News

31 May 2023

HHW Gaming: ‘League of Legends’ Players Overwhelmingly Down For A Walkout Following Latest Riot Decision

HipHopWired Featured Video

League of Legends Players Overwhelmingly In Favor of Walkout

Source: Gerald Matzka / Getty / League of Legends

The North American League of Legends esports league players have a huge gripe and are walking out.

Riot Games made an interesting decision by no longer requiring teams to field an amateur team. In response, players in the League of Legends league have voted overwhelmingly to walk out in protest of the decision, the LCS Players Association representing North American League of Legends esports players said in a tweet.

“The walk out vote has overwhelmingly passed,” the statement begins.

“This is not a decision LCS players have come to lightly. Countless discussions and debates were had between all LCS players in the week leading to this historic vote. One thing is clear from those conversations – our players want to play and compete above all else. Joining hands to put competition aside is a testament to the significance and urgency of the issues at hand.”

“We stand at this impasse because actions were taken by Riot without prior communication or discussion with the LCS players. The LCSPA sincerely hopes Riot will avert this walk out by joining us in the coming days to have open and transparent discussions so that we can forge collaborative solutions to ensure the best futures for the LCS and the NACL,” the statement concludes.

When Will The Walkout Happen?

The Verge reports that franchises have already dropped their amateur teams since the announcement cut off the ability for budding League of Legends players to compete in the League Championship Series (LCS).

The walkout has no date, but according to the website, it could go down at the beginning of summer (June 1). “We are not announcing the official date or duration at this time in order to make planning and pursuing scab labor a more difficult task,” LCSPA executive director Phil Aram told the website in an email.

The Fallout From The Decision

Players have been voicing their frustration with the league’s decision on Twitter since Riot announced the decision on May 12. In a statement, the LCSPA said, “Over 50 percent of current LCS pros came up through the NACL / Academy system.”

In a tweet, Palafox, a player for NRG’s LCS team, said, “I wouldn’t be in [the] LCS had it not been for Academy.” Chime, a player for TSM, added, “The Academy / NACL system gave me the opportunity to pursue a pro career.”

Five out of the tent teams, 100 Thieves, Cloud9, Dignitas, Golden Guardians, and NRG in the LCS, also said on Twitter they would not be participating in the upcoming NACL this summer. The LCSPA said two more teams, TSM and Immortals, would not have teams in the NACL either.

Riot’s decision could directly result from the struggle that esports in North America has become. Franchises have said in some statements that trying to keep an amateur team has become a challenge. 100 Thieves recently laid off 100 employees in January.

—

Photo: Gerald Matzka / Gett

31 May 2023

Taylor Swift Responds to Keke Palmer’s ‘Karma’ Praise: ‘I Love U So Much’

Karma takes all of Taylor Swift‘s friends to the summit — and one of them might now be Keke Palmer. That’s because the two stars recently shared an adorable exchange on Instagram, with the singer-songwriter responding to the Nope actress’ glowing review of her Midnights single “Karma.”

“Omg I love u so much,” Swift commented under a video of Palmer praising the track, posted Saturday (May 27).

In her video, the Broadway star jams out in the car with “Karma” blasting through her speakers. “Karma is me getting everything I want!” she tells the camera. “For anybody that’s ever tried you, anybody that tried to get away with hurting you, taking advantage — YOU get the last laugh.”

In her caption, she wrote, “It’s always going to be miss Swift’s lyricism for me.”

“It’s always some fluffy vibes with weighted a– sentiment!” added Palmer, who in February welcomed her first child with boyfriend Darius Jackson.

The Alice star isn’t the only one giving “Karma” some love these days. Ice Spice recently hopped on the track for a single-ready remix, and joined Swift onstage three nights at a row to debut the collaboration live at the pop star’s Eras Tour shows at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The pair also teamed up for a “Karma” music video, which Swift premiered at the first of the three shows.

