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01 Dec 2023

New Music Latin: Listen to Releases From Edén Muñoz, Milo J, Thalia & More

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

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Edén Muñoz, Como En Los Viejos Tiempos (Sony Music México)

Singer-songwriter and producer Edén Muñoz has little left to prove at this point of his fruitful career, both as former frontman of Calibre 50 and now as a soloist. But Muñoz isn’t the type to be complacent, and is always looking to one-upping his previous releases. His latest album, Como En Los Viejos Tiempo, is no exception. As a producer, Muñoz is known for being meticulous about his sound — and the first song on the set, “Bye Bye,” is a testament to Muñoz’s broad production skills, melding his signature norteño sound with hints of cumbia, backed by big band instrumentals.

Accompanied by heavy hitters in the música mexicana realm, including Gerardo Ortiz, El Fantasma and Los Dos Carnales, Muñoz zigzags across styles such as quebradita (“La Nena”), corrido (“Alias Jabón”), cumbia (“Que La Dejen Ir al Baile Sola”), huapango (“Peca de Bonita”) and norteño (“El Que Quiere Puede”). Offering a wide-ranging palate of Mexican music sounds, Como En Los Viejos Tiempos is Muñoz’s most eclectic and experimental set to date. The 18-track is the Mexican artist’s first album under Sony Music México, with whom he signed in October as a partnership with Sony Music Latin. — GRISELDA FLORES

Carin Leon & Grupo Frontera, “Alch Si” (Socios Music/ADA Latin)

A year after their first collaborative effort, “Que Vuelvas“ — which hit the top half of the Hot 100 in January — Carin Leon and Grupo Frontera join forces again on “Alch Si.” On their new track, penned by Leon, Edgar Barrera, Horacio Palencia and Diego Bollela, and produced by Barrera, the two Mexican acts sing about getting over an ex, but not really. “I’m not crying, her memory got in my eye,” chants Frontera’s Payo Solis at the start of the country-tinged norteño track. ”I don’t drink to forget her, nor do I take advice/ To stop loving her, what number do I have to call?/ In a masochistic way, I check her Instagram/ Looking at her stories and how another guy takes her away from me/ I’m not crying, just a little tear came out,” part of the chorus goes. — JESSICA ROIZ

Thalia & Estilo Sin Límite, “Choro” (Sony Music Latin)

Thalia ventures into the world of corridos tumbados in this fun song with Estilo Sin Límite, which encourages women to free themselves from chatty, arrogant men who seek to woo them. Powered by a tololoche, requinto and brassy instruments, the second single from her upcoming album A Mucha Honra (which the Mexican star previewed exclusively in October at Billboard Latin Music Week,) “Choro” was produced by Edgar Rodríguez from Yellow Room and executive produced by Jimmy Humilde. (It was co-written by Thalia and Dania of Estilo Sin Límite.) Its title, in Mexican slang, refers to an over-the-top person who uses his words to make people fall in love. “Choro, I know he has a very good choro/ But I don’t cry for him anymore/ I’m not like his ex-girlfriend, I do improve,” goes part of the chorus. The colorful music video, directed by Lalo González (a.k.a. Lalo the Giant,) shows both singers in suburban and rural sets alongside mariachis, partying with many, many women. It is, in the best Thalia fashion, pure feminine power. – SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Carlos Vives & Ryan Castro, “Los Sabanales 3.0” (Sony Music Latin)

Carlos Vives and Ryan Castro have released their first collaboration, “Los Sabanales 3.0,” to kick off December and welcome the holiday season. The track features an updated sound and new lyrics, with both artists adding their own spin: Vives’ accordion and Castro’s thumping reggaetón beats. Bringing together two generations, the song celebrates the most popular and beloved song of the great Calixto Ochoa, preserving the original song’s essence and its most memorable verses. Vives aims to put the spotlight on iconic composers of Colombia and breathe new life to their work, making it accessible to new generations. The song is featured on Vives’ remastered and expanded album Clásicos De La Provincia. — INGRID FAJARDO

Miguel Campello, “El Sentir de los Sentimientos” (Chatarrero Records)

