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12 Jan 2024

Billboard Explains: The Rise of ITZY

Tetris Kelly:
ITZY is no stranger to the Billboard charts. The K-pop girl group first charted back in 2019, and since then, have racked up multiple entries across different charts. And with the release of their new album BORN TO BE, it’s just the beginning.

This is Billboard Explains: The Rise of ITZY.

Since ITZY made their mark on the music scene, the girl group has appeared on a bunch of different Billboard charts, including the Billboard 200, thanks to albums like CRAZY IN LOVE, the first album, which peaked at No. 11 and featured the track “LOCO” and Checkmate mini-album, which peaked at No. 8. That same EP also debuted at No. 1 on the World Albums Chart, taking the top spot for a week in July 2022.

Other notable chart highlights include four songs in the Global 200 including “In the Morning,” which peaked at No. 34. 10 songs on the World Digital Song Sales Chart, including “DALLA DALLA” and five songs on the Global 200 Excl. US Chart, including “Not Shy,” which reached No. 70 in September 2020.

It’s clear that ITZY knows how to make a Billboard chart hit, and we can’t wait to see where BORN TO BE takes them next.

Watch the full video above!

12 Jan 2024

Executive Turntable: Deezer Adds Chief Commercial Officer; Atlantic Promotes Three; Resnik Makes It Raines

It’s time for another quick spin around the Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across music.

Deezer appointed veteran tech and media executive Ivana Kirkbride as chief commercial officer, with an eye on boosting commercial partnerships and fueling further global expansion at the Paris-based streaming service. Kirkbride recently co-founded Creators.org, a non-profit advancing creator rights, and since June 2023 had been an advisor at Emirates Capital, with a focus on tech. Prior to that she was director of product marketing at Meta and a decade ago was a lead strategist for original programming and acquisitions at YouTube. Based in Deezer’s Paris headquarters, Kirkbride will report to the company’s CEO, Stéphane Rougeot.

“Ivana has an excellent track record in leadership roles across business development, sales and product innovation in tech and media, which makes her a fantastic addition to Deezer,” said Rougeot. “We are aiming for significant growth and Ivana is exactly the right person to take the lead as we expand our partnership business.”

Elliot A. Resnik joined Raines Feldman Littrell LLP (Raines) as partner in the firm’s entertainment and media group. Resnick, a regular honoree in Billboard‘s list of top music lawyers, was most recently partner and chair of entertainment at Masur Griffitts Avidor, where his clients included Run The Jewels, Killer Mike, National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), Yotto and more. That roster, which also includes producers Dave Sardy and Keith Harris, Giant Step Marketing and Convicts Agency, comes with him to Raines. Earlier in his career, Resnik spent more than a decade at Herbsman, Hafer, Weber & Frisch, where he rose to senior counsel, and in the early oughts he was an in-house attorney at TVT Records. Elliot will be based in Raines’ New York office. “I’ve known Elliot since he was a feisty newly-minted lawyer just entering the music business and watched him and his client base grow throughout the course of his career,” said Andy Tavel, chair of media & entertainment. “He has now become an innovative and collaborative lawyer, negotiating cutting-edge deals at the highest levels.”

Atlantic Records went and promoted three vp-level execs. Jason Davis, who oversees media campaigns for Jack Harlow, Ed Sheeran, Lil Uzi Vert and others, and oh-by-the-way has been at the label for 14 years, was promoted to senior vp of media engagement and strategy. Ring-a-ding, Brittany Bell got a bump to vp of media relations and will continue handling media rollouts for a roster that includes Roddy Ricch, Don Toliver and Bruno Mars. Finally, Jordan Chalmers is promoted to vp of custom activations and emerging technology, which means he’ll work with outside creators, tech partners and platforms on developing cool marketing efforts for Atlantic acts. To date, Chalmers has worked on bespoke campaigns for A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Lil Uzi Vert, among others.

Arista Records brought in a couple industry pros to amp up its New York office. Sharon Timure, a 20-year veteran of Island Records, will oversee all marketing efforts at the label as — you guessed it — head or marketing. During her Island time, she worked across multiple marketing spaces and focused on building the careers of superstars like The Killers, Demi Lovato and up-and-comers Bon Jovi. Over in the publicity department, Kelsey Hession joined from Glassnote Records to be Arista’s new publicity lead. Prior to G-note, where she worked with Phoenix, CHVRCHES and the like, she put in time at Live Nation, SONGS Music Publishing and Hiltzik Strategies. Both report to president and CEO David Massey and general manager Veronica Sanjines. “Sharon brings an incredible prowess to developing artists with a progressive marketing strategy and Kelsey’s forward-thinking approach to media will be a driving force to build buzz around our roster,” glowed Massey.

