News

09 Oct 2023

Rihanna Flashes Giant Ring While Celebrating A$AP Rocky’s Birthday in NYC

Over the weekend, Rihanna went out in New York City to celebrate her birthday boy, A$AP Rocky.

The couple was spotted out looking chic for the newly 35-year-old rapper’s celebration, which took place days after his actual birthday on Oct. 3. The rapper was in a matching pale jacket and slacks, while Ri paired her denim pants and jacket with a white button-up tied at the chest, peekaboo black bra, dark shades and a humongous jewel-encrusted bauble on the ring finger of her left hand.

It’s unclear if the flashy accessory is an engagement ring. Reps for the couple have not yet responded to Billboard‘s request for comment.

The pair — who are parents to sons RZA and Riot Rose — were spotted dancing together in a couple of adorable clips that made it to Twitter afterward, including one where they face off in a dance-off to Rae Sremmurd, Nicki Minaj and Young Thug’s “Throw Sum Mo.”

The birthday celebration comes shortly after the couple was seemingly dissed by Drake on his new album For All the Dogs, on which fans think he dissed Rihanna with the lyrics, “Why they make it sound like I’m still hung up on you?/ That could never be … And I had way badder b—hes than you, TBH/ Yeah, that man, he still with you, he can’t leave you.”

And while neither Ri nor Rocky have responded, many fans took to social media to call out Drizzy — who dated the “Umbrella” singer on and off — on Rihanna’s behalf. “Drake dissed Rihanna and Asap Rocky and that only means one thing, it still hurts him enough to disgrace himself to the public after 6 years,” tweeted one fan last week. “I didn’t think I’d ever say this but, Drake, you flopped.”

See clips of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky celebrating his birthday below:

09 Oct 2023

Evan Rachel Wood Recounts Harrowing Details of Alleged Abuse by Marilyn Manson: ‘He Wouldn’t Stop Until You Gave In’

[Trigger warning: this article contains descriptions of domestic violence, as well as sexual and physical abuse.]

Evan Rachel Wood has further detailed what she said was the years of physical, sexual and emotional abuse she allegedly suffered at the hands of her ex-fiancé, disgraced shock rocker Marilyn Manson (born Brian Warner).

In a new interview with the Navigating Narcissism podcast, Wood broke down why it took her so many years to face the reality of the violence she says she endured during the relationship, telling host Dr. Ramani Durvasula that before the larger #MeToo movement gained traction in 2017, her nervous system, the stress and the “weight of it all” became so intense that the Westworld star began to have stress seizures.

“When I realized what a physical impact this was having on me and it was making it nearly impossible to just move about my life normally and comfortably and safely… that was such a breaking point for me,” Wood added.

Manson has repeatedly denied all accusations from Wood and several other women who have claimed that the singer engaged in ritual sexual, physical and mental abuse, with many of the lawsuits filed against him so far over the allegations either dropped, dismissed or settled. In addition, in May a Los Angeles judge dismissed much of Manson’s defamation lawsuit against Wood, ruling that many of its claims were barred under a California law aimed at protecting free speech.

Wood first began dating Manson when she was 18 and Manson was 37, describing the intense relationship in the 2022 HBO documentary Phoenix Rising in terms of the older musician immediately “lovebombing” her with notes and texts after their first meeting and describing her as his “soulmate” and himself as her “vampire.” In the film she alleged that Manson tied her up and tortured her ritualistically, lashing her to a “kneeler” bench and hitting her “over and over” with a Nazi whip from the Holocaust before shocking her welts and private areas until she broke the bench in half.

Though she didn’t mention Manson during 2018 testimony to Congress about her abuse, in February 2021 Wood for the first time named her abuser, writing, “I am here to expose this dangerous man” in reference to the performer whose stock-in-trade has been shocking audiences with graphic, disturbing images and lyrics and depicting himself as a debauched agent of chaos. In speaking to Durvasula, the actress said she essentially had to “play dead” and “give him something that was undesirable” in order to make it feel like it was Manson’s idea to let her go as part of her difficult attempt to separate from him.

“There was a moment where I was like, ‘I’m so afraid of this person, I’ve been threatened so many times, either with blackmail or with force and if I stay here because I’m too scared to leave, I feel like I’m dead anyway’,” Wood said. “Staying felt like a death sentence, leaving also felt terrifying because something could happen to me or he could come after me. I felt like either way I feel dead so I may as well try to escape,” she said of her decision to try and disentangle herself from the performer she said often behaved in a “cult leader” fashion.

