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Queer Jams of the Week: New Music from Victoria Monét, Omar Apollo, Ashnikko & More

Need some new tunes from your favorite queer artists for the weekend? We’ve got you covered; Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.

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From Victoria Monét’s stunning new album to Omar Apollo’s moving new ballad, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Victoria Monét, JAGUAR II



While her new album may be sold as a “part two,” don’t go and get it twisted — Victoria Monét’s JAGUAR II is not your typical followup. Throughout all 35 minutes of her magnificent new project, the singer-songwriter re-establishes herself as the name to watch. Blending together her signature R&B sound with a distinctive funk groove, Monét waxes poetic on one night stands (“Alright”), toxic entitlement (“Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)”) and even the materialistic drive of the entertainment industry (“Hollywood,” featuring surprise appearances from Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as Monét’s 2 year old daughter Hazel). JAGUAR II is Monét’s magnum opus, and one we can’t seem to stop listening to.

Omar Apollo, “Ice Slippin”



Painting a picture with words is a difficult task for most songwriters — but when Omar Apollo does it, it seems easy. On his new single “Ice Slippin,” the alt-R&B star recreates a memory as vividly as possible by using every tool at his disposal. Through his heart-rending songwriting, production wizardry and soulful performance, Apollo painstakingly recreates his mental state when trying to come out to his family, painting an intimate portrait that any queer person listening can immediately relate to.

Ashnikko, WEEDKILLER



Over the last couple of years, Ashnikko has slowly built her profile as the in-your-face, hyperpop-adjacent pop-rap star who will not compromise for anyone. While that character remains well intact throughout her new album WEEDKILLER, Ashnikko does go out of her way to break down some of the edifice surrounding her persona. With her signature grinding beats and sweltering vocals making up the vast majority of the album, it’s on standout track “Dying Star” feat. Ethel Cain that Ashnikko finally gives us a glimpse at the person underneath the pop star — and it will only make you want to go back and listen to the rest of this chaotically intricate album and hear it from a whole new perspective.

Madeline the Person, “Tantrum”



Life is weird and chaotic and self-destructive — and that’s the mode that Madeline the Person is blissfully embracing on her new single. While “Tantrum” may sound like a delightful soft-pop song, the lyrics show the singer throwing away all of her preconceived notions about relationships. She decides to indulge in all of the behaviors that she’s been avoiding thanks to therapy and throw caution to the wind. “Tantrum” is ultimately an anthem to instant gratification — even if we know it’s “wrong,” it sometimes just feels too good to ignore.

Soccer Mommy, “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” (Taylor Swift cover)



An indie rock phenomenon covering a nearly-20-year-old country song may not have been on your 2023 bingo card, but Soccer Mommy is here to show you why it should have been. Covering a deep cut from Taylor Swift’s debut album, Sophie Allison nails her performance throughout “I’m Only Me When I’m With You,” walking the fine line between staying true to the original while making a cover your own. This dreamy, vibe-driven cover is a masterclass in putting your twist on a classic song.

Anjimile, “Animal”



Anjimile wants to make sure you’re listening to him. “Animal,” his powerful third single from his upcoming album The King, immediately grabs you with a distorted growl from an acoustic guitar, as the rising indie star rages against the systems of power that allowed George Floyd to die at the hands of violent police in 2020. Managing to capture all his fury and frustration with just his voice and a guitar, Anjimile makes his point crystal clear in the very first verse: “If you treat me like an animal/ I’ll be an animal.”

Charlotte Day Wilson feat. Snoh Aalegra, “Forever”



What happens when you blend a multi-hyphenate artist, a rising R&B star, and a chopped and screwed interpolation of a Foundations classic? “Forever” is what happens, the entrancing new track from Charlotte Day Wilson and special guest Snoh Aalegra. With layers upon layers of production constantly unraveling around Day Wilson’s magnetic voice, and Aalegra showing her stunning vocal clarity on her gorgeous verse, “Forever” is a song that feels like an instant classic from two top-tier performers.