Warner Music India promoted Sujal Parekh to general manager of operations in the emerging market. It’s a big move for Parekh, who joined WMI as finance director in February 2021. In his new role, he’ll co-pilot the business with managing director Jay Mehta and work to drive growth across digital operations, artist management, publishing, live events and strategic M&As, among other duties. Prior to joining team WMG, Parekh spent 10 years at Bigtree Entertainment’s BookMyShow, where he rose to associate vp of finance. “We believe in empowering our team by offering greater responsibilities and nurturing leaders within the organisation,” said Mehta. “This marks a pivotal moment as Sujal’s leadership will help guide many aspects of our business. His expertise will be vital as we strategically expand our local operations and empower our artists and partners to leverage Warner Music’s global resources to deliver unparalleled success.”

Endurance Music Group promoted Lauren Funk to the newly-created role of vp of publishing. Funk joined EMG in 2021 and has been instrumental in signing/retaining writers including Jordan Schmidt, Scooter Carusoe and Jake Rose. Funk will continue to manage the company’s relationships with its roster of hitmakers including Matt Stell and songwriter-producers Seth Alley and Paul Sikes, as well as identifying and signing new talent. –Jessica Nicholson

Gibson Brands put a ring on it with Luke Ericson, the iconic instrument maker’s interim chief operating officer since last May. As permanent COO, Ericson will continue his efforts to reorganize the business around manufacturing, planning and enterprise solutions to shape Gibson’s global strategy. Ericson joined the Les Paul maker from equity firm KKR, where he was an operating partner. Prior to KKR, he did some turnaround consulting — helping business recover from cash flow problems — at AlixPartners and around his native Australia. He reports to Cesar Gueikian, president and CEO of Gibson, who says “Luke’s overall experience as an operations expert, successfully serving in multiple leadership roles, uniquely positions him to drive operational excellence for Gibson. I have full confidence in Luke’s ability to lead our office of the COO, and Gibson, into the future.”

Indie distributor TuneCore named Akhila Shankar as the company’s new head of South Asia markets. The Mumbai-based executive will work to grow and manage TuneCore’s roster in the region, plus eye partnership opportunities and deliver innovative marketing campaigns for the company and its artists. Shankar arrives from Luminary, where she served as director of international. Earlier in here career she spent more than seven years at music streamer JioSaavn, rising to director of brand, communications and marketing. She will report to Tash Shah, TuneCore’s vp of international, as well as Vivek Raina, a regional managing director at TuneCore parent Believe. Shankar’s appointment follows the departure of former head of TuneCore, South Asia, Heena Kriplani.

ICYMI:

Joe Gallo

Jack Sussman is stepping down as evp of specials, music, live events and alternative programming for CBS Entertainment. While, Mackenzie Mitchell has been upped to vp of specials and Mitch Graham is now evp of alternative … Columbia promoted Joe Gallo (pictured) to general manager … Beatport bumped Matt Gralen to president and Helen Sartory to CRO … former Bosstone-ian Nate Albert was appointed president of Giant Music … and Utopia Music has hired its third CEO in a year and brought in a new COO.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences promoted Teni Melidonian to chief Oscars officer. In this newly created position, Melidonian will lead strategy, talent relations, special events and production teams for all awards programs and events throughout Oscars season. She’ll collaborate with the Oscars producers and show host; the Oscars’ broadcast partner, Disney/ABC; and Academy leadership, and oversee the teams involved in developing and executing the Oscars. Melidonian was most recently executive vp of Oscars Strategy. She began her Academy career in 2005 as a publicist, advancing to head communications and publicity and overseeing brand strategy and marketing before moving over to lead the Oscars Strategy team. She’ll continue to report directly to Academy CEO Bill Kramer. In addition, MaryJane Partlow has been upped to evp of awards production and special events. Partlow will report to Melidonian. Partlow joined the Academy in 2013 and most recently held the position of senior vp of awards production and special events. –Paul Grein

London-based live music agency One Fiinix Live hired rock-steady Bex Wedlake as its newest agent, effective immediately. Wedlake, who’s based in the US but will work alongside the UK crew, brings a roster that includes Black Stone Cherry, GWAR, Halestorm, Tiny Dancing Parts, Dance Gavin Dance, The Subways and who can forget Hoobastank. “Not only does she bring with her an incredible wealth of experience and a fantastic roster that aligns perfectly with our aspirations, but Bex has time and again spotted and developed new talent with a remarkable hit rate,” said One Fiinix Live founder and CEO Jon Ollier, who personally books the company’s biggest client, Ed Sheeran. Reach her at bex.wedlake@onefiinix.com.

