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Billboard caught up with Karrahbooo at Rolling Loud Miami 2024, and she dishes the tea on her life, rumors about her, her top female rappers and more!
Karrahbooo:
What’s up? It’s Karrahbooo, not the two. And we are at Rolling Loud with Billboard.
Meghan Mahar:
If you could live in any music video, what would you pick?
Dang this hard as f—. If I could live in any music video, I’m gonna say an answer, but like, this is like, just, like, a random answer, because I couldn’t really think it through. But I’m just gonna say, like, “FRONT END” bro, I like that video, it’s like a vibe, some little cute outfit. So, yeah, f— it.
If your life was a movie, what would the title be?
It is a movie, let me tell you. It would be probably called ‘Not the Two’ … and it would be directed by me, and it would be starring Zendaya. F— it.
What’s one rumor about you that you wish was actually true?
I don’t know. I don’t like the rumors about me. I don’t think none of them, I don’t want any of them to be true, and they’re not. So I guess I won.
Are you trying to clarify anything right now? Let the people know.
Sh–, f— it. Who don’t write they music, because I write my music and I have all my chains still, and what else? I don’t own 900k, and what else? I don’t even care. F— it. That’s all the sh–. F— it. It’s more. Oh, and I’m black. Are you dumb? Are you kidding me, bro? But it’s cool, though, I love everybody.
There’s a lot of trends in hip-hop, ins and outs. If you could erase one trend from hip-hop history forever, what would it be?
Keep watching for more!
Dua Lipa & more kicked off Billboard’s inaugural ‘Global No. 1s’ series, partnering with 10-plus global editions to showcase their No. 1s. Keep watching for all the details! Tetris Kelly: It doesn’t get more global than Dua Lipa. Billboard is launching its inaugural ‘Global No. 1s’ series, an initiative to spotlight top-charting artists from around […]
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The Billboard Family Hits of the Week compiles what’s new and worth your family’s time in music, movies, TV, books, games and more. Forget the mind-numbing scrolling and searching “what to watch for family movie night” … again. The best in family entertainment each week is all in one place, in this handy guide. Isn’t it satisfying to cross something off your list?
Leading up to winter break, you might be looking for ideas on how to entertain your kids while they’re out of school. If shiny new gifts and holiday cheer start losing their shine as the days go on, let Billboard Family step in with suggestions for what to check out together in mid-late December.
Need to get out of the house together? On Friday, Dec. 20, Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King opens in movie theaters, featuring a superstar mother-daughter duo on the cast list. Among the voices lending their talent to the film is 12-year-old Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughther. Blue Ivy is the real-life daughter of parents Jay-Z and Beyoncé, who reprises her role as Nala in the franchise’s latest theatrical release.
Would you rather stay in? Gather up some holiday treats (maybe you’d like to try baking Taylor Swift‘s chai sugar cookies with cinnamon eggnog icing) and cozy up at the couch for the Inside Out spin-off Dream Productions, a miniseries now streaming on Disney+. At just four 20-minute episodes, it’s about the length of a typical family movie.
We’re always looking for contenders to add to our holiday season playlist, and Lady Gaga‘s new rock cover of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” puts a fun twist on a classic.
Always here with a rec for the Swiftie in your home, I’ll say that if you haven’t watched them yet, this series of behind-the-scenes clips (just uploaded to YouTube on Swift’s birthday) are worth tuning in to with fans of any age. They give a glimpse at the work the singer puts in off the stage and behind the camera, in the less glamorous but just as creative role of director.
Find out more about this week’s top picks in the Billboard Family Hits of the Week:
Stream Pixar’s ‘Dream Productions’ on Disney+
KUN claims China with “Afterglow” for the ‘Global No. 1s’ series. He duo shares how “Afterglow” came to life, shares his view on performances, and more! Billboard is launching its inaugural ‘Global No. 1s’ series, an initiative to spotlight top-charting artists from around the world. Billboard has partnered with its ten-plus global editions to showcase […]
When Cai Xukun — the 26-year-old Chinese singer-songwriter better known as KUN — began working on his smash single “Afterglow,” he wanted to capture fleeting moments of change by connecting time and space with art and fashion. “I pondered for a long time about what kind of word could represent this imagery and mood,” he says. “Finally, the word ‘afterglow’ came to mind. We often see this scenery during various travel moments — including while driving; it represents our feelings in that instant. I chose this theme and combined it with some of the images in my mind: models on the runway, flashing lights, shifting time and space and changing people.”
“Afterglow” immediately connected with audiences. On its release day in early June, the song achieved a score of over 95 on the Tencent Music Uni Chart, which aggregates data from nine major platforms and over 100 radio stations. The song remained on the chart for 10 weeks and became the fastest song to receive gold certification on the Tencent chart; it also made the June edition of the Tencent Music Wave Chart, which is voted on by over 200 Chinese music industry professionals. That success has informed his selection as China’s representative for Billboard’s Global No. 1s, as chosen jointly by Tencent Music Chart and Billboard China.
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KUN created “Afterglow” with soul and rock sounds, and his integration of modern and classic production influences helped to give the song a timeless feel. And the song’s success marks the beginning of a new musical phase for KUN. “In my upcoming works, I will include some classic or modern elements,” he says. “I hope everyone can gradually sense a recognizable style in my music.”
In fact, several new singles KUN released in 2024 represent his fresh musical explorations. For instance, “Remedy” features clean piano sounds paired with a vintage vocal style, revealing his more minimalist side. It also reflects his listening habits: “I often enjoy classic songs, especially in quiet moments alone, listening to music and savoring that dialogue with myself,” he says.