This week, Miguel Campello unveils the introspective ballad, “El Sentir de los Sentimientos.” Adorned with exquisite nylon strings and trumpet riffs, and enveloped in the fervor of rumba guitar strums and his resounding flamenco vocals, the song navigates the ebbs and flows of personal contemplation. In its purest form, the composition exalts our innate human capacity to experience emotions. “[It’s] a song with rumba soul that tells the passing of the days, full of stories that make us laugh and cry because singing is feeling that you feel, ‘the feeling of feelings’“, the singer-composer wrote on his Instagram. The single is part of his upcoming release Amanecer y Anochecer, which will consist of five songs, and is a continuation of 2023’s Noche y Día. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Milo J, 111 (Dale Play Records)

Following the EP En Dormir Sin Madrid, in collaboration with popular Argentine producer Bizarrap, Milo J showcases his musical prowess on his debut album 111. Infused with a South American bohemian essence reminiscent of tango and bolero, the album seamlessly combines traditional tones with a contemporary flair. The 16-year-old rapper delivers songs like an old soul weaving through the complexities and youth of angst.

The nine-track album highlights a masterful blend of acoustic and electric guitar arrangements, often intertwining the two in unexpected ways that both surprise and captivate the listener. Milo J’s lyrics are medicinal, deep and vulnerable. At strategic moments, the instrumental backdrop fades momentarily, allowing his tenor voice to take center stage and carry the emotional weight of the song. The album boasts diverse collaborations, such as “Carencias de Cordura” with Yami Sadfie, where Milo J ventures into the Andes with a pasillo that resonates across generations. In “Una Bala,” featuring Peso Pluma, he effortlessly delves into regional Mexican sounds, while he opens Pandora’s musical box with “Alumbre” with Nicki Nicole, unveiling a cinematic theme, and joins in unison with Yahritza y Su Esencia on “Te Fui a Seguir.” Romantic songs like “M.A.I” and “Deseo siempre” stand out for their lyrical sensuality, delivered with an elegance rarely found in today’s popular music. 111 demands to be listened to with undivided attention. — LUISA CALLE

Indee, “ORO”

Immersed in the vibrant, sultry sounds of Afrobeats, Barcelona artist Indee unveils her self-released first single of the year, “Oro,” marked by golden-piano stabs and her seductive vocal delivery. Produced by Jay Kalo, the track is an ode to life and companionship, as Indee explores the quest for genuine friendships that are as valuable as gold. “In these crazy times, where everyone is chasing the spotlight/ Where is the soul of the body I touch?” she croons. The accompanying music video captures the star’s flawless dance moves and takes audiences on a journey through various iconic spots in Barcelona, showcasing the city’s dynamic backdrop. “When I speak about Gold I wanted to convey the idea of the mineral in its purest, unrefined state,” she wrote on her socials. “This song is an acknowledgement of the truly important things in life, for not all that glitters is gold.” — I.R.

Stream the New Music Latin playlist below:

01 Dec 2023

Doja Cat Apologizes to Fans After Her New Jersey Concert: ‘I Don’t Know What the F–k That Was’

Doja Cat isn’t too happy with her performance at her Thursday night (Nov. 30) concert. After leaving the stage in Newark, N.J., the 28-year-old rapper posted an apology to fans on her Instagram Story.

“I’m so f–kin sorry New Jersey,” Doja wrote, placing text over a seemingly random photo of a crushed-up chip. “I don’t know what the f–k that was.”

“I’m really not happy with my energy tonight,” added the “Agora Hills” artist.

Doja is now more than halfway through her Scarlet arena tour of North America, with Thursday’s show setting up shop at the Prudential Center in Newark. Videos from the night show the Grammy winner sporting a cropped blonde wig, white snapback and bikini bottoms on stage.

At one point, she playfully chided her backstage crew for seemingly forgetting to turn on a fan. “Turn the f–king fan on,” she sang into her microphone, heavy AutoTune layered over her voice. “B—h, I need a fan.”

The “Woman” musician will next take the stage Saturday (Dec. 1) at TD Garden in Boston, one of seven final shows in her trek ending Dec. 13 in Chicago. The tour supported Doja’s latest album Scarlet, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 upon its release in October and spawned the star’s second ever Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with “Paint the Town Red.”

Doja is up for three Grammys at next year’s awards, with “Paint the Town Red” in the running for best pop solo performance. Another Scarlet single, “Attention,” is up for best rap song and best melodic rap performance.

