News

14 Feb 2025

Avicii Discusses His Track ‘Forever Yours’ In Newly Released Footage: ‘It’s So Damn Epic’

The Avicii estate is again opening the vault Friday (Feb. 14), releasing of a new version of the late producer’s 2016 track “Forever Yours.”

Titled “Forever Yours – Tim’s 2016 Ibiza Version,” the song comes on the heels of a pair of Avicii documentaries — I’m Tim and My Last Show — released on Netflix in December. The track was performed at Avicii’s final live show at Ushuaïa in Ibiza in 2016, as featured in the My Last Show doc. Meanwhile, I’m Tim features interviews with the artist’s friends and collaborators, tracking his rise and singular musical output.

In tandem with the song, a new mini documentary tracks the creation of “Forever Yours” through footage of the artist born Tim Bergling in the studio in Malibu, Calif., in 2016.

The 10-minute clip finds the camera trained on Bergling, catching his reactions as he intently listens to playbacks of the song and finding him smiling and stating “It’s so damn epic” when the track’s saxophone breakdown plays. He also states (in his native Swedish language) that he’s “got ideas for the melody” sung by Italian vocalist Sandro Cavazza, with the clip altogether highlighting Avicii’s famed studio focus and gift for enduring melodies.

The second half of the mini-doc features footage of Avicii’s much-chronicled 2016 trip to Monument Valley, Ariz., where work on songs including “Forever Yours” continued through live performances and playbacks in the famous desert landscape. The final portion of the footage is from Avicii’s 2016 performance at Ushuaïa Ibiza, his final live show before he famously announced his retirement from touring at age 26.

A previous version of “Forever Yours” by Kygo was released in 2020 as part of a tribute to Avicii, who died by suicide in April of 2018.

If you or anyone you know is in crisis and/or experiencing suicidal ideation, reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 or visiting the website. Confidential support is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

14 Feb 2025

Taylor Swift Surpasses Madonna as All-Time Female Leader for U.K. No. 1 Albums

Taylor Swift has made history by surpassing Madonna to become the female artist with the most No. 1 albums in U.K. chart history (Feb. 14). 

Swift claims her 13th chart-topper on the Official Albums Chart with Lover (Live In Paris), a live album first released in 2023 and recently reissued on special heart-shaped double-vinyl released in time for Valentine’s Day. The collection recently peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

The LP shifted 47,000 units in its opening week, and is the first time that a No. 1 album has been achieved solely through physical sales since Swift’s Reputation also achieved the feat in 2017. The album is currently not available on streaming services.

Swift is now tied with Elvis Presley on the all-time No. 1s list on the Official Albums Chart at 13. They both trail The Rolling Stones, who have 14 chart-toppers, and joint leaders The Beatles and Robbie Williams, who share the title with 15 each.

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Inhaler’s third LP, Open Wide, finishes the week at No. 2, giving the band their third top-three placing. They topped the chart in 2021 with debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This, and finished at No. 2 with Cuts and Bruises (2023).

Following his Super Bowl Halftime Show, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX has rebounded to No. 3; the album first went to No. 1 upon release in November and was recently bolstered by release on physicals. On Friday (Feb. 14), tickets went on sale for Lamar’s and SZA’s joint Grand National tour dates in the U.K. this July, which includes shows in Glasgow, Birmingham, Cardiff and London.

The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow vacates the top spot and ends the week at No. 4, with Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet closing at No. 5.

Olly Alexander’s solo debut LP, Polaris, finishes the week at No. 17. As a member of pop trio Years & Years, Alexander enjoyed success with 2015’s Communion (No. 1), 2018’s Palo Santo (No. 3) and 2022’s Night Call (No. 1).

14 Feb 2025

Lola Young’s ‘Messy’ Earns a Fourth Week Atop the U.K. Singles Chart

Lola Young‘s “Messy” has bagged a fourth week at No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart (Feb. 14). The song first claimed the top spot in January, dethroning Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True,” which held the No. 1 position for eight non-consecutive weeks.

