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Like Ice Cube was for the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two, New York Yankees fans were hoping that Fat Joe would serve as a good luck charm for the team heading into game three of the 2024 World Series on Monday (Oct. 28).
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Joey Crack took the field in a pair of signature brown Timberland boots to warm up the 40,000-plus fans at Yankee Stadium. Rocking a Yankees letterman jacket and a matching NYY x Terror Squad fitted cap, the Bronx native tweaked some of the lyrics to his hits to go with the baseball theme and rep for his hometown squad. Joe kicked off the set with his “Lean Back” anthem before moving into Ja Rule’s “New York” and closing out with “All the Way Up.”
As he performed, Fat Joe headed to the pitcher’s mound — which had to give the grounds crew members a collective heart attack — where he named some Yankee legends after Derek Jeter threw out the honorary first pitch to have the fans ready to roar for game three.
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“Even when Fat Joe came out, the body language from the fans was like, ‘Damn!’ I was like, ‘What’s going on here?’ Are we in a funeral already?” MLB Fox Sports analyst and former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz said.
Many fans seemed to be perplexed by the performance, as many remained seated. Others roasted Joe and the Yankees on social media. “Fat Joe opening up for the Yankees might be one of the worst things I’ve ever witnessed,” one person tweeted.
Another chimed in: “I’m not a hater, BUT Fat Joe opening up for the Yankees might be one of the worst things I’ve ever seen. I think they got him on SALE 50% OFF.”
Even diehard Yankees fan Desus Nice was displeased, tweeting, “good morning to everyone except fat Joe and his trump sneakers!”
Some wondered why they couldn’t get fellow New York rappers such as Jay-Z or 50 Cent to pull up. Hov previously performed “Empire State of Mind” at Yankee Stadium ahead of game two of the 2009 World Series, which is the last time NYY appeared in the Fall Classic.
But it wasn’t all bad news for the rapper. Some fans chimed in to show their support on social media. “We won no matter the outcome as far as I’m concerned @fatjoe,” one fan wrote on Instagram over a photo of the performer on the field.
“BIG Bronx showed up!” another added over a snap of Big Joe performing, adding a “100” and fist-bump emojis.
Unfortunately, Joe’s performance wasn’t able to help power the Yankees to a win, as the team now faces a 0-3 deficit to the Dodgers. The Yankees’ bats largely went quiet into the night with Monday night bringing on a 4-2 defeat.
Fat Joe and the NYY will look to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Dodgers on Tuesday evening (Oct. 29) in game four. No performances are scheduled for pre-game.
Watch Fat Joe’s performance below.
French Montana‘s story is an “Unforgettable” one. Now, it’s getting the documentary treatment.
The French Montana Story: For Khadija is headed to Paramount+ on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and Billboard has the exclusive first look at the trailer for the new feature.
“I’m a real immigrant, fresh off the boat. No access to nothing to become this dream I always dreamed about,” the three-time Grammy-nominated rapper says in the trailer. “They sell you the dream, they don’t show you the nightmare. The power of music and art … the story for a lot of immigrants out there is sacrifice — to better themselves, to better their family.”
Featuring appearances from Drake, Fat Joe, Jim Jones, Max B, Rick Ross, Harry Fraud, Funkmaster Flex, CokeBoy Zack and Chinx, The French Montana Story surveys the rise of French Montana, a Moroccan-born rapper with billions of streams to his name. From the moment his father abandoned his family — leaving his mother to raise three young sons in the Bronx on her own — to his own unique immigrant journey that took him through the streets of New York to the Billboard charts, French Montana’s tenacity, verve and grit are on full display in his new documentary.
“This is the best project I’ve ever worked on in my life,” Montana said in a press release. “It’s the first blueprint of an immigrant’s music dream, proving that anything is possible and it’s not about the awards, it’s about what we learn from the losses and sacrifices.”
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French Montana
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The French Montana Story is directed by Mandon Lovett and executive produced by Karim “French Montana” Kharbouch for Montana Entertainment, alongside Live Nation Productions’ Michael Rapino and Ryan Kroft for MTV Entertainment Studios. Additional executive producers include Drake and Sean “Diddy” Combs. In 2023, the feature-length documentary had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The new documentary isn’t Montana’s first major release in 2024. In February, he released his 23rd mixtape, Mac & Cheese 5, which reached No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and housed collaborations with countless hip-hop heavyweights, including Meek Mill, Westside Gunn, 41, JID, Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Lil Wayne and Ye (the artist formerly known as Kanye West).
French Montana has landed eight projects on the Billboard 200, including 2013’s Excuse My French (No. 4) and 2017’s Jungle Rules (No. 3). On the Billboard Hot 100, he has scored 18 career entries, including the top 10 hits “Unforgettable” (No. 3, with Swae Lee) and “Loyal” (No. 9, with Chris Brown & Lil Wayne).
