impressions, up 46% — the biggest percentage increase of the week among the 25-deep tally — earned in the U.S. in the week ending March 16, according to Luminate.

The pop dancefloor female anthem was produced by DJ and producer DallasK and co-written by GALE, DallasK alongside Dani Blau. It bests GALE’s antecessor “Problemas” which reached a No. 15 high last September. “We all have that song that reminds us of our ex, that takes you back to the happy moments you shared together,” the singer-actress continues. “’Nuestra Canción’ is about letting go, about finally accepting that the relationship is over, and that instead of crying alone at home, you decide to go out dancing to that song and embrace the heartache to be happy again.”

Notably, GALE becomes just the 11th Latin female act to achieve a top 10 as a soloist, unaccompanied by another act, on Latin Pop Airplay in the last decade. Let’s look at the winners:

Artist, Title, Peak Date, Peak Position

Leslie Grace, “Be My Baby,” Aug. 3, 2013, No. 6

Alejandra Guzmán, “Mi Peor Error (Primera Fila),” Dec. 7, 2013, No. 8

Shakira, “Dare (La La La),” July 26, 2014, No. 2

Natalia Jiménez, “Creo En Mí,” Aug. 2, 2014, No. 2

Natalia Jiménez, “Quédate Con Ella,” Jan. 3, 2015, No. 4

Shakira, “Me Enamoré,” July 8, 2017, No. 1

Jennifer López, “El Anillo,” July 14, 2018, No. 6

Natti Natasha, “Me Gusta,” April 20, 2019, No. 3

Karol G, “Ay, ¡Dios Mio!,” Oct. 10, 2020, No. 1

Kali Uchis, “Telepatía,” July 3, 2021, No. 1

Natti Natasha, “Noches En Miami,” Oct. 16, 2021, No. 1

Anitta, “Envolver,” May 7, 2022, No. 3

Karol G, “Provenza,” July 9, 2022, No. 1

Becky G, “Bailé Con Mi Ex,” Sept. 10, 2022, No. 1

GALE, “Nuestra Canción,” March 25, 2023, No. 10

About the production of the song, GALE adds: “I wanted to create a contrast between a pop track, urban melodies and (my favorite part) a dance/EDM-style surprise at the end to dance your heart out!!!”

21 Mar 2023

NCT DREAM Talk U.S. Tour, New Music & Why ‘Everything Comes With Timing’ for ‘7DREAM’

When NCT DREAM made their live Stateside return last August as one of KCON’s most anticipated performers, a quiet moment when youngest member Jisung sang just two words from the boy band’s debut single “Chewing Gum” saw the Crypto.com Arena audience erupting into shrieks. It was a quick-but-telling indication of the local interest in the young boy band that made its Billboard 200 debut last year without a proper label deal.

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While last summer’s festival appearance only included five of the seven NCT DREAM members, the entire DREAM crew is now gearing up for a proper visit to America.

On Tuesday (March 21), NCT DREAM dropped the English version of their nostalgic hip-hop single “Beatbox” before heading out on another string of dates in The Dream Show2: In a Dream world tour that includes seven arena shows in April. While many K-pop acts quickly make their way to the U.S. for concerts and opportunities — including NCT counterparts NCT 127, who began promoting in the States heavily after one year together — NCT DREAM is playing across the U.S. more than six and a half years after their debut. While it may have felt like a long wait, the band says the timing for the next step of their “journey” was important and they’re considering all aspects to make the next legs of the world tour special.

NCT DREAM’s Mark, Haechan, Renjun, Jeno, Chenle, Jaemin and Jisung tell Billboard that their newest English song not only was a present for the overseas fans they’re visiting, but also delivered a fresh musical experience for the band too. As the septet hint that more English tracks are on the way, and add they are “actively participating” in their forthcoming studio album due later this year, the focus right now is showcasing the onstage synergy of these seven — or “7DREAM,” as they call themselves.

Read more from the 7DREAM guys, including thoughts on their latest music, touring aspirations, messages for NCTzen fans, and what’s next for NCT DREAM.

Congratulations on the recent news of your growing world tour and English single “Beatbox.” You debuted in 2016; why is now the right time to focus some of your time on the west? 