While his previous works were warmer, KUN’s 2024 release “RIDE OR DIE” introduces a sound that’s new for him. “This song serves as a signal I’m conveying, heralding a transformation in my future musical style,” he says. “I believe it is essential to present something distinct to my audience, which has always been my aspiration. Consequently, the production process for ‘RIDE OR DIE’ extended over a considerable period and traversed numerous iterations, aiming to express the ‘stormy night’ concept that has long resided in my heart.”
KUN photographed for the Billboard China Global No. 1s Issue.
Tianyao Wang/Billboard China
Looking ahead, KUN plans to continue to expand his online live concept Art Lab, chronicling his growth and reflecting his changes from year to year — while strengthening his connections with audiences. “I can feel their enthusiasm, and they can feel my energy,” he says of his live performances. As time progresses, KUN is learning to “enjoy the process,” he adds. “Whether you genuinely enjoy the experience or merely fulfill a task can yield entirely different results. I believe that embracing this journey is paramount.”
Now, KUN is relishing a journey of “accumulation.” He’s preparing for a long journey ahead and accumulating new musical energy that he plans to direct toward producing more great songs. “This year, through the process of production and performance, I have engaged in numerous discussions and collaborations with various artists, which have profoundly influenced my personal perspectives and aesthetics,” he says. “Next year is likely to be a year where I unveil the fruits of my introspection.”
As Chinese artists increasingly gain international acclaim, KUN believes that the intersection of music across diverse cultures transcends language and geography, fostering cultural exchange. “I aspire for more individuals globally to experience music that is authentically ours as Chinese,” he says. “This has consistently been my ambition.”
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Technology has become an integral part of our day-to-day life, whether it’s to make plans with friends or to direct you […]
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With more than three decades of the Hip-Hop game under his belt, Busta Rhymes is one of the few remaining MC’s from the golden era that can still go bar-for-bar with your favorite rappers today and absolutely destroy them.
Demonstrating as much in his latest visuals to “Unleash Me,” Busta Rhymes finds himself chained up in a dungeon before morphing into a man-beast and taking to the streets which is experiencing an apocalyptic event of biblical proportions.
Meanwhile fellow Brooklynite Troy Ave is doing what he can to rep for his hood and for his clip to “Blood Money,” the BK rapper utilizes an eerie red atmosphere to get into that mode and spit his bars and keep the streets buzzing.
Check out the rest of today’s drops and some joints you might’ve missed over the weekend including work from Polo G, Paul Wall, and more.
BUSTA RHYMES – “UNLEASH ME”
TROY AVE – “BLOOD MONEY”
POLO G – “THUG MEMORIALS”
PAUL WALL – “POCKET FULLA MONEY”
ROCKNESS MONSTA – “WINNERS CIRCLE”
A$AP TWELVYY – “AIN’T GON CRY”
ROD WAVE – “HARD TRUTH”
MARIO – “KEEP GOING”
As the chapter of who was responsible for 2Pac‘s death finally closes with the arrest of Keffe D, more stories from that fateful night are being told.
Young Noble of the Outlawz, who frequently collaborated with the late rapper and actor — sat down with The Art of Dialogue to talk about Pac’s final days in the hospital after he was shot in Las Vegas after a Mike Tyson fight in 1996.
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He began talking about the day the Notorious B.I.G. got shot in Los Angeles by revealing that the group had recently signed to Death Row and that he remembered them getting kicked out of a hotel after the staff accused them of pimping due to “too much female activity.” Noble then recalled watching the news about Biggie and feeling like “hip-hop was dying.”
Adding, “This ain’t how it’s supposed to be. We didn’t wish that on Biggie or nothin’ like that. It felt devastating,” before acknowledging that some members of the Outlawz were featured on 2Pac’s “Hit ‘Em Up” where he dissed Big.
Towards the end of the interview, Noble started speaking on being there with Pac in the hospital. “I was right there, front and center,” he said before referring to the longstanding rumors that the late rapper allegedly faked his death and moved to Cuba.
“Let them tell it, he’s still alive underground like Bin Laden somewhere hiding or in Cuba… Nah, he really died. I really was in the hospital. I really saw him with tubes in his body. I really saw his body full of fluid real big. He wasn’t skinny with the six-pack; his body was full. He really f—king died on us.”
The New Jersey rapper then claimed Pac’s mother made the decision to “let her son go,” saying, “He probably could have lived. His momma said, ‘Nah, f—k all that. I think he lost his finger, he was gonna lose a lung, they were gonna do all these surgeries. You know how strong your momma gotta to be to say, ‘Damn, he’s probably could make it. I don’t want my son to endure no more pain in this world. Y’all tear him down.’ That sh—t is devastating.”
He then added, “She let her son go. ‘Pac ain’t die; Afeni said, ‘Let my son fly,’” before getting emotional and walking off set as he continued to talk about how his friend’s life has been “dissected” since his untimely passing.
You can watch the full clip below.
Ariana Grande has brought the magic to Wicked as Glinda the Good Witch — and even snagged a Golden Globe nomination for her performance. One person who is particularly happy for her is Amanda Seyfried, who also auditioned for the coveted role. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and […]
We caught up with Sexyy Red at Rolling Loud Miami 2024 and she talks us through her passion for lip gloss, her new line of gloss and more! Meghan Mahar: Hey, Billboard, it’s Megan Mahar, and I’m here with Big Sexyy at Rolling Loud. Sexyy Red, how are you doing? Sexyy Red: I’m doing awesome. How […]