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14 Mar 2023

Questlove Wins Music Podcast of the Year at 2023 iHeartPodcast Awards (Full List)

Questlove won best music podcast of the year at the fifth annual iHeartPodcast Awards on Tuesday (March 14). The virtual event, hosted by actor and comedian Brian Baumgartner, was video-streamed on iHeartRadio’s YouTube Channel and Facebook Page and broadcast on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app.

Charlamagne Tha God presented the award to Questlove, host of Questlove Supreme. This adds to Questlove’s growing trophy collection which includes an Oscar for directing Summer of Soul and six Grammys.

Sportscaster Bob Costas opened the 2023 iHeartPodcast Awards.

Jason Alexander and Peter Tilden presented the fan-voted podcast of the year award to Las Culturistas. Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang thanked Marc Maron and Snookie for paving the way in podcasting.

Zach Braff and Donald Faison presented Nicole Byer, host of Why Won’t You Date Me, with best comedy podcast of the year. Alex Borstein later presented Byer with her second award of the night for best overall host.

Comedian Iliza Shlesinger awarded the new best overall ensemble award to Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett of SmartLess.

The show also featured appearances by Mayim Bialik, Colin Cowherd, Malcolm Gladwell, Draymond Green, Bethany Joy Lenz, Enrique Santos, Angela Yee and more.

Executive producers for the 2023 iHeartPodcast Awards are John Sykes, Tom Poleman, Conal Byrne and Bart Peters for iHeartMedia, and Deviants Media Studio founder Ivan Dudynsky and show runner Jayson Belt.

Here’s the full list of 2023 iHeartPodcast Awards winners:

Social Impact Icon Award: Dr. Laurie Santos and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford

Audible Audio Pioneer Icon Award: Kara Swisher

Innovator Icon Award: Ashley Flowers

Podcast of the Year Award: Las Culturistas

Best Overall Ensemble: SmartLess

Best Overall Host: Nicole Byer

Best Music Podcast: Questlove Supreme

Best TV & Film Podcast: Films to be Buried With

Best Pop Culture Podcast: Decoder Ring

Best Business & Finance Podcast: Planet Money

Best Comedy Podcast: Why Won’t You Date Me

Best Crime Podcast: Believe Her 

Best Food Podcast: The Sporkful

Best Wellness & Fitness Podcast: Maintenance Phase

Best History Podcast: You’re Wrong About

Best Kids & Family Podcast: Wow in the World

Best News Podcast: The Daily

Best Fiction Podcast: Welcome to Night Vale

Best Sports Podcast: The Draymond Green Show

Best Science Podcast: Radiolab

Best Technology Podcast: Pivot

Best Ad Read Podcast: Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

Best Political Podcast: NPR Politics Podcast

Best Spanish Language Podcast: Ciudad Mágica

Best Advice & Inspirational Podcast: Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People

Best Beauty & Fashion Podcast: Natch Beaut

Best Travel Podcast: Atlas Obscura

Best Green Podcast: TED Climate

Best Spirituality & Religion Podcast: On Being

Best Branded Podcast: Smart Talks with IBM

Best Emerging Podcast: Sounds Like a Cult

Best International Podcast: El Viaje (Mexico)

More information can be found at iHeartPodcastAwards.com.

14 Mar 2023

Gary Glitter Returns to Jail After Breaching Bond

Gary Glitter, the disgraced former glam rock star, is back behind bars after breaching the terms of his probation.

The convicted pedophile, whose real name is Paul Gadd, enjoyed just over one month of freedom before he was recalled for unspecified reasons.

A Probation Service spokesperson confirms the development to the BBC, noting that protecting the public was their “number one priority”. The spokesperson adds, “That’s why we set tough licence conditions and when offenders breach them, we don’t hesitate to return them to custody.”

The 78-year-old singer was released from a prison in Dorset, in southwest England, last month after serving half of a 16-year prison sentence for sexually abusing three young girls in the 1970s.

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Sex offenders like Glitter “are closely monitored by the police and Probation Service,” the Ministry of Justice said in a statement at the time, noting they face being fitted with a GPS tag. “If the offender breaches these conditions at any point, they can go back behind bars,” that statement continued.

Glitter was initially found guilty of one count of attempted rape, four counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13.

On that occasion, the Brit was arrested back in October 2012 as part of Operation Yewtree, the national investigation launched in the wake of the child abuse scandal surrounding the late BBC entertainer Jimmy Savile.