MARK: Everything comes with timing. This year, we are touring on a scale like never before and felt it’d be good to release an English single since we’re meeting fans around the world. We can’t wait to further continue our journey with all of our fans. 

How was the experience of recording this new version of “Beatbox”? Is this indicating more English music from NCT DREAM? 

RENJUN: It felt like we were recording a new song when working on the English version of “Beatbox” so it was quite fun. I tried to record in a way that’d suit the vibe of the track, and I believe this version shows NCT DREAM’s own colors well so I hope everyone enjoys!  

HAECHAN: It’s been a year since we worked on this track again so I feel like we did better with recording this round. The demo track was actually in English; the vibe we first got when listening to it combined really well with NCT DREAM’s to give this version its own sense of uniqueness. And I hope people will look forward to hearing more of NCT DREAM’s English tracks!  

What should fans expect from the U.S. leg of the The Dream Show2? Will you prepare special stages, or do you want to keep the current show intact? 

JENO: This U.S. tour will be a chance for fans to learn more about NCT DREAM. We are also working hard to make sure that our shows are a place of interaction with our fans. We’ve only performed in the U.S. twice before, so it’ll be exciting to get to see different locations, stay longer and meet more of our international fans. 

JAEMIN: I hope fans are excited for not only the “Beatbox” English version but all the stages we’ve prepared! Lots of work went into preparing to finally meet our U.S. NCTzens—we hope they are equally as excited to see NCT DREAM. 

This is your first time performing your own concerts in America and you’re playing arenas. Is anyone surprised by the demand for NCT DREAM in the States?

CHENLE: It’s mind-blowing to see so many people show their love and support, and I cannot express enough how thankful we are.  

JISUNG: This is the first time after the pandemic that we’re going to the U.S. as “7DREAM,” so it hasn’t quite hit us yet but I’m sure the moment we see our fans up close, it’ll sink in. 

MARK and HAECHAN, you’ve had some experience with NCT 127 promoting across the U.S. Did you share any advice with the other members?

MARK: The only advice I told them was how hard we’re going to work. [Laughs] Despite my experience with NCT 127, promoting for NCT DREAM is a new beginning and experience for all the seven of us. The only thing I had to discuss with our members was to be ready to work extra hard, and to try our best to interact with our fans as much as we can. 

HAECHAN: I just hope everyone enjoys the moment. It’s our first time in the U.S. as 7DREAM and I’m sure people are excited as well, but it’s important that we enjoy it ourselves so that we can create those memories for our fans.  

Anything you’re particularly excited about seeing during the tour?

JENO: I’m most excited to hear the cheers of our NCTzens in all the countries and cities we’ll be going to.  

CHENLE: I am looking forward to showing the amazing stages we’ve prepared to all the NCTzens that’ll be coming to see us! I’m also excited to be going to California because I’m a big Stephen Curry fan! We haven’t had much time to explore the U.S. so even the thought of simply being in California is exciting.  

NCT DREAM has been so busy! You released Candy for the holidays, your first Japanese single “Best Friend Ever” at the top of 2023, there are Asia, Europe and now U.S. tour dates; when are you finding the time to relax and rest? 

RENJUN: Even when we’re busy with several activities, it’s always a good time because it’s spent with my members so even working feels like fun — that in itself sounds like healing to me!  

JISUNG: When we have a lot of schedules, there are times when we aren’t able to rest as much but I’m the kind of person who gains more energy from staying active. I do make sure to relax and take care of myself though on days that are less busy. 

What else can we look forward to in 2023? We’ve seen a studio album on the schedule for you. Are there any spoilers you can share? 

JAEMIN: We are actively participating in our upcoming full-length album and working very hard to bring out the best. I hope people will be able to see just how much we’ve put into it when the album comes out.

Anything else to add for Billboard readers or U.S. fans? 

MARK: NCT DREAM is here to see you guys!!! Thank you to all the fans that waited so patiently for us to come—can’t wait to show you NCT DREAM and how we really care about our time here in the west. See you, guys! 

21 Mar 2023

Megan Thee Stallion Rocks Rainbow Leggings While Snapping Pics With Fans at Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World has officially arrived at Universal Studios in Hollywood, and Megan Thee Stallion was spotted enjoying the video game-themed fantasy world this week.

