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Watch THE BOYZ Discuss Final Part in ‘Phantasy’ Album Series, Tour Plans & Fashion Styles

Seven months after THE BOYZ initially introduced their three-part Phantasy album series with Christmas in August, the K-pop group completed the 15-track project with the final chapter Love Letter.

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Led by the sentimental single “Nectar,” THE BOYZ member Kevin says the final chapter in their trilogy delivers an “emotional-but-hopeful kind of vibe” for Love Letter that contrasts the summery, shimmering pop single “Lip Gloss” for Christmas in August, and their dark and experimental “Watch It” single for Pt. 2 Sixth Sense. “At this point in our career, we want to tackle what we haven’t done before.”

“I really hope through this trilogy that we got to really emphasize Phantasy and our fans were able to see a lot of different sides of THE BOYZ,” Jacob told Billboard News‘ Tetris Kelly during a visit to Los Angeles with his members Kevin, Juyeon, Hyunjae and Eric. “As we are ending it off with ‘Nectar,’ saying goodbye to our bittersweet memories and going for our happier new future, I hope you guys just come along with us and we’ll be able to show you what we have in store.”

Now that their Phantasy releases are complete, THE BOYZ say it’s time to perform these new songs live for fans.

“Our fans have been dying for us to go on a tour and I think it’s about time,” Eric says. “We are going to make it happen this year,” with Kevin making sure to add, “We may or may not be seeing you in your own city/country.”

Before they do make their way back to the States, fans can stay on top of their additional musical activities by following them on TikTok where Kevin delivers Beyoncé covers, Jacob plays guitar in his pajamas, and all 11 of THE BOYZ sing, dance, and share their lives.

We don’t really get to do a lot of musical production in our group for our own music, so I like to experiment and do things on TikTok,” Kevin says. It’s my musical outlet, and I like to do a lot of covers there.”

Jacob agrees with that sentiment, adding, “Since we’re in a group, I don’t really get to play the guitar and sing for the fans, so I use TikTok for my pajama karaoke covers.”

While Juyeon, Hyunjae, and Kevin have all attended events and linked up with different fashion brands, like Dior, Gucci, and Jeremy Scott, the guys also shared some surprising insight into their personal style during the sitdown.

“Whenever we have events where our stylist can potentially dress us in casual clothing, we opt for our own clothes instead of our stylists’ clothes,” Kevin shares. “We like to dress ourselves as much as we can.”

Watch the full Billboard News interview above for more from Kevin, Juyeon, Jacob, Hyunjae and Eric on THE BOYZ’s Phantasy album, plus find out who among them is most likely to snack at midnight, run late getting ready, know another K-pop group’s choreography and more.



*NSYNC Reunion Is ‘Paradise’ for Hopeful Fans — But Will It Lead to Anything Else?

*NSYNC fans got what they’d been begging for last week, when the blockbuster boy band reunited at Justin Timberlake‘s one-night-only show at The Wiltern in Los Angeles to play snippets of four of their hits and perform their new song “Paradise” for the very first time. So now that we’ve seen the quintet back together — following their 2002 hiatus and their last performance at the 2013 MTV VMAs — what’s next?

On the Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking all about the pleasant surprise of the reunion and what it could possibly lead to, from the band getting back together on Timberlake’s upcoming tour, to more new music, to their own stadium trek. (We can dream!) Plus, Katie was inside The Wiltern when it all went down, and she takes you inside the intimate venue for the history-making concert.

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Listen below:

Also on the show, we’ve got chart news on how Ariana Grande debuts at No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 albums chart with Eternal Sunshine and on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart with “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love).” Plus, a dozen songs from the album are on the Hot 100, including the set’s lone track to feature another performer — who just so happens to be Grande’s 98-year-old grandmother, Marjorie “Nonna” Grande.

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)

What Is Amazon’s Big Spring Sale? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

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.

Surprise! Amazon is throwing its first-ever Big Spring Sale, and it’s expected to usher in major savings in time for the new season.

The Big Spring Sale is timed perfectly with the spring equinox, which officially starts Tuesday (March 19). Whether you’re shopping for spring essentials, non-essentials, or bestsellers such as Echo and Kindle devices, outdoor furniture, lawn and garden tools, cleaning supplies, outdoor furniture, fitness gear and plenty more, Amazon’s sale has something for every kind of bargain hunter.