Describing “reactive abuse” where she said Manson pushed her to the edge of a breakdown — including one time where she claimed the singer told someone in his inner circle that she had slit her wrists “for attention” — Wood said Manson would try to “get ahead” of any allegations against him by putting out a “completely different” story to pre-empt her claims.

She further detailed what she has said was the abusive behavior she suffered while living with Manson during the relationship that lasted until she was 22, including him allegedly isolating her from others for days on end, escalating threats and her “getting in trouble” for such perceived slip-ups as giving guests water in plastic bottles instead of glasses.

“You and him and a mound of cocaine and he would keep you up and stay awake just berating you,” Wood said, “telling you everything that was wrong with the world and the people around you, everything you were doing wrong, all the ways you were failing him and failing yourself, the suspicions he had towards you, he would start wrecking the house. It was this non-stop onslaught of words and monologues, this constant stream of negativity that I felt like I couldn’t escape and couldn’t stop… it’s where the brainwashing and abuse started taking place. He wouldn’t stop until you gave in or started agreeing with everything he was saying or making the phone calls he wanted you to make.”

Wood described the yearslong process of healing from the trauma of the relationship, saying that while she was initially being “groomed” by Manson as they were going public, the reaction she saw was “very shaming and very blaming,” with the attention seemingly focused solely on her and not Warner. “Here’s this like sort of young harlot Lolita-type home wrecking party girl that’s come in and ruined everything,” she said of how she perceived the relationship was being described, rather than a focus on how much older Manson was and whether it was “somewhat inappropriate” for the then-married singer to be pursuing her; Manson was married to burlesque performer Dita Von Teese from 2004-2007.

Elsewhere, Wood said Manson coerced her into splitting with her mother — allegedly taking notes on her conversations with her mom — as a further attempt to isolate her and, as she said is typical with cults, convince her to not believe negative things she read about him. “Cults do the same thing when they’re like, ‘don’t read anything about the cult online’… it’s the same kind of psychology of up is down and down is up.”

She said at one point Manson demanded Wood kick her lifelong best friend out of her house, sending one of his “flying monkeys” (his assistant) with her, and having that person record the interaction so that he could confirm Wood had done what he told her to as part of his desire to control her actions.

At press time a spokesperson for Manson had not responded to Billboard‘s request for comment on Wood’s interview, though a source close to the singer said that “most of the false claims” made by Wood in her interview “have already been disputed within Brian’s ongoing lawsuit against her, and that the “new tales she is spinning” will likely be added to that case as well.

In a previous filing related to Manson’s defamation suit against Wood, he stated that he was in a romantic relationship with the actress until 2010 — after meeting her in 2006 — that they were engaged to be married and during that time they “carried on a loving and consensual relationship. Eventually, like many couples, we broke up. I never abused, assaulted, raped, or threatened Wood or her family as she has since contended”; Manson stated that any accusations of abuse, assault, rape or threats are “unequivocally false.”

Watch Wood on the Navigating Narcissism podcast below.

Stories about sexual assault allegations can be traumatizing for survivors of sexual assault. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can reach out to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). The organization provides free, confidential support to sexual assault victims. Call RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) or visit the anti-sexual violence organization’s website for more information.

09 Oct 2023

Katy Perry, Madonna & More Musicians React to Deadly Hamas Attack on Israel

Stars such as Katy Perry, Madonna and more are speaking out following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, leveraged by the militant group Hamas.

So far, the violence has resulted in the deaths of more than 700 Israelis (260 of which were killed at a local music festival) and has led Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order a “complete siege” of Gaza in retaliation, cutting off water, food, electricity and food to the territory from which the invasion was launched. Amid the deadly conflict, musicians including Katy Perry have made statements on social media to share their support and speak out on behalf of victims in both countries.

One day after the attack, the “Teenage Dream” singer shared a post from UNICEF to her Instagram account, featuring a statement from the organization’s executive director calling for peace in the name of children in both Israel and Palestine. “More than anything, the children of Israel and the State of Palestine need a lasting political solution to the crisis, so that they can grow up in peace and free from the shadow of violence,” it read.

Madonna, meanwhile, was one of the first major stars to speak out about the attacks, voicing support for Israel on her Instagram page. “Conflicts can never be resolved with violence,” the singer wrote. “Unfortunately Humanity does not understand this Universal truth. Has Never Understood it. We live in a World Ravaged by Hate. My heart goes out to Israel. To Families and Homes that have been destroyed. To children who are lost.”

