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A$AP Rocky Announces ‘Album’s Done,’ Debuts New Song ‘Same Problems’ During Amazon Music Live Concert: Watch

A$AP Rocky announced that his new album is finished before taking the stage to perform some new songs at Amazon Music Live Thursday night (Dec. 8).

He made the PSA during on Amazon Prime Video. “Thursday night football. Amazon. My first time back on the stage. Album’s finished, Don’t Be Dumb. Let’s go!” the rapper exclaimed. Rocky later returned to the screen for those watching Amazon Music Live at home, the streamer’s live concert series hosted by 2 Chainz, to perform four unreleased songs from Don’t Be Dumb as well as some fan-favorite classics such as “Everyday,” “Yamborghini High” and “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 (LPFJ2).”

Rocky ended the concert on a solemn note when he gave a heartfelt speech about the rappers who’ve lost their lives, before debuting Same Problems,” one of his new songs. “Rest in peace to everybody we lost in hip-hop throughout the years. You gotta know that we the highest statistic of losing people, no other genre loses rockstars, pop singers and country artists. Hip-hoppers, we get killed and shot every day,” he said. “Overdoses, all type of unfortunate events. So this next song is dedicated to everybody we lost and anybody who ever lost somebody, you know what I’m saying.”

Images of Takeoff, PnB Rock, Young Dolph, The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Juice WRLD, XXXTentacion, Pop Smoke, A$AP Yams and more flashed on the screens on either side of him while Rocky repeatedly asked “How many problems get solved?” over an eerie piano beat.

His partner Rihanna, Tyler, the Creator, Snoh Aalegra, Buddy, Earl Sweatshirt and more stars were in attendance. Rocky also brought out rapper $NOT to perform “Doja,” AWGE hip-hop duo THOTTWAT for their joint “Shirt” performance, and host 2 Chainz to run back their Billboard Hot 100 No. 8 hit “F–kin’ Problems,” which also features Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

Watch A$AP Rocky’s performance of “Same Problems” above.

Steve Martin & Martin Short Audition for Brandi Carlile in ‘SNL’ Tease: ‘Double the Hosts, But Triple the Threats’

Only legends in the building! Saturday Night Live released the teaser for its upcoming episode on Friday (Dec. 9), starring Steve Martin and Martin Short.

In the clip, the two hosts team up with veteran cast member Cecily Strong and musical guest Brandi Carlile. “You know, Brandi, if you’re looking for some backup singers, we’re actually pretty good,” Martin promised before he and his Only Murders in the Building co-star broke out into a doo-wop freestyle with some help from Strong.

Carlile’s reaction? “I’m good,” she politely asserts before rolling her eyes and walking off camera. (For her part, Strong tells the two hosts, “We nailed it,” to which they both vigorously agree.)

In the next bit, Strong quips, “Wow, double the hosts,” and Short replies, “Ah, but triple the threats!” and Martin jumps in to explain, “Because Marty here can sing, act and dance!”

“And Steve currently has flu, RSV and COVID,” Short fires off without missing a beat. “That’s right, they call it an EGOT,” his five-time Grammy-winning pal adds, though it’s actually Strong who gets the last punchline as she jokes, “As in, ‘e got ’em all!”

The episode, which airs Saturday on NBC, will mark Martin’s 16th time hosting the late-night sketch show and Short’s fourth — though the latter also worked as a cast member on the series for a single season back in the mid-’80s.

Watch Martin and Short audition for Carlile ahead of their joint hosting gig below.

First Spin: The Week’s Best New Dance Tracks From Anabel Englund, Kx5 & More

This week in dance music: Alison Wonderland announced the launch of her new label FMU Records, Daft Punk’s Homework: Remixes debuted on Top Dance/Electronic Albums and Madonna’s “Gambler” made its streaming and digital sales debut — almost four decades after its release.

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And new music? Of course. Let’s dig in.

