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01 Nov 2023

SZA, Usher & Summer Walker Lead 2023 Soul Train Awards Nominations: Full List

SZA, Usher and Summer Walker are the top nominees for the 2023 Soul Train Awards, with nine nods each. The show will tape from a new, for now undisclosed location in Los Angeles, with BET promising: “This year’s show will reimagine the traditional award show ceremony into a soulful party in Hollywood.” The show will premiere on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.

21 Savage follows the three nominations co-leaders with eight nods. Coco Jones and Victoria Monét are tied at six nods each, followed by Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Janelle Monáe and October London with four nods each.

SZA’s SOS, which is considered a lock to receive a Grammy nomination for album of the next week, is nominated in that category here. In addition, SZA is the only artist with two song of the year nominees here, “Kill Bill” and “Snooze.”

“Good Good” by Usher, Walker and 21 Savage is the only collaboration up for song of the year. It’s one of two collabs vying for video of the year, along with “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” by PinkPantheress & Ice Spice. Both of those collabs are also nominated for – and presumably are the front-runners for – best collaboration.

Most of the nominees are young and still on-the-rise, but there are also some legends in the mix. Ronald Isley (age 82) and the Isley Brothers are vying for the certified soul award. Shirley Caesar (age 85) is up for the best gospel/inspirational award. And the Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award, which has been presented every year since 2009, was named in honor of the legendary songwriting duo which was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

Connie Orlando, EVP, specials, music programming & music strategy, will oversee the annual show and executive produce for BET with Jamal Noisette, VP, specials & music programming. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, will serve as executive producer, along with Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon.

“Soul, R&B, and hip hop continue to top the charts and drive culture forward,” Orlando said in a statement. “This year, we are taking inspiration from these genres to innovate and disrupt the award show format while celebrating the legacy of Soul Train. We are proud of this year’s list of esteemed nominees and look to deliver an unforgettable night of soul with our new location, performances, and show moments.”

Here’s the complete list of nominees for 2023 Soul Train Awards:

Album of the year

The Age of Pleasure, Janelle Monáe

Age/Sex/Location, Ari Lennox

Clear 2: Soft Life EP, Summer Walker

Girls Night Out (Extended), Babyface

I Told Them…, Burna Boy

Jaguar II, Victoria Monét

SOS, SZA

What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe), Coco Jones

Song of the year

“Back to Your Place,” October London

“Favorite Song,” Toosii

“Good Good,” Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage

“ICU,” Coco Jones

“Kill Bill,” SZA

“Lipstick Lover,” Janelle Monáe

“On My Mama,” Victoria Monét

“Snooze,” SZA

Video of the year

“Back to Your Place,” October London

“Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2,” PinkPantheress & Ice Spice

“Boyfriend,” Usher

“Good Good,” Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage

“ICU,” Coco Jones

“Kill Bill,” SZA

“Lipstick Lover,” Janelle Monáe

“On My Mama,” Victoria Monét

“Special,” Lizzo

Best R&B/soul female artist

Ari Lennox    

Beyoncé        

Coco Jones  

H.E.R.    

Janelle Monáe        

Summer Walker      

SZA       

Victoria Monét

Best R&B/soul male artist

6lack   

Babyface       

Brent Faiyaz

Burna Boy     

Chris Brown

Eric Bellinger        

October London    

Usher

Best group

Dvsn    

Flo        

Jagged Edge

Kool & The Gang     

Maverick City Music         

Phony Ppl      

Ronald Isley & The Isley Brothers   

Tank and The Bangas       

Wanmor         

Best collaboration

“America Has a Problem” (Remix), Beyoncé Feat. Kendrick Lamar

“Boy’s a Liar, Pt. 2,” PinkPantheress & Ice Spice

“Creepin’ (Remix),” Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, Diddy Feat. 21 Savage

