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NICHOLAS KAMM / Microsoft / Donald Trump
Well, this isn’t surprising. Microsoft is biting its tongue following Donald Trump’s latest AI-generated slop featuring himself as Master Chiefand DHS using Halo to promote ICE.
While the country faces a wave of uncertainty amid the government shutdown that is now in day 28, the Trump administration showed how unserious it is after White House officials shared an AI-generated photo of Trump as Halo’s main protagonist, Master Chief, standing in front of the White House while saluting an American flag with only 40 stars.
Trump’s ridiculous AI-generated image managed to steal Halo Studios’ thunder, which just announced Halo: Campaign Evolved, a complete remake of the 2001 game Halo: Combat Evolved that will also mark Master Chief’s arrival on the PlayStation 5.
But that wasn’t the only disgusting post. The Department of Homeland Security also got in on the act, sharing a Halo-themed photo with the “DESTROY THE FLOOD JOIN. ICE. GOV.”
Microsoft’s silence shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone. The company’s CEO, Satya Nadella, has already kissed Trump’s ring, attended his inauguration, and Microsoft has donated to the construction of the ugly White House ballroom, plus has many federal contracts.
You know who’s not staying silent, the White House, and they responded to journalist Alyssa Mercante when she reached out for comment on the matter.
Like we said in our previous post on the image, Trump would probably take credit for ending the “console wars,” and that’s precisely what happened in the statement.
“Yet another war ended under President Trump’s watch—only one leader is fully committed to giving power to the players, and that leader is Donald J. Trump. That’s why he’s hugely popular with the American people and American Gamers.”
This administration is definitely the worst.
People Who Used To Be Involved With Halo Are Speaking Out
But some individuals who were involved with Halo at one point have expressed their displeasure with DHS/ICE’s recent posts.
Marcus Lehto, co-creator of Halo and lead designer of Master Chief, spoke with Game File’s Stephen Totilo, calling the DHS’s post “absolutely abhorrent.”
He continued, “It really makes me sick seeing Halo co-opted like this.”
Jaime Griesemer, a chief designer on several of the early games, told Game File that he found Trump’s Master Chief post funny but opposed the ICE post.
“Using Halo imagery in a call to ‘destroy’ people because of their immigration status goes way too far, and ought to offend every Halo fan, regardless of political orientation,” Griesemer said. “I personally find it despicable. The Flood are evil space zombie parasites and are not an allegory to any group of people.”
You can see more reactions below.
Trending on Billboard This is partner content. After months of preparation, Hybe Latin America unveiled the final lineup of Santos Bravos during a concert in Mexico City. Shortly after, some members of the band attended Billboard Latin Music Week to announce this milestone. For more information on the band’s big debut, visit Billboard.com. Narrator: Santos […]
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When Marshall Betts and Avery McTaggart first began sketching ideas for what would become TBA Agency, live music had all but vanished. The touring world was at a standstill, and hundreds of agents—including the pair and their future partners—had just been laid off from the now-shuttered Paradigm Talent Agency in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a few late-night phone calls between friends became a bold bet on the future of live music at a time when there was no live music at all.
Both Betts and McTaggart had followed parallel paths through the agency world. After early stints at The Windish Agency, they joined Paradigm when Windish was acquired, helping to expand the company into one of the dominant forces in touring. “Paradigm was acquiring half a dozen agents every quarter,” Betts recalled. “It was rapid expansion—and then, in March 2020, everything stopped.” The demands of social distancing and stay-at-home notices paused the live music world for more than a year. Within weeks, entire departments at agencies like Paradigm were laid off or suspended. “No one even knew what the next week would look like,” he said.
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By that Friday, Betts and McTaggart were on the phone. “We thought, let’s get the group together on Monday,” Betts said. “Everyone was just trying to figure out what was happening, calling clients to ask if they’d stick with them even though none of us had jobs. Luckily, most of them said yes.”