Anabel Englund, “Need Me Right”

Picture this: You’re in a dark club. The dance floor fills with smoke, and you’re dancing with your eyes closed to a heavy bass rhythm that feels like the heartbeat of all humanity. You open your eyes, the smoke starts to clear, and your crush comes walking out of the shadows. It’s late enough that you’ve got a pleasant buzz on, but not so late that you’re a total sweaty mess, and this beat has got you feeling like you could take over the world — so you go in for the kill, and by the end of the night, your crush is worshipping the ground you walk on. 

That’s the kind of vibe Anabel Englund’s latest single “Need Me Right” is serving. It’s powerful, mysterious, sensual and very addictive. She worked on it with Paul Harris of Dirty Vegas fame, the same group that gave us the classic hit “Days Go By.”

 “In a cozy, sky-lit studio in London last August, I worked in a session with one of my favorite co-writers, Paul Harris, and a new producer I had just met, James Hurr,” Englund says. “They had played me a few ideas they started, and one in particular really grabbed me. Within a few hours, we had written and recorded ‘Need Me Right,’ which felt intentional yet effortless. I am especially happy to release it in the later part of the year because the vibe just fits. This song is special and I love the story, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!” – KAT BEIN

Kx5 & Elderbook, “When I Talk”

It’s already a rush to be blessed with a full musical project from Kaskade and deadmua5. But now the duo has collaborated with Elderbrook, whose got one of the silky-smoothest, funky-coolest voices in today’s dance music scene. “When I Talk” is beautifully dynamic, starting slow and low with a burning spotlight on Elderbrook’s steamy vocal, only to explode in an energetic rhythm custom built for the club. It’s a real steady grower, raising your body temperature with each new musical chapter, but just when you’ve caught the whole vibe, it disappears back into the mist.

“The song is about barriers; shutting people out and dealing with that,” Elderbrook says. “The song means a lot to me, I’m so happy to have it coming out finally and to be part of the project.” 
“When I Talk” is the fifth single from the Kx5 project, and it comes just before the duo’s big celebratory showcase at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Saturday, Dec. 10. If you’ve got tickets, study up on this groove, because it’s sure to be a highlight of the night. – K. Bein

HoneyLuv feat. Dope Earth Alien, “Sway”

The Cleveland-born producer puts a cherry on her breakout year with “Sway,” a sleek, sexy house bop featuring rapidfire vocals from Toronto-based singer/songwriter Dope Earth Alien. Out via Insomniac Records, the track, HoneyLuv says, “is about letting the rhythm take control and letting it all out on the dancefloor as you sway with the beat.” It’s a straightforward task the song will surely accomplish during HonelyLuv’s upcoming sets at Holy Ship! Wrecked, Lights All Night, and Countdown NYE. – KATIE BAIN

La Goony Chonga, Danny Daze & Nick León, “Phonkay”

What does Miami sound like? According to the new 44-track compilation from Danny Daze, the 305 reeks of dark analog synths, psychedelic loops, haunting hooks, experimental noise and dirty beats — and that’s not wrong! Homecore! Miami All-Stars gathers fresh sounds from some of the most influential names on the Miami electronic scene over the last three decades. Otto Von Schirach, Craze, Murk and Lazaro Casanova are sandwiched between tunes from INVT, Sister System, Jonny From Space and Troy Kurtz. We’ve also got Sel.6, Jesse Perez, Richie Hell, Shinobi. We would love to list all the names, but you should just give the comp a listen — with the above b3b from La Goony Chonga, Nick León and Daze himself serving as a nice teaser. 

“This compilation focuses on the connective tissue that is Miami,” Daze says. “There’s a misconception of what Miami has to offer. It has a rich history of all sorts of music including electronic music. From house music legends to IDM and hip-hop pioneers, this release is intended to show what we’ve been about for the last 30-plus years. We’ve always maintained a love for our city and want to focus on how we’ve all influenced each other. The new generation is pushing things forward while holding the standard prior generations set. There are eyes on Miami at the moment, and this compilation may help paint a better picture as to where we come from and where we’re going.” – K. Bein

Claude VonStroke, “Don’t Make Sense”