By earning her fourth week at No. 1, Young is now the longest-running British female artist to be at the top spot since Adele’s “Easy on Me” in 2021. It breaks a tie with Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” (2022) and Kenya Grace’s “Strangers” (2023), which both had three-week stints at the top.

This achievement also coincides with Young’s continued success on the Billboard Hot 100, where “Messy” currently sits No. 19, a slight fall of five places week-on-week. “Messy” is featured on her sophomore studio album, This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway, which was released in May 2024; the song has now crossed 300 million streams on Spotify.

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In March, Young will compete for a BRIT Award in the pop act category against Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Jade Thirlwall and Myles Smith. She also appeared on Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia as a guest vocalist on “Like Him.”

Speaking to Billboard U.K., Young discussed the success of “Messy” and why the message of self-acceptance had resonated with fans. “For a long time, I wanted to represent this ideal of Westernized beauty – but then I realized I’m not that,” she said. “I now choose to give realness and truth. I’ve got a bit of a belly out, I f–king swear a bunch and I have fun. And that’s what people are resonating with.”

Following his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” finishes the week at No. 2 and gives the Compton rapper his highest ever placing on the U.K. Singles Chart; the song initially landed at No. 6 upon release last year.

Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” rises three spots to No. 3, while Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” makes moves up to No. 4. Chrystal’s “The Days” rounds out the week at No. 5, and there’s post-Grammys boosts for Benson Boone (“Beautiful Things,” No. 6) and Doechii (“Denial Is a River,” No. 9).

14 Feb 2025

Billboard Reacts To Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show & Ye’s X Rants | Billboard Unfiltered

In today’s episode of ‘Billboard Unfiltered,’ Billboard staffers Kyle Denis, Damien Scott, and Angel Diaz react to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, highlighting the best and controversial moments, discussing Ye’s X rants and more.

What did you think of Kendrick’s performance? What do you think of Ye’s X rants? Let us know in the comments!

Damien Scott:

It’s hard to wrap that as a fan. I can’t imagine doing that in a leather jacket  on the field, under the lights. 

Kyle Denis:

I don’t know if I can sit through two years of the most ridiculous rants ever and cluttered albums for 30 seconds of one great verse that reminds me of ‘College Dropout.’ I can’t do it anymore. 

Welcome back to a new episode of Billboard Unfiltered. We got to introduce our hip hop editor, Angel Diaz. Welcome to the show. How you feeling?

Angel Diaz:

I’m good man, excited to be finally on here. 

Damien Scott:

First time? 

Angel Diaz:

Yeah first time .Well, first time caller. Long time listener.

Kyle Denis:

Well this weekend, we had the Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Kendrick Lamar. The performance featured SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams and Mustard. It was a very ‘GNX’ heavy set list. He started off with an extended teaser of the unreleased track from that album, but then quickly went into “Squabble Up,” which then gave into “HUMBLE” and “DNA,” some older classics. He brought out SZA for “Luther” and “All the Stars.” Closed things off with “Not Like Us,” featuring a very funny sh*t eating grin, of course, and closing with “TV Off.” But we got to talk about the response of this show. It’s officially broken the record for the most watched halftime show of all time, over 133.5 million viewers. What are your thoughts, guys? 

Keep watching for more!

14 Feb 2025

JISOO of BLACKPINK Describes Her ‘Dream Man’ & Gushes Over Britney Spears

JISOO had a lot to discuss with Billboard this Valentine’s Day, from the qualities she looks for in a partner to her love for Britney Spears.

In a video interview with Billboard News posted Friday (Feb. 14) — the same date the BLACKPINK star dropped her highly anticipated debut solo mini-album, AMORTAGE — JISOO spoke about some of the songs on her new record, including the very Valentines-appropriate “Your Love,” on which she sings about a perfect romance. When asked to describe what her “dream man” would be like in real life, the star had three qualities in mind.