Don McLean also shared his thoughts on the attack in a statement to Billboard. “It is hard for me to control the emotions I feel for Israel at this time,” the “American Pie” singer said. “Having lived in Israel, I remember the neighborhoods I now see being bombed. I knew the people who faced this kind of hatred every day and went to a party every night because life is something to celebrate and it is so precious. Being there changed me forever. I have lived in a different way ever since. I was proud to write the song ‘Jerusalem,’ for the Mayor of Jerusalem and I sing this song every night during shows. On this earth, Jerusalem is at the center of the atom of life and salvation no matter what might be going on anywhere else on the planet.”

Singer-actress Mandy Moore reshared comedian Alex Edelman’s post in her Stories, which read in part, “The murder of innocents is never acceptable. The desecration of corpses is never acceptable. The taking of children as hostages is never acceptable.”

Frozen star Josh Gad, who charted on the Billboard Hot 100 with “We Wish You the Merriest” alongside Idina Mendel, shared his heartbreak on Threads. “I have no words. I am praying for my many family members in Israel. What a cowardly act,” he wrote. “What we are witnessing in real time right now is unprecedented since the Yom Kippur war. My heart breaks for the families of those who have lost loved ones, and for the hostages who have been taken. What a horrific day.”

These stars are just some to react to the deadly attack, with U2, Diddy, Frozen‘s Josh Gad and more all posting statements of their own. Plus, Bruno Mars canceled his concert in Tel Aviv in light of the conflict.

Keep reading to see how musicians are reacting to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East below. (Trigger warning: Some posts may include images of war and violence.)

09 Oct 2023

YouTuber Who Defamed Cardi B Can’t Dodge Most of $4M Judgment Via Bankruptcy

Two years after Cardi B won a nearly $4 million defamation verdict against a YouTube host named Tasha K over her salacious lies about drug use, STDs and prostitution, a federal judge has ruled that the gossip blogger cannot avoid paying most of the judgment through Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Tasha, who filed for bankruptcy in a May petition that said she had less than $60,000 in assets, will not be able to “discharge” $3.4 million owed to Cardi via the Chapter 11 process, Judge Scott M. Grossman ruled Thursday (Oct. 5) — meaning she’ll continue to be on the hook even after she exits bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy law allows insolvent people to escape certain debts, but it doesn’t shield them from paying money they owe because of “willful and malicious injury” they caused to others. After Tasha filed for bankruptcy, Cardi’s lawyers said that exception clearly applied to the huge judgment — a debt they said Tasha had incurred by “spreading false and defamatory statements” that were intended to cause harm.

After Cardi’s attorneys made those arguments, Tasha’s lawyers didn’t really fight back, essentially agreeing that $3.4 million of the $3.9 million judgment wasn’t going to be erased by the bankruptcy. And on Friday, Judge Grossman made it official: “The award of damages [and] interest thereon pursuant … are excepted from discharge.”

The ruling leaves only $500,000 of Cardi’s judgment in doubt. That money is technically owed solely by Tasha’s company Kebe Studios LLC. Whether or not Tasha herself is required to pay it will be the subject of future proceedings before the bankruptcy court.

Tasha’s bankruptcy attorney did not immediately return a request for comment on Monday.

Cardi (real name Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar) sued Tasha (Latasha Kebe) in 2019 over what the rapper’s lawyers called a “malicious campaign” on social media and YouTube aimed at hurting Cardi’s reputation. The star’s attorneys said they had repeatedly tried — and failed — to get her to pull her videos down.

One Tasha video cited in the lawsuit includes a statement that Cardi had done sex acts “with beer bottles on f—ing stripper stages.” Other videos said the superstar had contracted herpes; that she had been a prostitute; that she had cheated on her husband; and that she had done hard drugs.

Following a trial in January, jurors sided decisively with Cardi B, holding Tasha liable for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. They ordered her and her company to pay more than $2.5 million in damages and another $1.3 million in legal fees incurred by Cardi. Tasha appealed the verdict last summer, but a federal appeals court easily rejected that request in March.

Cardi B has repeatedly vowed to recover the money. Shortly after she won the jury verdict, she tweeted “imma come for everything” along with the acronym BBHMM — “bitch better have my money.” And her lawyers spent months legally pursuing the money, including garnishing her YouTube monetization account.

