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26 Jul 2023

On the Radar Latin: Andreina Bravo, Loyal Lobos, Jasiel Nuñez & More Emerging Artists to Discover

Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors feature a small group of new, or relatively unknown, artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.

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Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes nearly a dozen emerging artists, who we might’ve found anywhere from a Spotify playlist to a music showcase. See our recommendations below.

Artist: Andreina Bravo

Country: Ecuador

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Bravo is a force to be reckoned with in her native Ecuador but what makes her shine is her humility and go-getter attitude. I first met the rising pop artist at the 2023 Heat Latin Music Awards — where she nabbed the award for trending artist the year prior — when she personally approached me to introduce herself. Looking like a real-life Barbie doll, decked in a glittery dress and playful blonde locks, Bravo told me about her future projects and desire to learn more about the music industry.

Meanwhile, in Latin America, she’s already a growing name, boasting over two million followers on TikTok and more than one million on Instagram. She’s characterized by her relatable personality on social media and infectious sugary pop tracks, mainly celebrating girl power and self-love. Bravo is also a model and businesswoman, the owner of her own bathing suit brand, called Bravu. — JESSICA ROIZ

Song for Your Playlist: “Arte”

Artist: Christian Alicea

Country: Puerto Rico

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I met Christian Alicea during the Premios Juventud 2023 red carpet. I was captivated by his talent and charisma during our brief conversation on the carpet. Christian, originally from Lares, Puerto Rico, has a distinct tropical music influence in his voice. His family’s musical background and his unique fusion of classic and urban sounds contribute to his originality within the genre. In his latest single “Bendición Mame y Pape,” he not only displays his great talent, but also mesmerizes his fans with his sweet and raspy vocals, while also fearlessly embracing the power of rap melodies. — INGRID FAJARDO

Song for Your Playlist: “Bendición Mame y Pape”

Artist: DAAZ

Country: Mexico

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: While working out one day in the park, I came across a song called “Motel California”—it instantly caught my attention. The collaboration between newcomers DAAZ and Sabino kicks off with jazzy piano melodies that then transitions to a feel-good and smooth funk-rap fusion, narrating a conversation between two friends: one who went on a date with a girl and later to the motel, the other giving him advice. Much like this vibey track, DAAZ portrays Hip-Hop and reggae music by “incorporating Mexican ‘culturalismos’ and real-life topics of Millennial woes,” according to a press statement. The Cancun-based newcomer calls himself “the king of the jungle” on social media and is signed to WK Records. — J.R.

Song for Your Playlist: “Motel California” feat. Sabino

Artist: Darho

Country: Colombia

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Hailed from Barranquilla, Darho captured my attention with his first two singles under Warner Music Latina: “Ojitos Secos,” a beautiful heartbreak ballad that debuted in April; and the more joyful “Ven Ven,” released last week, whose fusion of dembow and afrobeat is perfect for the summer. “I made the decision to select this new song in order to infuse something refreshing for me, departing from my melancholic ballads and paving the way for something vibrant, something Caribbean,” the Colombian singer-songwriter says in a statement. It’s a welcome change that showcases Darho’s versatility and increases our curiosity to see what he’ll do next. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Song for Your Playlist: “Ven Ven”

Artist: Dayanara

Country: Ecuador

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: During the 2023 Heat Latin Music Awards in Punta Cana, I also came across Dayanara, a giddy brunette who turned heads with her pearly white smile and chocolaty eyes. But beyond being just a beautiful and viral girl (she has nearly three million followers on Instagram), Dayanara is a rising pop artist who’s already all the rage in her country, Ecuador. She navigates from reggaetón to cumbia to romantic ballads and more with her dulcet vocals, and has recently been making the rounds with her Kunno-assisted track “El Ganado.” A well-rounded star, Dayanara formed part of a reality show called Pequeños Brillantes when she was 10 years old, won Miss Teen Universe at 17 years old in 2015 and represented Ecuador at the 2019 Viña del Mar Festival. — J.R.

