State Champ Radio News
Page: 180
Trending on Billboard
Warner Music Italy is celebrating its 50th anniversary by launching two new frontline labels: say ciao to Warner Records Italy and Atlantic Records Italy.
In its announcement, the company described the expansion as a strategic evolution designed to build more agile, focused teams that better support both established and emerging artists.
Related
Eleonora Rubini will lead Warner Records Italy as label director, with Leonardo Luan heading A&R, Ruth Hagos as senior A&R urban, Anna Rampinelli as head of marketing, and Sara Daniele as head of promotions. Atlantic Records Italy will be led by Marco Masoli, backed by Filippo Gimigliano as head of A&R, Riccardo Primavera as senior A&R urban, Gianluca Covezzi in marketing, and Eleonora Bruno in promotions. Both labels will have dedicated digital, international, and domestic project managers, reporting to vp Gianluca Guido and president Pico Cibelli.
ADA Italy will continue handling distribution and artist services, now under Renato Tanchis, who reports to Masoli. ADA also announced a new exclusive partnership with Andrea Comi (Attica Music) and Davide D’Aquino (Triggger), who is leaving ADA to focus on scouting and development under the WEA Music Italy brand.
“As we celebrate WM Italy’s 50th anniversary, these changes will set up WM Italy for its next chapter,” said Cibelli. “The launch of Warner Records Italy and Atlantic Records Italy is an evolution that strengthens our ability to superserve our artists and connect audiences old and new all over the world. I have immense confidence in Eleonora, Marco, Renato, and their teams to drive our next era of growth and success.”
Related
Rubini said the move allows for “a more focused approach to artist development,” creating an environment that supports both established acts and rising talent. Masoli added that the goal is to build “a home where creativity thrives and our artists can reach their full potential on the world stage.”
Italy’s music market continues to expand, with recorded music revenues surpassing 440 million euros in 2023 — up 18.8% year over year — making it the EU’s third-largest after Germany and France, according to trade org FIMI. Streaming led with 65% of total revenue, while physical formats rose to a 14% share as vinyl sales jumped 24.3% and CDs 3.8%. Growth remained strong in early 2025, also according to FIMI, with total revenues up 9.7% and both streaming and physical segments posting double-digit gains.
Angela Rye caught the attention of cast members of The Joe Budden Podcast after she recently critiqued the program in a recent episode of the Native Land Pod. After originally titling the episode, “Joe Budden and the Dumbing Down of America,” Angela Rye apologized for the show’s title, although one of her co-hosts stood their ground with their criticism of Budden’s massive broadcast.
In the episode now titled “Do We Need to Talk About Black Intellectualism?,” Angela Rye and her co-hosts Tiffany Cross, Andrew Gillum, and Bakari Sellers got into a debate regarding a heated exchange from The Joe Budden Podcast co-hosts Marc Lamont Hill and Trevor “QueenzFlip” Robinson.
Hop the 24:00-minute mark to hear the Native Land Pod discussion on Hill’s place on the JBP.
Cross raised the idea that the dustup between Hill and Robinson was a battle of wit and ego, acknowledging that the longtime professor and journalist is more than what some might assume. Cross also feels that, because of Hill’s pedigree in education and journalism that he shouldn’t be a member of Budden’s successful media network.
Love News? Get more! Join the Hip-Hop Wired Newsletter
We care about your data. See our privacy policy.
Budden, along with co-host and longtime friend Antwan “Ish” Marby, addressed the Native Land Pod critique, with Marby making certain to mention that Robinson is successful in his craft despite what observers might feel is lowbrow content from the Queens native. Budden followed and pondered what inspired the jabs from Native Land Pod and stated clearly that Hill never positions himself as the smartest man in the room, although the cast acknowledges his accomplishments in their own way.
After some heated discussions across social media, Angela Rye apologized to the JBP for the previous episode title during an episode where Charlamagne Tha God joined Native Land Pod and essentially defended the cast from the critiques. For what it’s worth, Cross stayed true to her stances and didn’t waver.
Catching wind of Charlamagne’s appearance on Native Land Pod, Budden thanked The Breakfast Club co-host for his defense of his team.
