olympics
Page: 2
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Naomi Baker / Getty
Snoop Dogg was the face of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. But, Flavor Flav has definitely been one of its fairy godfathers.
The Public Enemy legend sponsored the Women’s Water Polo team and helped an Olympian pay her rent while she was at the games.
Earlier this week, Flav offered to create a bronze clock for gymnast Jordan Chiles who represented Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She finished fifth in the individual floor exercise on Aug. 5 with her Beyoncé-inspired routine–and was later bumped up to third place, though, after her coach Cecile Landi submitted an inquiry about a split leap, claiming she didn’t receive credit for it.
“Ayyy YOOOO @ChilesJordan,,, imma make you a BRONZE CLOCK NECKLACE,,, and that’s something NO ONE else has,!!! Hit me up my girl,,, I gotchu,!!!” Flav wrote on X (formerly Twitter), where he added a GIF of himself dancing at the Olympics while wearing a clock necklace of his own.
According to Newsweek, Chiles told NBC after the win that the accomplishment was “a dream come true,” she added, “It’s my first time ever in an event final. Like we said, it was a redemption tour, and I just wanted to come out and do the best that I could. So, this medal means everything. First event final, first event medal, like, oh my gosh! I have no words, but I’m very proud of myself.”
However, that dream quickly turned to disappointment when the Romanian Federation of Gymnastics filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), alleging that Chiles’ inquiry had been submitted too late. The court agreed, and Chiles has been ruled to be in fifth place and has to return her bronze medal. However, Team USA Olympics has vowed to keep fighting for her to keep it.
Recently, Flavor Flav showed off the custom clock on X, writing, “USA gonna Fight the Powers that be,,, in the meantime between time,,, Imma always [be] a man of my word @ChilesJordan,” he referenced Public Enemy’s infamous song “Fight the Power.”
When Flav first made the offer, Gina Chiles–the gymnast’s mother commented, “Thank you. Means the world. She’s not on socials right now as you can imagine. I’ll share it with her.”
Today, Jordan Chiles returned to social media briefly to release a statement saying the decision to strip her of her medal “feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey.”
She added, “I will never waver from my values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, upholding the values of sportsmanship and the rules that dictate fairness. I have taken pride in cheering on everyone regardless of team or country. Finding joy has been a culture shift and I love seeing others embrace it. I feel like I have given everyone permission to be authentic to who they are.”
In the wake of a 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony that dealt heavily in French indie and electronic music, one of the featured songs — Kavinsky‘s 2010 electronic classic “Nightcall” — has experienced a major streaming surge. On Saturday (Aug. 10), the day before the Closing Ceremony was held in Paris, “Nightcall” had 281,000 total global […]
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: John Walton – PA Images / Getty
A petition calling for action against alleged misconduct by Paris Olympics breaker Raygun went viral with over 58,000 signatures.
The Paris Olympic Games have ended, but the controversy over Australian B-girl Raygun and her performance – which included a move some called a “kangaroo hop” – is ongoing. It led to an online petition that was created accusing her of “unethical conduct,” which has garnered thousands of signatures. The petition, which was created on Tuesday (Aug. 13) by an individual identifying themselves as “Someone Who hates corruption,” was on Change.org and at last report had over 58,000 signatures.
“We, the undersigned, call for immediate accountability and transparency in the recent actions of Rachel Gunn and Anna Mears in the selection process for Australia’s female breakdancer representative at the upcoming Olympics,” the petition begins. “Rachel Gunn, who set up her own governing body for breakdancing, has manipulated the selection process to her own advantage. Despite the clear talent and qualification of other outstanding female breakdancers like G Clef and Holy Molly, they were unfairly overlooked. The NT Youlong Boys, a group of incredibly talented and underprivileged youth from the Northern Territory, were denied crucial funding by Dr. Gunn to attend the qualifiers—a decision that directly impacted their chance to showcase their skills on a national stage.” The theory sprang up online after Raygun aka Rachel Gunn earned an astonishing score of zero through her three preliminary rounds of competition, which became viral across social media leading to a bevy of memes making fun of her.
The Sydney Morning Herald began their investigation into Gunn, a lecturer at the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and Literature at Macquarie University in Sydney. They found that the claim behind the online petition wasn’t true and that Gunn advanced due to coming in first in one of three regional competitions. The Change.org petition has since been taken down after requests from the Australian Olympic Committee on Thursday (Aug. 15). AOC spokesman said in a statement that Gunn was “selected through a transparent and independent qualification event and nomination process.”
Gunn, however, is still dealing with the international response to her Olympic showing calling it “pretty devastating” but remaining positive. “I went out there, and I had fun. I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics, and I gave my all. Truly,” she said in an ESPN interview.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Xinhua News Agency / Getty
American sprinter Noah Lyles is facing backlash after being spotted out partying in Paris days after his COVID-19 diagnosis.
