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On the one-year anniversary of the death of Country Music Hall of Famer Toby Keith, his daughter Krystal Keith is paying tribute to her late father. “It feels like yesterday we said goodbye and yet it somehow has also been the longest year without him,” Keith wrote on her Instagram page, captioning a carousel of […]
Welcome to Billboard Pro’s Trending Up newsletter, where we take a closer look at the songs, artists, curiosities and trends that have caught the music industry’s attention. Some have come out of nowhere, others have taken months to catch on, and all of them could become ubiquitous in the blink of a TikTok clip.
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This week: The Grammys make big winners on streaming out of both long-established legends and rising stars, while Fetty Wap scores his biggest hit in a decade with a song from a decade ago and Severance dips its toes into big rock synchs.
Biggest Grammys Gainers: ‘Cowboy Carter,’ ‘Von Dutch’ and All Things Doechii
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards ended with history being made: Beyoncé at long last won the album of the year award, as her country crossover Cowboy Carter finally earned the most Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning artist in history the top prize of the ceremony. The magnitude of that victory is still being put into context days later, but one thing was for certain: Cowboy Carter was going to see a major uptick in streaming activity immediately after the Grammys, with unfamiliar viewers perusing the album and longtime fans revisiting it nearly a year after its release.
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On Jan. 26, the Monday before the Grammys, Cowboy Carter earned 1.07 million U.S. on-demand audio streams, according to Luminate. On the Monday after the Grammys (Feb. 3), however, that daily total shot to 7.50 million — a 595% increase. As for the rest of the Big Four, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was up 74% in daily streams (from 1.37 million on Jan. 26 to 2.4 million on Feb. 3) following its wins for record of the year and song of the year, while Chappell Roan’s catalog rose 50% (from 5.96 million streams on Jan. 26 to 8.99 million streams on Feb. 3) thanks in part to her best new artist victory.
Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” — which received a brightly colored, rodeo clown-filled performance showcase — naturally earned an even bigger bump, rising 109% (851,000 daily streams to 1.77 million) during that span. Other notable gainers thanks to performances included Charli XCX’s “Von Dutch,” which zoomed from 183,000 daily streams to 423,000 (up 130%) following her raucous performance to close out the ceremony; Raye’s “Oscar Winning Tears,” which jumped from 216,000 daily streams to 334,000 (up 54%) thanks to the British artist’s vocal pyrotechnics, and Doechii’s eye-popping medley, which constituted the best performance of the ceremony, helped “Catfish” leap from 210,000 daily streams to 658,000 (up 213%) and “Denial is a River” move from 1.08 million daily streams to 2.08 million (up 93%).
In addition to her performance, Doechii also delivered a moving acceptance speech following her win for best rap album with Alligator Bites Never Heal — a breakthrough moment, which helped her entire catalog soar from 2.84 million daily streams to 8.01 million (up 182%). – JASON LIPSHUTZ
Fetty Wap Is Hot ‘Again’ Thanks to Slightly Confusing Viral Trend
10 years after the New Jersey rapper took the world by storm with hits like “Trap Queen,” “My Way” and “679,” Fetty Wap is hot again – and the conversation is all around his aptly titled 2015 Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit “Again” (No. 33).
Centered around the phrase “blasting Fetty Wap on the JBL speaker,” the joke of the meme is playing he rapper’s songs at particularly inappropriate moments via the JBL. At the top of the new year (Jan. 9), one user used “Again” in a video captioned “How do you think the pilgrims would react if I pulled up to the Mayflower with my JBL speaker and introduced them to Fetty Wap?”; that post currently has over 3.6 million views and a reply from the official History Channel TikTok account. More history–minded posts followed, and near the end of the month (Jan. 24), the trend evolved past historical settings. One user used the official “Again” sound to make a World War III quip, while another used it to make a joke about blasting the track at a friend’s funeral.
According to Luminate, “Again” earned over 4.77 million official on-demand U.S. streams last week (Jan. 24-30). That’s a 265% increase in streaming activity from the 1.3 millin streams it pulled the week prior (Jan. 17-23). Last weekend (Jan. 24-27), the song posted a 387% jump to 6.69 million streams versus the 1.37 million it logged the weekend prior (Jan. 31-Feb. 3). Currently, the official “Again” sound boasts over 250,000 posts. Fetty Wap may unfortunately still be incarcerated, but clearly a comeback isn’t entirely out of the question. — KYLE DENIS
The Who and Stone Roses Jams Get ‘Severance’ Bump
The first season and a quarter of Apple TV’s sci-fi workplace drama Severance has been relatively light on high-profile synchs – but thank Kier, the show is starting to break out the big guns midway through its second season. The third episode of Season Two, “Who Is Alive?,” is bookended with a pair of songs used in big spots: The Stone Roses’ mid-’90s alt-rock hit “Love Spreads” soundtracks a road journey for the (maybe?) villainous Ms. Cobel (Patricia Arquette) to start the show, while the ep ends with The Who’s early-’80s AOR staple “Eminence Front” punctuating a breakthrough moment for protagonist Mark S (Adam Scott).