“I love it when someone has similar taste in food,” she shares. “And if they treat me well, that makes me really happy. But I think having the same sense of humor is the most important. If that doesn’t click, things can feel a bit dull.”

Featuring three other tracks besides “Your Love,” AMORTAGE is just one of several solo projects the ladies of BLACKPINK have dropped during their band break this past year. ROSÉ released solo album rosie in December, LISA’s Alter Ego is coming later this month, and JENNIE has been sharing singles such as January’s “Love Hangover” with Dominic Fike as she puts the finishing touches on her own album.

While she was preparing her own solo music last year, JISOO says she had one legendary pop soloist in mind. “I love Britney Spears,” she tells Billboard. “I grew up listening to Britney Spears, and every time I prepare for a solo release, I always find myself going back to her ‘…Baby One More Time’ music video as a reference.”

“I love that pop vibe, and I always say, ‘I want to shoot something with that kind of energy,’” she gushes. “It’s a video I consistently use as inspiration when creating my own.”

But while working on AMORTAGE — in addition to filming her latest Korean screen project, Newtopia — has been fulfilling, JISOO says she’s excited to reunite with her bandmates in 2025. Earlier this month, BLACKPINK teased that a world tour is imminent this year, about which the “FLOWER” singer said she “can’t wait.”

“Last year, as each member focused on individual activities, we all grew a lot,” she tells Billboard. “Now, as we come together for this year, I feel like we’ll be able to return with an even bigger and more spectacular presence. Everyone’s excited about it, and we’ve been sharing ideas. We’ve already done a lot of preparations for this year.”

“Working solo has been an amazing experience,” JISOO adds. “But honestly, it can get a little lonely sometimes.”

14 Feb 2025

How Jon Batiste Pulled Off a Festival and a Show-Stopping Anthem During Super Bowl Weekend

This week, all eyes have been on one of the biggest stages in the world: the Super Bowl. And while Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show rightfully has had many people talking, he wasn’t the only performer that stole the show at the NFL’s main event — New Orleans native Jon Batiste kicked off proceedings with a stirring, emotional rendition of the National Anthem, seated behind a multicolored piano on the Super Dome field.

And that was just the most high-profile moment for Batiste, the seven-time Grammy winner and former bandleader for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. The day before the main event, Batiste also put on the Love Riot festival in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward neighborhood, which featured performances by him, Ledisi, Preservation Hall band, Flavor Flav, Dee-1 and more. And helping knit all that together was Culture Collective founder/CEO and Batiste’s business partner Jonathan Azu, who earns the title of Billboard’s Executive of the Week.

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Here, Azu — a Superfly and Red Light Management veteran, who also teaches music business at USC and is a governor of the Los Angeles chapter of the Recording Academy, among other endeavors — explains his role in helping Batiste secure those events during Super Bowl weekend, as well as the other projects he and Batiste have in the works. “When you’re working with someone as innovative as Jon,” Azu says, “the best thing you can do is give them the freedom to create and then support them and lead our internal team in bringing that vision to life.”

This week, Jon Batiste performed the National Anthem prior to Super Bowl LIX. How did that come together?

We received a call from the team at Roc Nation, which selects all Super Bowl performers, asking if Jon would be interested in performing the National Anthem in his native New Orleans. I was thrilled that he said yes — there’s truly no one better suited for the moment than him. Additionally, the other co-producers on the halftime and pregame performances, Diversified Production Services and Jesse Collins Entertainment, were teams I had recently collaborated with on NBC’s Live From Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central in May of last year. Having just worked closely with them on a major live broadcast, I was excited to reunite for another high-profile moment only months later. 

How did he want to present his rendition differently from others, and how were you guys able to pull that off?