Jaboukie, All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel



Looking to dance, laugh, and over-examine all of the choices you’ve made in your life? Jaboukie is here to facilitate that process (roughly in that order) on All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel, his excellent debut album. Throughout the project, the comedian-turned-musician embraces industrial hip-hop, indie rock and even some glistening pop to deliver a melting pot of sonics, all while gassing himself up (“BBC”), getting nostalgic (“Cranberry Sauce”) and much more.

Check out all of our picks on Billboard‘s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

Oliver Anthony Addresses ‘Rich Men’ Discussion During GOP Debate: ‘I Wrote That Song About Those People’

The first Republican debate on Wednesday night (Aug. 23) kicked off with a question about this week’s Billboard Hot 100 chart topper, Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men North of Richmond.”

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“As we sit here tonight, the No. 1 song on the Billboard chart is called ‘Rich Men North of Richmond.’ It is by a singer from Farmville, Virginia, named Oliver Anthony. His lyrics speak of alienation, a deep frustration with the state of government and of this country,” co-moderator Martha MacCallum said to the candidates. “Washington D.C. is about 100 miles north of Richmond,” she continued. “Why is this song striking such a nerve in this country right now?” 

On Friday (Aug. 25), Anthony himself took to YouTube to share his thoughts about his whirlwind success, and about how his song has made its way into political discussions. “The one thing that has bothered me is seeing people wrap politics up into this,” the singer said in the 10-minute clip. “It’s aggravating seeing people on conservative news trying to identify with me like I’m one of them.”

He continued, “It seems like certain people want to ride the attention of this song to make their own selves relevant, and that’s aggravating as hell. The other thing that I find aggravating is, well, it was funny seeing my song at the presidential debate, because I wrote that song about those people. For them to sit there and listen to that, that cracks me up.”

Anthony explained that “Rich Men” has “nothing to do with Joe Biden, and it’s a lot bigger than Joe Biden,” before doubling down that the songs are written about “those people on that stage” and other politicians.

“I hate to see that song being weaponized,” he added. “That s— has got to stop.”

Anthony’s breakout viral hit “Rich Men North of Richmond” debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. Among other chart achievements for the singer-songwriter, he’s the first artist ever to launch atop the list with no prior chart history in any form.

Watch his full video response below.



Manuel Turizo & Grupo Frontera, Myke Towers & More: What’s Your Favorite New Latin Music Release? Vote!

This week, our New Music Latin roundup — a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums, and videos recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — is powered by new music from Manuel Turizo and Grupo Frontera, Gian Marco, Myke Towers and Luis Fonsi, to name a few.

For the first time ever, Turizo and Grupo Frontera team up for a track. Produced and written by Edgar Barrera, the slow-tempo norteño song finds the singer and the sextet chanting about a heartbreak so severe and unfair that it has them drinking for a week straight. “This song speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and the lengths we go to numb the pain,” Turizo said in a press statement. “Collaborating with Grupo Frontera has allowed us to channel these emotions into a powerful and relatable track.”

Additionally, Fonsi releases his new song “Pasa La Página (Panamá),” the second single off his forthcoming album, which serves as reminder that “Life is too short to keep dwelling on the same old things. Let’s move on!” the singer-songwriter told Billboard Español.

Other notable releases this week include Maluma’s new album titled Don Juan — which includes collaborations with Jowell and Randy; Yandel and Ryan Castro — Argentine artist LOUTA fuses his alternative pop with the “spiritual pop” of the Colombian singer-songwriter Elsa y Elmar to create “DIAMANTE,” and “La Tierra del Corrido,” a tribute to the evolution of corridos by Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Fuerza Regida and Edén Muñoz.

Last week, RBD’s “Cerquita De Ti” won the reader poll with more than 85 percent of the votes.

What’s your favorite new Latin music release of this week? Vote below!

Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.

Carlos Santana Is Singing ‘I’m Sorry” Following Transphobic Comments He Made During A Concert

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Winner Carlos Santana at Grammy Awards Show 2000

Source: Bob Riha Jr / Getty / Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana is putting his foot and entire guitar in his mouth after he made some heada** transphobic comments.