Board Shorts: Sylvia Coleman resigned as independent non-executive director of Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, effective immediately. HSFL chairman Robert Naylor thanked Coleman, who was appointed in 2019, for helping as the board “has transitioned and reshaped itself” … The Copyright Alliance announced Richard James Burgess, president and CEO of A2IM, and Shannon Sorensen, senior vp of legal & business affairs at NMPA, as its newest at-large board members. Both will be serving two-year terms … Eight new patrons have joined Music Venue Trust, the UK charity backing grassroots music venues. They include singer/songwriters Jamie Webster, Hamish Hawk and Hannah White, DJ Jeff Automatic, bands Reverend and the Makers, Noah & The Loners and CHROMA, and Minister for Creative Industries John Whittingdale … PRS Foundation‘s board chair Nitin Sawhney will vacate that spot to become the UK music charity’s first patron, a role that will see him “work tirelessly in supporting talent development, management and promotion” … Speaking of patrons, Patreon hired Block veteran Paige Fitzgerald as the creator subscription platform’s new chief operating officer.

MSG Entertainment promoted Jessica Tuttle from senior to executive vp of productions. In this elevated role, Tuttle will continue to oversee operations for the legendary — and highly lucrative — Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes, which had its highest revenue run ever in 2022. She joined MSGE back in 2010 and has held roles in various sides of the business, including ticketing and touring of family productions. Tuttle will continue to report to James Dolan, executive chairman and CEO. “Throughout her tenure at MSG Entertainment, Jessica has been instrumental in growing our productions business by focusing on revenue-driving strategies, strategic partnerships, and brand growth,” said Dolan. “I am confident she will continue to develop new opportunities for the Rockettes and Christmas Spectacular brands in this expanded role.”

Brooklyn arts and media institution BRIC appointed Saidah Blount as executive director of its flagship live event program, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!. The annual performing arts series, which lives at the Lena Horne Bandshell in the Olmsted-and-Vaux designed Prospect Park, turns 46 this year. Blount and co. will focus up on bridging BCC! Into the digital space. She was previously global marketing director at Sonos, where she helped develop the audio tech company’s music service, Sonos Radio.

Fair Trade Services promoted two executives: Darren Elrod has been elevated to president, while James Rueger has been upped to chief creative officer. Both will report to FTS founder and CEO Jeff Moseley. Elrod joined FTS three years ago as COO, and previously served as COO at Provident Music Group. Rueger joined FTS in 2005 as an A&R manager, rising to his most recent role of svp of A&R before being named CCO. –JN

Music Will, a New Jersey-based non-profit that “equips educators to teach, students to learn, and lives to be transformed through music education,” appointed Mike Wasserman to chief executive officer, effective Jan. 16. In his new role, Wasserman will prioritize widening the organization’s already considerable reach — its teachers currently serve over 500,000 students in more than 600 cities throughout the U.S. He’s coming to Music Will from the Constructive Dialog Institue, where he serves as vp for growth and development. “In every conversation I’ve had with members of the Music Will community, that same passion for music feels so present,” says Wasserman. “It’s energizing and inspiring.”

Genesis Garcia joined music PR agency Orienteer as a publicist. She brings Teezo Touchdown to an Orienteer roster that includes 100 Gecs, BADBADNOTGOOD, Clams Casino, Dave, Earl Sweatshirt, King Krule, Hudson Mohawke and dozens more. Garcia arrives from RCA, where as associate director of publicity she was pivotal in the careers of Teezo, Steve Lacy and Victoria Monet, a seven-time nominee at the upcoming Grammy Awards, including best new artist and record of the year. Prior to RCA, Garcia worked in artist relations and A&R during a four-year stint at Def Jam Recordings.

Josh Posner is AMIBA Consulting‘s new vp and head of music and brand development. Formerly head of biz dev at Proof Holdings, Posner is better known in music circles as founder of JP Bookings, which has booked live shows featuring Diplo, Big Sean, Alesso and others. “Amiba specializes in providing brands access to talent – representing music artists, actors, creators, and more,” Posner noted in a LinkedIn post announcing his new gig. “What interested me most about the company is their groundbreaking work brokering deals between talent and startups, while working directly with talent to create new brands and businesses from their IP.”