Those conversations quickly turned into strategy sessions. “We asked ourselves: what worked at Paradigm, what didn’t, what worked at Windish—and how could we build something better?” Betts said. Within three and a half months, TBA was born.
Launching a live-touring agency during a global shutdown was an audacious move, but the partners saw opportunity amid chaos. “We were pitching a live touring business in the middle of a pandemic,” Betts said. “But there was a real appetite for something independent. People understood that artists didn’t need a thousand-person corporate structure to succeed.”
For McTaggart, who had long envisioned a more personal and flexible model of representation, the pandemic was the catalyst. “I’d always thought there was room for a new kind of independent agency,” he said. “The business had become so consolidated—independents being absorbed by larger firms. There hadn’t been a major new agency launch in over a decade. I felt there would always be an appetite for something that operated differently, that treated both artists and employees like humans, not cogs.”
Between May and August 2020, the founding team worked nonstop to build the company from scratch. They handled everything from corporate structure and health insurance to web design and branding. “The pandemic forced us to slow down and think through every detail,” McTaggart said. “We weren’t booking tours, so we had the bandwidth to really build the foundation.”
The final phase of planning took place on the road. “Marshall and I rented an RV with our partners and spent a month driving around the country, finalizing the business plan,” McTaggart said. “We’d work during the day, park at campgrounds, and sleep under the stars. Honestly, it was one of the best months of my life.”
The First Call Sheet
When TBA officially launched on September 1, 2020, the industry was still largely dormant. Yet the agency started strong—with a roster of roughly 200 artists, including Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Jungle, Bob Moses, Hot Chip and Mura Masa, most of whom had followed McTaggart and his partners from Paradigm.
“I basically told my clients, ‘I’m building something new. Give me time, and I’ll show you who’s involved,’” McTaggart said. “It would’ve been the easiest time in the world for them to drop me—but they didn’t. Every single one of them came along for the ride.”
TBA launched fully staffed—with agents, assistants, coordinators, tour marketing, and brand partnership departments already in place. “We wanted to do it properly,” McTaggart said. “Even with no touring revenue, we made sure our employees had health insurance. We believed that if we treated our people right, everything else would follow.”
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From the start, Betts said, TBA prioritized experience and personal connection over rapid expansion. “We wanted people who could have meaningful conversations with artists—not just about booking, but about their careers,” he said. “It was always quality over quantity. We built a strong foundation, and that’s paid off. We’ve tripled in size since day one, and most of our staff are still here.”
That foundation also created a culture of collaboration and transparency among other independents. “In the early pandemic, with NITO and NIVA forming, there was this sense of unity,” Betts said. “Independent agencies started talking and helping each other. It was a period of peace and cooperation we’d never seen before. Now it’s more competitive again, but those walls have come down a bit. It’s healthier.”
Five years later, the bet on independence has paid off — not only for TBA but for the entire ecosystem of agencies launched in that same window. “The success of independent companies isn’t a threat to the big agencies,” McTaggart said. “It’s good for the business. There’s more choice for artists, for agents, for employees. Healthy competition means a healthier live industry overall.”
He points to sectors like ticketing as a cautionary tale: “The parts of the music business that are least healthy are the ones with no competition. On the live side, the rise of independent agencies has made things stronger.”
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Both Betts and McTaggart believe the model has lasting power. “Artists have learned they don’t need the biggest name or biggest Rolodex to reach their goals,” Betts said. “Sometimes, it’s actually better not to have that. What they do need is people who care, who move quickly, and who understand their vision.”
As the agency marks its fifth anniversary, its founders are mindful of the challenges ahead — rising touring costs, economic uncertainty, and the pressures facing both artists and promoters. “Every side of the business is grappling with higher costs and more unpredictability,” McTaggart said. “We’re more involved than ever in tour budgeting, in understanding what things really cost. You can’t just book a tour and walk away anymore. You have to build sustainable growth.”
For Betts, the past five years are proof that independent doesn’t mean small — it means intentional. “We didn’t need a thousand-person payroll to make an impact,” he said. “We just needed the right people, the right artists, and the right values.”