Spotted on Deadline, the 76-year-old legendary guitarist is now singing after a video of him going on a transphobic rant while giving props to Dave Chappelle, who also got called out for transphobic jokes at a concert back in July.

Per Deadline:

“When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are,” the guitarist is seen saying in the clip.

He continued, “Later on when you grow up, and you see things and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right, because a woman is a woman and a man is a man — that’s it.”

“Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business, I’m OK with that,” Santana added. He then mentioned his “brother Dave Chapelle,” who has also made some controversial remarks on transgender issues.

Carlos Santana Ran To Facebook To Apologize

Following the backlash, Santana took to Facebook to immediately apologize for his comments. “I am sorry for my insensitive comments,” his post begins.

“They don’t reflect that I want to honor and respect all person’s (sic) ideals and beliefs. I realize that what I said hurt people and that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to the transgender community and everyone I offended,” his statement continued.

Santana claims that his “personal goal” is to “honor and respect all person’s (sic) ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not. This is the planet of free will, and we have all been given this gift. I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear.”

He wrapped up his statement, saying, “It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments.”

His apology might be too late. You can see those reactions below.

Photo: Bob Riha Jr / Getty

2. Like she said

The Weeknd Tour Worker Sues Live Nation Over ‘Permanently Disabling’ Forklift Injury

A stagehand hired to prepare The Weeknd‘s After Hours Til Dawn Tour stopover at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on August 14, 2022, has filed suit against Live Nation Entertainment, alleging his leg was run over by a forklift while the stage was being built.

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Stagehand Steve Genovese was reportedly working for a company hired by Live Nation to construct the stage for the concert when the accident occurred. The complaint alleges five counts of civil liability including negligence, negligent hiring and gross negligence.

“Genovese was reported ‘run over by a forklift which was being operated by another worker on site,’” the complaint reads. “As a result, plaintiff suffered severe, excruciatingly painful and permanently disabling injuries to his leg. The flesh and muscle were torn away from his leg and were detached from the bones.”

The lawsuit also names concert promoter C3 Presents, business management firm David Weise & Associates and Cowboys Stadium, LP (which owns AT&T Stadium) as defendants. The Weeknd is not listed as a defendant.

“Defendants had the knowledge, ability, and duty to prevent the severe and life-altering injuries,”
the complaint reads, but allegedly “placed more value on their own financial gain than on the safety of the workers who helped put on The Weeknd concert.”

According to the suit, there was no ambulance or EMS personnel on site when the accident occurred, which “significantly delayed” medical care. The complaint continues: “[Genovese] spent more than a month in the hospital where he underwent numerous surgeries to save his leg, which is now horrifically and permanently disfigured and impaired.”

Genovese is seeking damages for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and emotional distress, loss of earning and earning capacity, physical impairment, disfigurement, “loss of society and enjoyment of life,” out of pocket expenses and more.

Oliver Anthony Has the Biggest Song in the Country, But Now What? Music Execs Weigh In

Three weeks ago virtually no one knew who Oliver Anthony was. But in the 18 days since radiowv published a video of the Virginia singer/songwriter performing his everyman anthem “Rich Men North of Richmond” to YouTube, he has become a household name. 

Not only has “Rich Men North of Richmond” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 — making him the first artist to debut at No. 1 with no prior chart history — he has become so ubiquitous that Wednesday night’s Republican presidential candidate debate included a question about the song

Propelled by the right’s embrace of the song because of its themes about working class people’s struggle, unfair taxation and its dismissive tone about “obese” people on welfare, “Rich Men North of Richmond” has become a touchstone for the country’s divisiveness and a rallying cry for the disenfranchised.

Though labels and booking agencies are clamoring to get into business with Anthony­­­ — one record executive told Billboard, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this before” — Anthony has said he is in no rush to sign any deal. His co-manager, Draven Riffe, told Billboard that they planned to “take it slow” while surveying potential offers and also expressed a desire to do as much as they can on their own. 

