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28 Feb 2023

Avril Lavigne Steps Out in Oversized Blazer & Sleek Haircut for Paris Fashion Week

Avril Lavigne has landed at Paris Fashion Week, and continued to proved she’s the ultimate cool girl with her look.

The “Complicated” singer took to Instagram on Tuesday (Feb. 28) to share a photo of her Vetements outfit, which featured an oversized black blazer with quotes in bold white lettering. She paired the look with platform patent boots, futuristic sunglasses and a straight, blonde bob. “PFW,” she captioned the photo, along with black and white heart emojis.

The post comes just hours after Lavigne’s ex-fiancé Mod Sun addressed their breakup on Instagram. “In 1 week my entire life completely changed…I just know there’s a plan for it all. I’ll keep my head up + always listen to my heart, even when it feels broken,” the punk-pop rocker wrote alongside a carousel of photos and videos posted to his Instagram feed. His caption did not specifically mention Lavigne, but Billboard can confirm it is about their split. “Being surrounded by love every night on tour has been an absolute blessing. I have the best friends in the entire world, thanks for always having my back. See you on stage.”

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Reports first started brewing a week ago that Mod and the “Bois Lie” singer had parted ways and called off their engagement. His representative told Billboard, “They were together and engaged as of three days ago when Mod left for tour so if anything has changed that’s news to him.” Lavigne’s team did not respond to requests for comment at the time.

28 Feb 2023

White Student Sues Howard University Alleging Racial Discrimination 

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Howard University School of Law - Washington, DC

Source: The Washington Post / Getty

A white student who attended Howard University School of Law has sued the university for discrimination after being expelled. However, reports are questioning the student’s motives as the details from the suit are being released. 

Michael Newman attended Howard University School of Law for nearly two years until he was expelled in September of last year and he is seeking $2 million in damages alleging “pain, suffering, emotional anguish and damage to his reputation.”

Fox6 reports that Newman enrolled in the fall of 2020–amid the coronavirus pandemic when classes were virtual and that as he and other students communicated via online forums and GroupMe chats, Newman frequently posted inflammatory photos and ideas. 

The report says that after a symposium featuring an African American speaker ahead of the 2020 election, Newman posted the forum page asking if further discussion could be had on “whether: (1) Black voters didn’t question turning to government for solutions, and (2) reliably voting for the same party every election disincentivized both parties from responding to the needs of the black communities.”

Newman also said that his goal in attending the school was to “learn, not just law, but to learn the thoughts and experiences of people of color,” and referred to his time there as a social experiment. 

He said that he frequently felt ostracized because fellow students referred to him by names such as “white panther” and “mayo king.” Black students at the institution also frequently complained about Newman claiming that his actions caused them “severe stress” and “distracted them from their studies.” 

The report adds that Newman sent out a four-page letter trying to explain his views, but it was received as a “manifesto.” 

The School of Law Dean Danielle Holley noted that a digital town hall was held with 300 participants to discuss Newman’s actions. And Holley characterized his actions as “disturbing in every sense of the word.” She accused the man of “continual harassment of member [sic] of the Howard Law community, and disturbance of the learning environment at the School of Law.”

The lawsuit was filed in federal court and Frank Tramble, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Howard University, said that while he could not comment “substantively” due to pending litigation, the university “is prepared to vigorously defend itself in this lawsuit as the claims provide a one-sided and self-serving narrative of the events leading to the end of the student’s enrollment at the University.”

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Photo: The Washington Post / Getty

28 Feb 2023

Bryan Cranston Unpacks MAGA Slogan As Racist During Interview

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73rd Annual Tony Awards, Press Room, Radio City Music Hall, New York, USA - 09 Jun 2019

Source: Variety / Getty

Actor Bryan Cranston blasted the slogan that former President Donald Trump heavily used as racism while defending the need for critical race theory recently.