Song for Your Playlist: “Ni Borracha”

Artist: Drea Dury

Country: Colombia

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Born and raised in Cali, Colombia, Dury’s music is a lush combination of pop, Afrobeats and R&B, built over a cohesive sonic base no doubt informed by a childhood surrounded by classical music (her father is an orchestra conductor). Like Nathy Peluso, Dury’s output is truly audio-visual, her sexy beats accompanied by exuberant, tropical visuals in a combo that she calls “Criollan Elegance.” While Dury stops short of going over the top, she certainly commands attention. Last week, she opened for Ozuna in Paris, and recently released a new EP, Palmera Nights. — LEILA COBO

Song for Your Playlist: “Bandida”



Artist: Jasiel Nuñez

Artist: Mexico

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Jasiel Nuñez was the first artist to take the stage at Peso Pluma’s 24th birthday bash last month in Guadalajara. I was quickly captivated by his velvety vocals, which contrast the sometimes harsh sound of a corrido. Typically, corrido singers’ vocals are raw and unpolished, but not Nuñez’s. The singer-songwriter is not only one of Peso Pluma’s best friends, he’s also signed to the Mexican superstar’s label Double P Records. Nuñez has co-written a number of tracks with Peso, including “Lagunas,” one of their collaborations featured on the history-making album Génesis, which Peso unleashed last month and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 — the highest ranking on the tally for a música mexicana album. Moreover, “Lagunas” earned Nuñez his first entry on the Hot 100, after the piano-led ballad peaked at No. 85. — GRISELDA FLORES

Song for Your Playlist: “Lagunas”



Artist: K-efe

Country: Chile

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: One of the first things about K-efe that draws you in is her laidback bohemian swagger — then it’s her piercing vibrato, delivered with a soulful rap flair. That’s exactly what captivated me about the artist, also known as Karin Hoffmann, at this year’s Acoustic Showcase of the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) at New York’s S.O.B.s. — which we featured on our 11 Standout Performances list. Taking cues from Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, the Mexico City-based singer/producer makes music of a neo-soul persuasion, with an occasional ability to spit punchy one-liners. Her latest release, “SUELTA (Respira)” with Paz Quintana, showcases her conscious hip-hop lyricism, which is anchored in roots and folklore. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Song for Your Playlist: “SUELTA (Respira)”

Artist: Loyal Lobos

Country: Colombia

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: This Bogotá-born, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter boasts a high, ethereal voice that sings knock-out lyrics over atmospheric vibes with just tinges of dance. Newly signed to Saban, Loyal Lobos began her career singing mostly in English on her debut indie album, 2020’s Everlasting. With Saban, she’s switched seamlessly to Spanish, marrying an alt-pop sound with the punch of Spanish-language story-telling, and leaving us better for it. Loyal Lobos’ relatable lyrics and very unique sound stand out in the Latin music realm through songs like “Funeral,” which details how her big send-off should be a big party; and her recent “Si volviera a conocerte,” a wistful look at the one who got away. A new EP, Loba Vol. 1, is due out this Fall. — L. Cobo

Song for Your Playlist: “Si Volviera A Concerte”



Artist: Milo J.

Country: Argentina

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: At the young age of 16, Camilo Joaquín Villarruel, better known as Milo J, already sounds like a veteran — thanks to his tone of voice and lyrics that talk about his personal experiences. With an indisputable talent, the rap artist is quickly making a name for himself as the promising new sound of the urban genre in Argentina. Active in music since 2021, songs like “Milagrosa” have put him on the radar of many, and he continues to build his reputation with each new release. His talent has already been recognized by other Argentine colleagues who have invited him to collaborate on their recent albums, such as Nicki Nicole, with whom he sings “Dispara,” and Khea, with whom he collaborated on the song “Nunca Voy Solo”. — LUISA CALLE

Song For Your Playlist: “Rincón”

Artist: Sebastian Esquivel

Country: Mexico

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I met Sebastian Esquivel on a red carpet in Las Vegas in April of this year. The following month, while visiting Chihuahua, Mexico, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand how his music has gained widespread popularity — not only through social media but also locally in the northern region of Mexico. Born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Esquivel also represents the new era for corridos, where they innovate by combining corridos and trap.

One of the perfect examples of this genre is his last hit, “Bélico y Cholo,” released earlier this year with Yerai R. Following the success of the single, Esquivel brought Virlan Garcia onboard for a live version of the single “Bélico y Cholo – En Vivo – Con Virlan Garcia.” He is currently promoting his most recent EP Los Esquivel en vivo desde Cadereyta, in collaboration with his brother Eugenio Esquivel — together they have gained recognition as part of the TikTok-famous duo in Mexico, Los Alucines. — I.F.

Song for Your Playlist: “Bélico y Cholo (En Vivo)”



26 Jul 2023

BMI Is Engaging In ‘Discussions With Outside Parties’ Over Potential Sale

BMI is exploring potential sale possibilities, a year after its transition into a for-profit entity, according to an internal memo from CEO Mike O’Neill that was obtained by Billboard. In the note to staff, O’Neill said, “Delivering for our affiliates is always our top priority, and we have a responsibility to engage in discussions with outside parties if they can help further that mission. That is exactly what we are doing right now, and no final decisions have been made.”