While Anthony plots his next move in hopes of turning a runaway hit into a lasting career, Billboard asked a number of top country executives what advice they might offer to help the newcomer navigate his way onward and through the feeding frenzy. 

Jon Loba, president, BMG Nashville president: “Not that he needs advice from me, but my guidance would be, stay true to yourself and authentically who you are. Early on, it’s obvious that’s exactly what he is doing, which impresses me as much as his music. While different sides of the political spectrum are celebrating or roasting him, he doesn’t let any side take ownership of who he is and what he stands for. He is not afraid to say he is middle of the road and hopes for unity, which in this day and age can be a risky proposition.”

Tim Wipperman, managing director, ONErpm Nashville: “There is no reason for him to give away ownership of his intellectual property in a traditional deal. That is the annuity for him and his family. We have deal structures that have all the benefits of worldwide scale in the digital realm without the encumbrances of a corporate box. Keep your ownership, and don’t trade that for a big advance.”

Derek Crownover, partner and vice chair, music Industry, Loeb & Loeb: “Songs and lyrics on controversial topics and particular viewpoints, whether it’s love, alcohol, religion or politics, are age old. The song and the passion Oliver is delivering through his vocals are speaking loudly to a group obviously; however, there is also the new viral phenomenon of curiosity, which the media is helping to fuel. So there is some uplift that’s there too. It seems Oliver did a lot of this on his own, so he should preserve the rights he has as best he can. Maybe a record distribution deal and a publishing admin deal to help him collect the money on those songs he put out and then a go-forward [publishing deal] with more investment to build off his platform.”

Jay Turner, program director, Sunny 102.5 Country, Santa Maria, Calif.: “A guy like Oliver Anthony could make as much money as he needs the rest of his life without ever sitting down with William Morris or CAA or Universal Music or Sony. He doesn’t need a deal with Red Light to manage him, he doesn’t need a deal with William Morris to book him…. He would be wise to do that, but he doesn’t have to do it. If [he does sign a deal], he would be very wise to enlist somebody to help him dot the i’s and cross the t’s. Will he? I don’t know. He’s going to have a lot coming at him real fast.”

Tracy Gershon, co-founder, Northern Lights Music/Shero Consultants: “Oliver Anthony’s success speaks to the shifting power from the gatekeepers to the fans. His authenticity and independence has resonated, and whomever he picks for his team needs to honor this.”

Chris Kappy, chief navigation officer, Make Wake Artists: “Fans. First.”

Scott Stem, manager (Scotty McCreery), Triple 8 Management: “It’s important that Oliver knows who he is as a person and an artist and stays true to his vision, while also continuing to evolve as all artists do. He needs to surround himself with people he can trust to have his back, who will help him grow from a momentary phenomenon to an established artist. He should be wary of anyone wanting to work with him who doesn’t feel genuine to him. While I think it would be good for him to chat with any legitimate label, publisher and concert promoter that wants to meet with him, he should take some time, learn his options, and determine what fits best with his personal and artistic goals. He can’t wait forever and miss this moment, but he doesn’t have to make snap decisions either. He should put some money where his mouth is and partner with an existing charitable organization or create his own foundation to help find solutions and make life better for those folks he sings about. He will make mistakes, as everyone does, but he can learn from them and move forward — and perhaps not be photographed eating a fudge round.”

John Shomby, owner/CEO, Country Radio’s Coach: “I would tell him, ‘Dude, this might be your 15 minutes of fame right here, so take advantage of it and perform in front of people as much as you can. Use the digital services and radio as much as you can. What do you want?’ If he says, ‘I want to make a lot of money,’ then, OK, sign with a label. But if he says, ‘I just want to do my music,’ then I’d tell him to stay in the independent music mode and not change anything because he’s done so well doing it this way… There’s a possibility that he signs a big label deal and then falls flat on his face; that’s what I’d be concerned about if I were his manager. I would say let the 15 minutes of fame go away and then see what happens from there… I think this guy is genuine, everybody’s trying to paint him into a corner. That’s another thing I would be real careful about: who we put him in front of. I would not send him to any political rallies. I wouldn’t do any of that.”