Keep reading for more details about Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.

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When does the Big Spring Sale Start?

The Big Spring Sale will take place March 20-25. Shoppers will find new deals each day during the multi-day sale event.

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Is the Sale for Prime Members Only?

No! Unlike Prime Day, Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is open to all shoppers. However, Prime members will get access to exclusive, member-only deals.

The membership is $14.99 per month or $139 for the annual plan. Amazon offers a 50% discount for students and qualifying government assistance recipients. Prime members get access to Prime Video, Amazon Music, Prime Gaming, Amazon Photos, RxPass, Grubhub+ and exclusive Prime deals.

Additionally, Prime members get fast and free one-day, two-day and same-day shipping on millions of items. Click below here to launch your 30-day free trial.

What to Expect: How Deep are the Discounts?

Amazon’s spring sale is open to all customer, which means you won’t need a Prime Membership to enjoy savings of up to 50% off on select beauty products, sports, outdoor equipment and more. The sale includes up to 40% off select electronics, clothes for spring and home products.

Now that you’re all caught up, be sure to check back for a list of updated sales to shop once the sale kicks off.

See below for a roundup of deals that you can shop right now.

SOJOS Retro Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

$12.74

$19.99

36% off

Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème to Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick, Champagne Shimmer

$16.00

$18.00

11% off

GuruNanda Coconut Oil Pulling with 7 Essential Oils and Vitamin D3, E, K2

$13.99

$16.49

15% off

Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet- 2022, ages 6-12 | 8″ HD screen

$99.99

$149.99

33% off

Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | Designed for Kids

$39.99

$59.99

33% off

Sperax Walking Pad,Under Desk Treadmill, 320 Lb. Capacity

$239.99

$299.99

20% off

BISSELL CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum

$69.99

$79.99

13% off

Jabra Elite 8 Active Wireless Earbuds

$159.99

$199.99

20% off

Sensyne 62″ Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick, Extendable Cell Phone Tripod

$23.19

$28.99

20% off

INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank

$17.99

$29.99

40% off

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones

$128

$149.99

15% off

Amazon

All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

$39.99

$49.99

20% off

TCL 75-Inch Q6 QLED 4K Smart TV with Google

$599.99

$899.99

33% off

Best Choice Products Set of 2 Adjustable Steel Mesh Zero Gravity Lounge Chair Recliners

$89.98

$129.99

31% off

J. Cole “Might Delete Later, Vol. 2,” Rod Wave ft. Toosii “Me And You” & More | Daily Visuals 3.19.24

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2023 NBA Finals - Game Three

A few weeks ago, J. Cole teased his triumphant return when he dropped a new verse that had social media buzzing. Last night, the MC from NC once again gave his day-ones something to chirp about as he offered up a second serving of what he’s been cooking in the kitchen.

With his next album The Fall Off set to drop sometime soon, J. Cole dropped off some gritty visuals for “Might Delete Later, Vol. 2” in which the rapper bikes it through the city on some humble sh*t while spitting his verse and looking like an everyday civilian just enjoying a day out on the town. The average person would never think this man is one of the most famous rappers in the Hip-Hop game.

On the R&B tip, Rod Wave seems to be enjoying the life he’s built for himself, and in his Toosii-assisted clip to “Me And You,” the plus-sized crooner shows how he pushes everything from cars to bikes to jet skis as he spends time with his family while wifey polishes up his pricey gold chain collection.

Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from Joyner Lucas featuring Jelly Roll, Jade Malone, and more.

J. COLE – “MIGHT DELETE LATER, VOL. 2”



ROD WAVE FT. TOOSII – “ME AND YOU”



JOYNER LUCAS FT. JELLY ROLL – “BEST FOR ME”



JADE MALONE – “NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG”



ELMIENE – “CRYSTAL TEARS”



SHAI ROSE – “LONI”



DAVIDO – “AWAY”



GLOSS UP – “BARBIE DANGEROUS”



Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty

Dua Lipa On New Album ‘Radical Optimism,’ Nicki Nicole Healing From Split & More | Billboard News

Billboard News exclusively sat down with Dua Lipa. The pop star opened up about her upcoming album ‘Radical Optimism.’ Nicki Nicole is on the cover of Billboard Español and we sat down with Jessica Roiz to get the inside scoop on her conversation with Argentina’s pioneering urban artist. K-pop boy band THE BOYZ members Kevin, Jacob, Hyunjae Lee, Juyeon Lee and Eric stopped by Billboard News to talk about their latest album ‘PHANTASY Pt. 3,’ how fans inspired them to write their song “Love Letter,” and more!