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For months, it looked like the Grammy race for best new artist was likely to come down to Alex Warren and sombr. But a couple of things happened in the past few weeks to make the race more competitive – Olivia Dean exploded with a top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100 (“Man I Need”) and a top 10 album on the Billboard 200 (The Art of Loving). And the Recording Academy ruled Leon Thomas eligible, even though he won a Grammy three years ago for co-writing SZA’s “Snooze.” Now, we have a real race.
With the nominations set to be announced next Friday (Nov. 7), all four of these artists certain to be nominated for best new artist, along with Lola Young. After that, it gets harder to choose, but the field will be rounded out with three other nominees, culled from a list of 337 eligible names.
Final-round voting begins Dec. 12 and extends to Jan. 5. So Dean has about six weeks for her profile to continue building before the first votes are cast.
If Dean (or Young) winds up winning, this will be the ninth year in a row that a solo woman has been named best new artist. The streak started in 2018 with Alessia Cara and has continued with Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion, Olivia Rodrigo, Samara Joy, Victoria Monét and Chappell Roan.
If Warren, somber or Thomas takes the prize, they’d be the first male artist to win since Chance the Rapper in 2017.
The Marías, which span multiple genres and languages, also have a good chance of being nominated. If they were to win, they’d be the first group (defined as an act with three or more members) to take the prize since fun. in 2013. Three other groups are seen as having a reasonably good shot at a nod: Sleep Token, KATSEYE and The Red Clay Strays.
Some of the top contenders have already won new artist prizes at other shows. Warren won best new artist at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 7. Thomas won best new artist at the BET Awards on June 9. Zach Top, Ella Langley and The Red Clay Strays won the new male, female, and duo/group prizes at the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8. Myles Smith won the rising star award at the Brit Awards on March 1.
Even some acts that won new artist awards in 2024 are eligible. Megan Moroney won new artist of the year at the 2024 Country Music Association Awards and new female artist of the year at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards. The Red Clay Strays won emerging artist of the year at the 2024 Americana Music Honors & Awards.
(The Grammys in recent years have erred on the side of being inclusive in this category. In previous eras, they almost seemed to be looking for nitpicky reasons to kick artists out – just ask the people around Whitney Houston and Richard Marx who are probably still smarting over their exclusions.)
BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman, who collaborated on the top five Hot 100 hit “All the Way,” are competing against each other here. Sleep Token and Ken Carson, who both landed No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, are eligible. So is Role Model, who made a vivid impression late in the eligibility year with his irresistible breakthrough hit “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.”
Other strong contenders, not already mentioned, include Ravyn Lenae, Mariah the Scientist, Addison Rae, Jessie Murph, Gigi Perez, Riley Green, October London, Sam Fender, Reneé Rapp, PinkPantheress, Tucker Wetmore, ATEEZ, Central Cee, Lil Tecca, Parker McCollum and Keke Palmer.
The eligibility period for the 68th Grammy Awards is Aug. 31, 2024, through Aug. 30, 2025. While the Grammys set a minimum number of releases an artist must have to qualify in this category (five singles/tracks or one album), there is no maximum. Instead, the Grammys’ rules and guidelines booklet says nominations for the honor hinge on when “the artist had attained a breakthrough or prominence” — and it delegates that determination to a screening committee.
Artists are allowed to appear on the entry list for best new artist three times, after which they are ruled ineligible for future consideration.
Here are the eight leading nominees for best new artist. The artists are shown in alphabetical order, which is how they’ll be listed on the Grammy nominees list.
Olivia Dean
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For all the meticulous planning that mothers and fathers do before the big day arrives, things have a tendency to go sideways while babies are being born. Just ask Justin Bieber, who earlier this week fessed up to kind of losing his cool in the delivery room when wife Hailey Bieber was giving birth to their son, Jack Blues Bieber, last August.