The discussions come a year after BMI had engaged Goldman Sachs to explore strategic opportunities in 2022, with one of the options at the time being a potential sale; that process ultimately did not lead to a deal. Reuters first reported that talks had reopened over a potential sale now. A spokesperson for BMI declined to comment.

In the memo, O’Neill wrote that after ending the strategic opportunities process last year, BMI chose to invest in the company “to grow the value of our affiliates’ music,” and that the change to the for-profit model, in addition to that investment, “has only intensified that outside interest.”

“It’s an exciting time for BMI and we’re in a strong position,” O’Neill wrote. “And the most important thing for us to do is keep focus and continue the great work that makes BMI the best PRO in the business. The future is filled with potential and there is no better team to tackle the numerous opportunities that lie ahead for our company and our affiliates.”

BMI, founded in 1939, represents more than 20 million works by more than 1 million songwriters, composers and publishers, including artists like Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar. In its most recent annual report, for the year ended June 30, 2022, the performance rights organization tallied revenues of $1.573 billion and distributed $1.471 billion to songwriters, its highest mark ever.

Read O’Neill’s full note below.

Hi Team,

A few press articles have come out today speculating that BMI is considering a sale. I am reaching out now because I want you to hear the background directly from me.

Not surprisingly, interest in BMI has continued since we announced a year ago that we were no longer considering a sale of our company. You may recall this was one of the options on the table when we were evaluating strategic opportunities to best position BMI for the future. Since then, the success of our business model change and our commitment to investing in BMI to grow the value of our affiliates’ music has only intensified that outside interest.

Delivering for our affiliates is always our top priority, and we have a responsibility to engage in discussions with outside parties if they can help further that mission. That is exactly what we are doing right now, and no final decisions have been made. By its very nature, speculation can often contain mischaracterizations and inaccurate information. Please don’t be distracted by this and know that I will update you directly on any new developments.

It’s an exciting time for BMI and we’re in a strong position. And the most important thing for us to do is keep focus and continue the great work that makes BMI the best PRO in the business. The future is filled with potential and there is no better team to tackle the numerous opportunities that lie ahead for our company and our affiliates.

Thank you, as always, for all you do.

MON

26 Jul 2023

10 First-Timers on Billboard’s Charts This Week: ZEROBASEONE, Duane Betts, Ole Lonesome & More

Billboard has more than 200 different weekly charts in its menu, encompassing numerous genres and formats.

While established artists often compete for a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart and Billboard 200 albums ranking, which track the most popular songs and albums of the week, respectively, up-and-coming talents typically start off on genre-specific lists.

Here’s a look at 10 titles by acts who appear on surveys for the first time on the July 29-dated charts.

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ZEROBASEONE

The South Korean band lands on Billboard’s charts for the first time with its debut single, “In Bloom.” The track, released July 10 on the group’s debut EP Youth in the Shade, starts at No. 103 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart and No. 182 on the Billboard Global 200 with 11.9 million official streams worldwide in the July 14-20 tracking week, according to Luminate. ZEROBASEONE (which often abbreviates its name to ZB1) formed earlier this year through the South Korean reality show Boys Planet. The nine-member group, which is managed by WAKEONE Entertainment, is comprised of Park Gun-wook, Kim Gyu-vin, Sung Han-bin, Zhang Hao, Kim Ji-woong, Seok Matthew, Ricky, Kim Tae-rae and Han Yu-jin.

Duane Betts

The guitarist and singer-songwriter scores his first solo appearance on Billboard’s charts, thanks to his debut solo LP, Wild and Precious Life. The set, released July 14 via Royal Potato Family, debuts at No. 68 on Top Current Album Sales with 1,000 copies sold in its opening week. As a founding member of the Allman Betts Band, Betts has charted two titles on Americana/Folk Albums: the group’s debut set Down to the River (No. 24, 2019) and sophomore release Bless Your Heart (No. 15, 2020). Betts, the son of the legendary guitarist Dickey Betts, founded the Allman Betts Band with Devon Allman, the son of the late Gregg Allman. Dickey and Gregg founded the Allman Brothers Band in 1969. Previously, Duane collaborated with Backbone69, Brethren of the Coast, Dawes, Jamtown and Whitestarr and fronted Duane Betts & The Pistoleers. Duane Betts is currently on the road through September, touring as Duane Betts & Palmetto Hotel, in support of his new LP.

Snooper

The Nashville-based punk/garage rock band reaches Billboard’s charts for the first time with its debut studio album, Super Snooper. Released July 14 on Third Man Records, the project debuts at No. 70 on Top Current Album Sales with 1,000 copies sold in its first week. The LP also sparks a No. 37 debut for the group on the Emerging Artists chart. Snooper comprises Blair Trammel (lead vocals), Connor Cummins (guitar) and Cam Sarrett (drums). The group has opened on tour for Amyl and the Sniffers, Dehd, Sheer Mag and Guerrilla Toss.