Reimagining the National Anthem is always a challenge because it has been performed — at the Super Bowl alone — 57 times before. The goal was to create something that would not only stand out but also move people in a way they hadn’t experienced before. Jon is the perfect artist to take on this challenge, bringing a blend of musicality, storytelling and emotional depth. My role was to provide him with the tools, resources and space to develop and execute his vision. When you’re working with someone as innovative as Jon, the best thing you can do is give them the freedom to create and then support them and lead our internal team in bringing that vision to life.

The day before, he put on the Love Riot Festival in New Orleans. What key decisions did you make to help make that happen?

When Jon committed to performing at the Super Bowl, it was important to both of us to integrate a meaningful community outreach initiative into the weekend. Jon is from New Orleans, and my mother is as well, so I spent a lot of time there growing up. While most visitors during Super Bowl weekend stay in or near the French Quarter, we wanted to ensure we were making an impact in communities that don’t always receive the same economic boost — particularly the Lower 9th Ward.

To bring this vision to life, we sought a partner who shared our commitment to community engagement. We were fortunate to connect with He Gets Us, a faith-driven media campaign that was already involved in this year’s Super Bowl advertising. They became an invaluable partner in helping us realize the festival. My role was to work closely with their team to execute Jon’s vision seamlessly — overseeing guest talent coordination, production logistics, sponsorship integration and advising on the overall audience experience.

What were some of the toughest aspects of putting together that festival on Super Bowl weekend?

One of the biggest challenges was assembling available production teams and securing guest talent in the middle of one of the busiest entertainment weekends of the year. Super Bowl weekend brings an influx of major events, making it difficult to lock in resources and availability. However, we were able to navigate these hurdles and successfully produce the festival.

The end result was incredible — we had over 5,000 people come out for what turned into a beautiful day. The festival featured performances from guest artists like Ledisi, Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball, Preservation Hall, Flavor Flav and Dee-1, creating an environment that was both celebratory and impactful. From an executive producer standpoint, my role was to ensure everything came together in the right way, including logistical planning for artists to seamlessly move in and out of the festival while keeping the focus on community engagement.

You’ve worked at Superfly and Red Light before beginning to work with Jon. How has that past experience helped you to help grow his career?

Superfly and Red Light laid a strong foundation for me, both in terms of skills and relationships. Being among the first handful of employees at Superfly, the co-founders of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and Outside Lands Music Festival, equipped me with the skill set, knowledge and relationships essential for organizing large-scale events in a city. My time at Red Light, where I operated as general manager, provided me with a deeper understanding of representing talent on significant stages, whether at festivals or high-profile events like the Super Bowl. Both experiences were instrumental in preparing me for the multifaceted demands of supporting Jon’s career.

He’s been a staple on late night television and won a Grammy for album of the year. How do you keep pushing his career forward?

Jon is the ultimate multi-hyphenate, and there’s truly no limit to where his career can go. I’m incredibly excited about what lies ahead for him, not just in music, but in business as well. We’re working closely to develop intellectual property and dynamic business opportunities that go beyond the stage. A great example is the launch of the new Jon Batiste Jazz Club at Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas. Jon and his programming team are curating what happens on those stages 365 days a year, and Jon is involved in all aspects of the consumer experience — from what they see on stage to the artwork within the venue to the dining experience. This holistic approach ensures we’re not only expanding his artistic footprint but also building a lasting legacy.

What do you have in the works moving forward?

Like many of the talented individuals I work with, I’m a multi-hyphenate in the business world. In addition to Culture Collective, where I’m focusing on developing artists like Leon Thomas — whose album MUTT is skyrocketing — I have multiple business ventures on and off the stage. I partner with Jon Batiste and his company, JBI, to build out his multi-layered ecosystem around the world. In my partnership with Joe Killian, we are forging groundbreaking collaborations through our consultancy, Killian + Co., where we’ve spearheaded innovative, high-impact campaigns with artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator and Eminem for global brands like Ford, American Express and Julien’s Auction House.