“Getting to know her has been so special because I am blown away by her,” Swift later gushed over Ice. “In my opinion, she’s the one to watch. Watching her work ethic and how thoughtfully she approaches her career, she’s like my new favorite artist and I’m so honored that she’s on the song.”

See Keke Palmer’s video, and Swift’s comment, below:

31 May 2023

The 2023 Latin Music Week Website Is Officially Open: Tickets Set to Go on Sale Soon

The 2023 Latin Music Week website is officially open, and it offers up-to-date information on all things Latin Music Week, which is set to return to Miami.

Tickets and lineup announcements are coming soon for the event set to take place Monday, Oct. 2, to Friday, Oct. 6. Billboard‘s Latin Music Week is the longest running and biggest Latin music-industry gathering for more than 30 years. The weeklong event brings together emerging and renowned artists, industry leaders, creators and decision-makers in Latin music from around the world for showcases, networking, exclusive conversations, panels, workshops, activations and concerts.

“We’re beyond excited to return to Miami and celebrate the legacy that has been created by these events,” Leila Cobo, Billboard‘s chief content officer Latin/Español, previously said. “Trends, stars and hits have all been made at Billboard Latin Music Week, and we can’t wait to announce our roster of superstars, super executives and rising talent.”

The event culminates in the Billboard Latin Music Awards, honoring the top artists and performers in Latin music. The 30th annual awards ceremony will be held Oct. 5, and will air live on the Telemundo Network. 

Last year’s star-studded edition featured Q&As, panels and performances from artists such as Christina Aguilera, Romeo Santos, Camilo, Nicky Jam, Wisin & Yandel, Maluma, Chayanne, Ivy Queen, Grupo Firme, Bizarrap, Tokischa and for the first time, an exclusive conversation with all five children of Jenni Rivera.

Visit billboardlatinmusicweek.com for more info, and to stay up-to-date on all things Latin Music Week 2023.

31 May 2023

Kendrick Lamar & Baby Keem Have A Time In “The Hillbillies” Visuals

HipHopWired Featured Video

Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar - The Hillbillies

Source: pgLang / Youtube

Over the years Kendrick Lamar has endeared himself to his fans and earned quite a few nicknames including K-Dot, Kung-Fu Kenny and even Oklahoma. But will Kountry Kendrick become his latest moniker in the rap game?!

Well, he hasn’t exactly called himself that (yet), but given the title of his latest cut, we wouldn’t be surprised if that becomes an option at some point. Linking up with Baby Keem for their collaborative visuals to “The Hillbillies,” the rapping cousins use old school VHS tech to film their video. Taking viewers on a trip with them to a carnival (as well as private jet footage) where they have some good ol’ fun with some unsuspecting patrons who probably don’t know who they are, Baby Keem and a cowboy boot rockin’ Kendrick eventually find their way to the mall to turn up before linking up with Tyler, The Creator outside of Dodgers stadium.

Kountry Kendrick really got bars, man.

Check out the fisheye lens visuals to “The Hillbillies” below and let us know what you think of the clip in the comments section below. Heck, let us know if you’re even familiar with The Beverly Hillbillies while you’re at it. We wouldn’t be surprised if you’re not. Just sayin’.



31 May 2023

Sam Smith & Madonna Are Getting ‘Vulgar’ With Their New Single

After giving the world a taste of the “Unholy,” Sam Smith is ready to deliver something even dirtier with their new song — and this time, they’ve got pop icon Madonna on board to help.

On Wednesday (May 31), Smith and Madonna confirmed the release of their upcoming collaboration, “Vulgar.” Madge shared some artwork across her social media, showing a pair of tightly cinched black-and-white corsets underneath the duo’s initials — which were cheekily shortened to a simple “S&M.” “VULGAR…………. new song out Friday June 9th @samsmith,” Madonna captioned the post.

The announcement comes after about a week’s worth of buildup. On May 24, Smith teased that a collaboration with the “Like a Prayer” singer was on its way, sharing a looping audio clip across their social media accounts in which the pair groaned “Sam and Madonna.”