But in May, Tasha said there was barely any money for Cardi to take. In her bankruptcy petition, she listed just $58,595 in total assets to her name, the vast majority of which came from a truck that’s tied as collateral to an unpaid auto loan. She listed only $11,750 in other properties, including two Louis Vuitton purses and just $95 in actual cash in her bank account. She counted the trademark to her “UnWineWithTashaK” YouTube channel as an asset, but says the value of the brand is “unknown.”

Lawyers for Cardi quickly filed a so-called adversary proceeding — a lawsuit-like process that takes place within a larger bankruptcy case — to ensure that Tasha couldn’t dodge the damages she owes. It was that case that led to Friday’s decision.

09 Oct 2023

DJ Mary Turner, Tom Rounds Among Radio Hall of Fame’s 2023 Legends of Radio Inductees (Full List)

On-air personalities Mary Turner, Bob Grant, Jack “The Rapper” Gibson, Long John Nebel and Terry Dorsey are among 12 radio professionals who will receive the Legends of Radio award from the Radio Hall of Fame. The award recognizes “the talents and efforts of on-air personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away.”  

They will be honored at the 2023 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Nov. 2 at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel in New York City. Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo, a 2022 Radio Hall of Fame inductee, will MC the event.

“It’s heartfelt recognition to see these individuals and their career contributions to the radio industry recognized with this induction,” Kraig T. Kitchin, co-chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said in a statement. “They’ve made a forever impact on the audiences and businesses they interacted with and for that, we’re grateful.” 

Dennis Green, the other co-chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, added: “Gone but never forgotten, these Legends of the radio industry deserve to be recognized as Hall of Famers and it is an honor to induct them to the Radio Hall of Fame. From programmers to talent to executives, these individuals are the best of the best.” 

Another of this year’s Legends of Radio honorees, Tom Rounds, co-founded Watermark Inc., the syndication company responsible for American Top 40, American Country Countdown and other shows. By coincidence, Shadoe Stevens, who succeeded Casey Kasem as host of American Top 40 in 1988, is one of eight inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame this year.

This year’s seven other Radio Hall of Fame honorees are: John DeBella (WMGK-FM, Philadelphia), Gerry House (WSIX-FM, Nashville), Pat St. John (60s Gold, SiriusXM), Bob Rivers (The Bob Rivers Show), Nina Totenberg (National Public Radio), Deborah Parenti (publisher, Radio Ink) and Charles Warfield (executive).

Here are this year’s recipients of the Legends of Radio award: 

  • Bob Grant – on-air personality 
  • Dave Robbins – programming executive 
  • Ed Christian – executive 
  • Eduardo Caballero – executive 
  • Jack “The Rapper” Gibson – on-air personality/writer 
  • Joe “Butterball” Tamburro – programming executive 
  • Long John Nebel – on-air personality 
  • Marty Glickman – play-by-play host/executive 
  • Mary Turner – on-air personality 
  • Steve Rivers – programming executive 
  • Terry Dorsey – on-air personality 
  • Tom Rounds – executive 

09 Oct 2023

Jung Kook & Jack Harlow’s ‘3D’ Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Global Charts

Jung Kook and Jack Harlow’s “3D” soars in at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. songs charts (dated Oct. 14). Jung Kook earns the second solo leader for a BTS member on each survey, following his “Seven,” featuring Latto.

Elsewhere, Iñigo Quintero’s breakthrough viral hit “Si No Estás” vaults 129-9 on Global Excl. U.S., becoming his first top 10.

The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, which began in September 2020, rank songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories around the world, as compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 is inclusive of worldwide data and the Global Excl. U.S. chart comprises data from territories excluding the United States.

Chart ranks are based on a weighted formula incorporating official-only streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as download sales, the latter of which reflect purchases from full-service digital music retailers from around the world, with sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites excluded from the charts’ calculations.

‘3D’ Jumps Out at No. 1 on Global 200

Jung Kook and Jack Harlow’s “3D” launches at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200, with 104.3 million streams and 119,000 sold worldwide Sept. 29-Oct. 5, following its Sept. 29 release. (The song’s original, “Alternate” and instrumental versions were released that day, while its A.G. Cook remix and clean, sped up and slowed down mixes arrived Oct. 2.)