The synchs haven’t resulted in Stranger Things-sized gains yet for the songs in question, but both saw big bumps following their S2E03 appearance in the hit show. “Love Spreads” racked up a combined 33,000 U.S. on-demand audio streams over the first four days of this tracking week – with the episode premiering on the first day, Friday (Feb. 20) – a gain of 78% over the same period the week prior, according to Luminate. “Eminence Front” was also up 27% to 326,000 over the same time span, while the two songs combined to sell nearly 400 copies after selling under 100 the week before. If Severance keeps up with the inspired synch choices, maybe it’ll be producing legitimately viral hits by the time Mark completes the Cold Harbor project. – ANDREW UNTERBERGER
Yung Bredda Heats Up the Winter with Soca Smash
Between Machel Monatano’s historic NPR Tiny desk set and Yung Bredda’s infectious new hit, soca is having a beautiful start to 2025. Trinidadian soca star Yung Bredda’s “The Greatest Bend Over” — a sweet ode to the woman with “di wickedest bend over” — arrived late last year on Full Blown’s “Big Links” riddim (Dec. 2). The song has quickly become one of the most dominant current hits across the Caribbean with carnival season still to come. Soca is a bit more of a nice genre in the U.S., but “The Greatest Bend Over” is still finding some traction.
During the period of Dec. 13-19, Yung Bredda’s track earned just over 35,000 official on-demand U.S. streams. A little over a month later (Jan. 24-30), the song’s streaming exploded by a whopping 940% to over 367,000 streams. On TikTok, the song’s official sound plays in over 34,400 posts – a number that’s sure to grow as the song continues to enchant different parts of the globe.
Vybz Kartel’s comeback may be giving dancehall all the airtime, but pay attention to the soca scene too! — KD
A Grammy Awards producer is weighing in after Kanye West and Bianca Censori made headlines on the red carpet Sunday (Feb. 2). Ye and Censori stepped on the carpet in Los Angeles, with the latter wearing a floor-length fur coat. When the time came to take photos, Censori removed the coat to reveal a transparent […]
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Jay-Z has dropped a legal complaint against a lawyer who represents a woman saying he assaulted her. The woman claims that when she was 13, both Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulted her. Jay-Z has strongly denied these accusations from the start.
On February 4, Jay-Z’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, sent a letter to the judge, telling her they were pulling the complaint. The complaint was originally asking for punishment against the lawyer, Buzee, for filing a baseless claim. Jay-Z’s team asked to withdraw the request without prejudice, meaning they can bring it up again later if needed.
Buzbee and his team want to find out where Jay-Z was during a Video Music Awards after-party in 2000, the time the woman says she was assaulted. Meanwhile, Jay-Z is still pushing forward with an extortion lawsuit against Buzbee in California.
Jay Z’s team stated, “ “on behalf of Defendant Shawn Carter to respectfully request that Mr. Carter’s Motion for Sanctions pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11 be withdrawn at this time, without prejudice.” Even though Jay-Z pulled the complaint, it doesn’t mean he admits to anything. It’s just a move in the legal game, and Jay-Z is still saying the claims are false. The situation is still unfolding, and it’s unclear how it will end. But for now, this is just one part of a bigger legal battle that’s still ongoing.
More news to come as the story develops.
Travis Kelce is on some Swifties’ bad sides after saying it will be an “honor” to have Donald Trump at the Super Bowl this weekend, with many fans calling the Kansas City Chiefs star’s comment “disappointing” considering the politician’s past remarks about Taylor Swift.
When asked at a Wednesday (Feb. 5) press conference to share his thoughts about the White House’s recent announcement that Trump will attend the Super Bowl — making him the first sitting president to ever do so — Kelce’s response was generally positive. “No matter who the president is, I know I’m excited because it’s the biggest game of my life,” the athlete said.
“It’s a great honor,” he added. “Having the president there — it’s the best country in the world — and that’s pretty cool.”
Kelce’s remark was bound to cause a stir, but fans of the New Heights podcaster’s superstar girlfriend were especially vocal, considering the twice-impeached POTUS’ past comments about Swift. For one, Trump posted “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT” on Truth Social in September after the 14-time Grammy winner endorsed his then-opponent Kamala Harris, and before that, the Republican politician’s campaign used artificially generated images falsely painting Swift as a MAGA supporter leading up to the 2024 election.
“Fence sitting to please the media and public for a man that has directly attacked your girlfriend is lamee,” one person wrote on X shortly after the press conference, while another fan posted, “if my boyfriend says its a great honor to have the man that slanders me constantly i would break up with him immediately.”
“this is disappointing,” added another Swiftie. “he has also publicly insulted your girlfriend multiple times.”
Billboard has reached out to Kelce’s reps for comment.
Not all responses to the Grotesquerie actor’s Trump comments have been negative, however. Some fans have come to Kelce’s defense, with one person writing on X, “he’s made it clear where he stands multiple times and one sh—y pr approved answer isn’t going to change that.”