It then appeared that Smith was going to give their fans in Manchester a sneak preview of the new song during their show on May 24. Smith tweeted an image in the same style as their “Sam and Madonna” teaser, saying that “‘Unholy’ won’t be the last song” at their stop. However, fans never got to find out what the last song would have been, since Smith was forced to abruptly end the concert due to vocal issues.

Meanwhile, Madonna has been hard at work preparing for her upcoming Celebration Tour, a globe-spanning production looking back on four decades of hit songs from the pop icon. Set to kick off in Vancouver this July, the tour will also feature RuPaul’s Drag Race season eight winner Bob the Drag Queen as a special guest for each new show.

“Vulgar” is out everywhere Friday, June 9. Check out the official announcement below:

31 May 2023

Guns N’ Roses Adds Carrie Underwood, Alice in Chains, The Pretenders & More to 2023 Tour Dates

Welcome to the jungle! Carrie Underwood is set to join rock band Guns N’ Roses for three shows on the North American leg of the group’s 2023 Global Tour. Alice in Chains, The Pretenders, The Warning and Dirty Honey are also joining the trek.

The country star will open for the rockers during two shows in Canada (Aug. 5 in Moncton, New Brunswick, and Aug. 8 in Montreal, Quebec), followed by a show on Aug. 26 in Nashville at GEODIS Park.

“SO ready for this!” the American Idol season four champ gushed in an Instagram post announcing her addition to the tour. “I CANNOT WAIT!!”

Underwood has long incorporated songs from Guns N’ Roses’ classic rock catalog — such as “Welcome to the Jungle” — into her own concert setlists, and welcomed lead singer Axl Rose as her surprise guest during her headlining set at the Stagecoach music festival in 2022, where the two performed “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Paradise City.”

Later that year, Guns N’ Roses later welcomed Underwood to reprise those same songs during Guns N’ Roses’ London concert.

This marks the first time Guns N’ Roses has toured North America since their We’re F’N Back! Tour in 2021. The tour launches overseas on June 5 in Tel Aviv, Israel, and continues through Europe through July 22, wrapping in Athens, Greece. The band then continues on to North America, starting Aug. 5 for the Moncton, NB show at Medavie Blue Cross Stadium. The tour traverses several U.S. states and wraps on Oct. 16 at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Underwood previously told Jimmy Fallon about meeting Guns N’ Roses for the first time, during one of the band’s concerts in Las Vegas.

“I might have, like, hung out with Axl after the show a little bit!” she joked. “I do always say that it’s hard when you meet your heroes, because I do consider him to be somebody who taught me how to sing, because I loved how he could just do different things with his voice. I was like, ‘I don’t know! If I meet him, and he’s not everything I want him to be…’ But he was. It was great. He was super cool and nice, and we talked — we’re best friends.”

See her post announcing her dates on the Guns N’ Roses tour below:

31 May 2023

Machine Gun Kelly Takes Stock of Career on Intense ‘Pressure’ Single

After taking a detour into rock, Machine Gun Kelly is back on his rap game on the new four-minute career retrospective track “Pressure.” Over a laid-back “la-la-la” background, MGK raps, “The diamonds are symbolic of all the pressure they put on me until I shined/ My life is symbiotic with the culture, I could never, ever lose the vibe,” in the opening verse of the song that dropped on Monday.

The accompanying video finds Colson going home to Cleveland to hang with his pals and making sure you know he’s repping his hometown via a white hat that reads, “I’m From Cleveland.” Though he’s risen up from his humble roots, MGK revisits the lean years in the second verse, where he raps, “I was eleven/ Sharin’ a bed with my dad, but didn’t have a bedroom/ In a recession/ Six of us in a Ford Explorer, didn’t have leg-room/ Everything’s destined/ It was inevitable I take on his aggression.”