In the academic space, I’m dedicated to cultivating the next generation of music executives. This includes my four-year tenure as an adjunct professor at USC’s Thornton School of Music, where I teach music business. I also serve on the Board of Trustees at Drake University, my alma mater, where I first started in music as president of the concert committee. Additionally, I help steer the Recording Academy into the future by serving as a governor of the Los Angeles chapter.

14 Feb 2025

Selena Gomez Says Benny Blanco Proposal Was ‘Really Sweet,’ But She’s Saving the Details ‘For Our Kids’

For the record, Selena Gomez liked Benny Blanco first. The singer reveals that crucial piece of their relationship puzzle in the couple’s first joint interview in Interview magazine, in which they talk for the first time about Blanco’s elaborate proposal, their just-announced, upcoming joint album, I Said I Love You First (March 21), and how a chance meeting more than 15 years ago eventually resulted in true love.

“We got in the studio to work on a song and we just talked; that’s how easy it was for me. I liked him before he liked me,” Gomez, 32, said of working closely with the producer/songwriter she first met in 2013 when she was a teenager signed to Disney Records and her mom set up a songwriting meeting between them to see if they would click.

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“When she started putting out music, I was so into it. I feel like she was the original sad girl,” Blanco said of Gomez, noting that he had “no idea” she liked him when they re-connected to work on music years later. “I feel like you could be friends with someone forever but not know until you have that one night,” Gomez said. Blanco, admittedly oblivious at the time, said he told Gomez he could introduce her to some of his friends and maybe “hook you up with some dates,” not realizing Gomez liked-liked him.

“And then we were texting afterwards and we decided to get dinner the next day. I guess she thought it was a date and I had no idea it was a date,” said Blanco. “The second time we hung out, our second date, I was like, ‘Wait, does she like me?’ I was clueless. From then on, it was easy. You know when you think you met the right person, you’re like, ‘Oh my God.’ But it feels so different. The second we started hanging out, I was like, ‘This is my wife.’ I was telling my mom, ‘This is the girl I’m going to marry.’”

And indeed, they are now engaged and at one point Gomez showed off her pointy marquise-cut diamond ring, telling the writer that ever since the days of “Good For You” — the lead single from the singer’s 2015 sophomore album, Revival — “that’s the diamond I’ve always dreamed of.” Ever self-deprecating, Blanco breathed a sigh of relief and noted of his ring choice, “I just tried not to f–k up. That’s all I did.” It’s worth adding that Blanco co-produced two poignantly titled songs off Revival, “Kill ‘Em With Kindness” and “Same Old Love.”

And while Gomez suggested that she was not “anal” about the choice of ring, Blanco playfully added that his fiancé did show him some designs and would “always throw little hints” around. Blanco said he responded with, “‘Yeah, but if I ever made one, would you want it like this?’” to test her preferences. “And then she changed her mind halfway through,” he said, revealing that the original design had “huge baguettes on the side” before Gomez realized she wanted something a bit less ostentatious. (Not to worry, Benny assured the writer that they now have “extra baguettes” that are going to be turned into earrings.)

Blanco didn’t spill the beans about the details of his proposal either, but called his elaborate set-up “the sickest surprise,” though he said the necessary lying to keep his plans secret was beginning to cause problems. “At the end, she was starting to get upset because she was like, ‘Why aren’t you coming home tonight?’ And I was like, ‘Oh, I’m just at my friends.’ I almost did it early. But I nailed it, I think,” Blanco said.

For further proof of how smitten the two are with each other — as if any was needed after Thursday’s (Feb. 13) drop of their draped-all-over-each-other video for the upcoming album’s first single, “Scared of Loving You” — Blanco, 36, said his ebullient, extroverted nature is a balance to Selena’s serene, introverted vibe.