Full-service entertainment agency EastCoast Entertainment promoted Kaitlin Sweeney to managing partner. She joined ECE as an agent in 2014 and assumed the role of manager of their Philadelphia location in 2017. “We are elated to add Kaitlin to our ownership team,” said ECE president John Wolfslayer. “Her passion, leadership and commitment to our artists, clients and employees exemplifies our vision and goals as a company.”

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office appointed Sharon Israel as chief policy officer and director for international affairs. In her role, Israel will lead U.S. delegations to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), head the USPTO’s Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA) and play a vital role in U.S. copyright diplomacy in countries around the globe. “RIAA is enthusiastic about the Office’s continued trajectory under Ms. Israel’s leadership and we are very much looking forward to partnering on creative community priorities such as safeguarding copyright protection in the context of AI, including in the US pursuant to the recent Executive Order, as well as in multilateral work in the G7, OECD and other forums,” says RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier. “We are equally eager to work together with the OPIA Director to push back against highly-concerning text-and-data-mining exceptions to copyright overseas, including in Japan and Singapore.”

Last Week’s Turntable: DICE Pays Piper to Handle Communications

12 Jan 2024

HARDY Announces Quit!! Tour, Reveals ‘Becoming the Crow’ Short Film

Singer-songwriter HARDY is turning what could have been a discouraging early career moment into not only the title of his new spoken-word track, “Quit!!,” but also the namesake of his newly announced tour, which launches in May.

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The 15-date trek will begin May 30 in Rogers, Ark., and will wrap July 27 in Tinley Park, Ill. Opening for HARDY are Kip Moore, Travis Denning, Ella Langley and Stephen Wilson Jr.

In accepting his ACM songwriter of the year honor in 2022, HARDY used his acceptance speech as vindication, recalling a singer-songwriter show from his early days in Nashville, when someone slipped a napkin into his tip jar. On it was written a simple message: “Quit!”

HARDY used that discouragement as fuel, and in “Quit!!,” lays out his journey from struggling Nashville newcomer to writing hit songs for Florida Georgia Line and Morgan Wallen, then coming into his own as an artist and forging new paths with his country-rock hybrid project The Mockingbird & The Crow, which has cemented his current status as a multi-genre hitmaker, thanks to rock chart hits “Jack” and “Sold Out.”

“Thank you for inspiring me to be great,” HARDY said in a statement. “I guess sometimes holding a grudge is a good thing.”

While “Quit!!” details HARDY’s journey, he offered fans a deeper glimpse into this current state with the release of the 22-minute short film Becoming The Crow which released Jan. 11. The Justin Clough-directed project highlighted two 2023 nights — one on Jan. 23 as he played a double-header at The Troubadour and The Roxy, while on Oct. 26, he launched the first night of a three-night stand at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. The film features not only HARDY, but producers Joey Moi and David Garcia, label head and manager Seth England and manager Troy “Tracker” Johnson, HARDY’s band mates, touring camp, and others.

Tickets for the Quit!! tour go on sale Friday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. local time, with select fan pre-sales starting Tuesday, Jan. 16. Buy tickets here.

Quit!! tour Dates

  • May 30 – Rogers, Ark. – Walmart AMP ♠*◎
  • May 31 – St. Louis, Mo. – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre ♠*◎
  • June 1 – Noblesville, Ind. – Ruoff Music Center ♠*◎
  • June 6 – Toronto, Ont. – Budweiser Stage ♠*◎
  • June 7 – Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Broadview Stage at SPAC ♠*◎
  • June 8 – Buffalo, N.Y. – Darien Lake Amphitheater ♠*
  • June 14 – Charlotte, N.C. – PNC Music Pavilion ♠*✭
  • June 15 – Raleigh, N.C. – Coastal Credit Union Music Park ♠*✭
  • June 20 – Holmdel, N.J. – PNC Bank Arts Center ♠*✭
  • June 21 – Mansfield, Mass. – Xfinity Center ♠*✭
  • June 22 – Gilford, N.H. – BankNH Pavilion ♠*✭
  • June 27 – Camden, N.J. – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion ♠*✭
  • June 28 – Bristow, Va. – Jiffy Lube Live ♠*✭
  • July 25 – Cincinnati, Ohio – Riverbend Music Center ♠*
  • July 27 – Tinley Park, Ill. – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre ♠*

♠ Kip Moore
* Travis Denning
✭ Ella Langley
◎ Stephen Wilson Jr.