Jacquelyn Marushka, founder, Marushka Media: “With respect for Mr. Anthony, and because I am not a professional musician or songwriter but I greatly appreciate those with this gift, I’d humbly encourage him to keep writing and singing about what moves him and about what’s true to him. I’d further encourage him to be true to himself no matter what. His honesty translates in his voice; a quality that connects with listeners. Finally, if he decides to dive into the business, I’d recommend he vet partnerships very carefully and find a brilliant attorney, business manager … and a protective and savvy publicist … hint hint.”

Assistance provided by Jessica Nicholson and Steve Knopper.

New Music Latin: Listen to Releases From Luis Fonsi, Maluma, Elsa y Elmar & 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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Luis Fonsi, “Pasa La Página (Panamá)” (Universal Music Latino)



Luis Fonsi’s new single “Pasa La Página (Panamá)” fuses funk with electric guitars and electronic keyboards. The catchy track is inspired by the common phrase “turn the page” and was produced by by Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo (the team behind “Despacito”). Fonsi explains to Billboard Español that the phrase serves as a reminder to those stuck in a moment or a phase, and keep talking about the same thing, that “life is too short to keep dwelling on the same old things. Let’s move on!”

“Pasa La Página (Panamá)” is the second single from Fonsi’s upcoming album Viaje, which will trace his journey in music. The new song’s music video, created and directed by Carlos Pérez, follows a person who is constantly in the public eye, with a focus on microphones and cameras. – INGRID FAJARDO

Manuel Turizo & Grupo Frontera, “De Lunes a Lunes” (La Industria Inc./Sony Music Latin)



If “La Bachata” and “El Merengue” are any indication, it’s no surprise that Manuel Turizo is diversifying his sound one single at a time. This time, he teams up with Grupo Frontera — no, not for a song called “La Cumbia,” but rather “De Lunes a Lunes.” Produced and written by Edgar Barrera, the slow-tempo norteño track finds Turizo and the sextet group chanting about a heartbreak so severe and unfair that it has them drinking from Monday to Monday.

“This song speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and the lengths we go to numb the pain,” Turizo says in a press statement. “Collaborating with Grupo Frontera has allowed us to channel these emotions into a powerful and relatable track.” “De Lunes a Lunes” is also the surprise sixth track on Frontera’s debut studio album El Comienzo, which peaked at No. 4 on the Top Latin Albums chart and No. 2 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart. — JESSICA ROIZ

Maluma, Don Juan (Sony Music Latin)

Maluma has been a “Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy,” a “Papi Juancho,” and now, he’s a “Don Juan,” per the title of his new album. It’s a set that the Colombian star describes as “magical,” and far lighter than its more emotional predecessor. “I want to go out and listen to the whole album in a club,” he told Billboard. Certainly, there’s much of that in down and dirty club tracks like “Ave María” and “Luna Llena,” the latter with Ryan Castro. But Maluma shines brightest when he veers into unexpected territory: “Bikini” is a refreshing, lovelorn, mid-tempo track with 60s vibes, “Según Quién,” is a guitar-anchored waltz with Carin Leon that turns the tables on the concept of spurned women — and if you want to get your reggaetón in, our top choice is the old-school “Nómina” with Jowell & Randy. — LEILA COBO

Myke Towers, “Bajo El Sol” (Warner Music Latina)



Still riding high from his global hit song “Lala,” Myke Towers delivers an equally catchy and magnetic new track titled “Bajo El Sol.” Powered by a trap-like beat, the Puerto Rican singer and rapper uses his lyrical prowess to win a girl over. Singing over sensual melodies and head-bobbing drums, Myke Towers confidently chants, Yo te quiero ver bajo el sol (I want to see you under the sun).” The track follows a handful of Myke Towers single releases, including “Kiki” and “Hora Cero.” Earlier this year, Myke released the eclectic set La Vida Es Una, which peaked at No. 9 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart. — GRISELDA FLORES

LOUTA & Elsa y Elmar, “Diamante” (LOUTA)



The Argentine singer-songwriter LOUTA fuses his alternative pop with the “spiritual pop” of the Colombian singer-songwriter Elsa y Elmar to create “DIAMANTE,” a song about happiness. The theme echoes that the often-elusive happiness is not pursued or found on the outside, but is within each one. “Away from the eyes of others/ There was a diamond, it was hidden, it was back there,” they affirm in the contagious chorus.