In an interview with CNN’s Chris Wallace on Sunday (February 26th), the Emmy Award-winning actor talked about why he felt that critical race theory was necessary for American society and spoke on how the slogan “Make America Great Again” used by Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign can be seen as a

racist sentiment.

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“When I see ‘Make America Great Again,’ my comment is, ‘Do you accept that that could possibly be construed as a racist remark?’” the Breaking Bad actor said to Wallace. “A lot of people go, ‘How could that be racist, to make America great again?’ I said, ‘So just ask yourself from an African-American experience: When was it ever great in America for the African-American? So if you’re making it great again, it’s not including them.’”

He would continue: “It’s to teach us, in the ‘woke’ world, to open up and accept the possibilities that our privilege has created blind spots for us. Maybe I haven’t seen what’s really happening, in all my years.”  Read more

28 Feb 2023

Hand Of God: Maino Chokes Out YouTuber During Reckless Interview

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Fotografiska & Mass Appeal Celebrate Opening Of 'Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious' In Collaboration With Chase Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards And Sony Music Entertainment's Certified

Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty

Maino has once reminded the Hip-Hop community he is always on that type of time. The rapper recently choked Buba100x during an interview.

As per Complex the Brooklyn, New York MC had to put hands on yet another individual. Last week the YouTube personality pulled up on him and asked for an interview. Right away things were very awkward when Buba100x asked Jermaine if he could borrow his chain. Mind you the piece in question features a photograph of his recently deceased mother. Nevertheless, he took the request in stride but let the prankster know he should do better with his questioning. “See now you just chatting, I gave you time now you just chatting.”

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Next up he was going to ask the Lobby Boy to rate on a scale from one to ten how badly he would beat him up but before he could even finish his question Maino grabbed him by his neck and pinned him down on a table. “I just told you, it’s not just a stupid video don’t play with me” he said with a lot of bass in his voice. By the faces of utter shock on the other people there it seemed to be a very real situation but Maino says it was all staged.

In a sit down with Angela Yee he explained “It was all part of the prank. It was fake. I wanted to make it look real.”

You can view the clip of him allegedly manhandling Buba100x, with much ease by the way, below.

28 Feb 2023

P!nk & J.Lo Have Us Wondering: Who Else Was Invited to That Madonna 2003 MTV VMAs Kiss?

In January, Jennifer Lopez shared that she was invited to join Madonna‘s unforgettable 2003 MTV Video Music Awards performance — you know, the one where the Queen of Pop shared the stage with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera and passed the pop torch with a kiss to each of the stars. Then, last week, P!nk revealed that she was also asked to be part of the performance — and that Gwen Stefani was invited too.

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Who will we find out was invited next? On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are revisiting the lightning-rod moment — don’t forget that Missy Elliott was there too, but was the full “Lady Marmalade” crew invited? — and wondering just what it would have looked like if the stage were a little more crowded.

Listen to the new episode below:

Also on the podcast, we’ve got chart news on how SZA’s SOS hits a milestone 10th week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and who her biggest competition might be in the coming weeks. Plus, speaking of P!nk, she lands her ninth top 10-charting set on the Billboard 200 as Trustfall arrives at No. 2. Plus, Taylor Swift achieves a rare feat on the Billboard 200 as the superstar has 10 albums on the chart at the same time — but, who else has managed this unique feat?

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.)

28 Feb 2023

Halsey Walks Paris Fashion Week for First Time: ‘Terrifying and Amazing!!!!’

Halsey celebrated her first time walking as a model at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday (Feb. 28) with an ecstatic social media post.

“I walked PFW for the first time today with @pressiat_ and it was terrifying and amazing!!!!” the pop star wrote on Instagram. “Thank you Vincent for having me, and congratulations to you and team on such a stunning collection and iconic show! special thanks to @lynalyson_ and blonde slay by @themartyharper and pics by @samdameshek.”