“It’s so good because I get her out, and she calms me down when I need it. She’s the first person that I’ve been with where I’m like, ‘I don’t even give a f–k what’s going on. I could sit in this bed with you for 72 hours and feel like I didn’t miss anything,’” he said of the singer he began dating in June 2023 before getting engaged last month. “She’s like my f–king heroin and Xanax combined. Whenever I’m feeling anything but perfect, she knows the exact thing to say. I’m so pissed that it took this long. It’s like, ‘How did we not figure this out sooner?’”

Blanco said he’s learned to “worship the ground she walks on,” a feeling that’s mutual, sharing that there is “no ego between us. She’s praying for me to win and I’m praying for her to win.”

Knowing that Hollywood and music history are littered with the burnt-out husks of projects born of love that ended in heartache, Blanco said that when they began working on the album in secret at home they agreed that if it ever got weird, “‘we can cancel it immediately.’” How chill were the sessions? Gomez revealed that at some points she was lying down in bed, or at least sitting on it, while recording vocals.

Gomez told the magazine that she’s not working on any new pop songs after hinting in December that she was “too old” to do the pop thing anymore, mostly because she’s still doing the rounds promoting her big screen role in the Oscar-nominated drug kingpin musical Emilia Peréz. “This is probably the most exciting time for me in my career and personal life, like genuinely,” she said of the buzz around the film nominated for 13 Oscars.

Gomez hasn’t released a full-length album since her third studio project, 2020’s Rare, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 and spawned her first-ever No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Lose You to Love Me.” In 2021, she dropped a Spanish-language EP, Revelación.

As for his next big project, after working with so many A-listers (Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Katy Perry), Blanco said he was feeling stuck until he began working on the couple’s album. “This was such a cathartic experience and a way to get back into it,” he said. “I never put stuff out just to put stuff out. I wait until the perfect thing happens and I’ve been blessed to work with so many f–king good artists, including you. I feel like all my dreams came true. I feel like this was one of the last dreams, finding the perfect person to spend the rest of my life with. I know it sounds so corny and cheesy.”

14 Feb 2025

Friday Dance Music Guide: The Week’s Best New Tracks From Haai, Sammy Virji & More

This week in dance music: Blond:ish releases her debut album Never Walk Alone today, a week after being announced as Pacha Ibiza’s first female headline resident DJ. Charlotte de Witte, Sara Landry, Horsegiirl and many others were added to the Movement 2025 lineup; EDC Las Vegas announced the lineup for its May event; Winter Music Conference announced the first wave of speakers for its event next month in Miami; Empire of the Sun’s Luke Steele signed a global deal with Warner Chappell Music; Seven Lions signed with management company MLennial and Justice hit the Hot 100 for the first time in the duo’s decades-long career with its appearance on The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow opener “Wake Me Up.”

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See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

And on this day of love, we celebrate our enduring passion for the music with the best new dance tracks of the week.

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Haai, “Can’t Stand to Lose”

Australia-born, London-based producer Haai returns with her first new music since 2023 via “Can’t Stand to Lose.” A reflection on the fast-paced DJ life and the desire to sometimes slow down, the song takes its time unfurling, creating a nuanced depth and mood evoking both solitude and a crowded club. The artist born Teneil Throssell calls the song “a reflection on longing, loss, and the deeply human emotions that accompany them – the nostalgia, the yearning, and the vulnerability. It’s inspired by our rapidly changing world and how it reshapes our lives: opening possibilities that are initially exciting, but are soon met with the realization of what’s lost. It’s a meditation on what we gain and what we leave behind.” Her upcoming U.S. shows include the music cruise Friendship, which sets sail from Miami next week, and back to back weekends at Coachella in April.