See clips from Doja Cat’s Newark concert below:

01 Dec 2023

How Much Does the Chipmunks’ Christmas Song Earn Every Year?

Exactly 65 years ago, Ross Bagdasarian‘s “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” — a novelty song featuring weird, high-pitched voices augmented in a recording studio — kicked off what would become the multimillion-dollar Alvin and the Chipmunks brand. Three weeks after its Dec. 1, 1958, release, the track topped the Billboard Hot 100, then went on to win three Grammy Awards and sell millions of records. 

“They were born from a No. 1 song, which is unusual for most cartoon characters,” says Ross Bagdasarian Jr., whose father — the creator of Alvin, Theodore, Simon and their long-suffering host, David Seville — died in 1972.

The potent holiday-season earworm evolved over the decades into a cartoon empire, encompassing blockbuster films and their soundtracks, animated TV series, Taylor Swift-style re-recordings, one platinum-selling album (the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie soundtrack), one gold-selling album (the Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel soundtrack), concerts, musicals and dozens of branded toys, blankets, party favors and video games. Beginning with 2007’s Alvin and the Chipmunks, the four theatrical live-action Chipmunks films have grossed a combined $656 million, according to Box Office Mojo. “It wasn’t just that it was a song,” says Bagdasarian, who, with his wife, Janice Karman, produced the films and voiced some of the chipmunks. “It created characters and personality.”

The senior Bagdasarian had been shrewd enough to initially retain all the rights to the shockingly lucrative holiday tune: master recording, publishing and product licensing. (He relinquished the master rights in the late ‘60s.) Billboard estimates the holiday track that started it all brings in $300,000 in annual revenue for the master recording and publishing. It has racked up 112.4 million total on-demand U.S. streams, more than half of which have come in November-December of the last five years, according to Luminate. Last December alone, the track streamed 10.4 million times. Plus, “The Chipmunk Song” has sold nearly 665,000 digital tracks, according to Luminate, and Bagdasarian says the Chipmunks have sold 50 million albums in their history, from 1965’s Chipmunks A Go-Go to 1980’s Chipmunk Punk.

Along with Karman, Bagdasarian — who has a law degree from Southwestern Law School — runs Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Bagdasarian Productions, which they started in 1981. Early on, the couple intended to make original films and shows, but they moved in the Chipmunks direction with Chipmunk Punk.

“And here we are, almost 50 years later, trying to come up with the next new idea for Alvin and the Chipmunks, from TV shows to movies to another TV series that we just finished last year,” says Bagdasarian, 74, in a phone interview marking the song’s 65th anniversary.

What do you hear in “The Chipmunk Song” that nobody else does?

I am pulled back to 1958, with my brother and sister and I being called into my dad’s den, where he would record these demos before he went into the studio to do a more polished version. We would hear not only the charm of the song but the personality of Alvin, talking back to him, as only a four-or-five-inch tiny chipmunk could do to a large man. Parents understand how frustrated and exasperated Dave would be with Alvin, and kids love identifying with Alvin because he’s got that spunk and that sass and he’s not afraid to go, “Hold on a second.” Just that little rebellious, mischievous nature.

Ross Bagdasarian, Sr., creator of Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Ross Bagdasarian, Sr., creator of Alvin and the Chipmunks.

CBS via Getty Images

How much did Alvin empower you to be more rebellious as a kid?

I was more of the Simon character. Very dutiful. I was the one [who] really wanted my dad to be proud of me. So if there was a chore to do, let me wash his car or something. My younger brother Adam was the rebellious one. But I think he might have been rebellious on his own. I don’t know if he needed any prompting from Alvin.

Your family owns the entirety of the rights to the song — publishing, recording, licensing, etc. Right? 

Yeah. True.

How did that come to be?

My dad was one of the first folks — you’re talking about in the ’50s — that not only owned the publishing rights to the song but he also owned the master itself. That was something that no artist was really doing back then. And Berry Gordy [Jr.], when he founded Motown, he had mentioned over the years [in private], “Well, when I found out that Ross Bagdasarian could own his own masters, I went from writing songs for people to developing a record label so I could own those masters, as Ross Bagdasarian had done.” 

I didn’t realize the connection between your dad and Gordy.