12 Jan 2024

The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ Becomes First Song to Hit 4 Billion Streams on Spotify: See His Reaction

The Weeknd is now the first artist to rack up 4 billion streams for a single song on Spotify, with “Blinding Lights” hitting the milestone this week.

“I’ll never stop being humbled by anything I create making its way to millions of people let alone billions!” The Weeknd (real name: Abel Tesfaye) says in an exclusive statement. “I’m so thankful this song makes people feel a way that they keep going back to listen.”

“Blinding Lights” was released in November 2019 as the second single from The Weeknd’s fourth studio album, After Hours. It spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the first song to remain in the chart’s top 10 for an entire year. In November 2021, “Blinding Lights” dethroned Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” as the No. 1 Hot 100 hit of all time, topping Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Hot 100 chart.

Streaming played a big role in the unprecedented success of the song, which surpassed Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” in December 2022 to become the most-streamed song on Spotify.

“The Weeknd continues to reach new heights year after year on Spotify,” Jeremy Erlich, Spotify’s global head of music, tells Billboard. “This is one of many records he has broken with us. As our platform continues to grow globally, his music reaches more and more people, and his fandom deepens. The success of ‘Blinding Lights’ is a prime example that nothing connects people more than music. It’s an exceptional song in a class of its own.”

The Weeknd is currently the No. 1 artist on Spotify, with 113 monthly listeners, and back in February 2023, he was the first artist to hit 100 million monthly listeners on the platform.

In a 2021 Billboard cover story celebrating “Blinding Lights” becoming the No. 1 Hot 100 hit of all time, Tesfaye was thankful that the monumental song — co-written and co-produced with legendary pop hitmaker Max Martin — didn’t come earlier in his career.

“By the time ‘Blinding Lights’ happened, I was 10 years into my career and established as a music figure in the industry already,” he said. “So I’m glad ‘Blinding Lights’ happened when it happened as opposed to it being the first single I’ve ever dropped. That’d be scary for me.”

12 Jan 2024

Simu Liu Promises He Won’t ‘Slander’ Taylor Swift as 2024 People’s Choice Awards Host

Simu Liu is set to host this year’s People’s Choice Awards, and he’s already revealed what you won’t see during his opening monologue: any awkward jokes about Taylor Swift. 

Following Jo Koy’s polarizing performance as host of the Golden Globes Sunday (Jan. 7)  — during which the comedian made a quip that fell flat about Swift’s attendance at NFL games — the Barbie actor has pledged not to shade the “Anti-Hero” singer while on duty at the PCAs.  

“there will be no taylor slander at the 2024 PCAs,” Liu tweeted Thursday (Jan. 11), adding, “that’s a personal guarantee.” 

Aside from the fact that the Shang-Chi star is a well-documented Swiftie himself, it’s hard to imagine that any entertainer would want to have a repeat of Koy’s reception at the Globes. A couple of the stand-up comic’s jokes went over poorly at theceremony, particularly the following: “The big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL? At the Golden Globes, we have fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift.”  

Immediately after the remark, cameras cut to Swift, who was in attendance as a nominee for cinematic and box office achievement thanks to her Eras Tour concert film (Barbie took home the prize). Her reaction was indifferent at best, with the pop star simply pursing her lips with a stony look on her face and taking a sip of champagne. 

Koy later clarified that he had “no ill intent” when making the joke, adding that “the whole intention of that joke was to make fun of the NFL.” “What hurts the most is me just supporting Taylor, I support her, I love her work,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “The joke is about the NFL and how they keep using cutaways to [her]. And it’s an obvious reason why. I’m not saying anything that no one’s saying, and it’s obvious what that joke was. It’s about the NFL.” 

Another bombed joke from Koy had to do with one of Liu’s own projects, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, in which he played one of several Kens opposite Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. 

“Barbie is [based] on a plastic doll with big boobies,” Koy said of the film, later earning criticism from those who thought the quip was sexist or reductive. Gerwig, however, had a more neutral take on the controversy. 

“Well, he’s not wrong,” she said in a recent interview. “She’s the first doll that was mass produced with breasts, so he was right on. And you know, I think that so much of the project of the movie was unlikely because it is about a plastic doll.” 