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In photos shared by fans on Twitter, the “Savage” rapper is gorgeous in rainbow leggings and a black crop top, with her thick, natural hair framing her face. She’s seen smiling and greeting fans before snapping photos with them.

Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios’ Hollywood location in February and is inspired by the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach, Mushroom Kingdom. The interactive land features rides like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and fun activities like dining at Toadstool Cafe and shopping at the 1-UP Factory.

Earlier this month, Meg teased a new album at the Vanity Fair Oscar party. When asked by Entertainment Tonight about the prospect of new music, the rapper cheekily replied, “Oh I am, new album, f–k y’all hoes, bye!” before sauntering off with a laugh.

While she did not offer any more details, a new full-length would serve as a follow-up to her 2022 sophomore effort Traumazine, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and contained hit singles “Sweetest Pie” with Dua Lipa, “Plan B,” “Pressurelicious” featuring Future, “Her” and the Key Glock-assisted “Ungrateful.”

21 Mar 2023

Naomi Osaka Shows Off Adorable Baby Bump on the Streets of Japan

Naomi Osaka took to social media on Tuesday (March 21) to show off the her baby bump, just months after it was revealed she’s expecting her first child with Cordae.

The tennis pro shared a series of snaps from a street in Japan, wearing a cropped green jersey with her last name and the number 97 emblazoned on the back, her baby bump adorably peeking out in front. She paired the top with a pair of voluminous oversized jeans, beige and gray sneakers, large gold hoops and a baseball cap by On.

Osaka’s more than 2.7 million Instagram followers couldn’t get enough of the sporty on-the-street shoot. “Mama in Japan…better not delete this!!!!!!!” fellow tennis champ Sloane Stephens commented using the Japanese flag and a heart eyes emoji, while a fan wrote, “it’s giving mommy.”

Others were quick to compare the four-time Grand Slam champ to the also-pregnant Rihanna, with one follower writing, “Cordae really saw Asap and said hold my racket” in reference to RiRi’s relationship with A$AP Rocky and another commenting, “okayyy!! it’s giving Rihanna.”

While her latest carousel is the first time she’s posted her pregnancy on her feed, Osaka first revealed she was expecting at the start of the year by sharing a snap of her ultrasound. At the time, she didn’t mention the identity of the baby’s father, but her spokesperson confirmed to Billboard that she was, indeed, welcoming the bundle of joy with Cordae.

Last month, the “Two Tens” rapper sat down with Billboard to discuss his new PUMA x HI-LEVEL collection as well as his friendship with regular collaborator Anderson .Paak.

Check out Osaka’s chic pregnant street style below.

21 Mar 2023

Watch Virginia Tech Students Sing Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman’ After NCAA Ban

Nothing can stop Virginia Tech students from supporting their team.

This year, the NCAA is hoping to keep on-campus host sites as neutral as possible by fining a host for playing traditional hype songs, such as Virginia Tech playing “Enter Sandman” as it usually does during women’s basketball games at Cassell Coliseum. Virginia Tech started playing the Metallica hit back in 2000 during the season opener for football at Lane Stadium.

While the NCAA is preventing actual venues from playing hype songs through their speakers, there’s nothing they can do about fans taking matters into their own hands. During VT’s Friday night (March 17) game against Chattanooga, Hokies supporters in the coliseum began belting the chorus to the heavy metal 1991 classic a capella, making for a special, uniting moment.

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It all paid off too, as Virginia Tech won 58-33 against Chattanooga.

Metallica shot to No. 1 on the Top Rock Albums and Hard Rock Albums tallies following the 2021 30th-anniversary reissue of its self-titled 1991 album, also known as “The Black Album.” The 30th anniversary reissue remasters the original 12 tracks and also includes a multi-disc box set including live versions, alternate takes and more.

Meanwhile, The Metallica Blacklist, the 53-song companion album featuring covers of Metallica’s tracklist from a variety of artists, also gained a No. 1 hit on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart thanks to Miley Cyrus’ cover of “Nothing Else Matters,” featuring WATT, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Trujillo and Chad Smith.