Glitter’s total fall from grace began in 1997, when he was arrested after indecent material was found on his computer, which resulted in a prison stint and the enduring scrutiny of Britain’s tabloid press.

The singer’s music career took off in 1972 when his debut “Rock and Roll Parts 1 and 2” reached No. 2 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart. He would go on to bag 12 U.K. top 10 hits, including No. 1s with “I’m The Leader Of The Gang (I Am!),” “I Love You Love Me Love” and “Always Yours.”

14 Mar 2023

Universal Music Group Acquires Classical Label Hyperion Records

Universal Music Group has acquired the British indie classical label Hyperion Records, the company announced Wednesday (March 15).

The 43-year-old label — which is home to artists like Marc-André Hamelin, Angela Hewitt and Stephen Osborne and represents a catalog of 2,5000 recordings, some of which date back to the 12th century — will operate as a standalone label within Universal Music U.K. alongside Decca Classics. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Hyperion will now join Decca Classics and Deutsche Grammophon in UMG’s classical portfolio, while Simon Perry — who has overseen the label for more than 20 years, after taking over from his father, Hyperion founder Ted Perry — will remain as managing director.

“I’m thrilled to bring Hyperion to Universal Music Group, a company that shares Hyperion’s commitment to bringing the most distinctive and brilliant musicians to as wide a public as possible,” Perry said in a statement. “By being part of UMG, while keeping our artists and staff together, we can continue to build on my father’s legacy and that of everyone who’s been part of the Hyperion family over the past 43 years. My debt to all of them is huge and I look forward to leading this incredible label into an exciting new chapter.”

Hyperion is next set to release Vaughan Williams’ Sinfonia Antartica and Symphony No.9 with BBC Symphony Orchestra, a series it says is dedicated to the Masses and Magnificats of Cristóbal de Morales, as well as recordings from the London Haydn Quartet and Stephen Layton and the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, among others. In a statement, UMG president/CEO of global classics and jazz Dickon Stainer called Hyperion “a jewel of a label,” adding that “we are committed to continuing the magnificent work done by the Perry family and to preserving and building on the special place Hyperion occupies in the hearts of artists and music fans alike.”

The acquisition comes amid a veritable wave of news spilling from the world of classical music lately. In November, Deutsche Grammophon launched a new standalone streaming service, Stage+, catering to its own catalog and that of Decca Classics. And earlier this month, Apple Music announced its own standalone streaming app, Apple Music Classical, which will roll out later this month and stems from its August 2021 acquisition of Primephonic.

“We are enormously proud that Hyperion has joined Universal’s family of classical labels to sit alongside Decca Classics in London,” Decca Label Group co-presidents Tom Lewis and Laura Monks said in a statement. “Simon and his father have created a very important recorded classical catalogue that serves a dedicated global audience. And the label continues to work with artists who are the best of the best. We are determined to celebrate the label’s legacy and continue its extraordinary story.”

14 Mar 2023

Ice Spice Reacts To Nicki Minaj “Princess” Of Rap Cosign

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Tommy Hilfiger Dinner

Source: Lexie Moreland / Getty

The breakout rap star of 2023, Ice Spice, got a big cosign from fellow New York rapper, Nicki Minaj who lauded her recent Dazed magazine cover. In an InstaStory, Nicki shared a screenshot of the cover writing, “GAG!!!” She emphasized the princess line before tagging Ice and telling her to “Catch it!!!”

Per Complex, the Queens native also commented on one of Ice Spice’s posts from her performance at Rolling Loud earlier this month. Nicki Minaj quoted some of the new star’s “Princess Diana” lyrics writing, “Btchs slow so I gih dem a pass. ? Nah. Grah! No more passes Princess…Let’s go.” 

Spice also shared the post on Twitter where she wrote, “ya heard da QUEEN.” 

The shoutout comes on the heels of Ice Spice’s successful November release of her EP, Like..? which featured her hit breakout single, “Munch (Feelin’ U). The 23-year-old rapper is also gearing up to drop her first full-length album. 

In a recent interview with Ebro Darden, she said that the album would drop “Most likely this year, since I’m going to have 10 songs, something like that or whatever.” 

She added, “[It’s] definitely going to be different vibes in there, for sure. I don’t want to talk too much on it because…you feel me? But gotta keep the secret sauce a secret.”