In the glamorous snap, the If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power singer donned a glittering asymmetrical animal-print bodysuit by upstart Parisian label Pressiat with matching headwrap and dress, their tattooed arms on display and eyelids covered in heavy black shadow.

Last week, the budding About-Face Beauty mogul dropped a solo version of her Post Malone collab “Die 4 Me” as the latest follow-up to the aforementioned 2021 studio set. Since that album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, the singer has also released the one-off “So Good” and joined forces with Calvin Harris, Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams on Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 single “Stay With Me.”

At the start of the month, Halsey had another musical milestone to celebrate: “Without Me” being certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The 2018 No. 1 hit became the singer’s second single — and first solo effort — to reach the benchmark of going 10x platinum after 2016’s “Closer” with The Chainsmokers.

Get a look at Halsey’s sultry look from the Paris Fashion Week runway below.

28 Feb 2023

Drake & 21 Savage “Spin Bout U,” Key Glock “Dirt” & More | Daily Visuals 2.28.23

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It’s been a few months since Drake and 21 Savage had social media buzzing with their collaborative project, Her Loss, and though it’s led to some backlash and even a lawsuit, the duo continue to promote their project in 2023.

Linking up for the visuals to “Spin Bout U,” Drizzy and Savage take to the seas in a private yacht where they host an very thick beautiful young woman who turns the tables on them and sets them up for a jux executed by a gang of sexy women. We might’ve easily walked into that trap too and probably wouldn’t have complained about it afterwards either. Just sayin.’

Back on land, Key Glock decides to go for a walk and in his latest clip to “Dirt,” takes to the desert to clear his mind while he raps his heart out and keeps cool with some chunky ice hanging off his neck. That’s one way to do it.

Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from Mavado, Jay-A and Desta Daps, Two-9, and more.

DRAKE & 21 SAVAGE – “SPIN BOUT U”



KEY GLOCK – “DIRT”



MAVADO, JAY-A & DESTA DAPS – “PAIN”



TWO-9 – “WORLD GO CRAZY”



RICHIE ROZAY – “FREE MACH”


https://youtube.com/watch?v=kkjKGwDsZ4M&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

BOONIE MOE FT. KING VON – “WE DID IT”



MR ZA, TIGGA & SAUCE WOODWINNIN – “3TRIPS”



MASEGO – “TWO SIDES”



28 Feb 2023

iHeartMedia Revenue Grew 10% in 2022 Amid Advertising Slowdown

Even as the U.S. advertising market’s slowdown stunted iHeartMedia’s post-pandemic recovery, the company posted record revenue of $3.9 billion in 2022, up 9.9% from 2021, the company announced on Tuesday (Feb. 28). 

“The macro economic conditions are certainly impacting the entire advertising marketplace,” CEO Bob Pittman said during Tuesday’s earnings call. “Even the podcasting industry is not immune to some effects of the advertising slowdown.”

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $950.3 million, up 17.2% year over year. That’s the second-best adjusted EBITDA in the company’s history following 2019 when the company hit $1 billion. Annual free cash flow of $259 million was also the second-best in history after reaching $400 million in 2019.

Podcasts, the company’s fast-growing segment, generated revenue of $358.4 million in 2022, up 41.9% from the prior year. The high-growth podcasting business could benefit from what Pittman called “a transition toward more rational behaviors” in spending. Pittman didn’t point to any specific company, but an era of big spending on podcast content deals appears to be over at Spotify, where chief content officer Dawn Ostroff recently left the company and the head of audio talk shows and partnerships, Max Cutler, also departed. “I think there were people who thought they were buying [market] share, but were really buying losses,” he said.

Digital revenue other than podcasts improved 14% to $663.4 million. Broadcast radio, by far iHeartMedia’s biggest revenue source, grew 4.1% to $1.89 billion. Network revenue was flat at $503.2 million. Revenue from sponsorships and events climbed 17.9% to $189 million. Revenue from the audio and media services group jumped 22.7% to $304.3 million. 