Jung Kook, from South Korea, achieves the second solo Global 200 No. 1 for a BTS member, after his “Seven,” featuring Latto, reigned for seven weeks beginning upon its July debut. (Both tracks will appear on Jung Kook’s first solo album, Golden, due Nov. 3.)

As “3D” debuts, here’s a rundown, ranked by peak position, of BTS members’ nine Global 200 top 10s (including two No. 1s) outside the act, with BTS as a group having tallied 11 top 10s (including seven No. 1s):

  • “3D,” Jung Kook & Jack Harlow, No. 1 (one week to date), beginning October 2023
  • “Seven,” Jung Kook feat. Latto, No. 1 (seven weeks), July 2023
  • “Like Crazy,” Jimin, No. 2, April 2023
  • “Slow Dancing,” V, No. 4, September 2023
  • “Left and Right,” Charlie Puth feat. Jung Kook, No. 5, July 2022
  • “That That,” PSY feat. SUGA, No. 5, May 2022
  • “Set Me Free, Pt. 2,” Jimin, No. 8, April 2023
  • “Dreamers (Music From the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022),” Jung Kook, No. 9, December 2022
  • “The Astronaut,” Jin, No. 10, November 2022

Harlow, from Louisville, Ky., notches his first Global 200 No. 1, among three top 10s.

Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red” drops to No. 2 after four weeks atop the Global 200; Jung Kook’s “Seven,” featuring Latto, backtracks 2-3; Tate McRae’s “Greedy” holds at its No. 4 high, with 51.9 million streams (up 34%) and 4,000 sold (up 63%) worldwide; and Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” slides to No. 5 from its No. 3 high.

‘3D’ Debuts Atop Global Excl. U.S., Iñigo Quintero Hits Top 10

Jung Kook and Jack Harlow’s “3D” concurrently premieres at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, with 91 million streams and 70,000 sold outside the U.S. in its first week.

As on the Global 200, Jung Kook claims the second solo Global Excl. U.S. No. 1 for a BTS member, after his “Seven,” featuring Latto, ruled for nine weeks beginning upon its July chart start.

As “3D” enters, here’s a rundown, ranked by peak position, of BTS members’ 13 Global Excl. U.S. top 10s (including two No. 1s) outside the group, while BTS totals 11 top 10s (including seven No. 1s):

  • “3D,” Jung Kook & Jack Harlow, No. 1 (one week to date), beginning October 2023
  • “Seven,” Jung Kook feat. Latto, No. 1 (nine weeks), July 2023
  • “Like Crazy,” Jimin, No. 2, April 2023
  • “Left and Right,” Charlie Puth feat. Jung Kook, No. 2, July 2022
  • “That That,” PSY feat. SUGA, No. 2, May 2022
  • “Slow Dancing,” V, No. 4, September 2023
  • “Dreamers (Music From the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022),” Jung Kook, No. 4, December 2022
  • “Love Me Again,” V, No. 6, August 2023
  • “The Astronaut,” Jin, No. 6, November 2022
  • “Rainy Days,” V, No. 8, August 2023
  • “Set Me Free, Pt. 2,” Jimin, No. 8, April 2023
  • “Stay Alive,” Jung Kook, No. 8, February 2022
  • “Vibe,” TAEYANG feat. Jimin, No. 9, January 2023

Harlow tallies his first Global Excl. U.S. No. 1, among three top 10s.

Jung Kook’s “Seven,” featuring Latto, holds at No. 2 after spending its first nine weeks on the Global Excl. U.S. chart at No. 1 – and with his “3D” at No. 1, Jung Kook becomes the first soloist to rank at Nos. 1 and 2 simultaneously on the survey; overall, he joins only BLACKPINK (“Shut Down” and “Pink Venom”; Oct. 1, 2022) and BTS (“Life Goes On” and “Dynamite”; Dec. 5, 2020) in scoring such a double domination.

Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red” tumbles to No. 3 after two weeks atop Global Excl. U.S.; Tate McRae’s “Greedy” becomes her first top five hit on the chart, jumping 7-4; and Kenya Grace’s “Strangers” dips to No. 5 from its No. 3 high.

Plus, Iñigo Quintero’s breakout Global Excl. U.S. entry, “Si No Estás,” skyrockets 129-9, with 32.8 million streams (up 190%) outside the U.S. The piano-pop song becomes the first top 10 for the Spanish singer-songwriter, who, benefiting from buzz on TikTok and Instagram, became a first-timer on Billboard’s charts a week earlier. The single also becomes his first No. 1 on the Spain Songs chart.