Watch Billboard‘s exclusive first look at the trailer for The French Montana Story: For Khadija below:
Donald Trump apparently wanted 50 Cent in da club. The Grammy-winning rapper appeared on The Breakfast Club on Tuesday (Oct. 29), and shared that he was offered $3 million to appear at Trump’s recent New York City rally held at Madison Square Garden.
During their chat, DJ Envy asked 50, “Is it true Donald Trump tried to give you money to endorse him one time?”
The rapper told his hosts that he got a call from the twice-impeached former president about “Sunday” (Oct. 27), with Jess Hilarious clarifying by asking whether he was talking about MSG, which 50 confirmed.
“They wanted you to perform ‘Many Men’ at the RNC too, right?” Charlamagne Tha God then asked. (The Get Rich or Die Tryin’ track soundtracked Trump’s entrance to Adin Ross’ stream in August.)
“Yeah. They offered me $3 million!” the “In Da Club” rapper shared. A surprised Charlamagne then asked if it was for the event at Madison Square Garden or the RNC, with 50 replying that it was indeed for the MSG rally. He also replied in the affirmative when Charlamagne asked whether he was offered payment as well for the Republican National Convention.
50 — who did not appear at the RNC in July nor at Trump’s NYC rally — went on to explain why he rejected the offers. “I didn’t even go far,” he told the three hosts of the offers. “I’m afraid of politics, you understand? I do not like it. … It’s because when you do get involved in it, no matter how you feel, somebody passionately disagrees with you. Look, if you say ‘I stay away from religion,’ I stay away from politics. Religion, that’s the formula for the confusion that it sent Kanye to Japan. He said something about both of those things and now he can only go to Japan. So you know I’m like I don’t want to get in that, man.”
Billboard has reached out to Trump’s campaign for comment.
In recent years, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) has supported Trump, before declaring on July 4, 2020, that he was running for president as well. (He did not get far in his efforts, missing South Carolina’s July 20 deadline that year to get on the ballot.) Then beginning in October 2022, the rapper repeatedly made antisemitic hate speech, which resulted in him facing consequences that included losing brand deals, declines of airplay of his music catalog and more.
In 2020, 50 Cent supported Trump — who in May was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records — before retracting his endorsement after former girlfriend Chelsea Handler called him out. “F–k Donald Trump, I never liked him,” the rapper later said when retweeting a video of the comedian — who preveriously referred the rapper as her favorite ex — on The Tonight Show in which she criticized her ex for his support of the business mogul.
Watch 50’s interview on The Breakfast Club below:
Beyoncé said on Tuesday (Oct. 29) that she is bursting with pride after her mom, Tina Knowles, announced that she is prepping a memoir for spring 2025. “Mama, I couldn’t be prouder. My love for you goes beyond what I can say,” the singer wrote on Instagram in a post featuring the colorful, gilded cover the the book entitled Matriarch: A Memoir, which is due out in stores on April 22.
“You put your heart into this book. I’m happy for you to share some of the stories that shaped you into who you are. To know you is to love you. But please don’t spill too much Mama Tea,” Bey wrote.
The post came after Tina Knowles announced the book on her Insta feed, revealing the cover that features the family matriarch seated in a flower-filled background in a yellow skirt and black top inside a gold picture frame.
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“I have always been a storyteller, and it’s something I learned from my mother. When I had a family of my own, I believed that my daughters needed to know where they came from in order to know where they were going,” Knowles wrote. “I’m now ready to share my story with all of you, so that we can all celebrate these themes of strength, motherhood, Black pride, and identity.”
Knowles — mother of Bey and her younger sister, singer Solange — said she called the book Matriarch because among things that inspire her are the “wisdom that women pass on to each other, generation to generation — and the inner wisdom we long to uncover in ourselves. Even at 70 I am still learning valuable lessons — revelations that I wish that I would have had at 40 or even 20,” she wrote. “I want to share this knowledge now, one to one with the reader, as we laugh and sometimes cry together through all the stages of our lives.”
A description of the book from Penguin Random House describes a memoir that will take the reader on a journey to meet Knowles from when she was a “precocious, if unruly, little girl growing up in 1950s Galveston, the youngest of seven. She is in love with her world, with extended family on every other porch and the sounds of Motown and the lapping beach always within earshot. But as the realities of race and the limitations of girlhood set in, she begins to dream of the world beyond. Her instincts and impulsive nature drive her far beyond the shores of Texas to discover the life awaiting her on the other side of childhood.”