See Liu’s tweet about Swift below. 

12 Jan 2024

G Herbo Sentenced to 3 Years Probation Over Credit Card Scam That Funded ‘Extravagant Lifestyle’

G Herbo has been sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to participating in a scam involving stolen credit card information – a fraud that prosecutors say netted the Chicago rapper almost $140,000 in private jet flights, vacation lodgings and luxury car rentals.

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Herbo, who’s had three top-10 albums on the Billboard 200 over the past four years, was sentenced by a Massachusetts federal judge Thursday after taking a plea deal last summer, which saw him plead guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy and one count of false statements to a federal official.

Prosecutors say Herbo (Herbert Wright) and others victimized real people and businesses by using stolen credit card info to fund an “extravagant lifestyle” that he flaunted on social media. That included $14,500 for a villa rental in Jamaica, and another $34,000 on renting cars like a Mercedes Benz 5560.

“He gave the impression that his use of private jets, luxury cars and tropical villas were the legitimate fruits of his booming rap career,” U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. “However, his lavish lifestyle was shamelessly built on deceit and fraud using stolen account information that inflicted substantial harm on numerous businesses, leaving a wake of victims burdened with financial losses.”

Thursday’s sentence was lighter than the one sought by prosecutors, who had asked the judge to send Herbo to federal prison for one year on top of three years of probation. In addition to probation, the rapper was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $139,968 for each count, as well as a $5,500 fine.

Herbo and five others were indicted in December 2020, charged with using real credit card info – including actual names, security codes and other private data – to successfully rack up charges. Prosecutors say businesses typically allowed the charges, leading to cardholders disputing them and credit card companies ultimately foisting the losses back on businesses.

The scam, operated from March 2017 through November 2018, was allegedly facilitated by an associate named Antonio Strong, whom Herbo would ask to procure vehicles (“whips”), or accommodation (“cribs”), in addition to other goods and services. One major charge was private jet travel; prosecutors say Herbo eventually used stolen cards to pay for four charters that totaled more than $80,000.

Herbo wasn’t the first hip hop star to face charges over credit card scamming. In 2013, Los Angeles rapper Guerilla Black was sentenced to more than nine years in prison over a fraud involving more than 27,000 stolen credit card numbers. And in 2019, federal prosecutors brought similar charges against Selfmade Kash, a Detroit rapper who had bragged in songs about being the “GOAT swiper”; he later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years of probation.

In Herbo’s case, prosecutors did not allege that that the rapper himself purchased stolen card information, but they said he knew that Strong was doing so and repeatedly sought him out for that purpose.

“Wright provided Strong with money, Wright received flights, vehicles, and accommodations from Strong using Illicit Account Information, and Wright and Strong communicated frequently concerning their illicit transactions,” prosecutors wrote in one legal filing.

In one example, prosecutors said that Strong had texted Herbo to remind him “Don’t forget DARREN IS MY NAME” when using the stolen information to book luxury vehicle rentals. Herbo then responded via text: “I gotchu bro.”

Initially, Herbo had also been facing two counts of aggravated identity theft, more serious charges that each would have carried a minimum two-year prison sentence if he had been convicted. But those charges were dropped under last summer’s plea deal.

A rep for the rapper did not immediately return a request for comment from Billboard.

12 Jan 2024

Jessica Simpson’s Daughter Mocks Star’s Iconic Chicken of the Sea Goof in Ad: ‘Who Would Ever Get Confused?’

It’s one of the early aughts’ most famous reality TV fowl ups. And now Jessica Simpson is showing she’s a good sport by sending up the time she asked then-husband Nick Lachey “is this chicken that I have, or is this fish?” on the 2003 premiere episode of Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica while digging into a bowl of Chicken of the Sea.

The now-43-year-old star proves she knows that Chicken of the Sea is actually tuna in a new ad for the brand as part of the “It’s the One For Me” campaign in which she co-stars with her 11-year-old daughter, Maxwell “Maxi” Drew.

The spot finds mother and daughter chilling on the couch as the singer-turned-fashion-designer’s eldest asks why her mom is eating food out of a packet of lemon garlic wild caught light tuna. “It’s called Chicken of the Sea, but it’s not really chicken, it’s tuna. So don’t get confused by it,” Simpson counsel’s her first born with a wisdom born of two decades of hindsight — and countless memes.