“Fly Girl,” Flo feat. Missy Elliott

“Good Good,” Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage

“Sittin’ on Top of the World,” Burna Boy Feat. 21 Savage

“Special,” Lizzo feat. SZA

“To Summer, From Cole (Audio Hug),” Summer Walker, J. Cole

Best new artist

Ambré 

Ayra Starr   

Coco Jones  

Doechii

Flo        

Fridayy

Tyla     

Wanmor         

Certified soul award

Anthony Hamilton 

Ashanti

Ciara   

Eric Bellinger        

Monica

PJ Morton     

Ronald Isley & The Isley Brothers   

T-Pain   

Usher

The Ashford and Simpson songwriter’s award

“Back to Your Place,” October London

“Favorite Song,” Toosii

“Good Good,” Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage

“ICU,” Coco Jones

“Kill Bill,” SZA

“On My Mama,” Victoria Monét

“Sittin’ on Top of the World,” Burna Boy Feat. 21 Savage

“Snooze,” SZA

Best dance performance

“Better Thangs,” Ciara Feat. Summer Walker

“Boyfriend,” Usher

“Good Good,” Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage

“How We Roll,” Ciara & Chris Brown

“On My Mama,” Victoria Monét

“Snooze,” SZA

“Summer Too Hot,” Chris Brown

“Under the Influence,” Chris Brown

Best gospel/inspirational award

“All of the Glory,” Shirley Caesar

“All Things,” Kirk Franklin

“Came Too Far,” Fridayy Feat. Maverick City Music & My Mom

“Cry,” Koryn Hawthorne

“Feel Alright (Blessed),” Erica Campbell

“God Problems,” Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine

“The Journey,” H.E.R.

“Try Love,” Kirk Franklin

01 Nov 2023

BTS Funko Pops Are Coming & They’re Absolute ‘Fire’: Where to Preorder

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Drop everything ARMY! We finally have a release date for the new BTS Funko Pops, which are slated to drop Nov. 29. Instead of waiting for the release date though, Amazon is treating you to preorders, so you don’t have to wait up until midnight and pray that you snag the new BTS merch before they’re sold out.

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Clear off some shelf space and make sure you and your friends have a front-row view of these figurines as you flip through the “Dynamite” singers’ 10-year-anniversary book. The new iteration of BTS Funko Pops include all seven members: Jung Kook, J-Hope, Jimin, V, RM, Suga and Jin. They’re available as individual figurines or, if you’re looking to decorate your backpacks and tote bags, you can stock up on the mini keychain versions.

It’s not uncommon for the K-pop group’s collaborations to sell out within minutes and as these (along with the upcoming Loungefly accessories) are the latest collectables to drop, you won’t want to risk missing out on bringing home your favorite member or the entire group. Just in case some of them are sold-out, you can also check the official Funko site here, which also has them available for preorder.

Keep reading to preorder the new BTS Funko Pops below.

figurine with white hair, matching blazer and beige top and bottoms

Amazon

Funko Pop! Rocks: BTS – Suga

Grow your BTS collection with the Suga figurine featuring the artist in his purple patterned blazer paired with a monochrome beige top and trousers, and white shoes. The brand also made sure to add his iconic silver hoop earrings.

figurine with silver piercings and black hair and all white suit

Amazon

Funko Pop! Rocks: BTS – Jung Kook

Jung Kook’s figurine comes decorated with all of his piercings, a necklace and a crisp all-white outfit that your bedroom vanity will be begging to have him displayed on.

figurine with purple suit and black hair

Amazon

Funko Pop! Rocks: BTS – Jimin

Don’t forget to add the the Jimin figurine to your collection — especially as it shows off his trendy purple swirled jacket with a monochrome purple shirt and pants. Don’t worry, Funko made sure to add his classic earrings and ring, too.

figurine with cream suit and brown hair

Amazon

Funko Pop! Rocks: BTS – Jin

You won’t be asking “Permission to Dance” once you see Jin’s figurine. He comes in a sleek beige suit with a white button down and white boots that’s perfect for displaying on top of your media storage cabinet.

figurine in blue monochrome suit and short brown hair

Amazon

Funko Pop! Rocks: BTS – RM

Bringing the edginess is RM’s figurine as he rocks short styled hair, a blue monochromatic outfit and his silver accessories.

figurine with long black hair and monochrome blue suit

Amazon

Funko Pop! Rocks: BTS – V

You’ll be feeling anything but the blues over V’s figurine as he comes with a stylish blue suit featuring different shades of the soft color as well as his silver ring and white shoes.

figurine with short white hair and orange and pink suit

Amazon

Funko Pop! Rocks: BTS – J-Hope

J-Hope’s figurine is ready to add a pop of color to the entire collection as he comes designed with his bold white hair and an orange and pink two-toned suit.

And, if you’re looking for more K-pop collectables, you can grow your BLACKPINK merch and preorder their first-ever Funko Pops before they drop Jan. 1, 2024.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups the best NewJeans outfits, Stray Kids merch and TWICE merch.

01 Nov 2023

SoundCloud and Sickamore Launch IIIXL STUDIO to Discover Rising NYC Talent

SoundCloud and veteran music executive Sickamore have partnered to launch IIIXL STUDIO, a Brooklyn-based enterprise devoted to signing and developing New York City artists, it was announced today (Nov. 1).