New JBP co-host Mona, aka Don’t Call Me White Girl, suggested that Angela Rye visit the show, while Budden aggressively dismissed Cross, calling her a “nobody,” but Hill stepped up to defend one of his media colleagues.
—
Photo: Getty
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.
Trending on Billboard
LAFC is bringing K-pop energy to the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs thanks to a new partnership with HYBE, marking the first-ever collaboration between the entertainment giant and Major League Soccer. For soccer and music fans looking to tune in, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to watch the match online as well as how to shop Son Heung-Min LAFC merch.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
Tonight’s collaboration honors the deep connection between Los Angeles and South Korea and the Korean culture that plays a major part in the city’s identity. BMO Stadium, LAFC’s home, is no stranger to Korean culture, as the venue has quickly become a staple location of major K-pop tours. Most recently, SEVENTEEN played two shows at BMO as part of their “NEW_” world tour. As part of the sponsorship, fans can enjoy Korean-inspired eats while enjoying a choreographed light show set to HYBE artist tracks at today’s match.
“We’re honored to be chosen as HYBE’s first Major League Soccer partner. At LAFC, we know the power of passionate fan culture, and HYBE shares that same energy and commitment,” says LAFC Co-President Larry Freedman.
LAFC shared an announcement last week across social media with a video cut to BTS’ 2017 hit “MIC Drop,” a track that got the group their first track to reach the top 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
K-Pop and K-Culture are coming to @BMOStadium. HYBE and LAFC are teaming up to kick off the Audi 2025 @MLS Playoffs, bringing the energy only K-Pop can deliver. Be there for a full Korean culture takeover with music, local favorites Kogi BBQ, Love Hour, and more ⚽️— LAFC (@LAFC) October 23, 2025
Keep scrolling to learn how to stream the playoff match online as well as how to shop Son Heung-Min LAFC merch online.
How to Watch the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
Kicking off on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 P.M. PT, the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs matches can be streamed via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in the US. Earlier this month, Sports Business Journal revealed that MLS and Apple are offering the league’s playoff matches to Apple TV subscribers at no additional cost.
Apple TV+ and Apple TV offer a nice selection of live sports, including Major League Baseball’s Friday Night Baseball and Major League Soccer. The MLS Season Pass features every MLS match, including pre-season, the all-star match, post-season and MLS Cup, with no blackout dates. Please note that MLS Season Pass is on Apple TV and not Apple TV+. Learn more about MLS Season Pass here.
Also, last minute tickets to the game are also available on Ticketmaster and VividSeats.
How to Shop Son Heung-Min LAFC Merch Online
Since joining the MLS this past August, LAFC star player Son Heung-Min has become a fan favorite in his home of South Korea but also in the states. After scoring his first MLS goal earlier this season, fans have voted the special moment as the MLS Goal of the Year. With his rise in popularity, Heung-Min soccer kits have been flying off the shelves this season.
Finding his home kit may be hard to come by, but there are plenty of alternative merch, including pre game kits (with options both in English and Korean), graphic tees and more worth shopping ahead of the playoffs. See below.
Men’s LAFC Son Heung-Min adidas Black Alternate Pre-Game Jersey
LAFC Son Heung-Min adidas White 2025 Secondary Replica Player Jersey
LAFC Son Heung-Min Cream T-Shirt
LAFC Son Heung-Min Fanatics T-Shirt
LAFC Son Heung-Min adidas White Alternate Pre-Game T-Shirt
Trending on Billboard
Giovanny Ayala captures his first No. 1 on a Billboard chart through “No Estaba Hablando En Serio” which flies to the top of the Regional Mexican Airplay chart (dated Nov. 1).
“No Estaba Hablando En Serio” soars from No. 9 to No. 1 after a 35% increase in audience impressions in the United States, to 6.4 million, during the tracking week of Nov. 17-23, according to Luminate. Released on June 26 under Colmena/Azteca, the song claims the top spot in its 16th week, following a four-week stint in the top 10.
Ayala’s latest single not only marks his first chart-topper, but also his first charting entry with Azteca Music Group’s COLMENA Music. Before the move, the singer achieved six Regional Mexican Airplay entries with the Gerencia360 label, including the No. 7-peaking “Quien Se Apunta,” with Luis R. Conriquez, in 2022.