The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts (dated Oct. 14, 2023) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow (Oct. 10). For both charts, the top 100 titles are available to all readers on Billboard.com, while the complete 200-title rankings are visible on Billboard Pro, Billboard’s subscription-based service. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.

Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.

09 Oct 2023

Millions of Users Data From 23andMe’s Genetic Database Is Being Sold By Hackers On The Dark Web

HipHopWired Featured Video

23andMe Data Stolen & Sold On The Dark Web By Hackers

Source: Smith Collection/Gado / Getty / 23andMe

Nothing is safe from hackers on the web, not even the information 23andMe.

Spotted on The Verge, genetic testing and analysis company 23andMe announced on its blog site Friday, October 6, that hackers stole user data and is currently making its rounds on forums on the dark web.

According to the website, hackers utilized recycled logins to access the compromised accounts.

Another website, BleepingComputer, reports that a hacker dropped “1 million lines of data” for Ashkenazi Jewish people and was being sold for $1 – $10 per account.

The stolen data includes users’ names, profile photos, genetic ancestry results, date of birth, and geographical location. 23andMe confirmed the bad news to both websites.

Per The Verge:

The company confirmed to BleepingComputer that the data is legitimate in a statement it also shared in an email to The Verge. In the statement, 23andMe managing editor Scott Hadly wrote that “the preliminary results of this investigation suggest that the login credentials used in these access attempts may have been gathered by a threat actor from data leaked during incidents involving other online platforms where users have recycled login credentials.” He added that there was no indication of “a security incident within our systems.” BleepingComputer reports other users’ data was scraped using one of 23andMe’s own opt-in features, called ‘DNA Relatives”

In 23andMe’s blog post, there are instructions for users to reset their password and set up multi-factor authentication.

There is also a link to the company’s privacy and security checkup page while also directing users to its support team’s email if they need further assistance.

More Than 7 Million Accounts Were Affected

A PCMag report indicates that more than 7 million accounts might be in the sale getting their information from a Dark Web Informer post that included a screenshot from the now-deleted hacker forum post.

23andMe’s CEO Allegedly Knew About The Hack Two Months Prior

In a damning report from ArsTechnia, hackers claimed that 23andMe’s CEO was well aware of the stolen data two months ago but opted to keep quiet about it.

23andMe has spoken about the hack on its official X account, claiming it has conducted an investigation but has “not identified any unauthorized access” to its systems.

Yikes.

If you have been on the fence about giving your info to 23andMe, this news will keep you away.

—

Photo: Smith Collection/Gado / Getty

09 Oct 2023

R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Fivio Foreign, Megan Thee Stallion, Digga D & More

Drake’s For All the Dogs album — and his subsequent back-and-forth with Joe Budden — took up a lot of airtime this weekend, but the rest of the music world was just as active. As usual, New Music Friday (Oct. 6) unleashed a fresh batch of new R&B and hip-hop tracks to sort through as we count down to the BET Hip-Hop Awards on Tuesday (Oct. 10).

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With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Fivio Foreign’s fiery new drill anthem to Megan Thee Stallion’s swing at hip-hop musical theatre. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.

Freshest Find: Fivio Foreign, “Why Would I?”

For his first unaccompanied release in several months, Fivio delivers a biting piece of authentic New York drill. With pop-drill — a subgenre that Fivio helped pioneer — topping Top 40 radio and soundtracking the Barbie movie, the skittering snares and staccato flows of New York drill have reached the apex of pop culture. With “Why Would I,” Fivio goes back to basics, as he flexes his real-life successes and achievements in the face of Internet haters, over a menacing drill beat crafted by LS Da Producer and FritzThaProducer.

Megan Thee Stallion, “Out Alpha the Alpha”

After making a return to the rap scene alongside Cardi B with “Bongos,” Megan Thee Stallion commemorates her foray into film acting with a new song for D—ks: The Musical, a musical comedy based on Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson’s off-Broadway musical of the same name. More Hamilton than Traumazine, “Out Alpha the Alpha” finds the Hot Girl Coach delivering familiar rhymes serenading women’s independence and power — but this time she adds an extra dose of comedy in her delivery to play on the arrangement’s jaunty piano and horns.