Ole Lonesome

The rock/blues band, from Beaumont, Texas, arrives on Billboard’s charts with its new sophomore studio album, Tejas Motel. The set, released July 14 on Gulf Coast Records, debuts at No. 5 on the Blues Albums chart. The group self-released its debut LP, Turn It On, in 2019. Ole Lonesome comprises Greg Achord, Jimmy Devers, Zachary Feemster, J. Wesley Hardin and Gregory Mosley.

Tim Dugger

The singer-songwriter and Alabama native hoists his first Billboard chart hit with “Buy a Bar.” The song, released Feb. 3 via Curb Records, debuts at No. 55 on Country Airplay (up 29% in airplay audience). Dugger released his debut EP, Signs of a Good Time, in 2020. He is currently on the road in the U.S. performing a string of shows at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. The NASCAR fan also has performances scheduled at various speedways in September-October.

Ryan Human

The Lincoln, Neb., native makes his debut on Billboard’s charts with his breakthrough single “Be Awesome.” The song, originally introduced in 2018 but recently made available on streaming services, begins at No. 26 on Adult Contemporary.

Mark Steven Doss & Ken Smith

Both artists land on Billboard’s charts for the first time with their new collaborative album, Welcome to My World. The set, released July 14 on Cedille Records, debuts at No. 2 on Traditional Classical Albums. Doss, from Cleveland, has already forged a successful career in music. The bass-baritone opera singer has performed with numerous opera companies in more than 100 operatic roles around the world. In 1994, he won a Grammy Award for best opera recording for his participation in Handel’s Semele. Smith, who plays piano on the new album, has been a professional pianist for more than 50 years. The Louisiana native has worked with a variety of singers in his career and has been affiliated with the Bel Canto Foundation. He also served on the faculty of the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University in 1992-2014.

Kadu Martins

The singer-songwriter/producer, from Brazil, makes his first mark on Billboard’s charts with his song “Halls Na Lingua.” The track, released in March on TS Music Oficial, debuts at No. 151 on Global Excl. U.S. with 13.6 million streams outside the U.S. July 14-20. Martins has released two four-track EPs: Start, in 2019, and Swing do KM, in 2022.

Austin Moody

The country artist, from East Tennessee, reaches Billboard’s charts with “I’m Just Sayin’.” Released May 19 on Dang Right Records, the track debuts at No. 7 on Country Digital Song Sales and No. 11 on the all-genre Digital Song Sales survey with 4,000 downloads sold. The sum also spurs Moody to a No. 33 entrance on the Emerging Artists chart.

The King Will Come

The Christian music collective hits Billboard’s charts with its debut single “Yet.” The cut, which the act self-released in April, debuts at No. 46 on the Hot Christian Songs chart with 281,000 official streams.

26 Jul 2023

Ice Cube Tells Tucker Carlson He Refused ‘Rush Job’ COVID Vaccine: ‘I Didn’t Feel Safe’

Ice Cube took a drive around South Central Los Angeles with fired Fox commentator Tucker Carlson on the latest episode of the controversial host’s new Twitter (né “X”) show on Tuesday and held forth on his opposition to the COVID-19 vaccines. “I never wanted to be controlled,” said the rapper born O’Shea Jackson, 54, during the chat.

“It wasn’t ready. It was six months, kind of a rush job. And I didn’t feel safe,” added Cube about the more than 670 million doses of vaccine administered to U.S citizens between Dec. 2020 and March 2023, which the CDC deemed “safe and effective,” with “rare” side effects; in fact, the CDC to date has confirmed just 9 deaths directly attributable to the COVID-19 vaccines as a result of a rare blood clot caused by the Johnson & Johnson shot. In addition, a December report from the Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy claiming that through Nov. 2022 the vaccines prevented more than 18.5 million U.S. hospitalizations and 3.2 million deaths, while saving the country $1.15 trillion.

The segment opened with Cube giving a smiling Carlson a driving tour through his childhood South Central neighborhood, during which the host was asked if he’d gotten vaccinated during the pandemic. “Of course not,” Carlson chuckled, noting that “they told you you were safe” in reference to the shots that were swiftly developed by the Trump administration to combat the global pandemic that killed nearly seven million people and resulted in 768 million cases of the disease.