In the fourth quarter, iHeartMedia’s revenue grew 6% year over year to $1.13 billion, the high end of guidance of 2% to 6%. Adjusted EBITDA was $316 million, in the middle of its guidance range of $305 million to $325 million. Both revenue and adjusted EBITDA hit record highs for any quarter in the company’s history. 

Although the company started 2022 strong, “increased volatility and uncertainty” moderated annual results, Pittman said. Some of that slowdown was “self-inflicted,” he admitted. During the fourth quarter, iHeartMedia put greater emphasis on “sales initiatives and commission structures on targeting certain incremental revenue streams,” he explained. “In retrospect, we believe those decisions had a negative impact on our revenue growth and margin for the quarter.”

As a result, iHeartMedia has “initiated steps to realign” its focus on “higher-margin digital revenue opportunities,” said Pittman. “We believe we’ll start seeing the positive impact of those adjustments in both revenue growth and margins as early as Q2.”

28 Feb 2023

Carl Crawford Admits Beefing With JAY-Z & Megan Thee Stallion Was Just For Social Media, The Hotties Call It Karma

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Carl Crawford Wants To Mend Fences With Megan Thee Stallion

Source: Prince Williams / Getty / Carl Crawford

Megan Thee Stallion has been out of the spotlight since taking the stand against the man who shot her, Tory Lanez. But she has continued to rack up victories, big and small, against the people who caused her nothing but grief.

Megan Thee Stallion’s battle with her label 1501 Certified Entertainment is no secret. The Houston artist has taken the imprint owned by former Major League Baseball player Carl Crawford to court on numerous occasions claiming the label wouldn’t let her out of her jacked-up deal and even got a restraining order against them.

Crawford has denied all of MTS’ claims against him and his label, but now he is finally copping to being the pest in the entire situation.

Speaking exclusively with TMZ Hip Hop, Crawford admitted that his beef with Megan Thee Stallion and JAY-Z was dumb and only did it for social media attention.

“Me and Megan, we haven’t talked since 2019,” the 41-year-old told the celebrity gossip site. “We’ve been going through, I guess, what you guys see online, and it’s unfortunate because I never wanted to have a situation where I was, you know, going back and forth with her on the internet.”

“You take this social media part out of it, we don’t have a problem … I’m done with that,” he continued. “You not gon’ hear me mention Megan Thee Stallion name in the media unless I’m doing something like this. You not gon’ see me texting or making a post or doing any of that stuff that would cause social media to go crazy.”



The 1501 Certified Entertainment Owner Sees The Error of His Ways

Crawford is singing a different tune now, but the tension between him and the “Savage” crafter got so bad at one point after hanging out with Tory Lanez in a nightclub in April 2022.

Tory Lanez was recently found guilty on all three charges in the shooting trial of Megan Thee Stallion and is waiting to be sentenced. Crawford called the encounter posted on the label’s Instagram Stories “petty” and another mistake.

“Oh, the thing is with that, I don’t stand with nobody in that situation,” Crawford said. “That’s none of my business. You get caught up in the internet stuff and doing stuff just to — I don’t know if we can just use the word petty, ’cause there’s been a lot of petty stuff going on. […] We all make mistakes. I’m not on nobody’s side with that. I was just… I don’t even know.”

The Hotties Want The Apologies To Megan Thee Stallion To Be Loud

The Hotties, MTS’ loyal fans, have been rolling their eyes following these recent revelations. They have been mainly calling out anyone labeling Megan Thee Stallion a liar following her accusations against the label and Lanez.

You can peep those relations in the gallery below.

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Photo: Prince Williams / Getty

1. Never forget

3. Mmmmhmmmm

28 Feb 2023

‘Clothes That Feel Like They Were Made Just for You’: How Country Fans Can Shop Blake Shelton’s New Clothing Line

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Blake Shelton debuted his very first spring collection with Lands’ End on Monday (Feb. 27). Shelton’s latest collab with the lifestyle brand features an assortment of clothing and accessories “for the whole family” (including the family dog).