Yeah. In the late ’60s, when he had decided he had done everything with the Chipmunks he wanted to do, he gave back [to] then Liberty Records, now Capitol-EMI, the phonograph rights to those masters. But he retained for himself — obviously, we still own these master-recording rights for movies, television, toys, commercials. The one area that we don’t control the master recording is simply in the phonograph-recording area. Which obviously is not what it was 10, 15 years ago, when you could actually really sell a lot of albums. “The Chipmunk Song” is still a wonderfully valuable song.

So if anyone streams “The Chipmunk Song,” the master royalty goes to Capitol-EMI, now owned by Universal Music Group, not to your family?

That’s right. Fortunately or unfortunately, these days, 8 billion [plays] on Spotify would still amount to 17 cents. So it’s not a payment we actually miss. [Editor’s note: 8 billion Spotify plays would amount to about $38 million, according to Billboard’s royalty calculator.]

The most important revenue is in licensing songs for movies, the movies you make as part of the franchise, and publishing — right?

As far as the song is concerned, that is fair to say. The song has probably sold 20 million records, maybe more, because it sold 4.5 million records in the first seven weeks back in 1958.

Does your family own all the publishing — publisher share and artist share?

Yeah. My wife and I.

What do you remember about what your dad taught you about the music business?

It wasn’t as much about the music business as it was just life lessons. The most important thing that my dad ever said [was], “Listen, your word is all you will ever really have.” Had he lived a little longer, he would have added a caveat: “Your word is your bond, but don’t expect that from everybody else that you meet.” We’ve had times when we’ve made what we thought were various deals with record companies, only to have them say, “If you don’t have it in writing, you don’t have it.” They didn’t get that part of the story that my dad told me, evidently.

Want to give examples?

No! [Laughs.] I don’t think I want to. But they know who they are.

Any final thoughts about what it’s like to hear “The Chipmunk Song” everywhere this time of year?

Honestly, I am so thrilled every time, because it brings back my dad. I get to hear his voice.

Ed Christman contributed to this report.

01 Dec 2023

Snoop Dogg Is Definitely Back to Blazing After Smoke-Free Fakeout

In case you missed it, Snoop Dogg‘s recent claim that he was giving up the ganja was a brilliantly executed product placement headfake. For proof look no further than his surprise pop-in at Wednesday night’s (Nov. 29) 37th annual FN Achievement Awards in New York. According to Footwear News, Snoop came to support his old pal Martha Stewart, who was on hand to present the Person of the Year award to Skechers president and co-founder Michael Greenberg.

While honoring Greenberg, Stewart’s speech was interrupted by the rapper. “He [Greenberg] continues to move the needle and set the bar sky high with every new collection, including my sketches collection, which is windows of all the sketches all over the world,” said Stewart.

Then Snoop appeared and asked his longtime friend and Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party co-host, “What about my collection?” in reference to his Snoop Dogg x Skechers Collection that dropped earlier this year. “I’m doing so well… I was thinking that maybe we should do a commercial for Super Bowls,” he added in reference to the Skechers ad the two did for this year’s Super Bowl.

While collecting his award, Greenberg made a joke about Snoop’s recent cryptic claim “I’ve decided to give up smoke.”

“I have to say. You really, really concerned me when you were giving up smoking,” Greenberg said to the rapper with the legendary “smoke weed every day” public persona. “I thought you were going to be an emotional wreck that we would have to deal with that. Thank God, you’re still smoking!” Greenberg added.

The Doggfather confirmed that he was definitely back to bud. “I was smoking backstage too, by the way,” Snoop said.

Just days after suggesting he was suddenly smoke-free, Snoop revealed that the “smoke” part of his statement was a clue to his latest endorsement deal. “Go smokeless with Snoop Dogg,” read a headline on the website for the Solo Stove firepit company. The release unwrapped the brand’s limited-edition collab with Snoop, which includes a $350 “Snoop Stove” featuring the rapper’s logo, signature and a pair of dog paws emblazoned on the side, as well as a bucket hat and sticker pack.

01 Dec 2023

Jelly Roll & Lainey Wilson ‘Save’ the Best for First on Country Airplay Chart

Jelly Roll’s “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson ascends to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart (dated Dec. 9). The collaboration increased by 8% to 34.6 million audience impressions Nov. 24-30, according to Luminate.

