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Beyoncé is standing beside Kamala Harris leading up to Election Day on Nov. 5.
The 32-time Grammy winner took the stage alongside her Destiny’s Child bandmate and childhood friend Kelly Rowland at the Democratic presidential nominee’s rally in their hometown of Houston, Texas, on Friday night (Oct. 25), where they endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket and urged their fellow Texans to do the same.
“H-Town!” Beyoncé said to rapturous cheers when she took the mic. “We are so happy to be standing here on this stage as proud, country, Texas women supporting and celebrating the one and only Vice President Kamala Harris. A woman who’s been pushing for what this country really needs right now: unity. It’s impossible not to feel the energy in this room, the positivity, the community, the humanity. We are at the precipice of an incredible shift. The brink of history.
“I’m not here as a celebrity,” she added. “I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother. A mother who cares, deeply, about the world my children and all of our children live in. A world where we have the freedom to control our bodies. A world where we’re not divided. Our past, our present, our future merge to meet us here.”
Bey spoke to “all the men and women in this room, and watching around the country,” telling them: “We need you. Your voice has power and magnitude. Your vote is one of the most valuable tools, and we need you. Your freedom is your god-given right, your human right. Everybody say Texas! Texas plays a pivotal role to change the course of our future.”
The superstar then leaned into her music roots to wrap her speech, saying, “It’s time to sing a new song. A song that began 248 years ago. The old notes of downfall, discord, despair no longer resonate. Our generations of loved ones before us are whispering a prophecy, a quest, a calling, an anthem. Our moment is right now. It’s time for America to sing a new song. Our voices sing a song of unity. They sing a song of dignity and opportunity. Are y’all ready to add your voice to the new American song? Because I am. So let’s do this. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a big, loud Texas welcome to the next president of the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris.”
In addition to Rowland and Beyoncé, Willie Nelson performed at the Houston rally and Harris ended the night with a speech.
Though Bey hadn’t previously vocalized support for Harris amid the 2024 election cycle, her presence has been strong in the VP’s campaign over the past few months. In August, the superstar was heavily rumored to appear at the Democratic National Convention, but never showed up. Her 2016 track “Freedom” has also been a mainstay in Harris’ campaign, becoming the Democratic nominee’s walkout song in July. CNN confirmed that month that Bey had given direct approval for the song’s use.
She has previously supported other Democratic political causes, including performing with Jay-Z at a Hillary Clinton musical rally in Cleveland in 2016 ahead of that year’s presidential election. In 2020, Bey supported Joe Biden’s campaign and later celebrated his victory on Instagram. Additionally, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer performed at both of Barack Obama’s inaugurations in 2009 and 2013.
Watch Beyonce’s full speech below:
Brad Paisley stepped into the baseball diamond on Friday night (Oct. 25), where he performed the national anthem at the first game of the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Accompanied by a green electric […]
The battle for East Coast-West Coast bragging rights heads to the baseball diamond with the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers set to battle in the 2024 World Series. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Major League Baseball announced on Friday (Oct. 25) that the league tapped […]
When Jin named his new solo track “I’ll Be There,” he didn’t do so lightly. According to the BTS star, he genuinely wants to give his listeners comfort, starting with the lead single from his upcoming album Happy.
In a new video interview with Dolby Atmos shared exclusively with Billboard, the 31-year-old South Korean singer explains that he wrote his new song — which dropped Friday (Oct. 25) — with the hope of “providing happiness” to his fanbase. “When ARMY feel tired and lonely, I hope this song gives them strength,” Jin says in the clip.
“I have a very clear idea of what kind of emotions I want to share with our fans,” the performer continues. “I want our fans, our ARMY, to be happy.”
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The interview comes as part of Jin’s new partnership with Dolby Atmos in honor of his new solo music. The “Super Tuna” artist also filmed an alternative music video with the audio technology company — which Billboard exclusively premieres below — featuring Jin driving a convertible through swirling, colorful lights, performing “I’ll Be There” in a futuristic glass room, flirting with a few actresses on set and dancing with a group of people in an airport.
Jin also dropped a standard music video for “I’ll Be Alright” Friday, just a few weeks ahead of the Nov. 15 release of his debut solo album, Happy. In his new interview, the star revealed that — much like “I’ll Be Alright” — the songs on the six-track LP “have choruses that everyone can sing along to.”
“It’s a song that will put a smile on your face,” he added of his new single. “I hope to spread those feelings to my fans because they give me so much energy, laughter and joy.”
Jin’s album will make him the final member of BTS to release a solo LP, following previous projects from Jung Kook, Jimin, V, SUGA, RM and J-Hope. The group’s full-band activities are currently on pause as five of the members finish their mandatory military service, which Jin was the first to complete in June followed by RM earlier this month.
Watch Jin’s interview with Dolby Atmos above, and check out his alternative music video for “I’ll Be There” below.
