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13 Nov 2023

Benzino Denies He Is Jealous Of Daughter Coi Leray’s Career

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Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

There is still an obvious strain between Benzino and Coi Leray. He has denied that he is jealous of his daughter’s success she alleged he is envious of her.

As spotted on HipHopDX the emerging Rap talent recently paid a visit to the Angie Martinez IRL podcast. While Coi discussed a variety of topics regarding her ascent to fame it was her response regarding her father that soon went viral. When asked how the Made Men member is handling her stardom the “Players” rapper revealed she has seen some signs of envy. “At first it was rocky because I felt like he couldn’t handle my success I felt like it it did come from an envious place which is OK cuz he’s human and it’s fine,” she explained. “But I felt like he’s one of those people that feels like, ‘Yo, like I still have a story to tell.’ You know, I still feel like something I have to say something.” She went on to add “Like, nooo. But he’s like, ‘I have to say something”.

XXL Magazine reports that the clip eventually landed on Benzino’s radar and he responded on social media on a post dated Saturday, November 11. “This has to be the most ridiculous [poop emoji] I’ve heard in my entire life on this earth. How tf can be envious towards someone I RAISED, NUTURED, PROVIDED FOR, INFLUENCED AND LOVE VERY DEARLY???,” he wrote. He went on to further express his frustration towards Coi’s logic. “In my 40 years in hip hop I’ve never ever seen an artist DOG their parents out the was Coi does and it’s embarrassing and sad…and one last thing, @angiemartinez knows she doesn’t like me so she’s just being manipulative and messy,” he added.

He continued his rant that it clear that he will not tolerate any more disrespect of his name. “They want me crash out but I’ve worked on myself so hard that I ain’t going backwards for ANYTHING, but what I won’t do is allow ANYONE to slander my name and push a false narrative on my reputation and who I am. I’ve shed too many blood, sweat and tears, survived street wars and indictments. Nope no more”.

You can watch the Angie Martinez and Coi Leray interview below.



13 Nov 2023

Cozy Caps for Winter: You Can Save Up to 40% Off Carhartt & Timberland Beanies at Amazon

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.

It’s time to re-up on cold weather staples like gloves, coats and beanies. Winter doesn’t arrive for another month, but the seasonal chill is already creeping in and regardless of whether it’s snowing, windy, raining or just a bit chilly, the right hat will help you keep warm.

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Finding a decent winter hat doesn’t have to take a lot of work. If you’re looking for something simple and affordable, consider a beanie. It’s functional, foldable and budget-friendly. In fact, you can find beanies on sale at Amazon for more than 40% off select brands.

Carhartt Men’s Cuffed Beanie is currently No. 1 on Amazon’s best-selling skullies & beanies list. The hat is made from acrylic, stretchable rib-knit fabric, it’s long enough to cover your ears and available in over 30 different colors including black, brown, green, heather grey, charcoal and brighter colors like fire red, atomic blue, bright orange, bright lime and pink glow. Did we mention it’s on sale? You can get a Carhartt beanie for $16 at Amazon (20% off the list price).  

Best Beanies for Cold Weather: This Cozy Cap Is on Sale for $16

Carhartt Men’s Knit Cuffed Beanie, Black, One Size

$16

$19.99

20% off

Based on the reviews, shoppers love Carhartt beanies. From the “high quality” material to the warmth, comfort and even cuteness, shoppers made sure to note all of the great things about the beanie which scored a 4.8 out of 5 stars at Amazon and a whopping 152,698 customer ratings.

As one shopper wrote, “If you’ve ever owned a Carhartt product, you know exactly what you’re getting. It is functional, comfortable, and built to last. It is a simple, no frills, warm hat. If you have never owned anything by Carhartt, you are missing out, especially if you live where the weather gets bad in the winter. I hate buying things every two or three years because they wear out, and that does not happen with Carhartt.”

The holidays are coming up, so if you need a cheap gift, you can give a beanie away as a stocking stuffer, White Elephant gift or Christmas gift.

Looking for an even cheaper knit hat? The Timberland Short Watch Cap is on sale for $11.20 at Amazon (reg. $20). It comes in 18 different colors including black, orange, grape leaf, heather grey and wheat.

Amazon’s limited deal ends soon, so act fast before it price goes back up again. And for more shopping recommendations see our roundups of best winter coats, crewneck sweaters and Uggs boots to rock for winter.