During one of his now-daily Twitch streams, Bieber described to some friends what it felt like when things got tense between him and the couple’s doula, a non-medical professional who is on hand to provide emotional and physical support during birth. In a grab of the chat from a fan, Bieber says, “I remember dealing with, like… there was tension with… ’cause we had a doula and then we had a nurse as well, and the nurse and the doula were really kind of butting heads.”
Adding to the tension, Bieber said, “then I was butting heads with the doula, and it was just like this… and I was hella emotional because it’s like, this is like one of the most important times of your life, and I remember just like, I think I was being really strong with the doula.” Bieber said his advocacy made wife Hailey feel anxious. “So she’s like, ‘you need to apologize to the doula,’” he said she told him. “Just clear the air.”
So, the “Sorry” singer said he apologized, explaining that his emotions were running high at that moment. “‘I don’t want you to take away from my moment either as the dad,’” he said he told the doula. “‘I got this too.’ There’s times when I need to console Hailey and I felt like she was pushing me to the side so that she could do [her job],” said the singer, who noted that he felt he had “good instincts too” as a first-time dad.
While baby Jack has seemingly not shown up to hang out in the playpen Bieber set up in the middle of the giant studio where he is streaming on Twitch, the singer has been busy since launching the feed last week. So far, he has played a lot of basketball with his crew, sung what sounded like the beginnings of a new song on Monday and, on Wednesday (Oct. 29), did an intense trainer-led group workout with his boys.
Trending on Billboard The NFL is adding more firepower to the Super Bowl LX musical lineup. In addition to halftime headliner Bad Bunny, the football league’s hospitality provider, On Location, announced on Tuesday (Oct. 28) that Sting will headline a Super Bowl-branded concert at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, two days before […]
Trending on Billboard Nick Jonas will have to dip into his music bag for his next big screen role. According to Deadline, the Jonas Brothers member will co-star alongside Paul Rudd in the upcoming John Carney-directed Power Ballad. Explore See latest videos, charts and news The film, due out on June 5, tells the story […]
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Reneé Rapp’s North America trek has come to a premature end, on doctor’s orders.
After health problems forced her to delay shows in Atlanta (Oct. 26) and Tampa (Oct. 27), the pop singer and former Sex Lives of College Girls star has postponed a third consecutive show — the homecoming finale on this Bite Me Tour, originally scheduled for tonight, Oct. 29 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC.
“As of right now,” she writes on Instagram Stories, “I still don’t have a voice. I’m recovering slowly,” she adds, “but still not in a place where I am able to perform safely” at her hometown show. “I am so sorry and heartbroken that I have to postpone”.
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The Charlotte show has been rescheduled for Nov. 7, and all original tickets will be valid for the new date.
As previously reported, the Tampa show is now set for Nov. 4 and the Atlanta stop has been nudged to Nov. 5.
“Again,” she continues, “I want to stress that I know the time and effort and preparation attending a show takes. I promise you it doesn’t go unnoticed or unseen. I’m taking this time to recover and then next week for these rescheduled shows I will give you the best version of me. The best version of this show that I love so much. The show you deserve to see.”
On the weekend, Rapp revealed she had never had to reschedule a concert — until now. “I’ve been pushing through an illness but my body has finally given out,” she wrote. “My doctors have told me that it isn’t safe to perform due to the need for vocal rest and physical recovery.”
After completing those North American dates, Rapp will cross the Atlantic in early 2026 for a European jaunt that’s booked to star March 11 at Lotto Arena in Antwerp, Belgium, followed by dates in the Netherlands, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, where here sophomore collection Bite Me hit No. 1 in August, for her first leader.
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Halloween came to Dancing With The Stars on Tuesday night, Oct. 28, and Robert Irwin completed a routine that was bloody excellent.
For week seven’s Halloween Night, the Australian conservationist and his dancing partner Witney Carson performed a Tango to “Sweet Dreams are Made of This” by The Hampton String Quartet.