“Who would ever get confused by that?” Maxi asks incredulously. “No one?” Jessica responds before a long, awkward pause broken by an “as if” assurance of “not your mom.” Cue Maxi’s maximum eye-roll and Jessica’s mortified thousand-yard stare clearly recalling her not-finest TV moment.

Back in the day, Lachey responded to his wife’s response by sweetly explaining, “Chicken of the Sea is the brand. You know, ’cause a lot of people eat tuna, just like a lot of people eat chicken. Chicken of the Sea.”

“Oh, I understand now. I read it wrong,” Jessica said back then.

After divorcing Lachey in 2006, Simpson married husband Eric Johnson in 2014 and the couple also share son Ace Knute, 10 and daughter Birdie Mae, 4. In November, Simpson said she’s been working on her first new original album since 2008’s Do You Know.

Watch the Simpsons settle the chicken-or-fish debate conclusively below.

12 Jan 2024

Jelly Roll, 50 Cent, Jonas Brothers, Blake Shelton & More to Headline 2024 RodeoHouston

RodeoHouston’s 2024 lineup is set to once again showcase some of the loftiest talents in a range of genres, including rock, rap, country, Latin, Christian and more.

Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, 50 Cent, the Jonas Brothers, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Los Tigres del Norte and for King & Country are a few of the artists slated to headline when RodeoHouston gets underway at Houston’s NRG Stadium from Feb. 27 through March 17.

“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to bring such a wide range of musical genres to the RodeoHouston stage,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO, in a statement. “We’re welcoming 10 new entertainers who will make their debut on the star stage, as well as many fan-favorites from a variety of genres from our country roots, to EDM and hip-hop.”

Among the newcomers to this year’s RodeoHouston stage are Carly Pearce, Oliver Anthony, 50 Cent, HARDY, current CMA new artist of the year winner Jelly Roll, reigning CMA entertainer of the year Lainey Wilson, “Rich Men North of Richmond” singer Oliver Anthony Music, Ivan Cornejo, Nickelback and Whiskey Myer.

These artists further add to RodeoHouston’s nearly 100-year legacy, in which time the rodeo has committed more than $600 million to aid education and youth-focused efforts in Texas. Each year, RodeoHouston draws more than 2 million people to its mix of rodeo/Western activities, musical performances and carnival midway.

Tickets go on sale at rodeohouston.com on Thursday, Jan. 18, in two waves — at 10 a.m. and
2 p.m.

See the lineup of performers below:

  • Feb. 27 – Opening Day, presented by Texas Capital – Blake Shelton
  • Feb. 28 – Armed Forces Appreciation Day, presented by Crown Royal – Carly Pearce
  • Feb. 29 – for KING + COUNTRY
  • March 1 – Black Heritage Day, presented by Kroger – 50 Cent
  • March 2 -HARDY
  • March 3 – Ivan Cornejo
  • March 4 – First Responders Day, presented by BP America – Hank Williams Jr.
  • March 5 -Oliver Anthony
  • March 6 – Community Day, presented by TC Energy – Jelly Roll
  • March 7 – Volunteer Appreciation Day, presented by Phillips 66 – Luke Bryan
  • March 8 -Major Lazer
  • March 9 -Lainey Wilson
  • March 10 – Go Tejano Day, presented by Fiesta Mart – Los Tigres del Norte
  • March 11 -Whiskey Myers
  • March 12 -Bun B
  • March 13 -Nickelback
  • March 14 – Zac Brown Band
  • March 15 – Jonas Brothers
  • March 16 – Brad Paisley
  • March 17 – RODEOHOUSTON Finals – Eric Church

12 Jan 2024

Miley Cyrus’ ‘Flowers’ Breaks Record With 37th Week at No. 1 on Adult Contemporary Chart

Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” rewrites the longest reign in the history of Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart, logging a 37th week at the summit on the ranking dated Jan. 20.

The single surpasses the command of Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” in 2018-19.

Here’s an updated look at the songs that have dominated Adult Contemporary the longest over the chart’s 62-plus-year archives.