Best Beanies for Cold Weather: This Cozy Cap Is on Sale for $16

Timberland Short Watch Cap, Orange, One Size

$11.60

$20.00

42% off

13 Nov 2023

Live Nation Partners With Stray Kids Label JYP Entertainment to Expand Roster’s Global Touring

K-pop giant JYP Entertainment has signed a multi-year global strategic pact with Live Nation to produce tours for all artists on JYP’s roster, it was announced Monday (Nov. 13).

Under the deal, Live Nation will produce tours for established JYP artists including TWICE, Stray Kids, iTZY, Xdinary Heroes (XH) and NMIXX as well as emerging talent. The new partnership formalizes and expands upon the companies’ existing relationship — as they’ve jointly promoted and produced tours over the last several years — while also expanding the global reach of JYP artists. Live Nation currently operates in more than 45 countries, according to a press release.

Since JYP and Live Nation began working together, the companies have collaborated on tours for artists including TWICE, who became the first K-pop girl group to headline both NFL and MLB stadiums when they played Sofi Stadium in L.A. and MetLife Stadium in New York earlier this year, according to a press release. The group is in the midst of its fifth and largest world tour to date, READY TO BE, on which they are slated to play 44 shows across 25 cities globally. Elsewhere, the companies teamed up for Stray Kids’ second world tour, MANIAC, which included 42 shows in 18 cities in North America and Asia, including two dates at BMO Stadium in L.A.

JYP is currently focused on broadening its global reach. In June, the label announced an expansion of its strategic worldwide partnership with Republic Records and Imperial to cover JYP’s entire roster. The partnership now includes global distribution of artists and catalogs, A&R, marketing and business development.

13 Nov 2023

The Beatles Make More Hot 100 History as ‘Now and Then’ Debuts in Top 10

The Beatles make a fab return to the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, as “Now and Then” debuts at No. 7. The song starts on the chart dated Nov. 18, 2023, as their landmark 35th top 10 – extending their record for the most among groups – and their first since 1996.

“Now and Then” is billed as the final Beatles song, first recorded as a demo in 1977 by John Lennon and initially intended for the band’s three-edition Anthology series in the mid-‘90s before being shelved. The song was completed at last by surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, among others, after new technology helped extract Lennon’s vocals from the original demo, while George Harrison guitar parts from the initial attempt to finish the track were also incorporated into the song.

The song was made available for purchase as a download, on cassette and via six vinyl versions: 7” and 12” black vinyl; 7” clear vinyl; 7” blue/white marble vinyl; 7” light blue vinyl; and a Target-exclusive 12” red vinyl (as well as for pre-order on CD).

“Now and Then” enters the Hot 100 with 11 million streams, 2.1 million in radio reach and 73,000 physical and digital singles sold combined in the United Stats Nov. 3-9, following its Nov. 2 release, according to data provider Luminate.

A 12-minute film chronicling the cut premiered Nov. 2, while the song’s official video premiered Nov. 3.

As “Now and Then” enters in the Hot 100 top tier, browse the latest history that The Beatles make below.

13 Nov 2023

After New Girlfriend Debut, Senator Tim Scott Ends Presidential Campaign Abruptly

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Republican Presidential Debate

Source: The Washington Post / Getty

Senator Tim Scott announced that he would be ending his campaign to be the Republican presidential nominee over the weekend, surprising many.

Republican Senator Tim Scott appeared on Fox News for an interview with former GOP politician and friend Trey Gowdy on Sunday (November 12) “I love America more today than I did on May 22. But when I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate. I am suspending my campaign,” he said while taking part in the interview from his home. “I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been really clear that they’re telling me, ‘Not now, Tim,’” Scott continued. “I don’t think they’re saying, Trey, ‘No.’ But I do think they’re saying, ‘Not now.’”

When asked by Gowdy if he would lend his support to any of the remaining candidates for the Republican primary, the lone Black candidate demurred and expressed that “the best way for me to be helpful” would be not to offer an endorsement. He also ruled out becoming a vice-presidential nominee. “I ran for president to be president,” he said. “I think I was called to run. I was not called to win, but I certainly was called to run. … Being vice president has never been on my to-do list for this campaign, and it’s certainly not there now.”

The news came as a surprise to many – including members of Scott’s own presidential campaign team and his donors who tuned in to Gowdy’s program. Scott did call his campaign aides after the interview to confirm his decision, sources close to the campaign said. One donor, metal mogul Andy Sabin said to reporters that he was “disappointed but not surprised” at Scott’s choice.