The union between SoundCloud and Sickamore (born Randall Medford) will join the streaming company’s proprietary data and the executive’s eye for talent to scour through the New York City area to find hip-hop acts and nurture them through the company’s artists development program. 

Upon discovery, Sickamore will take the budding talent over to SoundCloud’s artist partnerships division, where the company will offer marketing resources and creative support to the artists and their teams. In addition, APG’s label partnership division will assist by providing additional resources to IIIXL Studio.

The first signing is 20-year-old Harlem artist Liim, who previously released “Mary J” earlier this year. Listen below.

“As 20+ years as a mixtape DJ, A&R, and manager, music has been my life and has taken me around the world,” says Sickmore, founder of IIIXL to Billboard. “Launching IIIXL Studio and partnering with SoundCloud to develop high-end hip-hop artists in my hometown of New York City is my proudest moment.” Sickmore previously worked with stars such as Travis Scott, YG, Don Toliver, and Sheck Wes. He previously worked at major labels such as Epic Records and Interscope Records. 

Added Eliah Seton, CEO of SoundCloud: “This is just the beginning of Sickamore’s journey with SoundCloud, and we’re so excited for what’s next. It’s all about passion, dedication, and hard work, and together, we’re composing a future where creativity can truly shine.”

01 Nov 2023

BTS’ Jung Kook Channels Michael Jackson in ‘Standing Next to You’ Video Teaser

Jung Kook is days away from stepping into his own as a pop soloist, so who better to channel in his upcoming music video than the King of Pop? Ahead of the release of his debut solo album Golden, the BTS star shared a music video teaser for one of the upcoming project’s singles, “Standing Next to You,” in which he appears to pay subtle tribute to Michael Jackson.

Posted Wednesday (Nov. 1), the teaser finds Jung Kook dressed in an MJ-esque military jacket complete with metallic embellishments and tassels as he emulates some of the late legend’s signature dance moves — namely, the iconic crotch grab. In other shots, the K-pop star stands solo, modeling a majestic pair of black angel wings.

The teaser comes just two days ahead of Friday’s (Nov. 3) album drop, which will also see the release of the full “Standing Next to You” video. And even though it’s not out yet, Golden is already breaking records; just this week, Jung Kook’s Latto duet, “Seven,” became the fastest song to reach 1 billion streams in Spotify history.

The track also earned Jung Kook his first ever Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 earlier this year. His collaboration with Jack Harlow, “3D” — which is also part of the Golden tracklist — followed close behind, bowing at No. 5 on the chart.

His successful collaborations don’t stop there, however. Earlier this week, “Too Much” with Central Cee and The Kid LAROI made Jung Kook the first South Korean soloist to land three songs in the top 10 of the the Official U.K. Singles chart.

Watch Jung Kook’s “Standing Next to You” teaser above.

01 Nov 2023

Audius Enables Direct Payments to Artists

Audius, a blockchain-based streaming platform, launched its music marketplace in beta on Wednesday (Nov. 1), meaning that its user base — which has ranged between 4 and 7 million in recent months — can now send direct payments to their favorite artists. 

“We were a marketplace for engagement and attention,” Roneil Rumburg, co-founder/CEO of Audius, tells Billboard. “But talk to any artists — what’s top of mind for them is, ‘How am I going to pay rent next month?’ This feature allows them to make the following they have a financial asset. There’s a structure to monetize via Audius now rather than just building a fan base.”

More than 40 acts, including RAC, Matt Ox and Cheat Codes, will participate in the beta program, which Audius hopes to roll out widely in the first quarter of 2024. Artists can set prices for fans to stream a previously unreleased demo or download stems to participate in a remix competition, for example. And fans can pay artists more than that price if they’re particularly excited about an offering.

“What we heard [from users] is they were looking for a deeper way to engage with artists,” Romburg explains. He likens allowing them to tip extra on top to “the behavior pattern you see from the folks who buy vinyl even though they don’t have a record player at home — they want to support that artist.” (Users are further incentivized to support artists via a matching program: If an act sells access to a track for $1, for example, that act and the purchaser each get 1 $AUDIO tokens, which helps them gain more voting power on the community-run platform.)

Implementing a monetization option has also allowed Audius to build new bridges to the traditional music industry for the first time. “This monetization feature set saw fairly broad buy-in,” Rumburg says. The platform is partnering with DistroKid, allowing a large number of independent acts the option to put their music on Audius, and Beatport, an important hub for the dance music community. In addition, Audius is announcing its first set of label partners, a group that includes EMPIRE, Nettwerk Music, Circus Records and Anjunadeep, among others.