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“My new collection with Lands’ End is about clothes that feel like they were made just for you,” the country star said in a news release. “It’s the feeling, the fit, and the confidence you feel whether it’s working, lounging, or just living life. After all, the only way to know if something’s right is to see for yourself because when you know, you know.”

Shelton showed off the collection during a Jimmy Kimmy Live interview on Monday. The 46-year-old singer wore a demin shirt, jeans and utility jacket from his clothing line.

Lands’ End

Blake Shelton x Lands’ End Men’s Traditional Wester Shirt

$50.36 (with code: HULL) $62.95 20% off% OFF

Jimmy Kimmel jokingly called out items in the collection that fans might not expect from Shelton such as Turkish towels, dog bandanas and pillow shams.

“Those were supposed to get laughs, weren’t they? The audience likes them,” Shelton jokingly replied after Kimmel showed pictures of the items. “They adore my shams.”

Shelton admitted that he “didn’t even know” what pillow shams were until his wife, Gwen Stefani, gave her “input” on the collection. “That’s probably how the shams even made it into the [collection] to begin with,” he quipped.

Later in the interview, Shelton joked about Kelly Clarkson getting him “fired” from The Voice and discussed getting back on stage for the Honky Tonk tour.

Shelton’s newest Lands’ End collection arrives just in time for spring and comes months after his fall collection dropped last year. “Created with lightweight fabrics and a fresh design palette for the new season,” the Blake Shelton x Lands’ End collection features denim shirts, flannel shirts, long sleeve tees, jeans, jackets, shoes and more for men, women and kids.

Lands’ End has been donating a portion of the proceeds from the Blake Shelton x Lands’ End collection to Habitat for Humanity since last September. The company will continue to donate proceeds from the collection until Sept. 1, 2023.

Shop items from the Blake Shelton x Lands’ End collection below. Enter the code “HULL” at checkout to save up to 60% off your order.

Blake Shelton x Lands’ End Men On Stage Bootcut Jeans

$55.96 (with code: HULL) $69.95 20% off% OFF

These bootcut jeans are available in sizes 30-40, in regular or tall fit and available in four shades of blue including rock river wash, fox river wash, buck creek wash and clear river wash.

Lands’ End

Blake Shelton x Lands’ End Unlined Denim Jean Jacket

$95.96 (with code: HULL) $119.95 20% off% OFF

A classic, denim jacket always looks good in your closet! This unlined, denim jacket is available in size small (34-36) to XXL (50-52). The jacket features two button-shut chest pockets, two hand pockets, front buttons and button cuffs and an adjustable button tub waist for a clean fit.

Lands’ End

Blake Shelton x Lands’ End Men’s Super-T Short-Sleeve Shirt

$26.36 $32.95 20% off% OFF

From regular, traditional fit to big and tall, the Super-T Short Sleeve T-Shirt is a comfortable, cotton shirt with no itchy tag to worry about; a rib knit collar that will keep its shape and reinforced shoulders that won’t stretch out. This shirt is available in sizes small (34-36) to XXL (50-52) and in multiple colors including light blue, rustic red heather, blue slate heather and deep black heather.

Lands’ End

Blake Shelton x Lands’ End Men’s Long Sleeve Garment Dye Slub Henley

“Soft, comfortable and versatile,” this henley shirt from Shelton’s collection is available in evening blue, antique rose, flint blue and light stone. The cotton shirt features a ribbed neck and ribbed cuffs with side vents and three front buttons.

Lands’ End

Blake Shelton x Lands’ End Men’s Cotton Lined Chore Utility Jacket

$119.96 $149.95 20% off% OFF

Available in forest moss, flint blue and golden oak brown, the Chore Utility Jacket is lined with soft cotton/viscose twill and has two chest and side pockets (available in sizes S-XXL).