“Am I supposed to give a f— if Travis kelce said playing the biggest game in his career in front of the president of the United States was an honor?” another supporter added. “you don’t have to agree or like trump to understand what Travis was saying. Yall spin everything in a negative way.”
The tight end’s remark about Trump’s attendance comes just four days ahead of Super Bowl LIX, which will take place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, with the Chiefs aiming for a record third victory in a row as they play against the Philadelphia Eagles. After going to many of her boyfriend’s home games throughout the 2024-25 NFL season, Swift is expected to be present at the final match to cheer him on.
Beyond the Trump question, one topic that has come up a lot in Kelce’s pre-Super Bowl press obligations is the Eras Tour headliner. On Monday, the athlete played coy when reporters asked him about his plans to propose to Swift, whose work ethic he praised elsewhere in that day’s junket.
“I better hold up my end of the bargain, right?” he said of Swift. “She’s up there being the superstar that she is and never taking no for an answer and always working her tail off. I better match that energy for sure.”
See how fans are reacting to Travis Kelce’s comment about Donald Trump’s Super Bowl attendance below.
this is disappointing….aside from the fact that Trump a fascist lmao – he has also publicly has insulted your girlfriend multiple times https://t.co/sDbAKtJcnd— kayla (@SwiftBeSlaying) February 5, 2025
Yall can block me bc im not going to shit talk Travis, he’s made it clear where he stands multiple times and one shitty pr approved answer isn’t going to change that— Maci✨ (Taylor’s Version) (@TorturedRepDept) February 5, 2025
what the fuck else is he supposed to say? if he says anything other than this, he gets ripped to shreds. the man was in a pfizer commercial. he respects women. he’s with taylor swift. he said “not matter who is president.” that’s not an endorsement by ANY means. we all know how… https://t.co/eB38vLi5g4— Lauren 🌻 (@folklaurenx) February 5, 2025
Am I supposed to give a fuck if Travis kelce said playing the biggest game in his career in front of the president of the United States was an honor? you don’t have to agree or like trump to understand what Travis was saying. Yall spin everything in a negative way.— (Mackenzie’s version)🪷 (@kenziecae) February 5, 2025
Travis Scott is looking to bring a unique live performance to his Coachella set in April. With “4×4” debuting atop the Billboard Hot 100 this week, Scott wants to have a marching band from a historically Black university join him in Indio, California. La Flame took to X in search of the best HBCU band, […]
It’s been nearly five years since Pop Smoke (Bashar Jackson) was killed in California’s Hidden Hills — and now, the only adult defendant in the murder trial has reached a plea deal. According to Rolling Stone, Corey Walker, 24, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and home invasion robbery charges in Los Angeles court on Wednesday […]
Featuring memorable show introductions from Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and more.
Gabito Ballesteros is proud to be part of a Super Bowl LIX broadcast on Sunday (Feb. 9). The Mexican artist will appear in a video singing alongside Puerto Rican urban star Anuel AA just before the game begins on FOX Deportes.
“It’s Mexican music and Latin culture within this great event that is seen by millions of people,” Ballesteros tells Billboard Español. “Thank God they will know our music, our history, and it fills us with pride to be here.”
It was not specified which song they will perform. The video will serve as the opening for the channel’s broadcast of the most anticipated sporting event of the year in the U.S.: the NFL Super Bowl. This year, it’s the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome stadium in New Orleans.
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According to FOX Deportes, the collaboration between the Mexican music singer and the Puerto Rican trap and reggaetón performer was recorded in December in Mexico City and “maintains the tradition of connecting with diverse audiences through music, culture and sports.” In the past, other prominent Mexican figures — such as Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Los Tigres del Norte and Banda MS — have similarly inaugurated the channel’s Super Bowl telecast.
About his participation alongside Anuel AA, Ballesteros says he was “excited to be able to share this experience with these type of people who are an important part of Latin music” — adding, “I felt a great connection with him, and I look forward to something in the future.”
When asked if he was a fan of American football, he replied that he was a big fan of all sports and the discipline that comes with being an athlete. “In general, I admire all the teams. I look up to them and I know they will offer a great game,” he says.
Originally from the Mexican state of Sonora, Gabriel “Gabito” Ballesteros is recognized as a key figure in the corridos tumbado music movement. He has topped the charts with hits such as “Lady Gaga” with Peso Pluma and Junior H, and “AMG” with Peso and Natanael Cano, two songs that made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 across all genres in 2023. Last year, he debuted on multiple charts with his album The GB. Most recently, he signed with George Prajin‘s Double P Management.
Emmanuel Gazmey, better known as Anuel AA, rose to stardom in the reggaetón, rap and trap genres. Among other chart achievements, four of his albums have reached No. 1 on Top Latin Albums, including Real Hasta la Muerte (2018), Emmanuel (2020), Los Dioses (2021) with Ozuna and Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren (2021).
For years now, fans of queer country crooner Orville Peck have waited for the day when they might sneak a peek at him without his iconic mask covering his face. On Tuesday (Feb. 4), they got just a little bit closer. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news […]