Rumburg cautions that “the way the deals with the labels coming on are structured, it’s not like their whole catalog gets shoved into Audius.”

“Uploading the same music that’s available everywhere else probably wouldn’t work,” he continues. “Where we’ve had the most success is when artists are sharing weird, different things that they probably wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing with their broader fan base. Something like sharing early draft versions of future content to get feedback — the most highly engaged part of the fan base loves that s—.”

But under the new deals, Romburg adds, “When content is shared on Audius that’s owned by a label, the payments will flow correctly.”

01 Nov 2023

Kelly Clarkson Sinks Her Teeth Into Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Vampire’ for Halloween Kellyoke: Watch

Kelly Clarkson was more than prepared for Halloween on Tuesday (Oct. 31), and chose a very fitting Kellyoke cover to open up her namesake talk show. The host treated her studio audience to a clean (and television appropriate) version of Olivia Rodrigo‘s recent single, “Vampire.”

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The three-time Grammy winner took to the stage in a full vampire’s costume consisting of a billowing low-cut, floor-length black gown with bat sleeves, a black velvet choker and fake bloody tears — made of makeup and appliqués — cascading from beneath her eyes. Her backing band Y’all was replaced with just a pianist, who accompanied her on the spooky cover.

“‘Cause I’ve made some real big mistakes/ But you make the worst one look fine I should’ve known it was strange/ You only come out at night/ I used to think I was smart/ But you made me look so naive/ The way you sold me for parts/ As you sunk your teeth into me, oh/ Bloodsucker, dream crusher/ Bleedin’ me dry, like a damn vampire,” Clarkson passionately sang on her rendition of the track, peppering the lyrics with her signature high notes and swooping vocal runs.

Released as the lead single off of Rodrigo’s sophomore album, GUTS, “Vampire” debuted and peaked at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track has spent a total of 17 weeks on the chart and is currently at No. 11 on the Nov. 4-dated tally.

Watch Clarkson’s cover of Rodrigo’s “Vampire” in the video above.

01 Nov 2023

Two New Suspects Charged In Connection To PnB Rock Murder

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The tragic death of PnB Rock last year led to the arrest of a father and son duo who planned the brazen daytime robbery and shooting and authorities are sharing a new development. In addition to the earlier arrests and charges, two other suspects have been charged in connection to the crime.

Rolling Stone reports that two new suspects have been charged for allegedly aiding the robbery and killing of PnB Rock. Rock, real name Rakim Allen, was dining inside a South Los Angeles Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles with his girlfriend Stephanie Sibounheuang in September 2022.

Tremont Jones and Wynisha Evans were initially arrested back in May and their names were withheld from the public until the charges were filed later. Jones faces charges of two counts of robbery, conspiracy to rob the rapper and illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. Evans was charged with being an accessory after the fact.

The pair pleaded not guilty during their arraignment at the Compton Courthouse in September, according to Venusse Dunn, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Freddie Trone and his 17-year-old son, who is the alleged gunman, were arrested in connection to the meeting. Trone’s wife, Shauntel Trone, was also charged as an accessory after the fact.

There was heavy speculation that PnB Rock’s location was known to the suspects because Sibounheuang shared online where they were dining. That theory is being challenged by prosecutors as they move forward with the case.

All five of the named individuals have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

PnB Rock was 30 at the time of his death.

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Photo: Bennett Raglin / Getty

01 Nov 2023

CTM Outlander Inks Catalog and Go-Forward Deal With Ross Copperman

CTM Outlander has inked a deal with four-time BMI songwriter of the year winner Ross Copperman, including both the acquisition of Copperman’s catalog (via Iris in the Sky with Diamonds) as well as a publishing deal for his future works.

Copperman has had songs recorded by Keith Urban, Tyler Hubbard, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani, Gabby Barrett, Kenny Chesney & P!nk, Dierks Bentley, Brett Young, Darius Rucker and more. CTM will create new opportunities for Copperman through a creative partnership with SMACKSongs. Copperman was previously with Sony Music Publishing.

As part of the arrangement, CTM Outlander also acquires Copperman’s writer share for songs previously published by Plain Jane, including “Love Ain’t” by Eli Young Band, “Happy Anywhere” by Blake Shelton feat. Gwen Stefani, “Get Along” by Kenny Chesney and “Living” by Dierks Bentley.