The song, which Jelly Roll wrote with David Ray, becomes the former’s third total and successive Country Airplay leader, encompassing his output in the format, following “Son of a Sinner,” which led for one week in January, and “Need a Favor,” which dominated for four frames beginning in August.

Wilson banks her fourth Country Airplay leader. Her rookie entry, “Things a Man Oughta Know,” led for one frame in September 2021, followed by “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell (two weeks starting in April 2022), and “Watermelon Moonshine” (three, this October).

Notably, with “Save Me” and “Watermelon Moonshine” both reaching the top of Country Airplay in 2023, Wilson is the first woman to net two leaders in a single year since Gwen Stefani in 2020. Both of the latter’s are team-ups with Blake Shelton: “Nobody With You” and “Happy Anywhere.”

Meanwhile, “Save Me” enters the Country Airplay penthouse a mere six weeks after “Watermelon Moonshine” wrapped its reign, giving Wilson the shortest break from No. 1 for a female artist in the chart’s nearly 34-year history. Previously, two women were tied with 11 frames between holding the top spot: Taylor Swift (“Love Story,” “Should’ve Said No”; 2008) and Wynonna Judd (“She Is His Only Need,” “I Saw the Light”; 1992).

Something’s ‘Different’ About the Top 10

Riley Green’s “Different ‘Round Here” featuring Luke Combs rises to No. 10 on Country Airplay (17 million, up 9%). Green adds his fourth top 10, after Thomas Rhett’s “Half of Me,” on which Green is featured, became his first No. 1 in November 2022 (and Rhett’s 18th of 19 leader).

Combs sends his 19th song to the Country Airplay top 10, with 17 having hit No. 1.

01 Dec 2023

GLAAD Praises ‘Renaissance’ Film for Spotlighting Beyoncé’s LGBTQ+ Allyship

Beyoncé‘s latest project, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, is already on track to be a smash hit at the box office — and if a recent statement by GLAAD is any indication, then the film is destined for rave critical reviews as well.

In a statement released on Friday (Dec. 1), the non-profit LGBTQ+ advocacy organization shared its thoughts on the new film following Beyoncé’s record-breaking Renaissance World Tour, praising the project for giving much-needed space for LGBTQ+ representation.

“Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé further exemplifies Beyoncé’s commitment to use her global platform to spotlight, uplift and pay tribute to the Black LGBTQ community,” said Anthony Allen Ramos, GLAAD’s vice president of communications & talent. “The Renaissance tour was deeply inspired by the LGBTQ community in ballroom culture and disco music. In the film, Beyoncé memorializes these people who were often victims of violence and lost to AIDS by spotlighting the many LGBTQ creatives of today who have influenced her, yet have previously not received the praise and recognition that they deserve.”

Throughout the new film, Beyoncé regularly shares the spotlight with queer creatives who helped make her tour possible, including collaborator and ballroom legend Kevin Jz Prodigy and backup dancers Carlos Basquiat, Honey Balenciaga, Jonte’ Moaning and Darius Hickman.

Ramos also praised Beyoncé for using her platform to highlight the story of her late uncle Johnny, to whom she dedicated her Renaissance album. Throughout the new film, Bey shares stories of her uncle, recalling how the pair used to dancing together to house music throughout her childhood.

This isn’t the first time Beyoncé has spoken up about her beloved uncle. In accepting GLAAD’s Vanguard Award for her ongoing LGBTQ+ allyship in 2019, Bey dedicated the trophy to Johnny. “He lived his truth and he was brave and unapologetic at a time when this country wasn’t as accepting,” she said at the time. “Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived.  I’m hopeful that his struggle served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely. LGBTQI rights are human rights.”

01 Dec 2023

HHW Gaming: Rockstar Games Reveals Date For First ‘GTA 6’ Trailer, Gamers React On X

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Mark your calendars! Gamers are excited after Rockstar Games dropped the date for the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6.

After years of trending on social media for absolutely no reason at all, opening X and seeing GTA 6 in the top trending topics finally means something now.

While not saying much, Rockstar Games announced trailer 1 for what is easily the most highly anticipated game in the world, which will be arriving on December 5.

Proving just how popular this game is, just announcing the trailer’s release date sent social media into a tizzy.

“Fast forwarding to Tuesday,” Sony’s official X, formerly known as Twitter account, wrote.