Tetris Kelly
International icon Dua Lipa invited us to chat her new album, and I got to hang with my new besties The Boyz, Nicki Nicole is on the cover of Billboard. And we go backstage with Bebe Rexha and Maren Morris. This is Billboard News for March 19th. And this may be the best episode ever, and I promise I don’t say that every day. First off yesterday, Ariana Grande topped the Billboard Hot 100 And did the sweetest posts, thanking her fans saying, “Let’s promise to keep going.” Congrats Ari and we are all about the pop queens today. Yes, I sat with Dua Lipa, how is this new era of Dua Lipa feeling?

Dua Lipa
It feels good I mean it feels for lack of a better word radically optimistic

Tetris Kelly
The date is May 3rd and the project is Dua Lipa’s ‘Radical Optimism’ and we had the sweetest chat with the pop star about the brand new album, bad dates and oh, and the Spice Girls. The cover is kind of a juxtaposition, right you’re in this calm water, the shark so tell me the inspiration behind the cover art?

Dua Lipa
Throughout the whole record there is this idea of chaos happening around and me trying to push through it in a way that feels authentic and honest. To me this is obviously an overly dramatic way to to explain that but I feel like it says radical optimism to me in the in the clearest sense of being in deep waters.

Watch the full video above!

XG Announces Initial Dates for First World Tour: See the Schedule

XG announced the details of its highly anticipated first world tour kicking off in May, entitled XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL.” 

The seven-member girl group that recently celebrated its second anniversary on Mar. 18 is set to launch its global trek in Japan two months later on May 18 and 19 at the Osaka-jo Hall. The group will then perform at K Arena Yokohama on May 25 and 26 and go on to do shows in a number of Asian cities and regions including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, and Manila.

The tour is also scheduled to hit North America in October and Europe in November, with details to be announced later.

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The announcement was made during a livestream on Monday celebrating the group’s second anniversary on Instagram and the band’s official fan club “ALPHAZ.” XG members shared: “We decided on this title because we want to meet with our fans (collectively called ALPHAZ) from all over the world and resonate with you through this world tour. We have concerts planned for regions other than the ones announced today, so please look forward to them.” “There are still so many things we want to do as XG, so we hope to make them come true with ALPHAZ and go to space together!”

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ALPHAZ are invited to check out the movie celebrating the group’s second anniversary since its debut called XG 2nd Anniversary Movie ‘Space Conference.’



XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Schedule

May 18 & 19 Osaka, Japan / Osaka-jo Hall

May 25 & 26 Kanagawa, Japan / K Arena Yokohama

PARTYNEXTDOOR Announces New Album, Christian Nodal’s On Stage Fiesta & More at Billboard’s The Stage at SXSW | Billboard News

PARTYNEXTDOOR announces his new album, Christian Nodal has an on stage fiesta, ILLENIUM brings the hype at Billboard’s The Stage at SXSW in Austin, Texas.

Tetris Kelly
The Stage at South by Southwest presented by Billboard was the place to be in Austin last weekend.

Tetris Kelly
PARTYNEXTDOOR kicked off the three day concert series with an epic performance and a surprise album announcement. While, Friday was a fiesta at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park thanks to Christian Nodal.

Tetris Kelly
Billboard closed out the bash with an incredible DJ set from ILLENIUM, proving everything in Texas is bigger including the fun.

Lil Nas X Runs Half Marathon In Coach Sneakers, Ends Up In Wheelchair

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2024 NYRR Half Marathon

Lil Nas X tried to get his miles up in New York City but went about it the wrong way. The entertainer ran a half marathon in Coach sneakers and left in a wheelchair.

As reported by Yahoo! Life, the “Industry Baby” performer participated in the New York City Half Marathon on Sunday, March 17. While the man born Montero Lamar Hill admitted to not properly training for the competition, typically anywhere from three to four months prior depending on skill, he did finish the race with a time of 2:32:53. According to Page Six he has never run more than three miles in one shot nor ran outdoors.