Copperman said in a statement, “I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside remarkable individuals like CTM and SMACK in my new team. CTM’s visionary leadership has already brought us exciting opportunities beyond Country, expanding our horizons. I’ve always held immense respect for SMACK, and I eagerly anticipate the promising collaborations and accomplishments that lie ahead.”

André de Raaff, CEO at CTM Outlander, said, “From the first moment we met Ross we felt his energy, passion and drive for music. His goal is set to break new artists and help creative new opportunities with the ones he’s already been working with. We are here to support him in any type of way and see Ross as somebody that is helping to develop the country music genre into a global genre.”

CTM Outlander is a partnership between the innovative and disruptive Dallas, Texas based Outlander Capital led by Les Ware and Mike McKool and the Dutch-based leading independent music entertainment company CTM, led by industry veteran André de Raaff. CTM Outlander previously acquired Shane McAnally‘s catalog earlier this year, in addition to other SMACKSongs works. In 2022, the CTM Outlander acquired catalogs of Natalie Hemby, Michael Tyler and Ben Burgess.

Mike McKool, director of CTM Outlander, said, “When we created CTM Outlander, we had no specific agenda as far as genre was concerned. It was only after meeting and developing relationships with the songwriting community in Nashville, that we decided to place an emphasis on country music. As we continue to invest and grow our portfolio, Ross is another example of the kind of artist we want to be in business with. We couldn’t be more excited to work with him moving forward, while also furthering our relationship with SMACKSongs.”

Robert Carlton, president of SMACKSongs, added, “SMACK is proud to further our partnership with CTM through this deal. Ross has been one of the premier writers and producers in Nashville over the last decade. We’ve been fortunate to share quite a bit of success with him through co-writes, but feel truly honored that he chose to entrust SMACK with this next chapter of his career.”

01 Nov 2023

UC Berkeley Latest University to Offer Taylor Swift College Course

Taylor Swift is one step closer to becoming a common core fixture in collegiate education. This week, UC Berkeley became the latest college to announce a course inspired by the 33-year-old pop star, confirming plans to launch “Artistry and Entrepreneurship: Taylor’s Version” in 2024.

Taught by Sofia Lendahl and Crystal Haryanto, the course’s syllabus reportedly invites students to “fall down a rabbit hole of what has led to Taylor Swift’s prolific success as a songwriter, businesswoman, and creative influence.” “Through lyricism, branding, and craft, we’ll explore how art and authenticity create enduring value and a viable enterprise,” it continues, according to KRON4. “We’ll analyze performance and interview clips, discuss media portrayal and perceptions, and develop working definitions of Swift’s role in society—and yours. We’ll put her under scrutiny, but handle it beautifully.”

The new program comes as Swift reaches a new peak in her career; last week, it was projected that the “Anti-Hero” singer had reached billionaire status thanks to her ongoing blockbuster Eras Tour. The musician is also fresh off the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version), her fourth re-recorded album. Her “Taylor’s Version” project has been so independently successful since beginning in 2021, record labels are actively working to prevent artists from following Swift’s lead.

The upward trend of Taylor-themed college courses can be traced back to early 2022, when New York University launched a class studying the superstar’s entrepreneurship, songwriting influences and relationship to the media at the Clive Davis Institute. Later that year, Swift herself showed up at NYU’s commencement ceremony to accept an honorary doctorate degree and deliver a speech to the graduates.

Since then, Swift syllabi has been rolled out at the University of Texas, Arizona State University and Stanford University.

01 Nov 2023

Feid’s 5 Favorite Latin Things | Billboard

Feid tells us all about his five favorite Latin things backstage at Billboard’s Latin Music Week 2023.

Feid:
Hi Mor, I am Feid and these are my 5 favorite Latin things.

My favorite Latin word is “Qué chimba.”

My favorite Latin dish is the Bandeja Paisa, obviously Mor.

My favorite Latin vacation… this is going to sound funny but for me, at this point in my life going on vacation is going to Medellín. In this moment of my life, my favorite Latin vacation would be going to Medellín to party, go to the club, drive around, to have a really good time.

My favorite Latin song… that question is really hard. I have a lot of genres, but I would choose… I like Eddie Santiago’s salsa a lot. I would choose “Tú Con Él” or “Lluvia.” I like it, I love it.

My favorite Latin athlete, I really like Rigoberto Urán. We’re good friends, besides that, he has worked hard for what he’s got. He’s a cyclist. He is foul-mouthed and has very funny slang but we click a lot when we talk on social media, when we see each other. I think he represents well what being a crazy Colombian is and hardworking in life.

Watch the video above!