The calendar turned to the fourth quarter and hip-hop is working overtime before the buzzer sounds on 2024. With Rod Wave and GloRilla making their presence felt in the Billboard 200’s top five along with projects on the way from Tyler, The Creator and Lil Uzi Vert, it’s a busy time in the rap world.
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Billboard Unfiltered is back with a new episode breaking down all of the hip-hop and R&B-related chart drama along with plenty of other topics. It’s a full house with all four of the fellas in the mix on Friday (Oct. 25).
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“It’s been an interesting year for female rappers. You didn’t know what she was gonna do,” Deputy Director, Editorial Damien Scott said. “She could’ve done 10,000 or did what she did.”
Glo earned the top debut sales week of any female rapper all 2024 with 69,000 total album units, which put GLORIOUS at No. 5 on the Billboard 200.
“I don’t know if people necessarily saw this coming,” Senior Charts & Data Analyst Trevor Anderson said. “We knew the buzz was really strong, but that doesn’t always turn into the full support… To see what she did showing up with almost 70,000 for the week. A year ago, people were like, ‘Oh it’s a wrap.’”
He continued: “Glo seems to have a huge runway to play with. Especially at a time it’s kinda a surprise we had so many people dropping in the same year… For Glo to come through in [quarter] four and shut that conversation down, I don’t know if a lot of people would’ve had that at the top of the year on the bingo card.”
Deputy Director R&B/Hip-Hop Carl Lamarre took the chance to defend himself after receiving backlash for his viral “big three” picks on social media. On a previous episode Lamarre went with Rod Wave, Travis Scott and Playboi Carti to round out his new “big three.”
“Statistically am I wrong? [Rod Wave’s] had seven top 10s the last five years. The brother’s currently on an arena tour for the third consecutive year,” he said. “How many cats are doing back to back to back arena tours. But they’re not hearing he’s a rapper. What is rap today?”
The 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards went down last week and Staff Writer Kyle Denis wonders about the purpose of the Hip Hop Awards having so much overlap with the BET Awards.
“I think it’s confusing to some viewers what the purpose of the Hip Hop Awards are given how hip-hop-centric the main BET Awards are,” he stated. “Why do we need to circle back four or five months later for another hip-hop show… It kinda feels like the same show twice.”
respected journalists want artists to do interviews with them (makes sense) but heres the issue….1. most journalists don’t have their own platform so that somewhat forces the artist to fund and produce the interview themselves (I’ve done it cuz I see the value in it but I…— SANTIAGO (@russdiemon) October 12, 2024
Last week, Russ and Top Dawg Entertainment president Terrence “Punch” Henderson went viral with their critiques of hip-hop journalism, which led to plenty of heated debates on social media about the state of the industry.
“Is it in a bad place? It’s not in the best place,” Scott stated regarding journalism. “It’s not as good as it was 20 years ago, but it’s not all doom and gloom. I’ll say it’s not that bad.”
Denis vehemently pushed back against Punch labeling “most” of hip-hop journalists as “trash.” “You can not enter the space talking about most of you guys are trash and expect people to engage with you in good faith,” he said. “All of the hip-hop journalists I’ve met and encountered have been some of the smartest people I’ve ever spoken to. I would never call them trash.”
Watch the full episode above.
Mexican festival Vive Latino will celebrate its 25th anniversary with an eclectic lineup headlined by acts including Caifanes, Raphael, Scorpions, Aterciopelados, Keane, Molotov, Mon Laferte, Eden Muñoz, Los Ángeles Azules, Zoé and Duncan Dhu, who will light up the great Hispanic rock party to be held March 15-16, 2025, at the GNP Seguros Stadium in Mexico City, promoter Ocesa announced Friday (Oct. 25).
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The lineup also includes other Latin and English speaking soloists and bands such as Sepultura, Draco Rosa, Nortec: Bostich + Fussible, Kany García, Meme del Real, Little Jesus, Los Planetas, Rüfüs Du Sol, La Lupita, Vilma Palma e Vampiros, Cuarteto de Nos, Siddhartha, División Minúscula, Arde Bogotá, Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, and León Benavente.
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According to the organizers, the presale for Citibanamex cardholders will take place next Wednesday (Oct. 30), with the regular sale for the general public opening the next day.
The Vive Latino will be returning to its original home at GNP Seguros Stadium (formerly Foro Sol), after the 2024 edition had to be held at Curve 4 of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the same site where Formula 1 and the Corona Capital and Arre festivals are held annually, due to renovations of the venue.
Since its inception in 1998, the Ibero-American Festival of Musical Culture, better known as Vive Latino, has had a transgressive personality that has challenged stigmas: It was the first to incorporate pop, reggaeton, cumbia, and regional Mexican music artists into its lineup; it had an edition lasting four days; it added English-speaking bands despite being the ultimate celebration of rock es Español, and it is the first in Latin American festival to have its own edition in Spain.