It continues, “that life’s journey — through grief and tragedy, creative and romantic risks and turmoil, the nurturing of superstar offspring and of her own special gifts — is the remarkable story she shares with readers here. This is a page-turning chronicle of family love and heartbreak, of loss and perseverance, and of the kind of creativity, audacity, and will it takes for a girl from Galveston to change the world. It’s one brilliant woman’s intimate and revealing story, and a multigenerational family saga that carries within it the story of America — and the wisdom that women pass on to each other, mothers to daughters, across generations.”
Knowles and Beyoncé co-founded the clothing line House of Deréon and the spin-off brand Miss Tina and earlier this year the former hair salon owner helped create Cécred, Bey’s haircare line.
After spending four nights at New York’s Barclays Center during his Past, Present, Future Tour over the summer, Usher looks to recreate his magic at the Brooklyn arena this December with the announcement of two new shows there. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news After the Barclays […]
The life and legacy of esteemed artist Luther Vandross is the focus of a new exhibit at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance will open on Nov. 20 with an exclusive preview of the forthcoming documentary Luther: Never Too Much and a sneak peak of the exhibit. Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance is being presented in partnership with Primary Wave Music and The Luther Vandross Estate.
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The screening of the Dawn Porter-directed documentary will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers. Produced by Raindog Films and Foxxhole Productions for Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing, in association with Trilogy Films, Luther: Never Too Much will premiere on CNN, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and Max in 2025.
The exhibit and screening are also in tandem with the Dec. 13 release of the new compilation Never Too Much: Greatest Hits, which features Vandross’ new single: the previously unreleased cover of the Beatles’ “Michelle.” Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance will be on display through June 15, 2025.
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“The Luther Vandross Estate is excited to be sharing Luther’s musical legacy with the Grammy Museum and its visitors through this upcoming exhibit,” the estate said in the press release. “It is a special window into all of Luther Vandross’ talents — singer, of course, but also music producer, live performer, stage craft master, wardrobe designer and songwriter. Showcasing all of these amazing elements of Luther the artist via the long-cherished possessions of his personal archives is a treat for die-hard fans and new ones.”
“Luther Vandross is a cherished icon who defined the smooth, jazz-inspired era of R&B and whose timeless love songs have graced countless weddings, graduations, and family reunions for the past several decades,” said Grammy Museum curator Kelsey Goelz. “The Grammy Museum is thrilled to provide fans a close look into his incredible achievements in the studio and onstage.”
Exhibit highlights include hand-beaded suits and jumpsuits that Vandross and his background singers wore during his 1991 Power of Love tour; original fashion sketches of his tour wardrobe; handwritten lyrics and studio notes for the 1996 song “I Can Make It Better” plus an exclusive recording of Vandross crafting the song; original sheet music for “Never Too Much,” the No. 1 R&B hit and title track of his 1981 debut studio album; and six of the artist’s eight Grammy Awards.
Vandross died in 2005 at age 54 due to complications from a stroke.
“I Can Make It Better” Handwritten Lyrics.
Courtesy of The LV Estate
Bassist/songwriter/producer Marcus Miller was a longtime friend and creative collaborator who worked on Never Too Much and other recordings during Vandross’ career. “It’s incredible that with all the gifted singers out there, Luther was able to carve out his own totally unique space,” noted Miller. “No one could replicate Luther’s sound, his songwriting genius or even his covers of other people’s songs. Luther was a complete and utter perfectionist with a very specific vision of how he wanted things to be.
“His shows were theatrical masterpieces, and Luther was involved in every detail of their production: his vocals, his background singers’ harmonies, their choreography and even his background singers’ gowns! The gown beading had to be exquisite and authentic. The furs had to be real. I would say, ‘Luther, no one’s gonna know if the furs are real!!’ To which he would reply: ‘I will know!’ That was part of the magic of Luther, his unyielding commitment to excellence. It was truly an honor to have worked with my friend and big brother, Luther Vandross.”
For tickets and more information about Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance, please visit the Grammy Museum website.
It’s hard to imagine another celebrity who would make Beyoncé blush. But when Bey met Willie (again) at the Kamala Harris rally in Houston on Friday, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” star could not say enough about how much the country icon means to her.
“The Great Willie! You are the coolest!,” she wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday morning (Oct. 29) featuring a snap of her with Willie Nelson backstage at the event, in which she is wearing her black skirt and jacket ensemble and Nelson is rocking black jeans, a red bandana and a funky Harris/Walz t-shirt. “I admire you, and I sincerely thank you for being the pioneer you are. Thanks for your impactful music, your advocacy, and the gracious way you appreciate and celebrate other artists! You are 1 of 1.”
Bey also recalled that Nelson was “so kind” to her and the other members of Destiny’s Child when they “fanned out” about meeting him years ago. “And you greeted me with the same kindness 20 years later!” she said. “You are one of our national treasures.”