A piece of tape rolled out in the 12-minute interview reported that Cube lost out on a $9 million payday for the film Oh Hell No because of his refusal to get the jab. “I know what they said. I heard what they said, I heard them loud and clear,” Cube said of his decision to not get vaxxed. “It’s not their decision. There is no repercussions if they are wrong. I get all the repercussions if they are wrong.” Cube said he wanted to be an example for his children and to ensure that they also declined to get vaccinated.

“Show them that I was wiling to stand on my convictions and that I was willing to lose $9 million and more,” he said in reference to the comedy he was slated to star in with Jack Black. Carlson then posited that America typically holds up people who stand by their convictions as heroes, noting that Cube was not treated that way for his stance on vaccines while rolling an SNL bit mocking the rapper for his vaxx veto.

“I never told anyone not to get vaccinated publicly,” Cube said of the shots that the New York Times reported went into the arms of more than 5.55 billion people around the world, representing nearly 72.3 percent of the global population. Actually, he added, he didn’t want anyone to know whether he’d been vaccinated or not, saying he was “pretty upset” when the information leaked. “I was going to quietly not take it and deal with the consequences as they came,” he said.

And, despite the low reported adverse reactions to the shots, Cube claimed he knows people who “suffer every day” from vaccine injuries. “It’s hard to watch,” he said without offering any details about the alleged injuries.

Cube also noted that he doesn’t give money to politicians because he doesn’t “believe” in them due to what he deemed their “hidden agendas.” He did, however, say he was “proud” that America elected Pres. Obama, before lamenting that “not much changed for people I know,” as Carlson loaded up a montage of news footage of Black Lives Matter protests and street violence.

The next episode of the conversation is slated to have the pair sitting down in Cube’s studio. Carlson was fired from his top-rated Fox News channel show in April after the network settled a massive lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787 million over the conservative outlet’s admission that it aired false claims about the company’s ballot-counting machines. Carlson launched his Twitter show in June with strong ratings, but Business Insider reported recently that his viewership tanked by 86% within a month.

Check out the Cube chat here.

26 Jul 2023

20 Years Ago Toolroom Records Began Championing Tech House — Now Dance Music’s Most Popular Genre — From an Actual Tool Shed

“Toolroom” isn’t some metaphor.

In 2003, the electronic record label was launched by producer Mark Knight and his brother Stuart. The imprint was named for their office space — an actual tool shed in the yard of a house in their native Maidstone, 90 minutes southeast of London. From this humble setting, the pair began releasing house records largely by Mark, who was then also fusing house and techno into a new sound.

20 years later, the genre that Toolroom helped create its name on — tech house — is the most popular sound in commercial dance music. But while Toolroom laid the foundations for this phenomenon, Toolroom isn’t necessarily the genre’s biggest commercial star. The Knight brothers are okay with that.

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“We were always just a little bit too early,” Mark says over Zoom. “We would always do the groundwork for everyone to just come and go, ‘Thanks for getting that off the ground.’ I remember 15 years ago, talking about why I love tech house, and people were just looking at me like, ‘What the f— are you playing me?’”

But that hasn’t stopped Toolroom from becoming not just a respected label outputting relevant records, but a company that’s evolved its offerings, and revenue streams, in each era of its existence

With Mark as creative lead and Stuart heading the business, Toolroom launched in a precarious moment, two years after the advent of the iPod and at a time when physical sales were dwindling. “We could see on the horizon how digital would take over and how it would affect us,” says Stuart.

The early years found Mark traveling to New York and other U.S. dance hubs to play shows, staying on friends’ couches to save money while trying to break his name in the States. The label gained real traction during its initial treks to Miami Music Week, which provided, says Stuart, “the first opportunity we had to be around both industry and customers.”

This customer access expanded significantly in 2004 with the launch of Beatport, the digital download store for DJs. Toolroom was one of the first labels to put its music up for sale on the platform, which was then based in Denver. For the following few years, 70% of Toolroom music bought via Beatport was by customers in the U.S. By 2014, Mark would become Beatport’s best selling artist, behind deadmau5. He now ranks at the platform’s No. 7 all time house artist, with Toolroom ranking as the No. 2 all time house label.

Mark Knight and Toolroom staff

Mark Knight and members of the Toolroom staff

Courtesy of Toolroom Records

“We were a small label in a tool room in a small town outside of London selling our music in the U.S., which has always been the hardest territory for a U.K. label to break in,” says Stuart. “It was an eye-opener that we didn’t have to jump on a tour bus and tour the whole of the U.S. [to gain success.]”

In this same era, circa 2007, Mark was also touring the States, capitalizing on the label’s U.S. growth and proselytizing for his still-then-underground house/techno fusion. Hits in this era included Knight and Funkagenda’s “Man With the Red Face” and Knight’s remix of Florence + The Machine’s “You’ve Got the Love.” Meanwhile, Toolroom was also releasing tracks by greats including Fatboy Slim, Underworld, Armand van Helden and a flurry of rising stars.