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games ended Sunday (Aug. 11). Still, track superstar Noah Lyles had social media buzzing after he was spotted on video partying days after revealing he was dealing with COVID-19. Lyles, who won the men’s 100 meter, was spotted on video at L’Arc nightclub hours after the closing ceremonies dancing while draped in an American flag to a Pop Smoke song. The footage surprised many who expressed frustration. Lyles’ diagnosis was revealed after he collapsed on the track after the 200 meter men’s final on Thursday evening, leading to him having to be wheeled out in a wheelchair.
Lyles would later share a picture of a negative COVID test in a post on X, formerly Twitter, Saturday (Aug. 10), with the caption, “Thank God, I am Covid free.” Lyles would capture bronze in the 200 meter, which he has proven to be dominant in past track and field competitions, but he would pull out of the men’s 4×100 relay final. The U.S. team would later be disqualified for an invalid baton exchange, extending their medal drought – the team hasn’t won gold since the 2000 Sydney Games, and last medaled in 2004 with a silver at the Athens Games.
The 27-year-old confirmed that he had tested positive for COVID-19 that Tuesday beforehand, which meant that he ran the 100 meter while sick. He wanted to run despite the diagnosis, and permission was granted by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. In an interview with the Associated Press that day, Lyles spoke about his thoughts on being diagnosed, saying that he was more concerned about the severe effects of the virus than his temperature (he suffers from asthma), which shot up to 102 degrees, according to his coach Lance Bauman.
Lyles denied that, saying the highest it reached was 99 degrees. “Then asthma joining in on that and making it even worse, that was our worst fear,” he said. “We were back in the medical bay underneath the track. Their biggest concern was me getting bronchitis because we didn’t want something to get infected and the asthma really starts to take form. We really had to jump on top of that.”
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.
Suni Lee, the six-time Olympic medalist and gymnastics sensation, has taken over TikTok by storm with her latest viral beauty trend: a chic and natural lip combo. Lee’s lip look features a blend of three essential products: Makeup Forever’s “Anywhere Caffeine” Lip Liner, the Makeupforever “Wherever Walnut” Lip Liner, and the Olehenriksen Peptide Lip Treatment.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
In her TikTok tutorial, Lee guides her followers through each step to achieve her signature, Olympics-ready lip look. She starts by outlining her lips with the “Anywhere Caffeine” Lip Liner. Next, she fills in the inner parts of the lips using the “Wherever Walnut” Lip Liner, adding depth and dimension. To finish, Lee applies the Olehenriksen Peptide Lip Treatment, which she describes as “super thick, super glossy,” giving her lips a hydrated and shiny finish.
Trending on Billboard
“Everyone has different skin tones, so it might look different but here it is,” she said. Whether you’re aiming for a natural lip look or a subtle evening glam, this lip combo is adaptable and easy to recreate. Lee’s step-by-step breakdown offers an accessible way to capture her effortlessly polished style.
Lee’s favorite lip liners are available at Makeup Forever, Khol’s, Nordstrom and Cult Beauty. For the Olehenriksen Peptide Lip Treatment, you can get it from Ulta Beauty or directly from Olehenriksen.com.
Sephora
Makeup Forever Artists Color Pencil “Anywhere Caffeine” Longwear Lip Liner
$24
$24
$24
Olehenriksen
Olehenriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
If you are new to the Olehenriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, it’s known for achieving fuller and more hydrated lips. According to the brand, this treatment not only plumps and smooths your pout but also helps maintain a fuller look in just one week. One Olehenriksen customer said, “The formula is so amazing my lips always feel so soft ! I repurchase all the time!” This is a great option to enhance your natural lip look while keeping your lips healthy and nourished.
For more product recommendations, check out this roundup of best makeup bags, alternative must-have makeup products, and these Too Faced Cosmetics makeup products to add to your cart.
After going viral for her performance at the 2024 Olympics, Australian breakdancer Raygun has now been immortalized on late night television thanks to Rachel Dratch’s hilarious impression of her on The Tonight Show Monday (Aug. 12). During his monologue, host Jimmy Fallon only needed to mention that breakdancing made its Olympic debut at the Paris […]
Dr. Dre wants to represent the USA when the Olympics come to Los Angeles in 2028 and he’s looking for a tryout on the archery team. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Dre revealed his history with archery goes back to junior high school and he’s continued to hone his skills with target practice in his backyard. […]
While Snoop Dogg was taking swimming lessons with Michael Phelps and learning the finer points of dressage with Martha Stewart, fellow hip-hop icon Flavor Flav was also zooming all around Paris checking out as many Olympic competitions as possible. The Public Enemy rapper who famously jetted over to support his beloved USA women’s water polo team didn’t let the end of the games stop him from continuing the flag-waving, though.