21 Mar 2023

Se7en & Actress Lee Da-hae Announce They Are Getting Married

Congratulations are in order for Se7en and Lee Da-hae, who revealed on Monday (March 20) that they are getting married this spring.

The K-pop superstar revealed the “happy news” in an update to his more than 550,000 followers, writing, “I have vowed to marry my girlfriend Lee Da-hae, who always embraced me with love, and shared joy and sorrow together for the past eight years.” He added that the ceremony will take place on May 6, concluding, “From now on, I will live with more responsibility as a head of a family and a husband.”

Over on her Instagram account, the actress shared a series of wedding photos of the gorgeous couple. “We have vowed to become a husband and wife from a long-term couple this coming May. Although I’m still used to calling him a ‘boyfriend,’ I will become more considerate and a bigger supporter of ‘him,’ who gave me big happiness by staying by my side and now will be my forever companion,” she wrote in her caption. “It will be a huge happiness for us if we can get married in your love and blessings.”

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Se7en, who released his debut album Just Listen back in 2003, dropped his most recent EP, Ride, in November 2022. Lee, meanwhile, has been a regular on TV dramas throughout her career, and has had roles in Good Witch, IRIS 2 and more.

See their announcements below.

21 Mar 2023

Lotus Drummer Chuck Morris & His Son Feared Dead After Arkansas Kayaking Trip

A recovery effort for Lotus percussionist Chuck Morris and his son Charley is currently underway in Fayatteville, Ark.

As first reported by Arkansas’s local 4029 News, Morris — percussionist for longstanding live electronic band Lotus — and his 20-year-old son were reported missing last Thursday after embarking on a kayaking trip on Beaver Lake, a manmade reservoir in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas.

In an update posted Tuesday (March 21), the band announced that the search for the pair has now shifted to a recovery effort.

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“We were all hoping for a miracle, but at this point, the search for Chuck and Charley has moved to a recovery,” the post states. “With help from the K9 team, there is a probable location on the lake, but logistical challenges including temperature, weather, and depth have prevented a recovery thus far. It is unknown how long these efforts may take. While we are deeply grieving, we plan to celebrate Chuck and Charley’s lives, our memories with them, and what they meant to so many people.”

After forming in the late ’90s, Lotus became a favorite on the North American jam and electronic circuits, playing clubs shows and festivals including Camp Bisco, Gem & Jam and Okeechobee, along with major venues including Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Terminal 5 in New York City.

The band has already toured extensively in 2023, with additional club and festival dates on the calendar through September. It’s currently unclear whether Lotus will play these shows.

A GoFundMe set up to benefit Morris’ family has currently raised more than $86,000.

“Please know how grateful our family is for all the outpouring of support,” Morris’ wife, Jenny Thompson, wrote in an update posted Monday. “Chuck absolutely loves the Lotus family and fans and was so inspired after coming home from this last tour. You make his life so meaningful and we are thankful for that. Please continue to hold my lovely husband and son in your hearts and prayers.”

21 Mar 2023

BTS’ RM, Suga, V & Jung Kook Share a Moment With Harry Styles Backstage at Seoul Love on Tour Stop

The Love on Tour lovefest continues!

After Harry Styles performed a star-studded concert in Seoul, South Korea, BTS members RM, Suga, V and Jung Kook caught up with the pop star backstage and shared snaps from their meeting on Monday.

RM and V posted the crossover moment to their respective Instagram Stories. Both pictures sees the BTS idols with their arms around Styles or crouching down, holding up a peace sign and double K-pop finger hearts. RM shared the photo to his Story with a pink heart, while V opted for several disco emojis.

Styles’ Love on Tour stop in Seoul honored BTS by playing the group’s 2020 smash hit — which also served as the group’s first single to debut at No. 1 the Billboard Hot 100 — in the concert’s pre-show playlist.

As for the actual concert, Taekook — Taehyung (V) and Jung Kook — began trending on Twitter shortly after appearing in the audience energetically dancing as Styles performed One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful.” (RM and Suga were also spotted in the audience, but sat in separate locations from V and Jung Kook.)

See RM and V’s photos here and here on Instagram before they disappear.