Scott’s decision comes after the last Republican debate, where he offered up a paltry showing in comparison to the other candidates. His campaign message which was imbued with positivity and an emphasis on conservative Christian values wasn’t going over well with voters who are still fixated on former President Donald Trump. Major donors had already been pulling ads for him at the beginning of October. “Tim ran an optimistic, hopeful message — but that’s not where the Republican base is right now,” an unnamed GOP official said. It also comes after Scott’s reported girlfriend attended the Miami debate, causing a flurry of questions over her identity.

13 Nov 2023

Taylor Swift Unveils Festive Merch Just in Time for Holiday Season

‘Tis the season to buy a gift for your favorite Swiftie, and Taylor Swift has you covered.

The superstar unveiled her new holiday merch via the official Taylor Nation account on X on Monday (Nov. 13). “We close our eyes and we’re somewhere else… at Christmas time, cozying up with our brand new Holiday merch,” the caption reads, in reference to “Everything Has Changed” lyrics.

The accompanying video features the beloved Lover house decorated for the holidays among a snowy landscape, before the new merch items are shown, including ornaments, pajamas, mugs, pillows, sweatshirts, scrapbooks and more.

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The merch is now available for purchase here.

While the holiday season is underway, Swift is still in a sunny mentality as “Cruel Summer” rebounded for a third week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart dated (dated Nov. 18, 2023). Three weeks earlier, it became her 10th career leader. It takes over for her 11th, “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault],” which interrupted the reign of “Cruel Summer” with its No. 1 debut a week ago.

1989 (Taylor’s Version), meanwhile, notches a second week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

13 Nov 2023

Birdman Liberated Druski Of His Coulda Been Records Jewelry, Allegedly

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2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit

Source: Taylor Hill / Getty

Over the weekend, the internet was buzzing about a surveillance video that apparently captured the moment that Druski had his diamond encrusted chain snatched by none other than Birdman and his crew.

According to TMZ, the incident went down at a music studio in LA this Friday (Nov. 10), when Birdman and company confronted Druski and his team over Druski’s apparent trolling of the Cash Money CEO. Rolling up on the comedian and pressing him in front of his people, video footage shows someone from Birdman’s team violently relieve Druski of his iced out piece, much to the surprise of everyone on Druski’s team.

TMZ reports:

A minor scuffle ensues, and Druski and his pals go tumbling down the stairs as they try to escape … making a run for it and beelining it through the halls of the studio — with Birdman in close pursuit. We’re told Dru had just finished filming for his reality show, “Coulda Been House,” when this happened … and from the looks of it, Birdman caught wind of it.

It would also appear that Birdman took something with him from all this … namely, Druski’s chain — which he proudly flashed on social media afterward, writing … “Surprise Party B*tch Slippin In Studio Richgang.” Druski hasn’t addressed the incident on any of his platforms.

Though the internet had jokes about Druski’s athletic speed following the incident (that man can surprisingly haul a**!), many felt that the entire incident was staged for publicity. Still, Birdman showed off his new iced out Coulda Been Records chain that once belonged to his apparent victim. Interestingly enough, the drama stems from Druski’s Coulda Been Records venture, which very much resembles Birdman’s Cash Money Records logo.

Birdman ain’t like that sh*t and let Druski know as much when he pressed him on a FaceTime call.

Though Birdman looked serious as hell, no one knows whether or not these two are in cahoots or if Druski just found out that kidding around with the wrong one will lead to the kind of comeuppance that makes the internet take notice.

What do y’all think of this situation? Is it real or fake? Let us know in the comments section below.

13 Nov 2023

At 2024 Grammys, Lana Del Rey and Phoebe Bridgers Are Competing With Themselves for Album of the Year

In addition to being Grammy-nominated for album of the year for her own album Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, Lana Del Rey is featured on two albums that are competing with her album in that category – Taylor Swift’s Midnights and Jon Batiste’s World Music Radio.

Likewise, in addition to being nominated as a member of boygenius for the record, Phoebe Bridgers is featured on SZA’s SOS.

In all but a few years since 2006, this would have meant that Del Rey and Bridgers would have multiple album of the year nods this year. But this year, the Recording Academy added a baseline for receiving an album of the year nomination. Participants must contribute to 20% of an album’s playing time. This applies to featured artists as well as songwriters, producers, engineers, mixers and mastering engineers.