On Monday night (August 12), the MC best known for sporting a ubiquitous oversized clock pendant around his neck offered to supply U.S. gymnastics team star Jordan Chiles with some new bronze bling after she was ordered to return her bronze medal from the individual floor exercise competition following what the sport’s governing body said was a late protest filed by her coach over scoring.
“FLAVOR FLAV::: USA gonna Fight The Powers that be,,, but in the meantime between time,,, I gots yo back @jordanchiles Hit me up 👍🏾,” Flav wrote on Instagram alongside a video of a giant, bejeweled bronze clock pendant spinning in front of an American flag. USA Gymnastics announced on Monday )(August 12) that the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) denied the tumbler’s appeal to reinstate the bronze she received after the August 5 final.
Trending on Billboard
Chiles initially came in fifth place when the competition ended, putting her behind Romanian gymnasts Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who were tied at 13.700; Chiles’ original score was 13.666. After her coaches appealed the score, arguing that she didn’t get enough credit for the more difficult maneuvers in her routine, the judges agreed and changed Chiles’ score to 13.766, putting her in the bronze medal zone. On Saturday, CAS ruled that Chiles’ challenge came four seconds to late, resulting in her losing her medal.
Before the games kicked off, Flav took a liking to the women’s water polo team and pledged $1,000 and a free cruise for all the chronically underpaid athletes and later offered to help 24-year-old discus hurler Veronica Fraley after the Vanderbilt University student said she couldn’t afford her rent. “I gotchu,,, DM me and I’ll send payment TODAY so you don’t have to worry bout it TOMORROW,” Flav replied to Fraley’s lament.
Check out Flav’s offer to Chiles below.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Team USA‘s Women’s basketball team survived a thriller in their gold medal contest against Team France, and it was far closer than the Team USA Men’s basketball gold medal game. With the victory, the Women’s team became the first team in any sport to win eight consecutive gold medals.
With some of the WNBA’s best talent on the squad, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson led the team with 21 pints and 13 boards to go along with four crucial blocks. They needed all they could get from Wilson as France’s Gabby Williams, a former WNBA player and past collegiate champion with the University of Connecticut. Williams led the charge for Team France, who wouldn’t go away, and nearly tied the game up at the buzzer with a last-second heave but it was ruled a two-point shot.
From NBC Olympics:
Not without a whole lot of agita first, though. Less than 24 hours after these countries’ men’s teams delivered a fourth quarter for the ages, the women did the same, with six ties and six lead changes over the final 10 minutes of play. France had an answer every time the U.S. looked primed to make a run, taking a two-point lead with just 5:03 to go. But Copper poured in four straight points to put Team USA back ahead, and Wilson hit a circus jumper to stretch the lead to three.
It seemed like the U.S. had finally put things away when Plum cashed two free throws to go up 65-61 with just 11 seconds left. But then Williams almost pulled off a final flurry for the ages, hitting one quick 3 to keep France alive and then, after two more free throws, getting a heave to go that very nearly forced overtime.
It was one of the better sporting events to take place at the 2024 Summer Olympics and proved that the world is indeed catching up with the American basketball stars on both sides. Kudos to Team France for an exciting finish.
—
Photo: Getty
About halfway through the 2024 Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony on Sunday (Aug. 11) — after a parade of athletes triumphantly made their way into the Stade de France to mark the end of the 2024 Summer Olympics — the band Phoenix was huddled underground waiting for their cue.
“Usually, backstage areas can be sad places,” Phoenix’s Laurent Brancowitz, who plays guitar and keyboards, tells Billboard. “All you usually see is a security guard waiting for his shift to end and a guy handing out bottles of water. But this time it was beautiful. Looking out and seeing the light, the haze and people in costumes. We could see dancers jump just above our heads. It was an ant colony full of people who were really happy.”
The hordes of volunteers, performers and athletes convened to help bid Paris adieu to 19 days of the global spotlight. Along for the ride were a bevy of artists to help preview the 2028 Olympics Games in Los Angeles: H.E.R. sang the U.S. National Anthem from the stadium, while Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre all performed live on location from Long Beach, Calif.
Trending on Billboard
Those on hand representing France included the French singer Zaho de Sagazan and dancer Arthur Cadre, as well as Phoenix, one of the country’s most popular musical exports over the past two decades. (They originally formed in nearby Versailles in 1995.) But while it typically takes years of intricate planning for an Olympics to come together (plotting for Paris began back in 2017), Phoenix only had around two weeks to construct what amounted to a 20-minute set.