The rapper also made a recent appearance on TikTok with Kim Kardashian and North West who is a big fan and has shared numerous videos dancing to her music and even a recent viral drawing of the rapper. 

14 Mar 2023

Nasty Work: Balenciaga Is Releasing Speed Trainer Mules

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Balenciaga Speed Trainer Mules

Source: Balenciaga / BALENCIAGA

One of the most popular luxury shoes is coming back but not for better. Balenciaga is bringing back their Speed Trainer but in mule form.

As spotted on Hype Beast the Spanish fashion house is reintroducing one of their most popular silhouettes. This week they unveiled the 2023 version of the Balenciaga Speed Trainer but this time we do not get a heel back. Yes you read that correctly, this time the sneaker comes as a mule.

Titled the Speed Mule, this version ditches the signature sock collar for a bare back that exposes the ankle and more. It features a 92% polyester / 8% elastane recycled knit blend, ultra-flexible molded sole, ergonomic sole with “No Memory” technology, a contrasted logo printed on exterior, and an embossed logo on the back of the sole

The Balenciaga Speed Mule Trainer is priced at a cool $750.00. You can shop the sneaker here.

Balenciaga Speed Trainer Mules

Source: Balenciaga / BALENCIAGA

Photo: Balenciaga

14 Mar 2023

Troy Ave Testifies At Taxstone’s Trial Regarding Irving Plaza Shooting

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Sprinklez New York Takeover

Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty

After several years of speculation, Troy Ave has finally spoken about the murder of his friend. The rapper testified at Taxstone’s trial.

As spotted on Complex, the Brooklyn, New York native took the stand Monday, March 13 ,at the podcaster’s murder trial. Back in 2016 both individuals were in attendance for a T.I. concert at the Irving Plaza concert hall. The two had ongoing online beef where the media personality had questioned the rapper’s street credibility. It is alleged Tax, born Daryl Campbell, had entered the venue with a gun on his person. Shortly after the two see each other it is alleged Tax and Troy Ave’s bodyguard Ronald “Banga” McPhatta get into a fight which leaves Banga shot.

While the streets have an overall idea of what happened, the “Everything” MC detailed the deadly incident in court. “When the shot goes off I see the light from the spark and I hear the shot,” he states. “This is all happening fast. I get up and start fighting Taxstone, trying to take him, grab the gun, and another shot goes off. I put my leg up to kind of block the shot from hitting me in the face or chest.”

The gun goes off again and then he is shot in the leg. Troy then goes on to explain his mind frame at the time. “I got up, I’d rather die fighting. People die from leg shots. I’d rather die fighting than laying on the ground. I got up immediately.” He also shared how he stayed with Banga as he was dying. “I rolled his body over and I’m like, ‘Banga, get up. Come on.’ I’m smacking him, like, ‘C’mon bro. Get up,’” he recalled. “And his eyes were rolling to the back of his head. His shirt was red so I could tell he got shot.”

Taxstone is formally charged with committing second-degree murder and federal gun charges; to which he has already plead guilty to. He faces up to 20 years in prison for the gun charges and faces 15 years to life if found guilty on the murder charges.

Photo:

14 Mar 2023

EXO Members Reunite to React to KAI’s New ‘Rover’ Music Video: Watch

To celebrate EXO member KAI dropping his latest solo album Rover, nearly all his band members came together for a light-hearted reaction viewing of his new music video.

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For the first time together in years — after different members handled their mandatory Southern Korean military service from 2019 to 2023 — EXO’s Suho, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O, Xiumin, Sehun and KAI gathered as eight to review KAI’s new single, gain some insight from their bandmate, and tease upcoming EXO music.

Despite being active with solo albums and special releases, EXO has not released music together as a whole group (which includes ninth member Lay, who is currently active in China) since 2018 with their sixth studio album, Don’t Mess Up My Tempo, which became their highest-charting entry on the Billboard 200 when it peaked at No. 23.

Despite the friendly viewing, KAI admitted his nerves and how it was the first time watching one of his solo music videos with his members. “I feel so nervous,” he shared. “It feels like an evaluation session. It feels really odd.”

Yet his band mates showered KAI with compliments on his dancing (Xiumin said, “I love that choreography”), single choice (“The song is so good,” commented D.O), and future success with “Rover” (Chanyeol said, “This should make it to the Billboard charts”).

After applauding at the end, several EXO members shared additional reviews.