Meanwhile, COLMENA secures its first No. 1 of 2025 and its second overall. The label previously reached the top spot with Los Ángeles de Charly’s “El Tonto” in 2024.
“No Estaba Hablando En Serio” also makes strides on the overall Latin Airplay chart, where it flies 20-4, after earning strong support from stations KSND (Portland, OR), KLNO (Dallas), and WOJO (Chicago) during the tracking period.
Bad Bunny’s 30th Win: Continuing his dominance on the overall Latin Airplay chart, Bad Bunny collects his 30th No. 1 with “Nuevayol.” The song climbs from No. 5 to No. 1 with the weekly Greatest Gainer honors, recognizing the track with the largest audience increase.
“Nuevayol” registered 7.8 million audience impressions during the tracking week, up 30% from the week prior. Its sends DY’s “Sonríele” to No. 10, after the latter falls by a 37%, to 5.7 million.
“Nuevayol” marks the fifth track from Benito’s album Debí Tirar Más Fotos to claim the No. 1 spot on the Latin Airplay chart. It follows previous chart-topping hits “El Clúb,” “Baile Inolvidable,” and “EOO,” which each dominated for two weeks in February, March, and August, respectively. Plus, “DTMF” delivered a one-week reign in May.
With a total of 30 No. 1s on Latin Airplay, Bad Bunny continues to climb the rankings among the artists with the most chart-topping hits since the list debuted in 1994. Here’s a look at the current leaderboard:
39, J Balvin36, Ozuna32, Enrique Iglesias30, Bad Bunny29, Daddy Yankee25, Maluma24, Shakira
Derek White / 50 Cent / Lil Meech / BMF
BMF’s run at Starz will end after four seasons, and of course, 50 Cent couldn’t resist trolling the drama series’s star Lil Meech.
The crime drama, which premiered in 2021 and tells the story of real-life drug dealers and Detroit street gang, Black Mafia Family, founders Demetrius and Terry Flenory, will not continue on Starz following season four’s finale.
BMF was one of several shows executive-produced by 50 Cent under his G-Unit Films and Television banner, which was also set to get multiple spinoffs, according to the Queens rapper and actor, following the same formula as the Power franchise.
Variety reports that, according to sources, those series are still in development.
The cast of the show featured Demetrius Flenory Jr. — son of BMF co-founder Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory, Da’Vinchi, Russell Hornsby, Michole Briana White, Michole Briana White, Steve Harris, La La Anthony, Sydney Mitchell, Laila D. Pruitt, Myles Truitt, and Eric Kofi-Abrefa.
It also had a plethora of high-profile guest appearances from Hip-Hop artists like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 2 Chainz, Yung Miami, and Saweetie. Other notable guest appearances included Wood Harris and Mo’Nique.
The logline for the fourth season read:
“As Meech (Flenory) and Terry (Da’Vinchi) fight to keep their American Dream alive, staying ahead of their rivals and law enforcement takes a toll on their relationship. The brothers occasionally put aside their differences for their common goals, but the events of what happened in Mexico will change them forever.”
Following the news, 50 Cent, a legendary troll who was feuding with the show’s star, Lil Meech, didn’t waste any time clowning Big Meech’s seed.
50 Cent Has Been Trolling Lil Meech For Months
50 Cent has been threatening to fire Lil Meech from the show and revealed he was allegedly high on drugs while on set.
All the drama stemmed from Lil Meech defending his father for taking money from 50 Cent’s longtime nemesis, Rick Ross.
We know this won’t be the last time 50 Cent takes a shot at Lil Meech. Until then, you can see more reactions below.
Trending on Billboard
Grammy-winning legend Patti LaBelle has brought her estimable music catalog to Primary Wave Music. The new partnership deal includes the singer-songwriter’s artist royalties across a catalog that encompasses 18 studio albums, three live albums, 14 compilation albums and 47 singles. To date, according to Primary Wave’s press announcement, LaBelle has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
“We are so honored to be in business with a legend such as Ms. Labelle,” said Primary Wave partner Steven Greener in a statement. “She’s a true icon and trailblazer. We are looking forward to doing great things together.”