Aside from the inadequate training Lil Nas X, avoided the traditional gear worn by runners. His fit included a green long-sleeve t-shirt, black adidas shorts, a shimmery velvet durag, and high-top footwear. The shoes in question were not running sneakers but a pair of Coach Distressed High Tops. Featuring a leather upper and rubber outsole, these shoes are the opposite of what you want to wear for a 13-mile outing.

In 2022, Lil Nas X starred in a campaign for Coach.

After the race he shared an update he shared a video via his Instagram Story while in a wheelchair saying “Well… the race went well,” he joked. “It’s giving race!” The “Old Town Road” performer then shared a photo of with a caption saying “hey at least i made [it] tuh”.

You can see the footage pre and post-race below.

Photo: Getty

Gylan Kain, Founding Member Of The Last Poets, Has Died

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Right On!

Gylan Kain, a founding member of the famed spoken word group The Last Poets, has died as shared in a recently published report. The family of Kain did not initially release details of his death, which happened early last month.

The New York Times reports that Gylan Kain died in the city of Lelystad in the Netherlands while at a nursing home. According to Kain’s son, Rufus Kain, his father passed away from heart disease.

As seen on the website of founding The Last Poets member Abiodun Oyewole, the group got its start in 1968. Below is an excerpt from the biography section of Oyewole’s page:

The Last Poets were born on May 19, 1968, when David Nelson, Gylan Kain, and Abiodun Oyewole read poetry at a memorial for Malcolm X. Their goal was to be a poetic voice for Malcolm’s call for self-determination and Black Nationalism. Like many black activists of the time, they were tired of Martin Luther King’s integrationist agenda. They were much more influenced by the politics of radical members of the SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee), the SDS Students for a Democratic Society), and the Black Panthers.

The name of the group was taken from a poem by the South African revolutionary poet Keorapetse William Kgositsile, who posited the necessity of putting aside poetry in the face of looming revolution: “When the moment hatches in time’s womb there will be no art talk,” he wrote. “The only poem you will hear will be the spearpoint pivoted in the punctured marrow of the villain….Therefore we are the last poets of the world.”

Fans of Earl Sweatshirt might know that the late Kgositsile is his father and has been a focus in some of the rapper’s lyrics throughout his career.

The Last Poets are often seen as the precursor to the Hip-Hop pillar of rapping, and their recorded works have been sampled by Hip-Hop artists. Further, many of the group’s members and their various incarnations have worked alongside the likes of Common, Nas, and Public Enemy among others.

Kain shortly turned to acting after his initial stint with the group and performed in a handful of stage productions. In the 1980s, Kain relocated to Amsterdam and continued to record music, and remained an actor. He was previously married to June Lum and the couple had three children.

Gylan Kain is survived by Rufus Kain, Khalil Kain, Khayyam Kain, Khayyam Kain, and Amber Kain along with seven grandchildren.

He was 81.

Photo: Getty

Dua Lipa Reveals Her Favorite Spice Girl & the ‘Chaos’ That Inspired ‘Radical Optimism’

Dua Lipa is gearing up to release her upcoming album, Radical Optimism, and she sat down with Billboard‘s Tetris Kelly to discuss the inspiration behind the project.

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“[Releasing the album] feels good. It feels for lack of a better word — radically optimistic,” she shared, before explaining the idea behind the album cover, which features the singer floating in a wide open ocean facing a shark fin. “Throughout the whole record, there’s this idea of chaos happening around and me trying to push through it in a way that feels authentic and honest to me.”

The upcoming LP features her already released singles “Houdini” and “Training Season,” the latter of which Lipa says started out as a “joke” in the studio. “I’d been on a couple of dates, like a string of bad dates,” she recalled. “I went into the studio and was like, ‘Right, I’m done. I don’t want to meet anyone. Training season is over. I’m done training these boys.’”

As a British girl, Lipa is, of course, a fan of the Spice Girls, and revealed how she never got to portray her favorite member of the group on the elementary school playground. “I always wanted to be Baby Spice, but no one wanted to let me be Baby Spice because I wasn’t blonde,” she said. “It was a playground hierarchy. It was like, ‘Alright, you get to be Posh.’”

The 11-track Radical Optimism — Lipa’s first proper LP since 2020’s Future Nostalgia — arrives May 3. Watch the full interview above.