“First of all, I really like the style of the song,” youngest member Sehun said. “The choreography is good. I think the producing was great too. Everyone agrees, right?”

Chen added, “From what we’ve seen from KAI before, we know he’s a great performer but from this music video, I was also able to see more of KAI as a person, like his acting, the whole atmosphere. I think it’s fair to say I could feel that he’s matured more. I could see a more manly side.”

“I loved it because it seemed like you relaxed more,” Baekhyun, a member of SuperM with KAI, said. “You went for less. I liked how I could tell you did that.”

Chanyeol even suggested that the guys “make this an EXO song” and “choose this as our next song,” a tease for their highly anticipated comeback album together. KAI shared that he “actually really mentioned that” suggestion before Chanyeol brushed off the idea and countered that “only KAI can pull this off.”

Before the video ends, EXO leader Suho shared a heartfelt message while asking fans to support KAI’s new music: “We, EXO, will always be rooting for him by his side as well.”

Watch the full reaction video for why KAI chose to shorten his new single, different movie and dance inspirations in the visual, and more from the EXO members.

14 Mar 2023

From T.I. to Beyonce, Here Are Justin Timberlake’s 15 Best Collaborations

Justin Timberlake is no stranger to a good collaboration. His wide-ranging voice blends seamlessly throughout a number of genres, and his decades-long experience in the music industry has allowed him to make several high-profile, talented friends along the way.

In 2020, the Trolls World Tour soundtrack was unleashed with the help of two new Timberlake duets: “The Other Side” (with SZA) and “Don’t Slack” (with Anderson .Paak). Most recently, in 2022, he teamed up with Calvin Harris, Halsey and Pharrell Williams for “Stay With Me,” featured on Harris’ Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2.

In honor of his decades of music magic, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite JT collabs, from pop to hip-hop and R&B. See them below.

14 Mar 2023

Inside the Oscars: Our View From the Crowd as Rihanna, Lady Gaga & More Performed

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour might be opening on Friday night, but the best pop concert of this past weekend was Sunday’s Oscars. Both Rihanna and Lady Gaga performed their best original song nominees at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre for a packed room of movie A-listers — and Billboard was there to see it all.

On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Keith peppers Katie with questions about her night at the 95th annual Academy Awards, from arriving at the red carpet through toasting the winners at the Governors Ball afterparty and all the movie moments in between.

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Snubs & Surprises at 2023 Oscars

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Also on the show, we’ve got chart news on how Morgan Wallen not only has a massive debut atop the Billboard 200 albums chart with One Thing at a Time, but all 36 songs on the album are on the Billboard Hot 100 — setting a new record for the most concurrent songs by a single artist on the chart. One of those songs, “Last Night,” shoots all the way to No. 1 — his first Hot 100 chart-topper. With Miley Cyrus and TWICE on the horizon, can Wallen stay at No. 1 for another week? We talk about all that and more.

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s senior director of charts Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)

14 Mar 2023

Hit-Boy & The Alchemist “Slipping Into Darkness,” Dreamville, JID & Lute “Ma Boy” & More | Daily Visuals 3.14.23

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As of late Hit-Boy has been lighting up the game with some superb production for some of your favorite artists, but today the rapper/producer links up with an OG beat blacksmith for a duet that true Hip-Hoppers can appreciate.

Collaborating with The Alchemist for the visuals to “Slipping Into Darkness,” Hit-Boy and Al take turns rapping over each others distinct beats while politicking in the studio that’s apparently attached to a department store or someone’s extensive closet. We’ve never seen a studio next to a gang of clothing racks, but don’t be surprised if it catches on.

Dreamville meanwhile look like they’re ready for that Creed kinda smoke and in their clip for “Ma Boy” hold down a boxing gym and get their swings in on a punching bag as they drop they bars and flex some flows.

Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from Kali Uchis and Don Toliver, Lola Brooke, and more.

HIT-BOY & THE ALCHEMIST – “SLIPPING INTO DARKNESS”



DREAMVILLE, JID & LUTE – “MA BOY”



KALI UCHIS & DON TOLIVER – “FANTASY”



LOLA BROOKE – “SO DISRESPECTFUL”



QUANDO RONDO – “TEAR IT DOWN”



MIKE SAVAGE FT. J GUTTA – “ON DA LOUD”



FAMOUS DEX – “DEXTERDIEGO2”



ALBEEL AL – “FOLLOW THE LEADER”