Anyma, Argy & Son of Son, “Voices In My Head”

Having played a whole lot of unreleased music during his Sphere residency, Anyma is now in the process of releasing some of it. A standout moment of the show came during the segment when the venue’s screens were filled with thousands of blinking and seemingly sleep-deprived eyes, a segment soundtracked by a song we now know is called “Voices In My Head.” Out today on Interscope Records, the song is a collaboration with Greek artist Argy and Swedish producer Son of Son and further establishes the dark but still widely accessible melodic techno that is Anyma’s signature. Anyma will play his final four dates at Sphere in late February and early March.

Sammy Virji, “I Guess We’re Not the Same”

After blasting through our earholes with 2024’s totally undeniable Interplanetary Criminal collab “Damager,” white-hot U.K. producer Sammy Virji returns with the mellower but equally compelling “I Guess We’re Not the Same.” Out on Astralwerks, the song’s bouncy, singsong vibe juxtaposes with kind of bittersweet lyrics, with the theme also reflected in the track’s undertow of a bassline. Virji’s upcoming U.S. tour includes appearances at Coachella, Lightning in a Bottle, Movement and Bonnaroo.

DJ Minx, “Blocked”

Let us not forget that Valentine’s Day is also about self-love and that self-love is a lot about boundaries, sentiments Detroit legend DJ Minx celebrates today with her latest release. “Delete,” she commands on the track, “unfollow, removed, blocked,” reminding us all that sometimes taking care of ourselves is as simple as pressing a button and eliminating anything and anyone, that is, as she puts it, “f–king with my flow.” The wind up house track gives the whole exercise a commanding and celebratory feel.

Alok & Kylie Minogue, “Last Night I Dreamt I Fell in Love”

Generational dance royalty Kylie Minogue makes another run for the booth with “Last Night I Dreamt I Fell In Love,” her first collab with Brazilian producer Alok. Much like the lovey dreamscape it references, the two-minute track has an ephemeral quality, but like a good dream, is also sweet while it lasts.

14 Feb 2025

Netón Vega Breaks Down 5 Essential Songs From His Debut Album, ‘Mi Vida, Mi Muerte’

After delivering successful songs as a songwriter to big stars of the new regional Mexican genre — and after making it onto the Billboard charts with hits like “Si No Quieres No” with Luis R. Conriquez, “La Patrulla” with Peso Pluma, and more recently “Loco” — the corrido singer-songwriter Netón Vega presents his debut album, Mi Vida, Mi Muerte.

Released on Friday (Feb. 14) under Josa Records, the 21-track set includes collaborations with Peso Pluma, Luis R Conriquez, Gabito Ballesteros, Oscar Maydon, Victor Mendivil, Chino Pakas, Juanchito, Xavi, Tito Double P, and Aleman. He arrives with “Morena” with Peso Pluma as the focus track, and brings the first single, “Loco,” which earned Vega his fourth top 10 hit on the Hot Latin Songs chart.

“This album is very personal and represents the mixture of all the influences that have marked my career and my life,” Vega tells Billboard Español about this production — which, in addition to corridos tumbados, adds some rap and reggaetón.

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Netón Vega (real name: Luis Ernesto Carvajal) was born in La Paz, Baja California Sur, and at the age of 12 went to live in Culiacán, Sinaloa, the birthplace of corridos, where he began writing songs. His first musical references were the traditional regional Mexican artists, such as Grupo Intocable, one of his favorites. Along the way, he delved into corridos tumbados, until he became a hit maker for the great stars of the genre.

“My songs gained momentum and first reached Hassan (Peso Pluma), who recorded ‘La Patrulla,’ ‘Rubicón,’ and ‘La People,’” Vega recalls. “Then they were picked up by Luis R. with ‘Si No Quieres No’ and ‘Chino,’ followed by Tito Double P with ‘El Gabacho,’ and then by Código FN and Gabito Ballesteros, among others.”

Now, at 21, he is releasing his debut album with the collaboration of many of these colleagues — a union to which he credits the growth of this movement. “It makes us stronger,” he notes. “Even though this is a business, we help each other.”