Related
Among LaBelle’s memorable hits are “Lady Marmalade,” “If Only You Knew,” “New Attitude” and “On My Own.” Recorded in 1974 by the group LaBelle, “Lady Marmalade” topped the Billboard Hot 100. The song then reclaimed that peak in 2001 for five weeks when it was covered by Christina Aguilera, Mya, Pink and Lil’ Kim — whose version appeared on the film soundtrack for Moulin Rouge. “Lady Marmalade” was later chosen for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2021.
“On My Own,” another of LaBelle’s aforementioned career highlights, is the singer’s duet with Michael McDonald. Released in 1986, the song reached No. 1 on the Hot 100, where it reigned for three weeks. Written by Burt Bacharach, it also earned a Grammy nomination for best performance by a duo or group. In addition to her No. 1s on the Hot 100, LaBelle counts 42 singles that have appeared on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and she has charted 20 albums on the Billboard 200.
In addition to her two Grammys and 13 nominations, LaBelle has received several other music industry accolades. Those include an American Music Award, four NAACP Image Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Also an Emmy nominee, LaBelle has appeared in several films and TV programs (A Soldier’s Story, A Different World, The Masked Singer), written six books (most recently, the 20th anniversary edition of her best-selling cookbook, LaBelle Cuisine) and helms the successful food and lifestyle brand Patti’s Good Life.
Publishing company Primary Wave is home to a diverse roster of iconic singer-songwriters. Among its roster: Bob Marley, Prince, Stevie Nicks, The Doors, Whitney Houston and Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.
Trending on Billboard
A$AP Rocky spoke about working with Denzel Washington and Spike Lee on Highest 2 Lowest and said there’s a reason why he doesn’t drop music that often.
In a new interview with Perfect Magazine, Rocky explained how working with Washington and Lee on Highest 2 Lowest was a “dream come true.”
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
“Their dynamic alone is just historical,” Rocky said. “So I’m honored to be an honorary member of their legacy.”
Rocky also explained how he helped Lee develop his Yung Felon character, adding that at first Rocky felt, “There were a few things the character needed to become more real.”
“[Spike Lee] let me develop my character full-throttle,” Rocky said. “They put me in the right environment that was familiar with a little nostalgia, and it allowed me to take the character to different places, and borrow stories from the people I was around growing up, and their circumstances. I appreciate that he [Lee] was receptive to all my changes for my personal character.”
Rocky also spoke briefly about Don’t Be Dumb and his music career as a whole, saying he’s not so eager to drop new music because he wants to make sure it all feels right for his legacy.
“It’s about who did it the best,” Rocky said. “Everything I do is based off building legacy. That’s why I’m not so eager to just drop, drop, drop. I don’t do things to just try and stay relevant, or keep my name in the conversation. I try to do natural things, creative, ambitious things that really satisfy me.”
The comments come as Rocky continues to tease his fourth studio album Don’t Be Dumb. In an interview with GQ back in February, he said it’s been so long, fans are likely tired of hearing about the album.
“I’m in the mixing and mastering realm of it,” he told the outlet. “But I think quite frankly, people are tired of hearing about updates about the album. They’re just ready to get this sh–, you know what I’m saying? I don’t think anybody wants to hear where I’m at with it, how far is it along and all that. They just want to hear some sh– just to see where I’m at, and I promise I got some new sh– in store. I’m challenging myself. It’s like anything, I approach it with a different tactic, degree, or finesse.”
Trending on Billboard As part of a significant reorganization of its product teams, YouTube promoted Christian Oestlien, previously vp of product management, to lead a team responsible for subscription products across YouTube Music, YouTube TV and YouTube Premium. As vp of YouTube’s subscription products, Oestlien will also oversee podcasts, commerce and YouTube Primetime Channels. Related […]
Trending on Billboard Earlier this month Fred again.. kicked off his buzzy 10 shows in 10 weeks in 10 cities run, a peripatetic endeavor happening as part of the release of his USB002 project. The English producer is releasing one song from USB002 in tandem with each week’s show, with UBS002 itself being an an […]
Trending on Billboard Since it dropped last year, “Birds of a Feather” has taken flight as one of Billie Eilish‘s most successful songs to date. But in a new interview, the pop star revealed that she almost scrapped it entirely, fearing it was too “stupid” to release. While speaking to the Wall Street Journal for […]