The video, set in a house with design, shades and lights that recreate a vintage style, shows the two artists performing in different rooms, and accompanied by a live band. The repeat-worthy collaboration between the two artists feels organic, and with the mix of all the elements of both the song and the video, they manage to evoke that feeling of contentment and peace. — LUISA CALLE

Gian Marco & Rubén Blades, “Aún Me Sigo Encontrando” (Enjoymusic Records)



For the first single of what will be his 17th album, Gian Marco recruited Panamanian salsa master Rubén Blades, achieving a rich fusion of their musical styles. Honest and nostalgic, the song talks about the sometimes-painful path of self-discovery in order to live a genuine life. “Look deeply inward/ With all that that implies/ Life does not replicate/ Brave those who go to meet it,” the Peruvian singer-songwriter narrates in the first verses, before breaking into song. “So many times I got lost, and I still find myself,” both artists repeat in the chorus.

“‘Aún Me Sigo Encontrando’ encapsulates reflections from a distinct period in my life,” Gian Marco explains in a press release. “It extends an invitation to delve inward, an endeavor that few are willing to embark upon, as the song’s opening aptly suggests, due to the profundity it entails.” The music video, directed by Rodrigo Dulanto and Kenneth O’Brien, shows Gian Marco in different everyday scenes; Blades does not appear in it, but his voice is dubbed by people, including a child and a female senior citizen. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Edén Muñoz & Fuerza Regida, “La Tierra del Corrido” (Rancho Humilde / Street Mob Records)

Esto no es moda, esto es cultura,” declare the heavyweight trio against an energetic corridos backdrop. Bolstered by a menacing accordion riff, “Mi Tierra del Corrido” also isn’t just a modern-day corridos single, it’s a mission statement where three generations of música mexicana giants unite to uplift the Mexican movement that’s taking over the culture. The legendary Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Sinaloense norteño-banda sensation Edén Muñoz, and Mexican-American hitmakers Fuerza Regida represent distinct corners of this ever booming norteño sound, and together they pay homage to Chalino Sánchez, tradition, heritage, and the new belikada lifestyle. Above all, it’s a tribute to the evolution of corridos, the century-old borderland style that came to notoriety during the Mexican Revolution of 1910.

“This song is very important to me because I am singing alongside legends like Los Tucanes and Edén Muñoz,” says Jesús Ortiz in a press release. Written by Muñoz, the song, in his words, “honors the stories that make history.” “Music is for living together, not for competing,” adds Mario Quintero. “So creating together is very beneficial for culture, history and for the genre.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.

Listen to this week’s New Music Latin playlist below:

‘Vacation Friends 2’ Is Now on Hulu: Stream the Comedy for Free

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John Cena, Lil Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji and Meredith Hagner return in Vacation Friends 2 premiering on Hulu on Friday (Aug. 25). The sequel to the 2021 film follows the couples on another wacky vacation that descends into chaos.

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In the sequel, newlyweds Marcus (Howery) and Emily (Orji) invite their “uninhibited besties” and fellow newlyweds Ron (Cena) and Kyla (Hagner) on an all-expenses paid trip to a Caribbean resort — and things go left from there.

Carlos Santos, Ronny Chieng, Jamie Hector and Steve Buscemi also appear in the film, which was written and directed by Clay Tarver. Todd Garner and Stuart Basser are producers.

How to Watch Vacation Friends 2 Online

You can stream Vacation Friends 2 on Hulu at no additional charge to subscribers. The streamer offers a 30-day free trial at sign up, but there are also ways to land a deal on your Hulu subscription.