Then, a few years later, EDM happened. Like many labels at the time, Toolroom was swept into the phenomenon, despite the fact that they didn’t necessarily care for it. (“It was so big and also unrelatable,” says Mark, “when you see people jumping out of private jets spraying champagne on each other and we’re working nine to five trying to make those records big.”) Still, they shifted releases to fit more into the big room sound that was pulling millions of new fans to the genre while generating billions of dollars for the global dance industry.

“In the midst of that, we were putting out music from Hardwell and people like that,” says Mark, “which wasn’t really what we were about.”

In time, feeling a course correction was necessary, the label launched a 2014 #RESET campaign during which it slimmed down its artist roster, launched a new album series and reconfigured its live events in an effort get back in line with the Knight brothers’ original vision.

“I don’t mean to sound condescending, but it’s really basic music,” Mark says of EDM. “And it’s great because it appeals to a broad audience, but we always knew that if we just stay true to ourselves, when those people have kind of refined their tastes and the drugs have worn off a bit, they’ll realize, ‘I don’t actually like this, because it’s actually crap — but I really like this, because it’s the more sophisticated end of that world.’”

Mark Knight with fans

Mark Knight with fans

Courtesy of Toolroom Records

In fact that’s actually happened, with house, techno and tech house becoming the prevailing commercial sounds of U.S. dance music, with the U.S. scene catching up to the sleek, sexy, adult vibe Toolroom has been promoted since its inception.

“I stuck with it, and I guess if we hadn’t made those move,s we wouldn’t have the Fishers and Chris Lakes of this world enjoying the success of the groundwork we put in, and look — good luck to them. They’ve embraced what it’s about, and they’ve commercialized and done very well from it.”

Meanwhile Toolroom and its 15-artist roster have stayed largely in the realm of club records and clubs sets, which include upcoming shows in New York, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago and London throughout August. Toolroom has also evolved the business, with its Toolroom Academy launching in 2016 to offer DJ courses, sample packs, software and plug-ins. Prices range from $50 for an online course to $10,000 for a three-month intensive, with the label using the school as a talent pool and often signing particularly good productions. The Academy now has roughly 7,000 students. Mark says Toolroom also now earns more revenue via Peloton than it does from Beatport sales.

“We have evolved from a record label to a record company,” says Stuart. “A record label puts out music; a record company puts out music, but finds everything they can around putting out music to monetize. That’s really exciting, because one week it can be putting out music, the next week it’s, ‘How does that fit into someone doing a spin class, or educating someone how to produce?’”

Two decades in, Toolroom now has a staff of 22 and an actual office space for them to work from. Mark’s weekly Toolroom Radio program draws 16 million weekly listener. In 2018 the label launched its We Are Listening Initiative to identify releases from female producers. 2023 releases from KC Lights, Leftwing & Kody and ESSEL have been streamed millions of times. It’s a lot of accomplishments for a label Mark says has always just been “a little bit ahead of the game.”

“That’s cool in our own way, because we’re pioneering,” he continues. “We can always look back and say we were the first to make these moves. Did we make as much money as some of the other guys? Maybe not. But you know, we’re very happy with where we are in life.”

26 Jul 2023

Britney Spears Says She Woke Up Recently Thinking She Was Pregnant: ‘I’m So Nauseous’

Even the stars have false alarms. Take it from Britney Spears, who revealed she recently woke up on vacation feeling so nauseous, she genuinely suspected she was pregnant.

“It’s the first year I’ve been able to drink alcohol so my trip to Mexico with all the amazing food and wine was unbelievable !!!” she wrote Tuesday (July 25) in an Instagram post. “I’m really into juicing and the heat makes me coo coo so I have to really watch what I put in my mouth … let’s be honest it’s confusing. Staying in all day with the air conditioner seems like the practical common sense thing to do but I’ve felt caged up my whole life !!!”

“I will be honest I woke up this morning and thought I was pregnant because I’m so nauseous but I think it’s the sun,” added Spears, who’s married to her 29-year-old former backup dancer Sam Asghari.

The 41-year-old “Toxic” singer is already mom to sons Sean Preston and Jayden James, whom she shares with ex-husband Kevin Federline. Her post comes a little over a year after she and Asghari, who tied the knot in June 2023, released a joint statement explaining that one month after they announced they were expecting their first baby together, Spears had suffered a miscarriage.