VonStroke is a master of productions that bump and groove with just little bit of weirdness, but his latest is just a triumph of full-on house sensuality. “Don’t Make Sense” starts on a low simmer, with CVS progressively turning up the heat over six-plus minutes with layers of scintillating percussion, a hypnotic vocal announcing “don’t make sense” in a way that very much does, and then making a few gear shifts into more ethereal production before embracing shimmery peaktime IDM. Marking CVS’ second non-Dirtybird release of the year, “Don’t Make Sense” is out via Germany’s Moon Harbour, a move of which CVS says, “I don’t usually release music on other labels — but there are a handful of house labels that inspired me and shaped my sound. Moon Harbour is one of those, and I’m so happy to release this record with them.” — K. Bain

First Stream Latin: New Music From Natti Natasha, Anuel AA, Maria Becerra, & More

First Stream Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums, and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

Anuel AA, Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren 2 (Real Hasta La Muerte)

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Building up the momentum with the second series of his Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren opus, Anuel AA forges an ambitious 33-track sixth studio album with his follow-up LLNM2. It begins characteristically, with a “bandit musical” opener he dubs “BRRR” that features a hypnotic Mobb Deep sample (“Shook Ones, Pt. II”) as he raps about the sinister side of the hustle and grind culture. He takes a joyride through maximalist EDM (“Vibra”) alongside David Guetta, and then slashes it up with the introspective “Monstruo.”

“Sufro,” which begins with a Gilberto Santa Rosa sample, hits hard with a me-against-the-world vibe as he joins forces with Kodak Black and Ñengo Flow. The Puerto Rican trap star battles his demons as much as he revels in tropical-styled debauchery (“Borracha & Loca,” “Wakanada”). While the record honors some great musical legends, it also embraces key players of the urban and urbano scene: Bryant Myers, De La Ghetto, his boo Yailin la Mas Viral, DaBaby, and others.) Ultimately, the grim rapper drills down on the Latin trap that made him a star in the first place, while never being constrained to a singular style or beat. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Maria Becerra, La Nena de Argentina (300 Entertainment)

Maria Becerra flaunts her Argentinean pride in her sophomore album out today that follows the Latin Grammy-nominated Animal. The 13-song tracklist explores different genres, traveling from a romantic bachata on “Hasta Que La Muerte Nos Separe” to a cumbia and reggaetón fusion in “Adiós” to an experimental trap blend with dembow in “Mandamientos.” The set is named after Becerra alter-ego La Nena de Argentina and captures her chameleonic and unapologetic personality. Meanwhile, Becerra recruits her sister Ailín for the background vocals on “Pídelo.”

“I wanted to be myself, María — La Nena de Argentina — and go with the flow,” she explains of the set in a press release. “This reflects my love of making music and my fascination with all genres of music. In these songs, my two sides are exposed; the wilder side — full of sexual tension and seduction — and my sensitive side, where I’m emotional and dramatic.” — INGRID FAJARDO

Natti Natasha, “To’ Esto Es Tuyo” (Pina Records/Sony Music Latin)

Natti Natasha is celebrating her upcoming 36th birthday with a new certified party banger called “To’ Esto Es Tuyo,” which loosely translates to “all this is yours.” Produced by renowned Latin hitmakers Hear This Music, the artist brings the best of her country’s musical essence in a vibrant bachata-meets-dembow-meets-electronic dance track. In the lyrics, she’s flirtatious as ever on a chorus that offers, “Papi if you elevate me, you won’t bring me down, all of this is yours.” She oozes sensuality in the song’s attractive music video, directed by Chacha. — JESSICA ROIZ

Paloma Mami, Pailita & El Jordan 23,  “Síntomas de Soltera” (Sony Music Latin)

“Síntomas de Soltera” marks a new era for Paloma Mami, who’s stepped back from the spotlight for nearly a year. Her first track since releasing “Cosas de la Vida” in October 2021, this new song is simply about living life whether you’re single or not. An infectious reggaetón beat powers the song from beginning to end, which features Chilean rappers Pailita and El Jordan 23. “The way I’ve approached my music right now is very different than it was two years ago,” she explains. “I’m experimenting a bit with this new album, with the lyrics and the flow but it still feels very me and very Mami.” “Síntomas” is the first single off her upcoming album due next year. — GRISELDA FLORES