Hulu

$30-day free trial

Hulu’s most popular plan is the standard ad-supported package for $7.99/month. The subscriptions lets you stream thousands of episodes of TV shows and movies in the Hulu library, including Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, Reservation Dogs, Futurama, Solar Opposites, The Kardashians, How I Met Your Father, The Handmaid’s Tale and other Hulu originals, along with most new episodes from network TV and cable shows the day after they air.

Hulu’s ad-free plan is $14.99 a month for everything in the cheaper package, but you also get to download programs and stream them offline. The Hulu bundle with Disney+ starts at $9.99/month and $12.99/month to include ESPN+. There is also an option to add additional channels like Starz and Max for an additional fee.

Looking for more streaming deals? Subscribe to Hulu for just $1.99/month under Hulu’s student discount and save 75% off the regular monthly price.

If you enjoy watching live television, Hulu + Live TV ($69.99 a month) lets you access over 75 live channels in addition to the Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ streaming libraries. Subscribers can create up to six profiles under one account and stream from up to two different screens at once from any device, including a smart TV, phone or laptop.

Watch the trailer for Vacation Friends 2 below.



Suga Reflects on Feeling Nervous Ahead of BTS’ U.S. Debut Performance: ‘I Experienced My Hands Shaking’

BTS is currently the biggest boy band in the world, but to ascend such heights, the septet needed to have a series of firsts before making their mark in the United States — something that led to member Suga experiencing serious nerves and doubts about the group’s future, he revealed in the Friday (Aug. 25) episode of his Suchwita show.

Suga was joined by South Korean soccer player Lee Kang-in, and discussed his life in recent weeks, particularly how he deals with pregame jitters before large stadium games. When the athlete said that he often feels sleepy before big matches, Suga reflected on a moment of nervousness ahead of BTS’ first performance in the United States.

“I’m the type that doesn’t get nervous much, but in 2017, we did our U.S. debut performance, and I experienced my hands shaking for the first time,” the K-pop star explained. “The pressure that I needed to do well here made me not be able to sleep at night.”

Lee then spoke about feeling the pressure of proving himself to be a good soccer player in light of switching to the Paris Saint-Germain F.C. team, to which Suga likened it to his own experiences with BTS getting international success and recognition for the first time.

“An athlete has to prove himself through his performance, while a singer does that on stage. For example, we received an award at this award show. We went to Billboard,” he recalled of the May 2017 show, before reflecting on their American Music Awards performance, which came in November that year. “When we first went up on the stage at the AMAs in 2017, since it was so big it wasn’t even a dream of mine. I never even thought of whether it’s possible or not.”

He continued, “After [the AMAs], I was really scared because I knew it was just the start. Since I knew this wasn’t a one-time thing, the pressure of what we need to do in order to create what results [we wanted] slowly crept up on me. So after the AMAs, I cried a lot. [I wondered,] ‘Where do we go from here?’ Because no one could tell us what to do now … we worked like crazy. Even people around us worried that this might be a one-time thing. There was a lot of talk that there would be nothing afterwards.”

The hard work ended up paying off. BTS earned its first chart entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2017. The following year, the septet had three more entries with tracks “Fake Love,” (No. 10) “IDOL” (No. 11) and “Waste It On Me” (No. 89). BTS further cemented its status as the world’s biggest boyband after hitting No. 1 on the charts with “Permission to Dance,” “Dynamite” and “My Universe,” earning multiple Grammy nominations and more.

Watch Suga’s full Suchwita episode in the video above.

Friday Dance Music Guide: The Week’s Best New Tracks From ARTBAT & John Martin, John Summit, ISOxo & Ninajirachi & More

This week in dance music: The Chainsmokers broke the record for the highest ever attendance at a show (18,798 people) at the L.A. State Historic Park, we spoke with the Founder of Burning Man’s Mayan Warrior art car, which burned down this past April, Diplo announced the death of his mother and Alesso collab’d with BTS’ Jung Kook.

Explore

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See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

And of course, there’s new music too. These are the best new dance tracks of the week.