The trailer will also arrive two days before The Game Awards, shutting down the theory that Geoff Keighley had GTA 6 as a big reveal during the show.

What We Know So Far Ahead of GTA 6 First Trailer Release

While we know when to expect the trailer, we still have no idea what this game will look like outside of the massive leak that showed footage from a pre-build.

Rumors also suggest that GTA 6 will see the game return to Vice City, which is Grand Theft Auto’s version of Miami, featuring a female protagonist as one-half of the playable characters for the first time, drawing inspiration from Bonnie and Clyde and one of the most extensive “evolving” maps in GTA history.

Like everyone else, we are excited to see what Rockstar Games has been taking its sweet time to build since GTA V, which has seen life on three console generations since its initial release in 2013 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 console, making it one of, if not the most profitable pieces of media ever.

Until the day the trailer drops, you can see more reactions in the gallery below.

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Photo: Rockstar Games / GTA 6

4. The wait is finally over

6. Vince McMahon has never been so popular on social media

7. Howling

01 Dec 2023

Selena Gomez Celebrates Taylor Swift Becoming Apple Music’s Artist of the Year

Like always, Selena Gomez is cheering on her best friend. A few days after Taylor Swift earned this year’s Apple Music Artist of the Year title, the Only Murders in the Building star joined in with a handful of Swift’s other famous friends to praise the “Anti-Hero” singer in a celebratory video.

“I think it’s pretty obvious why Taylor is the artist of the year,” Gomez says in a self-filmed clip posted by Apple Music Friday (Dec. 1) on social media. “She has done so much for her community and fans.”

Camila Cabello also sent in a video for Apple, gushing that Swift “really has been the soundtrack to me and my friends’ lives.” “Those albums are poetry,” added the “Bam Bam” artist of the pop star’s discography.

Also featured in the reel were Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Girl in Red and Muna — each of whom have served as openers on Swift’s Eras Tour. “She’s made magic. Kind of end of story,” Abrams said, while Carpenter joked that the 12-time Grammy winner “struggles to do anything that isn’t iconic.”

Swift is also Spotify’s top artist of 2023, raking in a whopping 26.1 billion streams on the service alone. The “Karma” artist commemorated the achievement by releasing her Midnights Vault track “You’re Losing Me” for streaming, while Spotify celebrated by unveiling several custom billboards dedicated to Swift.

Watch Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello and more talk about Taylor Swift for Apple Music below:

01 Dec 2023

Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks of the Month: Protoje, Duane Stephenson, Ding Dong, Chronic Law & More

As the penultimate month of the year comes to a close, it’s time to start reflecting on the past year in music and culture. This month, Billboard unveiled the 2023 Year-End charts across genres, including five rankings celebrating the year in reggae. Greatest hits sets from Bob Marley, Shaggy and Sean Paul ranked as the first, second and third biggest reggae albums of the year, respectively, while 2023 breakout star Byron Messia made an appearance in the top 10 with his No Love album (No. 8). Messia also made an appearance on the 2023 Year-End Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart thanks to his Burna Boy-assisted “Talibans II” (No. 26).

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Although our general focus has shifted to previewing the new year and reflecting on the current one, 2023 is far from over. To close out the year, Messia, Teejay, Shenseea, Jada Kingdom, Ding Dong and Nadg will perform at Hot 97’s Winter Jam on Dec. 30. There’s still one month to go before that concert, so let’s take some time to sort through the best November releases across reggae, dancehall, soca and their cousin genres and scenes.

Naturally, Billboard’s monthly Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks column will not cover every last track, but our Spotify playlist — which is linked below — will expand on the 10 highlighted songs. So, without any further ado:

Freshest Find: Duane Stephenson, “Golden Nights (in December)”

On the day after Thanksgiving, VP records dropped a holiday covers album titled Reggae Christmas Classics. Among the selections — which include a cover of “This Christmas” bv Christopher Martin and a Thriller U rendition of “Feliz Navidad” — is Duane Stephenson’s original track “Golden Nights (In December).” Built around a jazzy intro that launches into a blissful rocksteady groove, Stephenson’s honeyed voice croons about the irreplaceability of his lover on the coldest December nights. “If you’re not here with me in December/ There are no golden nights to remember/ If you’re not here with me in December/ Such a lonely, it’s a lonely time of year,” he coos.