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In addition to meeting up twice in the past 20 years, Bey recruited Nelson for the appropriately toke-tastic “Smoke Hour,” one of the radio-themed interludes on her country-leaning Cowboy Carter album. Both musicians appeared in Bey’s hometown of Houston on Friday (Oct. 25) at a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, where Beyoncé and her Destiny’s Child bandmate, Kelly Rowland endorsed the current Vice President.
“I’m not here as a celebrity,” Beyoncé said. “I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother. A mother who cares, deeply, about the world my children and all of our children live in. A world where we have the freedom to control our bodies. A world where we’re not divided. Our past, our present, our future merge to meet us here.”
Nelson, 91, opened the event for tens of thousands by asking the crowd, “Are we ready to say Madam President?” before playing his classic hits “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” and “On the Road Again.”
Beyoncé didn’t just share the stage with Nelson, though. In her photo roll, Bey also appeared to model a very special souvenir from Nelson — his branded “pretend it never happened” red bandana — smiling broadly with her hands on her head as she showed off the one-of-a-kind keepsake.
The photo series also featured a moody black-and-white snap of Nelson performing, a GIF of the country legend blowing a kiss to the audience, another shot of her and mother, Tina Knowles, posing with Willie, a throwback image of a 2004 Texas Monthly cover story in which Queen Bey wore a Nelson T-shirt and red bandana and a final GIF of her snuggling up to her Nelson headgear.
Nelson and Beyoncé are just the latest in a growing roster of A-listers who have thrown their support behind Harris in her battle against convicted felon Donald Trump. Among the others who’ve endorsed Harris are: Taylor Swift, Usher, Eminem, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cher, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Billie Eilish and Finneas, Charli XCX, George Clooney, Barbra Streisand, Megan Thee Stallion, Stevie Wonder, John Legend and many more.
On Monday, a number of artists born in Puerto Rico, including Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny and Luis Fonsi — and Jennifer Lopez, whose parents were born in P.R. — also threw their support behind Harris in the wake of the racist, misogynistic and antisemitic comments made by a comedian at twice impeached former President Trump’s rally at New York’s Madison Square Garden over the weekend. Among the off-color jokes made by podcaster Tony Hinchcliffe was one in which he said, “There’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.”
Hip-hop changed the course of Tim Hinshaw’s life in more ways than one as explained in the music executive’s new profile in partnership with Billboard and INFINITI.
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As an honoree of the 2024 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players list and our 2022 Executive of the Year, the Compton native opened up about his family, humble beginnings, and relationship with hip-hop. “One of my best memories as a kid was my first road trip. My dad had the INFINITI Q45. He loved that car. It had gold BBS’s. It was like my first introduction to a luxury vehicle.” Hinshaw admitted in his interview in front of the all-new 2025 INFINITI QX80.“I grew up on the west side of Compton. I could find a CD and what they were saying on the songs was stuff I was going through in my everyday life. It was almost like a therapy session.” Hinshaw, the former Head of Hip-Hop & R&B for Amazon Music, has experienced his share of professional hurdles. In fact, some of his earliest memories of the music industry involved multiple accounts of rejection. “I just don’t accept ‘no’ and I think that’s just about how I came up,” he recalled. “I’ve seen my mom make her way around so many different ‘no’ situations, so you can’t tell me ‘no.’” Fast forward to 2023 and Hinshaw launched his own creative agency, Free Lunch. “I’ve always had a unique way of bridging culture and corporate. That is my superpower,” he admitted.
As a tastemaker in the industry, the exec admitted the car is his ideal setting to press play and turn the volume up. “The car test is the most important test, I think. I can’t really give an opinion until I hear it in the car,” he said.
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While the INFINITI QX80 boasts a range of features perfect for a road trip for eight, Hinshaw has his own relationship with the concept of luxury. “I’m a simple person. Being able to wake up with my kids, take them to school and having premium sound while driving, that’s luxury,” he told us.
Regarding his advice to folks hoping to make a mark on the industry, Hinshaw said it all boils down to redefining yourself. “You gotta tinker with yourself every day from a personal standpoint, from a career development standpoint, from a money management standpoint. You really have to take the time and effort to pick yourself apart and put yourself back together,” he explained.
Click here for the latest announcements on Hinshaw’s Free Lunch agency.
Photo: Rashida Zagon
Photo: Rashida Zagon
In a since-deleted Instagram Story, Lil Uzi Vert posted a picture teasing their tracklist to their upcoming album Eternal Atake 2. Most of the songs were purposely obstructed by two Roc-A-Fella chains and a watch, but track 15 tentatively entitled “Chill Ebro” was not. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, […]
10/28/2024
Tyler, The Creator’s seventh studio album ‘Chromakopia’ arrives and continues his torrid stretch as one of rap’s leading stars.
10/28/2024