The visual ping-pongs between MGK and his dancers bopping down the city’s streets, cars and four-wheelers burning out in front of a liquor store and Baker casually sitting on a gold and crimson throne. About a minute and a half in, the hi-hat heavy beat subtly shifts to a molasses-slow chopped and screwed vibe as MGK’s pal, Bupkis star Pete Davidson, makes a brief cameo chilling in front of an ice cream truck.

The third part of the song shifts into a slinky uptempo beat, with MGK turning his attention to flossing about his money, jewels, women and some of his demons. “I slept in the attack, had demon nights/ That’s in the house off Lee Road/ I saw my friend’s eyes change, now he just a body with no soul,” he laments.

“Pressure” is MGK’s return to rap following two rock-leaning albums, Tickets to My Downfall (2020) and Mainstream Sellout (2022) and it comes on the heels of his “Doja Freestyle” and “Renegade Freestyle,” with the latter seemingly taking shots at Jack Harlow.

Check out he “Pressure” video below.

31 May 2023

Laura Pausini Named Latin Recording Academy’s 2023 Person of the Year

Laura Pausini has been named the Latin Recording Academy’s 2023 Person of the Year.

The Italian pop legend, one of the most celebrated performers in Latin music for the last 30 years, “will be honored for her career as a multifaceted, multi-lingual performer as well as for her continued commitment to supporting social justice causes that are close to her heart, including equality for women and LGBTQ+ people and world hunger,” according to an official statement released Wednesday (May 31) morning.

“Laura Pausini is one of the most talented and beloved artists of her generation whose commitment to advocacy and equal rights is exemplary,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Throughout her more than three-decade career her extraordinary voice continually breaks down barriers across languages and genres, creating a special bond with audiences around the world.”

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Born in Faenza, Italy, Pausini started her music career at age 19, rising to fame in 1993 after winning the 43rd Sanremo Music Festival. Her records have sold more than 70 million copies worldwide, she has done nine world tours and landed three songs in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart: “Las Cosas Que Vives,” “Víveme” and “Como Si No Nos Hubiéramos Amado” — all of them Spanish versions of songs she originally recorded in Italian.

“I am extremely honored to receive this incredible recognition from The Latin Recording Academy. To be named Person of the Year at this moment, when I am celebrating 30 years of my career, is something that I still cannot describe,” Pausini said in a statement. “The Spanish language has opened doors for me from a young age, it has made me feel at home, it has inspired me to move forward and to explore and live music without barriers or limits. To say today that I will receive this important recognition fills me with great pride, joy, strength to continue taking strong steps and to inspire the new generation of artists who lift the music they carry in their hearts on high.”

A Latin Grammy and Grammy winner, Pausini also shares a Golden Globe Award with Diane Warren for best original song, for “Io sì (Seen)” from the movie The Life Ahead, which was also nominated to an Oscar. Beyond music, she has been honored with the Starlite Humanitarian Award, the Global Gift Humanitarian Award, and was named Person of the Year by the Diversity Media Awards for her support of the LGBTQ+ community, among other recognitions.

Pausini will be celebrated at a special star-studded gala and tribute concert, where an array of artist and friends will perform renditions of her renowned repertoire. Details of the event, to be celebrated in November during the 2023 Latin Grammy week in Sevilla, Spain, will be announced at a later date.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts. Past honorees include Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).

31 May 2023

K-Pop Label JYP Expands Partnership With Republic Records & Imperial to Cover Its Full Roster

Three years after initially teaming up, JYP Entertainment, Imperial and Republic Records are going all in on their strategic global partnership, with the three companies now set to collaborate across the entire JYP Entertainment roster, Billboard can reveal.

According to a press statement, the enhanced label partnership will include worldwide distribution of artists and catalogs, A&R, marketing and business development.

While the Republic/Imperial push already powers JYP groups TWICE, Stray Kids and ITZY, the expanded deal includes newer acts like girl group to watch NMIXX and rock band Xdinary Heroes. JYP Entertainment currently houses nearly a dozen acts, with many members of its groups also active as soloists under the label.