In the clip, which can be seen in full below, Irwin, dressed-up like the Prince of Darkness, tangles with Carson on a fog-filled stage before taking the action to the main floor. Staying in theme to the bitter end, Irwin collects himself from the hardwood and is dragged to hell (or backstage) by dark forces, returning to face the judges with his face splattered in fake blood.
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The judges loved it, as Irwin and Carson collected 38 out of a possible 40 points, their best result yet in the competition which included two perfect 10s. It wasn’t enough, however, to take top spot on the night, as the pair was pipped by Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy with 39/40.
Irwin, the son of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, has a fine chance of emulating the success of his older sister Bindi, who won the 21st season of DWTS, in 2015.
Irwin and Carson had two rounds of action on Tuesday night. The remaining cast members took part in the “Dance Monster-thon,” a dance off which awarded five points to the last pair standing. In the end, those bonus points went to Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, who shimmied to a score for the night of 37/40. Elaine Hendrix was a no-show on Tuesday, following an injury suffered during rehearsals.
The remaining contestants in this 34th season of Dancing With the Star includes TV personality Dylan Efron, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, social media star Alix Earle, actress Danielle Fishel and actor Andy Richter. The list of contenders is shrinking. Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik are no longer competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, following their elimination on Tuesday evening.
Dancing with the Stars airs live Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+, and streams the next day on Hulu. The finale will be on Nov. 25.
Spooky season is fully upon us, and most of us will be searching for both tricks and treats. For cannabis enthusiasts, we’ve compiled a quick Halloween gift guide that we believe covers a wide range of options.One thing I’m always clear about when I do these guides is to remind readers that many forms of cannabis, especially recreational, are meant for those at least 21 years of age and older. Anything we suggest on this page, please obey the laws in your state when or if you purchase.Naturally, the idea would be that cannabis-infused edible treats would dominate this guide, but given the trend of going “California Sober” and drinking less alcohol, there are several beverage brands on the market that I thought to inform our readers about.In this roundup, you’ll see some past brands I’ve highlighted in the past, along with some new entries that I hope pique your interest. As always, use these products responsibly and enjoy them safely at home. Halloween is spooky enough; we want everyone to enjoy lifting their spirits on their terms without putting themselves in harm’s way.Have a happy Halloween weekend.
1. Artifact
Source:Artifact
Artifact comes from the mind of Ryan Rickett, who wanted to create smoking accessories that not only did their jobs but also looked the part. The stylish Tempest is part pipe, part conversation starter, and all art.
Learn more here.
2. Bay Smokes
Source:Bay Smokes
William Goodall and Katiana Kay founded Bay Smokes after dabbling in the CBD business. Today, they’re all about THCa flower, a growing category born of the innovations in hemp-derived cannabinoids development. There is also a connection with the world of Hip-Hop, with Lil Baby and 21 Savage sharing their love of the product.
Learn more here.
3. BRĒZ
Source:BRĒZ
BRĒZ is one of the first cannabis-infused drink brands to incorporate mushrooms and adaptogens, and has now expanded its offerings to include drinks with or without hemp-derived THC. At a later date, I need to try out the brand’s Spirit, which combines CBD, mushrooms, and THC. I’m already a fan of their OG product.
Learn more here.
4. Bubby’s Baked
Source:Bubby’s Baked
I’ve already gone on record to say that Bubby’s Baked are some of the best-tasting edibles you’ll find on the market. Baked goods that get you baked? Sign us up for that.
Learn more here.
5. COAST Cannabis Co.
Source:COAST Cannabis Co
COAST Cannabis Co. is a brand founded in Massachusetts by a husband and wife team, and serves Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maryland. For Halloween, check out COAST’s Cookies & Scream. You can see what they’re going for there.
Learn more here.
6. Crescent Canna
Source:crescent canna
Crescent Canna, based in New Orleans, specializes in THC drinks, edibles, and CBD products. The drinks are where the brand excels, with options like Wobble, which combines caffeine and THC, Crescent 9, a THC seltzer, and Zezi, which is non-sparkling THC water. I can personally vouch for Crescent 9 and Wobble being the real deal.