Below, Netón Vega breaks down five essential songs from his debut album Mi Vida, Mi Muerte in his own words. To listen to the album in its entirety, click here.

“Morena” (feat. Peso Pluma)

It is a corrido with classic requinto and a lot of ambiance. This song was born at a live event where I intended to record with Tito Double P, but for one reason or another, I couldn’t do it with him. I wrote this song while I was in a car. Later I showed it to Peso, who liked it from the first moment. At first, the song had a different direction, but it turned out very good. Peso asked me to make it the focus track of my debut album — and of course, I agreed.

“CDN” (feat. Luis R. Conriquez)

It’s a corrido that carries the hallmark I’ve always loved, with classic guitar picking, flawlessly executed. Honestly, this song was created because I knew it would be perfect for Luis R. Conriquez, and it turned out just right. It’s exactly the style that he and I share — and from the moment we made it, we knew it was going to be a hit. It’s one of those corridos that feels authentic, with real power.

“Chiquitita” (feat. Tito Double P)

Initially, “Chiquitita” was meant for Tito’s album. I sent it to him to record quickly because it needed to be submitted. However, in the end, I asked for it back and decided to keep it for my own album because I felt it needed a change, to have my own stamp on it. Honestly, I really liked how it turned out. “Chiquita bonita, déjate querer” (Pretty little one, let yourself be loved), that phrase is key in the song. It’s a romantic corrido that brings that touch of emotion with a distinctly marked requinto.

“Me Ha Costado” (feat. Alemán & Víctor Mendivil)

“Me Ha Costado” is a track with Alemán that came together in a crazy way. I remember sending him a video with the idea, and he liked it so much that he stopped eating and went straight to the studio. I mean, he really liked it — one of those times when you say, “This is a hit!” Then I invited Víctor Mendivil, and honestly, he did a great job on it. This song talks about effort, about everything it has taken for me to be here because I’ve been working since I was a kid, and everyone knows that. It’s a trap song with a really good beat.

“Cuando Me Ocupes” (feat. Xavi)

“Cuando Me Ocupes” came out very naturally, and was the last one to be recorded. With Xavi, we made two tracks, one for him and one for me. Everything was put together in two intense days in Guadalajara. Josa, my manager, arranged everything, and we got down to recording. It’s a love corrido, but with that style that makes it feel real. It’s one of those songs that brings a lot of emotion.

Netón Vega

Netón Vega

Josa Records

14 Feb 2025

JISOO Talks ‘Earthquake’ Shakeup, Debut Solo Album ‘AMORTAGE,’ BLACKPINK Reunion Tour | Billboard News

BLACKPINK’s JISOO has released her debut solo mini-album, AMORTAGE. She walks us through her new pop sound, the reasons for releasing it now, her creative process for “Earthquake,” BLACKPINK’s upcoming summer tour reunion and more!

JISOO:
I’m in Billboard!

Tetris Kelly: 
Yes she is! She made it to Billboard. And I mean, we’re so happy to have you. The beginning of the year just kicked off, so what have you been up to?

Ah … These days, I’m always filming a drama. I’m shooting the drama and new series.

How was it to step into the acting world? What’s it been like?

So, I initially pursued acting because I loved the idea of transforming into a completely new person. Now, having been in several series, I find that with each role, I embody someone different. It’s a refreshing experience that offers a unique charm distinct from my work as a singer.

And I feel like you’re also a new character when you do new music. We’re here to talk about the new music today. “Earthquake” is so good. I was about to blow listening to it. So tell me why that song was the first one you wanted to offer up to your fans?

That song captures the thrill of experiencing first love. When I first heard it, I was immediately swept up by this intense, wonderful feeling — it was like butterflies in my stomach. It just clicked. The song lived up to its title perfectly, evoking that precise emotion from the very first listen. That’s exactly why I chose it.  

And do you feel like there was some inspiration behind that subject that made you want to really lock into it?

Keep watching for more!