Billboard first broke the news in early 2020 of JYPE and Republic linking to grow TWICE’s presence in the United States. Since then, the K-pop girl group has not only seen massive growth, most recently earning their highest chart position and biggest sales week ever in the United States when Ready to Be debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Last year’s expansion, which brought boy band Stray Kids and female quintet ITZY into the fold, has resulted in two No. 1s on the Billboard 200 for the former and a top 10 album on the chart for the latter. And in July, TWICE member Nayeon became the first-ever K-pop soloist to enter the top 10 of the Billboard 200 with her debut solo album, IM NAYEON: The 1st Mini Album.

Prior to its Imperial/Republic partnership, JYP had a global digital and physical distribution deal with The Orchard that was struck in 2019.

“It has been a continuous journey of astonishing achievements through the strengthening of mutual trust as loyal partners,” said JYP Entertainment CEO Jimmy Jeong. “The expansion of this partnership between these leading music companies will sculpt the next vision of K-pop, opening up a new chapter together.”

Republic Records founder/CEO Monte Lipman added, “This partnership was born out of mutual respect and admiration. We recognize the incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of the next K-pop explosion. The potential is limitless.”

Next up for JYP, Republic and Imperial is the Friday (June 2) release of Stray Kids’ new full-length album, 5-Star, which could become the boy band’s third consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard 200. A teaser video of the group’s upcoming single, “S-Class,” has amassed about two million views on YouTube since its May 29 release.

31 May 2023

Universal Music Group’s GRAMMY Award-Winning Jon Batiste Drops New Anthem to Open Second Season of Coke Studio™

Today (May 31), Coca-Cola released the first original song to kick off the second season of COKE STUDIO. The global music platform aims to create ‘Real Magic’ between a dynamic group of emerging artists from all over the world. 

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The debut track, “Be Who You Are (Real Magic),” is a celebration of the power of staying true to yourself and Coca-Cola tapped GRAMMY award-winning artist Jon Batiste to write the song, which features artists NewJeans, J.I.D., Camilo, and Cat Burns. 

When asked about the new single, Batiste said, “I was inspired to create an anthem that captures the Real Magic that happens when we come together as our authentic selves. 

First launched in Pakistan in 2008 and re-launched globally in May 2022, COKE STUDIO is back bigger and better than ever before. From May until September, the program will consist of new song releases, live performances, and more. 

When asked about his partnership with Coca-Cola, Jon Batiste explained, “I am proud to partner with Coke to share a message of encouragement and humanity with the world through my music. The Coke Studio platform does great at harnessing their global reach to bring artists of different cultures together in celebration of our cultural differences and the ultimate oneness of us all.”

In addition to the music, Coca-Cola will launch its first COKE STUDIO augmented reality record store on the COKE STUDIO™ Digital Hub. This will feature an immersive album and mobile digital experience inspired by the “Be Who You Are (Real Magic)” music video. This dynamic experience will bring fans on a journey led by an avatar of Batiste, who will guide users to listen to new songs, play games, and watch exclusive content.

Coca-Cola also announced the other artists that will be collaborating with COKE STUDIO this year. 

2023 COKE STUDIO Collision Artists: 

• Camilo (Colombia)

• NewJeans (Korea) 

• J.I.D (US)

• Cat Burns (UK)

• Imagine Dragons (US)

• Sam Smith (UK)

• Afroto (Egypt)

• Diljit Dosanjh (India) 

• Evdeki Saat (Turkey) 

• Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (US)   

• Nasty C (South Africa)

• Jessie Reyez (US)

• Shae Gill (Pakistan)

• Shreya Ghoshal (India)    

• XIN LIU (China)

• Zack Tabudlo (Philippines)

The COKE STUDIO platform is a space for true borderless creation and collaboration amongst emerging and established music artists globally. Curated in collaboration with Universal Music Group, it offers the rare opportunity for artists from all over the world to experiment with sounds from different cultures and reach global audiences. Stream the new track “Be Who You Are (Real Magic)” and stay tuned for more from COKE STUDIO.