Learn more here.
7. CQ
Source:CQ
CQ bills itself as the first cannabis beverage company, and with that much skin in the game, CQ’s portfolio has expanded to hemp-derived THC drinks. There are also dispensary-only drops at varying dosages, sizes, and flavors.
Learn more here.
8. DaySavers
Source:DaySavers
DaySavers is all about flower delivery, if you can pick up what I’m putting down. What I mean is that between their pre-roll cones, cleverly named Filla Blunts, filters, and the Perfect Pack rolling machine, they’ve got the accessories game on lock.
Learn more here.
9. FLORA+BAST
Source:FLORA+BAST
FLORA+BAST is a brand we’ve featured before. Their approach to cannabis as it applies to overall wellness is refreshing, and they have products made for intimacy, alertness, and also cannabis-infused skincare.
Learn more here.
10. Gelato Canna
Source:Gelato Canna
Gelato Canna is all about flower, vape cartridges, and even shake from larger flower buds. Their gummies and Last Bite edibles are also on the menu. They’re only in a handful of states, all of which are recreational.
Learn more here.
11. Higher Standard
Source:Higher Standard
Higher Standard is a new line of functional cannabis gummies formulated for several tasks, moods, and situations. The self-explanatory names of the gummies lineup sound intriguing. The gamut is covered from sexy time to nighttime.
Learn more here.
12. Hometown Hero
Source:Hometown Hero
I haven’t gotten a pitch from the homies at Hometown Hero, but that’s okay. When you make a good product, you keep seeking it out. The brand always has something fun every year for Halloween, and this year is no different. They’re also in the CBD space along with their hemp-derived THC items.
Learn more here.
13. ILGM
Source:ILGM
For the growers, ILGM has an array of seeds on deck, but they’re really highlighting their Tangie Queen release. It’s a limited-edition drop, so if you’re into sativa, this is the one.
Learn more here.
14. Indacloud
Source:Indacloud
It’s been a grip since I got a pitch from the Indacloud gang. Few companies can match them on the variety of flower, vape carts, gummies, and more. And what’s also great, everything is fairly priced, lab-tested, and always quality.
Learn more here.
15. Juana Cannabis
Source:Juana Edibles
Juana Cannabis puts women in the center while developing their line of flower, vapes, and edibles. The brand’s Calm gummy is one of its functional options, along with products that aid focus, intimacy, and rest.
Learn more here.
16. LumiBloom
Source:LumiBloom
LumiBloom is a Black and woman-owned CBD brand that takes on the tasks of assisting with relaxation, pain relief, and sleep. Among the LumiBloom slate of products, bath bombs, tinctures, and roll-on gels are all designed to ease one into the settled parts of their day.
Learn more here.
17. Muha Meds
Source:Muha Meds
Muha Meds has it all with potent pre-rolls, shockingly powerful all-in-one disposable cartridges, concentrates, and more. They’re also in the THCa game as well.
Learn more here.
18. Nature’s Heritage
Source:Nature’s Heritage
We’re bringing Nature’s Heritage Mycrodose back again because it seems like mushrooms and cannabis are going to keep having moments in the space. With four varieties covering energy to getting a good night’s rest, Myrcodose has the potential to change the landscape.
Learn more here.
19. Nowadays
Source:Nowadays
Nowadays approaches the world of drinkable cannabis by meeting people where they are. With low dose to high dose ranges, you can determine your level with the promise of a gentle ease of a landing once the effects wane. We haven’t tried this one yet but it does boast an impressive lineup.
Learn more here.
20. Pamos
Source:Pamos
We can appreciate the simplicity of Pamos, which enters the cannabis beverage space with three options. Microdose clocks in with just 2 mg each of hemp-derived THC and CBD. Signature clocks in at with a THC and CBD number of 5 and 2 mg, and Reserve cranks the THC to 10, keeping the CBD level the same. This product is designed to be used as a cocktail base, just without the booze.
Learn more here.