Connie Diiamond & Jenn Carter, “Ghetto & Ratchet (Remix)”

As two of the buzziest names coming out of the New York rap scene, it’s no surprise that Connie and Jenn have found their way on a track together. On the remix to Connie’s fast-rising “Ghetto & Ratchet,” Jenn delivers a characteristically rambunctious verse full of bars flexing both his street cred and his status as one of his city’s hottest rappers. His high-octane delivery offers a smart complement to the smoothness of Connie’s tone.

Digga D, “TLC”

On this tender G-funk-inflected track — which incorporates a well-known guitar lick from Soul Mann & The Brothers’ “Bumpy’s Lament,” by way of Dr. Dre’s “Xxplosive” — British rapper Digga D offers an introspective number in which he waxes poetic about needing something a bit more real and human in the face of his fast-moving career. “I know it’s insane / I’m grateful, but I’m kinda tired of fame / I need some TLC, I’m drained,” he spits.

Majid Jordan, “Hands Tied”

For the latest taste of their forthcoming Good People album, Majid Jordan delivers a vibe in the spirit of Sade. Steady percussion and twinkling keys soundtrack a love story concerned with two loves, for whom risk is the reward itself. “Suspicious, suspicious, dismissive, dismissive, dismiss us, dismiss us/ Love is the answer, love is the message, you know it,” they croon. On this smooth, quiet storm-evoking track, the duo makes the smart choice to prioritize singing straight, instead of over-embellishing the song with runaway riffs.

Mannywellz, “Serious”

On “Serious,” ManNywellz continues his soulful blend of Afrobeats and R&B. Here, Manny extends the spirit of “no weapon formed against me shall prosper” for a war-ready anthem of resilience steeped in faith. He waltzes across the peppy, percussive beat with swagger and confidence, sourced from his knowledge of God’s protection over his life. “I identify as God’s n—a / No weapon can dance with us / Can’t compete, I got stamina,” he proclaims.

09 Oct 2023

Luis Miguel ‘El Sol de México’ Lights Up New York City: 5 Things to Know

Luis Miguel is, indisputably, one of the top voices of our generation, and his unmatched showmanship was on full display on Thursday (Oct. 8) at the sold-out, 19,500-capacity Madison Square Garden.

El Sol de México is midway through his ambitious Luis Miguel Tour 2023 of 65 shows, produced by CMN, which kicked off August 3 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His upcoming dates include Miami (Oct. 13), Oklahoma City (Oct. 26), Austin (Nov. 5), before Miguel makes his way across plenty of cities in his beloved Mexico; he will complete his tour on Dec. 17 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. 

Backed by an orchestra composed of string and brass sections, three backup singers and a band complete with guitar, percussion and bass, Luis Miguel was quite dapper in his elegant black suit — but still full of energy. Although the Mexican icon did not speak to the crowd, he did extend his arms to the front row attendees (Bad Bunny was also in the audience, along with rumored girlfriend Kendall Jenner). Yet, his on-stage dynamism was in full effect, while he delivered 40 years of hits, moments of vocal raspiness aside. 

Amid a sea of neon-colored lights that adorned the scene — via bracelets that elated concert-goers wore on their wrists — and a screen behind the stage showing images of galaxy clusters, aurora borealis, and majestic forests, the nearly two-hour set was nothing short of spectacular. The bonafide hitmaker’s spanned whirling romantic songs (“No Sé Tú,” “La Incondicional,” “Hasta Que Me Olvides”), energetic pop (“Ahora Te Puedes Marchar,” “La Chica Del Bikini Azul,” “Isabel”) and even one number featuring a troupe of invigorated mariachi players (“La Bikina”).

If you missed one of his shows, fret not: The “Fría Como el Viento” crooner will resume with part two for Luis Miguel Tour 2024, kicking off in the Dominican Republic (Jan. 20), then hitting Puerto Rico (Jan. 23), before he makes his way throughout several major cities across South America, and eventually returns back to the United States. 

Here are five things to know about his Luis Miguel Tour 2023: 

09 Oct 2023

10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through the Week: Kenya Grace, Jaden Hossler, Marian Hill & More

Looking for some motivation to help power you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.

These 10 tracks from artists including Kenya Grace, Jaden Hossler, Marian Hill and more will get you energized to take on the week. Pop any of these gems into your personal playlists — or scroll to the end of the post for a custom playlist with all 10.