“It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that we have lost our miracle baby early in the pregnancy,” they wrote at the time. “This is a devastating time for any parent… Our love for each other is our strength. We will continue trying to expand our beautiful family.”

But while there’s no new baby news on the horizon yet, Spears is fresh off the release of her first original single since 2016, a dance pop duet with will.i.am called “Mind Your Business.” The pair first started working on the song years ago, and revisited the track earlier this year upon deciding that the time was finally right to drop it.

The pop star also just announced that her highly anticipated, multimillion-dollar memoir, The Woman in Me, is finally set to arrive later this year — Oct. 24, to be exact. “I’m so excited… can’t wait to share this new with you all!!!!” she told fans of the project shortly before the announcement.

See her post below:

26 Jul 2023

Watch Ice Spice Lead a Twerk Takeover in New ‘Deli’ Music Video

Ice Spice’s is still dancing to her success. On Wednesday (July 26), the Bronx rapper dropped the official music video for “Deli,” a new song from the deluxe version of her Like..? EP.

Flanked by a small but mighty gang of girls armed with strong twerking skills and fashion inspired by Ice Spice’s round-the-way style, the “Princess Diana” rapper takes over a literal deli in her new visual. Featuring cameos from “Deli” producer RiotUSA and fellow New York rapper Cleotrapa, the “Deli” video combines footage of Ice and her girls turning up inside the deli, local New York kids woo walking and rocking their hips, and flashy scenes inside of a party bus. After visiting Barbie Land and Taylor Swift’s celestial fantasia in the music videos for “Barbie World” (with Nicki Minaj and AQUA) and “Karma,” respectively, Ice Spice gets local and comes back home to New York in the “Deli” visual, directed by herself and George and Frederick Buford.

Ice released the deluxe edition of her Like..? EP on July 21; it features four new tracks in addition to the previously released Nicki Minaj-assisted remix of “Princess Diana.” The original EP debuted at No. 37 on the Billboard 200 upon its Jan. 20 release, and eventually reached a peak of No. 15. The standard edition of the EP featured a slew of notable songs from the breakout star, including “Munch,” “Bikini Bottom,” “Gangsta Boo” (with Lil Tjay), and “In Ha Mood,” her first unaccompanied entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

In just under a year, Ice Spice has collected four top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Karma” (No. 2), “Princess Diana” (No. 5), “Barbie World” (No. 7), and PinkPantheress duet “Boy’s A Liar, Pt. 2” (No. 3).

26 Jul 2023

Doja Cats Loses 250K Followers On The Gram After She Treated Them Like Crap Over The Weekend

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2023 The Prince's Trust Gala

Source: John Lamparski / Getty / Doja Cat

Being a jerk to your fans comes with consequences. Just ask Doja Cat, who has lost many of them in just a few days.

Spotted on HipHopDX via XXL, Social Blade reports that Doja Cat lost over 200,000 on Instagram between Sunday, July 23, and Monday, July 24. Another 48,000 hit the unfollow button on Tuesday following reports of Doja Cat sniping at her loyal fans who take time out of their lives to run fan accounts and dared to name themselves “Kittenz.”

Losing a quarter of a million fans seems like a big deal. It’s barely a blip in her following count, which sits at an astounding 25.7 million.

Per Page Six’s previous reporting:

The “Streets” singer has been on one lately with her fans, going off on them over the weekend in a series of now-deleted tweets.

“My fans don’t get to name themselves s—t,” the “Boss Bitch” singer declared in a series of since-deleted tweets posted over the weekend.

“If you call yourself a ‘Kitten’ or f—king ‘Kittenz’ that means you need to get off your phone and get a job and help your parents with the house.”

One fan quickly questioned the rapper’s outlandish remarks, tweeting in response, “??? only using the name YOU gave your fans.”

Twitter Feels Sorry For Doja Cat Fans

Social media gave her that same energy back, joking about how painful it must be to be a fan of an artist like Doja Cat, who constantly treats her fans like crap.

Her behavior was so bad that fellow Pop Star Charli XCX responded in a tweet, “doja cat’s being so grumpy !”

Doja Cat has also been blocking people calling her out for bad taste in men. Recently she was spotted getting cozy with problematic “influencer” J. Cyrus, who has been accused of being a groomer and manipulator and has a history of racist Vine posts.

It’s clear Doja Cat doesn’t care what you think about her or her current love interest. We shall see if that continues to lead to her fans throwing up their hands and finding someone else to stan about.

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Photo: John Lamparski / Getty

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26 Jul 2023

Lauren Daigle’s ‘Thank God I Do’ Tops All 5 Christian Song Charts – a Feat Last Achieved by Her Smash ‘You Say’

Lauren Daigle’s “Thank God I Do” ascends to No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay and Christian AC Airplay rankings dated July 29, as she scores a fivefold chart domination not achieved since her own “You Say” over four years ago.