Carin León x Grupo Frontera, “Que Vuelvas” (BorderKid Records/Sony Music Latin)

Carin León wasted no time to collaborate with the viral sensation Grupo Frontera (known for their banger on TikTok, “No Se Va”). On a mission of stepping away from covers, the Texas-based group releases a new original single dubbed “Que Vuelvas,” where León interlaces his signature raspy vocals with Payo’s deeper ones. Penned and produced by Latin Grammy winner Edgar Barrera, “Que Vuelvas” is a suave Tejano track about yearning for a lost love. “You should be here where I love you but on the contrary, you’re over there where I miss you/ I want to ask you to come back so that my soul returns to my body,” goes the romantic-yet-nostalgic chorus. The music video was filmed in a live format in Las Vegas during Latin Grammys week. — J.R.

Prince Royce “Otra Vez” (Smiling Prince Music/Sony Music Latin)

Prince Royce is celebrating the end of his Classic Tour — where he celebrated his decade-long career — with a new track that’s poised to become a bachata anthem. The lilting “Otra Vez” thrives on a subtle bachata beat that makes it almost soothing and therapeutic to listen to. Of course, Royce’s velvety vocals shine as he sings about falling blindly in love again, which he’s willing to do even if that means he’ll get hurt again, continuing a vicious love cycle caused by past relationships.— G.F.

Rawayana & Spreadlof feat. Fernando Palomo, “Soy tu papá” (Brocoli Records)

Soaked in tropical dance sunshine, “Soy Tu Papá” simply sparkles. The single, by Venezuelan indie fusion band Rawayana, features rapper Spreadlof, and it brings forward a feel-good vibe that harkens back to ‘90s Latin pop with a dash of bossa nova-style choruses. The release comes two years after their 2021 album, Cuando Los Acéfalos Predominan, and the song is about the friendly rivalries that arise with the FIFA video game. — I.R.

Caloncho, Bomba Estéreo, “Regalo” (Universal Music Group México)

Caloncho and Bomba Estereo present the official music video of “Regalo,” part of Caloncho’s Buen Pez deluxe album. As in everything that the Sonora-based artist delivers with his music, this unique single tells of the powerful meaning of giving. With tropical roots, a calypso fusion, and synth melodies (true to Bomba’s style), this song is a whole vibe, or as Caloncho describes it himself, “a victorious circle of affection.” The lyrics narrate the importance of giving what you have to offer and waiting for what life has in return: “This, you know, I’m not making anything up/ It’s like sacred geometry, and what you give one day will return,” the artist sings in the first verse. — I.F.

Brray, RaiNao, “Tú y Yo” (UMG Recordings)

Two of Puerto Rico’s hottest rising acts, Brray and RaiNao, have joined forces on “Tú y Yo.” To promote the track, the pair channeled the classic Monchy y Alexandra “Hoja en Blanco” cover photo — but very far from being a bachata track, the artists released a sultry and captivating house track produced by PLYBCK (marking Brray’s first-ever EDM track). Co-written by Mora, RaiNao, and others, “Tú y Yo” highlights two people who like to be together but also enjoy their liberty. A neon-drenched music video by Dad Filmed It shows both artists enjoying their chemistry at the club. — J.R.

Alejo X CNCO, “Estrella” (Jungl/ONErpm)

They don’t call him “El Favorito de las Nenas” for nothing, and to make the ladies swoon even more, Puerto Rican newcomer Alejo has recruited Latin boy band CNCO for their first-ever collaborative effort. The lyrics, penned by both artists, talk about the mutual attraction that exists between two people. “I saw you at the club dancing, our eyes connected,” says part of the track, which is backed by an infectious urban-pop melody and EDM beats perfect for a night of perreo at the club. — I.F.

First Out: New Music From Dove Cameron, Phoebe Bridgers, Rebecca Black & More

As you take a look back on some of your favorite tracks of 2022, keep up-to-date with the latest from some of your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of First Out, our weekly roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.