Most Weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart:

  • 37 (to date), “Flowers,” Miley Cyrus, beginning April 15, 2023
  • 36, “Girls Like You,” Maroon 5, Nov. 10, 2018
  • 35, “Blinding Lights,” The Weeknd, Nov. 7, 2020
  • 28, “Drift Away,” Uncle Kracker feat. Dobie Gray, June 7, 2003
  • 24, “Easy on Me,” Adele, Nov. 13, 2021
  • 24, “Shape of You,” Ed Sheeran, May 6, 2017
  • 22, “Perfect,” Ed Sheeran, Feb. 24, 2018
  • 22, “Hey, Soul Sister,” Train, July 3, 2010
  • 21, “Hello,” Adele, Nov. 28, 2015
  • 21, “Breakaway,” Kelly Clarkson, March 12, 2005
  • 21, “A New Day Has Come,” Celine Dion, March 30, 2002
  • 20, “Memories,” Maroon 5, March 21, 2020
  • 20, “Just the Way You Are,” Bruno Mars, Feb. 5, 2011

“Flowers,” released on Smiley Miley/Columbia Records, previously topped the mainstream top 40-based Pop Airplay chart (which began in 1992) for 10 weeks and the adult top 40-focused Adult Pop Airplay ranking (which dates to 1996) for 17 frames.

Meanwhile, the single’s combined 64 weeks atop Adult Contemporary (37), Adult Pop Airplay (17) and Pop Airplay (10) mark the most for any hit. The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” ranks second with 61 weeks atop the trio of charts combined, followed by “Girls Like You” (55); 51 songs have led all three lists.

“Flowers,” which Cyrus co-wrote, launched at No. 1 on the all-genre, multimetric Billboard Hot 100 last January and ruled for eight weeks, becoming her second leader. It’s from Cyrus’ album Endless Summer Vacation, which debuted at its No. 3 best on the Billboard 200 albums chart in March, marking her 14th top 10.

“Flowers” went on to land No. 1 finishes on Billboard’s 2023 year-end Radio Songs and Adult Pop Airplay Songs charts. Cyrus also scored six 2024 Grammy nominations, including three for “Flowers”: record and song of the year and best pop solo performance.

The Adult Contemporary chart ranks titles by weekly plays on a panel of over 80 adult contemporary radio stations. The tally began in Billboard’s pages (as the “Easy Listening” chart) on July 17, 1961. Once Luminate data began powering the chart exactly 32 years later (July 17, 1993), lengthy reigns became much more common than before. (Airplay is now provided to Luminate by Mediabase.)

Notably, the longest No. 1 Adult Contemporary run on the chart prior to Luminate tracking belongs to Paul Mauriat’s “Love Is Blue” (11 weeks, 1968), followed by three 10-week leaders: Al Stewart’s “Time Passages” (1978-79), Herb Alpert’s “This Guy’s in Love With You” (1968) and Roger Miller’s “King of the Road” (1965).

Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” claimed the longest Adult Contemporary rule of the ‘90s before the adoption of Luminate data (eight weeks, 1991), while nine tracks share the longest No. 1 stays of the ‘80s (six weeks each): Richard Marx’s “Right Here Waiting,” Simply Red’s “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” (both 1989), Kool & The Gang’s “Cherish” (1985), Lionel Richie’s “Hello” (1984), Barry Manilow’s “Read ‘Em and Weep” (1983-84), Richie’s “You Are” (1983), Neil Diamond’s “Yesterday’s Songs” (1981-82), Kenny Rogers’ “I Don’t Need You” (1981) and Air Supply’s “Lost in Love” (1980).

All charts dated Jan. 20 will update on Billboard.com Wednesday, Jan. 17 (a day later than usual due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Jan. 15).

12 Jan 2024

D’Angelo & Jay-Z Link Up On 9-Minute “I Want You Forever”

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Los Angeles Premiere Of Sony Pictures'

Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty

It feels like it’s been forever and a day since we’ve gotten new material from D’Angelo. So it only makes sense that the man makes up for lost time with a new track that not only features the G.O.A.T himself, Jay-Z, but also has a running time of 9 minutes.

Collaborating with Hova on “I Want You Forever” off of the soundtrack for The Book of Clarence, D’Angelo goes into baby making mode and hits all the notes you’d want to hear with the lights dim and the candles lit. Even Jay-Z gets into the rhythm as he drops his bars with a slow style you’d expect to hear from a man looking to sweet talk his way into a woman’s heart saying “Life don’t the taste the same without you / tears in my champagne without you / Quit playin’ girl, you know I’m crazy about you / You know that week you ran back to ya mama house, ask my friends they can vouch / Slept on the couch cause the bed ain’t a bed without you…”

Jay out here reminding Beyoncé he’s all about their love. Heck, if we were married to her we’d be dropping 9-minute love songs for her too.

Check out the track in its entirety below and let us know if you rocking with this and whether you’ll be catching The Book of Clarence this weekend in the comments section below.