“Thank God I Do” drew 6.2 million audience impressions July 14-20, according to Luminate.

Daigle earns her fifth No. 1 on Christian Airplay and her sixth on Christian AC Airplay.

The song is the lead single from Daigle’s self-titled LP, which arrived at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart in May, giving the Lake Charles, La., native her fourth leader. The 10-song set will expand by 10 tracks later this year.

Daigle wrote “Thank God I Do” with Jason Ingram, with Jeffrey Bhasker, P!nk (Alecia Moore) and Nate Ruess also receiving writing credit, as the song contains elements of P!nk’s “Just Give Me a Reason,” featuring Ruess (which the three co-penned), a three-week No. 1 on the all-genre multimetric Billboard Hot 100 in 2013.

“Wow, just wow,” Daigle says of her latest chart coronations. “It has been absolutely incredible seeing how people have connected to ‘Thank God I Do,’ and receiving the news that it has reached No. 1 at radio is so special. It means more than words to see the continued support and enthusiasm for this new music, which is so close to my heart.”

Meanwhile, “Thank God I Do” rules the streaming-, airplay- and sales-based Hot Christian Songs survey for an 11th frame, after becoming her sixth No. 1 in May. The hit retains the penthouse bolstered by 2.6 million official U.S. streams (up 2%) and 2,000 sold. It tops Christian Digital Song Sales for a 17th week and Christian Streaming Songs for an eighth week.

The only other title to rule Hot Christian Songs, Christian Airplay, Christian AC Airplay, Christian Streaming Songs and Christian Digital Song Sales simultaneously in the nearly 10 years that the five lists have coexisted? Daigle’s crossover smash “You Say,” which did so for 11 weeks in 2018-19.

On Christian Airplay, “Thank God I Do” is Daigle’s first chart-topper since “You Say” dominated for 17 weeks beginning in September 2018. She logged four top 10s in between: “Look Up Child” (No. 6 peak, April 2019); “Rescue” (No. 4, November 2019); “Still Rolling Stones” (No. 5, July 2020); and “Hold On to Me” (No. 3, July 2021).

Daigle’s 18 Christian Airplay chart-entries include 14 top 10s. Her first of five leaders was the aptly titled “First,” which reigned for three weeks starting in October 2015.

“You Say” is Daigle’s longest-leading Christian AC Airplay No. 1, with 15 weeks on top.

Among women, Daigle’s five Christian Airplay No. 1s place her second, behind Francesca Battistelli with six. On Christian AC Airplay, Daigle’s six No. 1s are the most among women, with Battistelli and Mandisa tied for second with four each. (Both charts began in June 2003.)

26 Jul 2023

Ice Cube Is Getting Dragged For Taking Tucker Carlson On A South Central Tour

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BIG3 - Championship

Source: Kevin C. Cox / Getty

We’re not sure what Ice Cube’s end game is here (besides promoting the BIG 3), but it’s not going well for him at the moment. The Hip-Hop icon is getting dragged for filth after participating in an interview with established, allegedly, white supremacist Tucker Carlson.

Recently, Cube has been adamant that just because he takes a photo with a scoundrel, it doesn’t mean it’s a co-sign. Such as when he was snapped with faux-Democrat and alleged anti-vaxxer Robert Kennedy Jr.

However, linking with Tucker Carlson, who made a living spewing racist commentary on FOX News on a nightly basis before he was unceremoniously fired, is a bridge too far for many. The name of the episode—Tucker moved his tomfoolery to Twitter after getting booted from FOX News—is titled “Stay in your lane: our drive through South Central LA with Ice Cube.”

While both ride in the back of an SUV, Cube gives Tucker a tour of the South Central neighborhood he grew up in. Of course, Tuck’ems skewed to Cube’s disdain of politics. “Politicians only really pay attention to the people that give them money,” said Cube. “Everybody else is kinda an extra in their movie. We love you in the scene, but we can do the scene without you.”

Added Cube, “Politicians have hidden agendas.”

Nothing Cube said right there is wrong. But that Tucker Carlson wack juice is impossible to get off. Just ask Kanye West. And that’s the main beef from commenters. Especially after many felt Cube was too willing to entertain Donald Trump’s ridiculousness. A common observation was also that Carlson asked leading questions about Obama, George Floyd and the Covid-19 vaccine just to get Cube to give a controversial answer.

See more reactions to Ice Cube taking Carlson on a safari in the hood in the commentary.

1. Blue check support coming through…

4. Bruh…