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From Dove Cameron’s latest sultry jam to Phoebe Bridgers’ phenomenal team-up with SZA, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Dove Cameron, “Girl Like Me”

Dove Cameron’s “Girl Like Me” is a difficult song to place — it’s not quite a cover of Edwyn Collins’s 1994 crossover hit “A Girl Like You,” yet it feels like more than a mere interpolation being employed by Cameron. Instead, “Girl Like Me” draws on the melodies and themes of the original, while crafting entire verses and ideas of her own to paint a picture of taking the driver’s seat of a relationship. She lets her lover know what she’s not looking for as a synth-infused melody blares behind her, making for yet another absolute banger from this upstarting star in the making.

SZA feat. Phoebe Bridgers, “Ghost In The Machine”

The 5-year wait for SZA’s new album S.O.S has proven to be worth it — the 23-track project has been roundly praised by fans and critics alike for its emotional maturity, sonic vibe and beautiful messaging. One of the most beloved tracks on said album happens to be “Ghost in the Machine,” SZA’s haunting reflection on relationships in the time of social media with special guest Phoebe Bridgers. The two turn out to be a perfect fit for each other on this deeply moving, insightful song, as they each wrestle with the person they are in their respective relationships and the self they present to the world; and they do it all over a plinking soundscape that will hypnotize you in seconds.

Rebecca Black, “Look At You”

Usually breakup songs are written from a first-person perspective — an artist details the fallout of dead romance as one of the scorned lovers. That’s what makes it even more fascinating to hear Rebecca Black take on a more omniscient POV with “Look At You.” In the stirring new song, Black softly sings about the end of a relationship as a third party, witnessing a heartbroken friend deal with the weight of life after love. With a tender voice and lighter production than we’ve ever heard from her, Black assures them that everything will turn out okay, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.

Florence + The Machine & Ethel Cain, “Morning Elvis (Live at Denver Ball Arena)”

Dance Fever‘s closing track “Morning Elvis” always felt like Florence + The Machine’s successful attempt at capturing the spirit of Southern Gothic music in a 4-minute track. So it’s fitting that, when coming up with an artist to help them even further exude that aura live, the band selected indie singer-songwriter Ethel Cain. The result is a haunting, echoing new rendition of the track as Florence Welch and Cain bounce off of one another with ease, making you believe every word as they sing, “If I make it to the stage/ I’ll show you what it means to be saved.”

Arca, Kick

It would have been easy for Venezuelan alternative-electronica star Arca to release a “best of” album. Instead, with Kick, Arca not only let her fans select their favorite songs off of her five-album Kick series, but also delivered them three brand new ones, ranging from glitching chaos (“Alto Voltaje”) to vibe-heavy experimental musings (“Ritual”) to stunning electronica ballads (“Sentient Savior”). Christmas must have come early for Arca’s fans, because Kick is nothing short of a gift.

Elton John Leaves Twitter Over ‘Misinformation’ on the Platform

Elton John is the latest celebrity to leave Twitter following Elon Musk’s takeover of the platform.

The “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” singer sent out his last tweet on Friday (Dec. 9), writing, “All my life I’ve tried to use music to bring people together. Yet it saddens me to see how misinformation is now being used to divide our world.”

He continued, “I’ve decided to no longer use Twitter, given their recent change in policy which will allow misinformation to flourish unchecked.”

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Upon seeing John’s tweet, Musk himself responded, “I love your music. Hope you come back. Is there any misinformation in particular that you’re concerned about?” John has yet to reply.

John’s decision to leave Twitter follows a number of other stars who have done the same, including Nine Inch Nails‘ Trent Reznor, Sara BareillesJack White and more. You can see our full list here.

In October, it was revealed that Tesla CEO Elon Musk took control of Twitter after a lengthy legal battle and months of uncertainty. Since beginning his reign on the popular social media platform, the multi-billionaire has made a number of controversial decisions, including reinstating former president Donald Trump to Twitter after the site’s previous owners had permanently suspended him for violating company rules in the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Here’s How a New R. Kelly Album Got Uploaded to Streaming Services

A new R. Kelly album titled I Admit It was uploaded to streaming services Friday (Dec. 9), but it didn’t come from Kelly’s team or his label.