“We knew we were being considered and at some point we were actually first approached about appearing at the Opening Ceremony,” says frontman Thomas Mars of the initial planning, masterminded by creative director Thomas Jolly (who also plotted the July 26 Opening Ceremony). “We were telling them that whatever they needed, we’d love to participate,” says Mars. “The Olympics have that kind of pressure that’s right for music somehow.”
While the rain-soaked Opening Ceremony famously wound up featuring the likes of Lady Gaga and Celine Dion, Phoenix didn’t get word until late July that plans had shifted to feature the band prominently during the grand finale of the games. “We were thinking, ‘Is this a gift or are we going to make fools of ourselves?’” Mars muses of receiving just two weeks of advanced notice. “The only thing they told us is to put on a show for the athletes who are probably going to go wild.”
One of the first major decisions was to feature an array of fellow artists and friends to round out their set. “We reached out to a few people, and for some it didn’t work out because they were on tour,” says Mars. Eventually they successfully recruited Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig, the French duo Air, Cambodian rapper VannDa and French-Belgian pop singer Angèle. In a full circle moment, they also invited the electro pop artist Kavinsky to perform his 2010 song “Nightcall,” a track Mars was initially asked to sing on before its release. “The producer of that song, Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, first reached out when he made it and asked me to hop on, but we have a rule that we don’t do music outside of Phoenix,” says Mars. “So when we reached out to Kavinsky, I was like ‘What part was I originally supposed to sing?’”
Phoenix’s set also featured an unscripted moment where hundreds of athletes stormed the stage in excitement, breaking LED screens and crowding the space along the way. “When we saw everybody, we understood something unplanned was happening,” recalls Brancowitz. “But it turned out to be the perfect situation for a live show. It was a very joyful kind of chaos.”
However, there was some anxiety. “In the back of my mind, the structural engineer in me was like, ‘Is this stage going to survive 800 muscular athletes jumping in sync on top of it?’ But the people organizing handled the situation and managed to clear the stage without creating any drama.”
Mars also couldn’t help himself, at one point jumping into the crowd and getting hoisted up. “I asked the producers if I could, and I figured they’d say no because of security, but they were totally game,” says Mars. “All of the American athletes were actually gathered in one section, so when we did ‘1901’ (the song that helped break the band in the States), the Americans were most pumped up. One guy actually handed me his gold medal and wanted me to put it on, but in a split second I thought wearing it would be wrong. The heroes are the athletes, but it was a beautiful exchange.” Along the way, Mars raised a finger in the air as a tribute to Philippe Zdar, the French producer who worked on “1901” and passed away in 2019.
After Phoenix (and Tom Cruise’s much talked-about stunt jump from the top of the stadium), the focus shifted to Los Angeles in a segment produced by producer Ben Winston’s Fulwell 73, the outfit known for their recent work on the Grammy Awards. Production began on Long Beach’s Belmont Shore last week, when a bevy of trucks and hundreds of staff moved in. It was so secretive that many of the staffers weren’t even informed what they were working on beforehand. The Los Angeles portion kicked off at around 2 p.m. PT, featuring some of the city’s biggest musical acts, including Billie Eilish, who sang her latest “Birds of a Feather” accompanied by brother Finneas.
When the action cut back to Paris, the grand finale came in the form of French singer Yseult crooning an emotional version of Frank Sinatra’s 1969 hit “My Way.” It was a spirited choice considering the song has French origins; composed by Jacques Revaux, it was originally titled “Comme d’habitude” before Paul Anka concocted its now-iconic English lyrics custom-written to Sinatra’s then-retirement.
“I was confidentially told a few weeks ago that they just might be featuring ‘My Way’ as part of the show,” Anka tells Billboard of a call that came from organizers to give its writer a heads up. “The song has had all kinds of lives and it means a lot to France. I thought, ‘Wow! If they pull it off, that’d be pretty cool.” In the intervening time, it was radio silence until he was watching at home like everybody else. “I respected the take on it and I thought it was amazingly orchestrated, and by the end I thought it really kicked ass,” says Anka. “I also love how they chose a female performer because you usually hear men singing it. But with what the Olympics mean and what those athletes go through, to end the games with ‘My Way’ was one of the great moments I’ve ever had with that song, let alone in my career.”
When all was said and done and the audience departed, the performers couldn’t help but stick around and soak in the moment. “We had the stadium to ourselves,” says Phoenix’s Mars. “Everybody involved in creating the show just wandered around and stayed until really late.” In fact, Mars compares their Olympic turn to their 2009 star-making Saturday Night Live debut, which they said was the most consequential performance of their career. That is, until last night.
“People ask what’s next, and the only other thing would be to perform on SNL’s 50th anniversary special, if the powers-that-be are listening,” says Mars with a wink of the show’s upcoming anniversary special in February. “But really, performing at the Olympics was like when you have a kid. You come back and you can’t sleep, you’re just so excited. That’s how good it was. It compares with having a kid.”