Farmer Nappy, “How ah Livin”

Relentless optimism and hope in the face of a world that seems hellbent on snuffing the light out of nearly every part of life is not just welcome, it’s vital. That’s part of why soca continues to resonate after so many decades, and it’s also the driving force behind Farmer Nappy’s “How ah Livin.” With joyous percussion sourcing accents from the ebullient background horns, “How ah Livin” is a purposeful reclamation of joy. “How ah livin’?/ Better than them!/ How I lookin’?/ Better than them!” Nappy sing-chants.

Chronic Law & Ireland Boss, “Still Dark”

Alongside “Talibans” and “Drift,” Ireland Boss and Malie Donn’s “V6” was another summer dancehall hit that dominated the year. After letting that track enjoy months of success, Ireland Boss has unveiled the latest take on his V6 riddim with some help from Chronic Law. “We nah love talk, yeah we popular fi dark/ Them ya gun ah go fi blood like Dracula mi dawg/ When we ah go ah school, have mi ratchet and mi dark/ Know mi and mi matic affi charge,” Chronic spits over the slinky, laid-back instrumental, opting for an approach that brings the riddim closer to the gun chune lane than the sexually charged braggadocio of the original.

Gbmnutron & Jus Jay King, “When Last”

Let’s face it: life has been different since the pandemic no matter how hard a “return to normal” is pushed. With “When Last,” Gbmnutron and Jus Jay King hold space for the feeling of longing for the fetes and parties of years past, infusing both the instrumental and lead vocal with an unmistakable dash of wistful nostalgia. “When last you been to a party?/ Plenty women looking so nice, we must be in paradise/ When last you had a time to remember?/ It’s only bumper to fender, and the drinks cyah done. big up di bartender,” he sings.

Protoje & Zion I Kings, “Jah Deliver Me”

A delectable slice of more traditional reggae stylings, “Jah Deliver Me” is housed on In Search of Zion a remix album based by Zion I Kings based on Protoje’s 2020 release In Search of Lost Time. In the verses, the two-time Grammy nominee employs a hip-hop-influenced cadence, while the chorus finds him opting for a more legato, melodic approach in his singing. A solemn, introspective track, “Jah Deliver Me” is the perfect soundtrack for the darker moments of the winter months; “I hold my order, give my praises/ Oh, Jah, deliver me through these days/ Sometimes really hard to go and face this/ Oh, this life can truly be amazing,” he sings over hopeful brass.

DSL, “I’m High”

A dancehall and reggae artist hailing from Ghana, DSL balances atmospheric guitar-tinged arrangements with a languid vocal delivery to embody the greened-out energy of the aptly titled “I’m High.” “Who are these people doing much good to we/ Why do you want to spoil my melody/ So what do you want from me/ The herb is my remedy,” he explains. It’s a simple song, but DSL creates an incredibly immersive sonic space through the attention he pays to the relationship between his rasp-accented vocal and the saccharine female voice in the background.

Darryl Gervais & Fryktion, “Over & Over (Cyah Stop It)”

On this gospel-indebted selection from Fryktion’s The Rub-a-Dub Project EP, Darryl Gervais sings praises to the Most High over an instrumental pulls equally from modern reggae and soca. “It ain’t nothing that you can do to stop my blessings come through/ Yuh cyah stop it, no, yuh cyah block it,” Gervais proclaims. He delivers his lyrics with the gravity of a person who is unshaken in their face, completely wrapped in their trust in the Lord. Between a catchy melody and that irresistible hook, “Over & Over” achieves the perfect balance of being both a universal anthem of praise and a personal moment of thanks.

Ding Dong, “Rebel”

Dance is, of course, one of the key cornerstones on dancehall, so it’s no surprise that Ding Dong’s new single celebrates Christina Nelson, also known as Dancing Rebel, one of the most popular Jamaican dancers and choreographers in the world. Already complete with a dance combination courtesy of Nelson, “Rebel” rests on Ding Dong’s commanding voice and engaging ad-libs to morph into what could very well be the next viral dance track from the dancehall scene.