While the release credits Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings as the label, a rep for Legacy Recordings said the company was not involved in the project. Furthermore, sources at Legacy say the album came as a total surprise and they are inquiring with streamers such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music about how the album was delivered to them.

The album was uploaded by Universal Music Group-owned distributor Ingrooves, leaving involved parties scrambling to figure out what went wrong. Once Ingrooves executives learned of the release, according to a source familiar with the situation, they set about requesting that streaming services pull the release. By 3 p.m. EST on Friday it was down.

Now, the source says, Ingrooves is in the process of investigating what went wrong internally and is severing a relationship with the label Real Talk Entertainment, which released the album on a sub-label called Legacy Recordings — the same name as Sony’s imprint. Real Talk could not be reached for immediate comment.

In January 2019, Sony and Kelly agreed to part ways days after Lifetime released the Surviving R. Kelly documentary that detailed sexual misconduct allegations against the three-time Grammy-winning singer. Sony still represents Kelly’s catalog of music, however, including his early recordings under Zomba/Jive and then later RCA, both of which are Sony-owned imprints.

The 13-track project arrives as the disgraced R&B singer (real name Robert Sylvester Kelly) is serving a 30-year prison sentence after he was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges in a New York trial last June. In September, during another trial in his hometown of Chicago, Kelly, 55, was convicted of several child pornography charges.

The album’s title track, “I Admit It,” was originally released as a 19-minute track on SoundCloud in 2018. It is now featured as three separate songs, each titled “I Admit It (I Did It),” at the end of the album which addresses the sexual abuse allegations against him over the last few decades and its virulent effects on his career.

Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, did not respond to Billboard‘s request for comment by the time of publishing. But she told Variety earlier Friday that the singer’s team is not behind the release and that he “is having intellectual property stolen from him.”

The last studio album Kelly released was a holiday album titled 12 Nights of Christmas on Oct. 21, 2016. It’s his final album on RCA Records before the label removed him in the wake of the Surviving R. Kelly doc.

This story is developing.

Kenny Chesney Honors Late Dog Ruby by Releasing Song Inspired by Her for Charity: Listen

Kenny Chesney is using his music to honor his best friend. Chesney is releasing “Da Ruba Girl” — a song inspired by his dog Ruby — on Friday (Dec. 9). The song is inspired by his beloved four-legged pal, and was previously shared on his No Shoes Radio station on SiriusXM.

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“I wrote ‘Da Ruba Girl’ about Ruby, because she was this spirit who had so many different pieces to who she was,” Chesney told People about the tune. “It was a fun song, and I’d recorded it, but never included it on an album. Instead we’d play it on No Shoes Radio, where it became a fan favorite. People loved the song, I think, because they all knew a dog who had the same kind of spirit or heart, you know, the kind who was an underdog, who wasn’t the obvious choice.”

To honor Ruby, proceeds from the track will be donated to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, a dog shelter whose “sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes,” its website states.

“No one had a bigger, bolder heart than Ruby. I’m proud to say #DaRubaGirl will be available to download and stream for the first time Friday. All proceeds from the song will go to @StrayRescue,” Chesney initially announced via Twitter on Sunday.

He also shared news of the song’s release on Instagram Friday. “Losing Ruby has left a hole there are no words for,” he captioned a photo of his beloved pup. “Ruby was everything good, and in her memory, this is her way of continuing to give and bring love where it’s most needed.”

The sentimental country track sees Chesney reminiscing on the beautiful relationship he had with Ruby, singing in the first verse of the track, “You needed her, she needed you/ To hold, to help fill a space/ Last in line, last cage at the rescue/ Was a love that no one could replace/ Lying there like a lost string of pearls/ Was da Ruba girl.”

Listen to “Da Ruba Girl” in the video above, and check out his social media posts below.