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See latest videos, charts and news

Kenya Grace, “Only in My Mind”

Instead of resting on her laurels and basking in the recent success of “Strangers,” which exploded on TikTok last month and yielded a Hot 100 debut, Kenya Grace has moved on to showcase how her gentle approach to propulsive dance music sounds in another setting. “Only in My Mind” gestures at the drum-n-bass exploration of “Strangers,” but places Grace’s lilting voice over a beat that thumps harder and within a tempo that’s a bit more breathless, resulting in another beguiling groove from the new star. – Jason Lipshutz

Spencer Barnett, “Swank”

Singer-songwriter Spencer Barnett has been relatively quiet since his 2020 EP I’m Fine, but new single “Swank” is effortlessly appealing enough to justify the wait. The guitar and bass creep around each other and create an air of pop-rock relaxation, while Barnett’s honeyed tone perfectly matches the production’s haze — he soothes the listener, and then leaps out of the speaker, to prevent “Swank” from becoming background noise. – J. Lipshutz

Miki Ratsula, “What Would the Neighbors Think?”

“I hate how you wait till its almost too late / To tell me you love me,” Miki Ratsula confesses on the heartbreakingly sad “What Would the Neighbors Think?,” which provides a glimpse at the quiet emotional devastation contained within the confines of a family home. Ratsula has a knack for plainly addressing towering feelings, and they imbue every inch of “What Would the Neighbors Think?” with tender detail, each line stacked atop the one that preceded it upon a foundation of long-gestating hurt. – J. Lipshutz

Claire Rosinkranz, “Swinging at the Stars”

“Swinging at the Stars,” the new single from Claire Rosinkranz’s just-released album Just Because, hints at becoming an anthem of personal ambition — “We’re just looking for a good life / Swinging at the stars,” the chorus opens — but the song is actually a rollicking take on sharing every facet of life’s tapestry with a special someone, sung with a brightness and grandeur befitting the 19-year-old singer-songwriter. Rosinkranz’s voice is multiplied to provide “Swinging at the Stars” more heft, but she’s able to convey a delightful breeziness throughout its run time. – J. Lipshutz

Zada, “Sweet Things in Life” 

Celebrating the “Sweet Things in Life” on her latest song, Zada reminds us that variety is the spice of those sweet things by crafting a mix of sparkling neo-soul, acoustic flourishes and romantic synths. The Ethiopia-born, Canada-based singer tosses and turns between determination and uncertainty, all while her dulcet tones carry the listener along her personal journey.  – Joe Lynch  

Feid and ICON, “FERXXO 151” 

Colombian star Feid teamed with production duo ICON for this sunny and uptempo track, and together, the trio created a soundtrack for a worry-free fling. While the lyrics are a bit eyebrow-raising as Feid sings of all the ways in which his love interest is irresistible, the beat matches his energy with a cadence that’s instantly catchy. – Lyndsey Havens

Royel Otis, “Fried Rice” 

Last week, Australian pop duo Royel Otis announced its upcoming debut album Pratts & Pain, arriving in February 2024. Lead single “Fried Rice” captures an early-2000s indie pop-rock sound with lo-fi vocals layered under driving drums and a repeated riff, all of which combine for a hummable chorus in which the word “I” extends for three syllables across three notes. It’s easy to imagine this one soundtracking an episode of The O.C. – L.H.

Cosmo’s Midnight feat. Shungudzo, “Gimme Some More”

Twin brothers Cosmo and Patrick Liney comprise the Aussie electronic-pop duo Cosmo’s Midnight, and on the shimmering, feel-good “Gimme Some More,” they tapped singer Shungudzo to drive home the sentiment that “enough is not enough” when it comes to the person you love. A song as giddily fun as this demonstrates that sometimes there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing. – L.H. 

Jaden Hossler, “Chrome Hearted”

After teasing a name change and new musical direction on social media, the pop-punk artist formerly known as jxdn finally revealed what he’s been up to: released under his birth name Jaden Hossler, his new single “Chrome Hearted” is a trash-talking pop-trap song. Here, Hossler puts his vocals more front and center than they ever have been before — and hopefully, that’s where they will stay. – L.H.

Marian Hill, “You Were Always Sure”

Jazz undertones have always been present in Marian Hill’s sound, but new single “You Were Always Sure” sees the group amplifying those notes even further. The electronic foundation of the duo duo (Samantha Gongol and Jeremy Lloyd) remains present, showing up as sparse synths that act as the beating heart throughout the track in combination with twinkling piano keys, while Gongol’s vocals swell into lush harmonies as she tells a tale of an uneven romance.  – Starr Bowenbank