ARTBAT, “Coming Home”



The Label: Warner Music Group

The Spiel: John Martin (of “Don’t Your Worry Child” fame) lends the same intensely anthemic mood to the latest from Ukrainian duo ARTBAT. Released in conjunction with Independence Day Of Ukraine, which the country celebrated yesterday (August 24) — and which obviously takes on deep meaning given the country’s ongoing conflict with Russia — the song obliquely addresses the war, with lyrics about coming home to your mother, your brother, your sister and your lover. “We’ll walk in the streets like we used to do,” sings Martin, “there will be something new to believe in.” On the track the Kyiv-based duo expertly balance progressive and mainstage sounds, even adding a children’s choir for maximum poignancy.

The Artists Say: “This is a very personal record for both ourselves and John,” ARTBAT wrote on Instagram, “and we’ve written this with our homeland in the forefront of our minds, with a message of hope and positivity for all.”

The Vibe: Tearjerker.

John Summit With MKLA, “Fade Out”



The Label: Off the Grid/Darkroom Records

The Spiel: The commercial trance resurgence launched earlier this year by Calvin Harris extends today with John Summit’s “Fade Out.” A collaboration with silky-voiced Toronto-based singer MKLA, the track is urgent, sophisticated and as earworm-ey (in a good way) as the rest of most recent Summit’s output — namely “Escape” with Hayla and his edit of Kaskade and deadmau5’s “I Remember.”

On Twitter, Summit’s label Off the Grid noted that “Fade Out” will be “our last single as off the grid records,” indicating a name change is coming after Summit and Off the Grid faced recent legal issues in regards to a California-based event promoter also called Off the Grid. It’s an apt way to fade out, indeed.

The Artist Says: “Been working on this one for a while.. it’s a trance inspired tune hope u guys like,” Summit wrote on Twitter.

The Vibe: 4 a.m. on the dance floor.

Mochakk, “Jealous”



The Label: CircoLoco Records

The Spiel: Brazilian producer Mochakk has been steadily rising this year, an upswing that gets a major boost today with his latest, the wonderfully unhinged “Jealous.” The late Loleatta Holloway does a lot of the heavy lifting here, with the producer heavily sampling the singer’s 1977 song “Dreamin,” weaving her insanely powerful vocals with his bounce-ey, funky house production that’s fun, fresh and accessible and — as evidenced by this moment from his Coachella set this past April — simply just slaps.

The Artist Says: “If you asked Pedro from 2 years ago if he believed he would be announcing his very own release with [CircoLoco Records] and [Rockstar Games] in 2023, he would definitely tell you to cut the bulls–t! This track has probably been my most anticipated release so far, with the most support pre-release and I’m so stoked to say it’s finally coming out.”

The Vibe: No bulls–t.

ISOxo & Ninajirachi, “SHYPOP”



The Label: 88Rising Records

The Spiel: Emerging San Diego producer ISOxo throws the kitchen sink at it on his latest, “SHYPOP,” melding drum & bass and hyperpop and hints of mainstage and hardstyle into a very high BPM production that’s simultaneously hectic and spare. Vocals come from Australian fav Ninajirachi, who sings, “I want to be smarter, but I don’t know where to start. I want to say things from the heart, but my words come out so wrong, I stumble.” While the sound is far out, the sentiment is widely relatable. The track comes from ISOxo’s forthcoming debut album, kidsgonemad!.

The Artist Says: “Creating SHYPOP came from a sentimental place that’s been driving the meaning behind some of my music. It touches on the insecurities I’ve felt both as an artist and in life, wanting to push myself to be better.”

The Vibe: Machinistic, deeply human, totally fun.

Nosaj Thing, Jacques Greene & Ouri, “Too Close”



The Label: LUCKYME

The Spiel: L.A. favorite Nosaj Thing links with Toronto mainstay Jacques Greene and Montreal-based producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist Ouri. Together they deliver something as sophisticated and vibey as you’d expect, with “Too Close,” melding D&B and deep house into a mood at once mellow and urgent.

The Vibe: Pretty, with a hint of heartbreak.