Lyrikal, XplicitMevon & N.M.G. Music, “Fetin’ Mayor”

XplicitMevon and N.M.G. Music’s resurgence riddim is one of the best riddims of the year, and everyone from Ricardo Drue to Preedy delivered electrifying takes on the accompanying Resurgence Riddim EP. Lyrikal’s version, however, reigns supreme: His magnetic voice booms across the track as proclaims himself mayor of “the nation/ the fetin’ congregation/ the party population.” He cheekily expresses his selflessness in making sure that everyone, not just himself, is having the time of their lives at whatever function they’re at. While the rest of the world is slowing down as winter takes over, Lyrikal is square in the middle of the dancefloor, beckoning us to join.

Viking Ding Dong, “Harder”

In addition to the Resurgence Riddim EP, November also gifted us the Saying Something Riddim EP. With “Harder,” Viking Ding Dong delivers an anthem of resilience and gratitude. “Life hard but we harder!/ Life hard, but we harder!/ But we haffi give thanks to di Father,” he declares over the thumping percussion and cheerful guitar strums. Obviously we’re in a season of thanks, and Viking Ding Dong doesn’t take that lightly as he skates across the track with sanctimonious reverence.

Bonus Pick: Samory I feat. Lila Iké, “Outside”

Over thumping, militant drums and a thumping bassline, Samory I and Lila Iké flex their vocal chemistry across “Outside,” an ode humility, perseverance, and faith. Lila’s dulcet timbre rings throughout her voice, providing a gorgeous contrast to Samory I’s soulful tone. When those rock-tinged guitars kick in, however, “Outside” evolves into something different: a genre-smattering love letter to the different sounds styles of the Black diaspora that find a common thread in their musical displays of Black tenacity. “Jah Jah we call upon your name/ Pray you lantern all our days/ When it gets dark, we know you’ll always make a way,” Lila croons. Existing while Black is a task that demands a certain level indefatigability, and the community that can be sourced through that is the backbone of “Outside.”

01 Dec 2023

The Beatles Hit No. 1 on an Airplay Chart for the First Time in Over 50 Years

It’s been more than half a century, but The Beatles are back at No. 1 on a Billboard airplay chart. “Now and Then” rises 2-1 on the Adult Alternative Airplay tally dated Dec. 9.

It’s The Beatles’ first No. 1 on the survey, which began in 1996. The band previously peaked at No. 11 with “Free as a Bird” that year.

The last time the group notched a No. 1 on a Billboard radio chart was 1970, when “Let It Be” (the Fab Four’s sole other airplay leader) ruled Adult Contemporary for four weeks beginning that April.

Of course, The Beatles boast their share of chart-toppers elsewhere, including a record 20 No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100. Their final ruler to date also came in 1970 with two-week leader “The Long and Winding Road”/“For You Blue” that June. They have also earned a record 19 No. 1s on the Billboard 200 albums chart and rank at No. 1 on Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Artists chart.

The Beatles break the record for the most time between a first appearance on Adult Alternative Airplay and a first No. 1, as “Free as a Bird” ranked on the inaugural chart, dated Jan. 20, 1996.

Concurrently, “Now and Then” jumps 29-25 on the all-rock-format, audience-based Rock & Alternative Airplay chart with 1.4 million audience impressions, up 5%, according to Luminate.

On the most recently published Hot Rock & Alternative Songs list (dated Dec. 2), “Now and Then” placed at No. 14, after reaching No. 2. In addition to its radio airplay, the song earned 2.4 million official streams and sold 18,000 downloads and physical singles combined in the U.S. Nov. 17-23.

“Now and Then” is billed as The Beatles’ final song. It was recorded as a demo in 1977 by John Lennon and finished at last by surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, among others, after multiple attempts via new technology to extract Lennon’s vocals from the original demo, along with guitar parts from George Harrison. It’s included on the reissues of the group’s 1962-1966 and 1967-1970 compilations, initially released in 1973 and re-released Nov. 10.

As previously reported, “Now and Then” debuted at No. 7 on the Nov. 18-dated multimetric Hot 100, becoming The Beatles’ 35th top 10 – extending their record for the most among groups. It also expanded their span of Hot 100 top 10s to 59 years, nine months and three weeks – the longest excluding holiday fare, dating to their first week in the top 10 with their iconic U.S. breakthrough single “I Want To Hold Your Hand” in 1964.

All Billboard charts dated Dec. 9 will update on Billboard.com on Tuesday, Dec. 5.