Six of this year’s eight album of the year nominees have featured artists, but none of the featured artists met that 20% requirement. So, these featured artists won’t be in line to win a Grammy even if the album wins, but they will get a certificate and might get a shout-out in the winner’s acceptance speech.

(Nigerian musician Sean Kuti, the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, is featured on two of the 14 tracks on Janelle Monáe’s The Age of Pleasure, but that didn’t quite meet the standard.)

This year’s two other two album of the year nominees – boygenius’ The Record and Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts – had no featured artists.

Here’s how the Grammy rules in this category have changed over the years. From 2006-16, all credited featured artists on the winning album won Grammys. From 2017-20, the baseline requirement was 33% of an album’s playing time, which some thought was too restrictive. From 2021-22, all featured artists were again eligible to win. This year, a baseline was re-added, but one that was more liberal than the previous one – 20%.

During the years when there was no baseline requirement, the featured artists on Herbie Hancock’s River: The Joni Letters, Swift’s Fearless, Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories and Batiste’s We Are all won Grammys.

Here are the featured artists on this year’s six album of the year nominees that had featured artists.  

13 Nov 2023

The Latin Recording Academy Gives Special Awards to Ana Torroja, Gustavo Santaolalla, Soda Stereo & More: Best Quotes

The 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Week commenced its festivities in Seville, Spain on Sunday (Nov. 12) with the Special Awards presentation. The honorees of the evening included esteemed figures such as Carmen Linares, Mijares, Arturo Sandoval, Simone, Soda Stereo, Ana Torroja, Alex Acuña, Gustavo Santaolalla, and Wisón Torres, all recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Latin music landscape.

“We are extremely honored for the opportunity to recognize these great figures of Ibero-America, whose musical legacy continues to inspire new generations,” Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud said of the 2023 honorees.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is granted to artists who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in the field of Latin music. This year, the honorees include Spanish singer-songwriter Carmen Linares, renowned for her profound grasp of flamenco; Mexican artist Mijares, after spending three decades in the industry scoring international hits; and Arturo Sandoval, a Cuban-American trumpeter and co-founder of the groundbreaking group Irakere, who has displayed his versatility in Latin jazz and classical composition.

Also recognized were the iconic Argentine rock group Soda Stereo; Brazilian singer Simone, who left an indelible mark on the MPB movement with her prolific discography; and Ana Torroja, the voice of the Spanish pop trio Mecano, who embarked on a successful solo career and has experimented with a variety of musical styles.

The Trustees Awards are given to individuals who have made substantial contributions to Latin music beyond performance. This year’s winners were Argentine composer Gustavo Santaolalla, for his pioneering work in various genres, particularly Latin rock; Peruvian percussionist Alex Acuña, who left his mark on the tropical music scene; and Puerto Rican guitarist Wisón Torres, for his unique ability to arrange and harmonize vocal quartets, leaving a lasting impact on Latin American music throughout his more than 75-year career.

The honorees were celebrated during a private event in the Teatro Lope de Vega in Sevilla, Spain. Below are quotes and more information about the nine honorees.

13 Nov 2023

Taylor Lautner Reacts to Getting Called Taylor Swift’s ‘Best Ex’

Swifties have no problem going “Back to December,” as Taylor Lautner has been deemed Taylor Swift’s “best ex” by the pop superstar’s fans.

“[That] sounds like a nice compliment to me,” the actor told People on Sunday (Nov. 12) at The Lemons Foundation 1st Charity Gala in response. “I will take it.”

Lautner added that his wife, Tay (yes, they’re both named Taylor Lautner), is a Swiftie herself. “She let me know that I’m the only ex without a diss track now,” he added. “So that sounds like a nice thing. I’ll take it and run. No complaints here.”

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Swift and Lautner dated back in 2009 after meeting on the set of Valentine’s Day, and it is rumored that her Speak Now hit, “Back to December,” is about their breakup.

Back in July, Swift debuted the first music video from her Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) album at the first Eras Tour stop in Kansas City, Missouri. The Twilight actor, Joey King and Presley Cash, who all starred in the video, also joined the singer onstage to celebrate the video’s premiere.

“She deserves everything that she is getting and going through right now because she’s the hardest-working person,” Lautner continued to People. “And just being at the pinnacle that she’s at right now, the way that she carries herself and is just so gracious and kind to absolutely everyone, no matter who you are, it speaks to her character. And that’s the greatest part about her in my opinion.”