The Vive Latino festival debuted on November 28-29, 1998, at the Foro Sol, on the east side of Mexico City. Since then, it has been held annually, except in 1999, 2002, and 2021, the latter due to the COVID pandemic.
Check out the full official lineup for the 2025 Vive Latino festival below:
DJ Clark Kent — born Rodolfo Franklin — has died at 58 years old following a three-year battle with colon cancer. Clark Kent’s family confirmed his death in a statement posted to the superproducer’s Instagram page on Friday afternoon (Oct. 25).
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“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent,” the statement reads. “Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio.”
The post continued to touch on Clark Kent’s private battle with cancer. “Clark quietly and valiantly fought a three year battle with Colon Cancer, while continuing to share his gifts with the world,” they added. “The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss.”
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A touching outpouring of support came from peers, friends and fans of the pioneering producer in his comment section.
“Clark will forever be the culture,” Questlove wrote, while Raekwon added: “Awwww mannnnn. we gon miss this legend. condolences to the loved ones.
There were also tributes from Jim Jones, Dave East, Mickey Factz, Laura Styles, Rob Markman and more.
The Supermen frontman got his start as a DJ in the ’80s before scoring his first major hit in 1995 producing Junior M.A.F.I.A. and The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Player’s Anthem,” which peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and served as Lil’ Kim’s introduction to the world.
Clark Kent connected with Jay-Z and went on to produce a handful of tracks from Hov’s acclaimed Reasonable Doubt debut album in 1996 such as “Brooklyn’s Finest” featuring Biggie Smalls, “Coming of Age,” “Cashmere Thoughts” and more.
Adding to New York rap lore, Foxy Brown is Clark Kent’s cousin. The New York-bred DJ is also credited with discovering Bad Boy rapper-turned-politician Shyne in the late ’90s.
He notched another commercial anthem when teaming up with Mariah Carey for Glitter‘s “Loverboy” in 2001, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Clark Kent was a fixture in sneaker culture and an avid sneakerhead throughout his life. In 2018, he was estimated to have more than 3,500 pairs in his rare collection.
In more recent years, he’s credited as a co-producer on Ye (Kanye West) and Lil Pump’s “I Love It,” which gave him another top 10 hit on the Hot 100 in 2018.
DJ Clark Kent is survived by his wife Kesha, son Antonio and daughter Kabriah. Find the family statement below.
Alejandro Sanz has always been personal in his songs. But in his new single “Palmeras en el Jardín” (Palms in the Garden), he took an unexpected step — not only describing emotions and stories, but also providing details such as places and activities. “I swear that when I made it, I wasn’t sure whether to […]
Chappell Roan is ready to continue the pink pony club fun. The star took to Instagram on Friday (Oct. 25) to tease a potential single called “She Gets the Job Done” alongside a series of Polaroid photos of herself rocking her own merch. “This is a clue. Just let that sink in,” she captioned the […]
Who knew that Freddy Krueger had good enough taste in rap music to be a Freddie Gibbs fan?
The Gary, Indiana, rapper tapped the notorious Nightmare on Elm Street slasher to help promote a mysterious new project. Apparently, there are billboards around L.A. featuring a picture of Krueger’s eyes with “Freddie’s Back” above them and the phone number (320) 244-5268 under the quote. When you call the number, the Freddy in your nightmares picks up and gives you the message below (or threat, depending on how scared you are).
“Well, hello little rabbits,” the Freddy Krueger voice is heard saying in the message. “Haven’t you missed me? Hmmm? The jagged edge piercing through your mundane reality. Freddie’s back, bi—. I can’t wait to rip through your dreams like a sledgehammer through a Piñata. Oh, what a rush. You’re all my children now. Welcome to prime time, bi—es. No matter where you run, I am omnipresent like a flock of rabid rabbits. You can keep your mind, but your $oul is $old $eparately. After all, they say You Only Live 2wice, but the truth is You Only Die Once. Sweet dreams.”
Freddy mentions three of the other Freddie’s projects: Piñata, $oul is $old $eparately, and You Only Live 2wice. But then he ends the message with, “but the truth is You Only Die Once,” which could be a clue about the name of this mystery tape. This hasn’t been confirmed, just a little speculating based on a video of a cartoon rabbit (Freddie’s nickname is Rabbit) in a Jason mask posted on an IG account with the handle @youonlydie0nce.
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At the top of 2023, Gibbs told XXL that he was working on multiple projects at once. “I’mma hit y’all with some sh– that y’all thought y’all was ready for, but you really ain’t ready for,” he told the outlet. “Alchemist and Madlib ain’t goin’ nowhere, so keep that in mind. And me and Boi-1da in the studio now real, real, real heavy.” He also mentioned that he might make an R&B album, saying, “I’m making the best music of my life, so it’s no reason to stop. And I’m the king of R&B, so I gotta do that album as well.”