R&B/Hip-Hop

14 Sep 2023

Ciara Laughs Hysterically When Asked About Co-Parenting With Future

During an interview with The Shade Room earlier this week, Ciara showed fans what co-parenting looks like with her ex-beau Future. Instead of providing a direct answer, the “Goodies” singer chuckled when asked the question.

The 15-second giggle caused The Shade Room host Thembi Mawema to join Ciara in laughter as they hurried over to the next question. “Thembi, you’re awesome,” she said while laughing.

“I feel like that says it all,” the host responded.

The ex-couple are parents to 9-year-old son Future Zahir, and they reportedly share custody.

Ciara and Future called off their engagement in 2014, and the following year, she began dating NFL star Russell Wilson. Ciara and Wilson married in 2016 and have two children, Sierra and Win. Last month, the couple announced that their third child is on the way.

The relationship between Ciara and Future has been tumultuous, with the rapper taking digs at Wilson via interviews and in songs. In July, Future reportedly sent several shots in Wilson’s direction on Quavo’s “Turn Yo Clic Up,” rapping: “Big dawg status, bill hopper/ I ball in his mall for my brothers/ Goyard bag, tote the Corduroy/ I got it out the field, f— Russell.”

Last year, Ciara spoke to Women’s Health about the spiritual awakening she needed to move on from her relationship with Future. “I told myself I’ve got to figure out how to navigate in the next chapter of my life,” she said. “All the things I was aspiring to have at that time, even thinking about love, I was like, ‘It’s going to happen when it’s supposed to.’ But I can’t love anybody to the best of my ability if I’m not loving on myself. I can’t be the best mom if I’m not loving on myself. So I put more focus on me, taking care of me; it was the best thing I could have done.”

Watch the full interview with Ciara below. 

14 Sep 2023

Offset Announces New Album ‘Set It Off’: Here’s When It Arrives

Offset is back. The rapper announced on Thursday (Sept. 14) that his upcoming album, Set It Off, is arriving on October 13.

He shared the announcement on Twitter alongside the album’s cover art, which features the star falling from an upside down city engulfed in flames. Set It Off will serve as a follow-up to his solo 2019 album, Father of 4, which arrived in 2019 and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. He also released an EP in 2021, Culture III (Offset’s Way). As a member of Migos, he released four studio albums.

Last month, Offset ended his legal battle with Quality Control Music, the label that helped launch Migos’ career. In August 2022, the rapper  — whose real name is Kiari Cephus — filed paperwork in Los Angeles seeking a declaratory judgement “that Quality Control has no rights, title, or interest in or to Offset’s recordings” since he bought out his deal with the company early last year. He alleged that despite buying the rights to his solo works, QC continued to claim ownership over his recordings.

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Offset is currently signed to Motown Records, under which Set It Off will be released. See the announcement and the corresponding cover art below.

14 Sep 2023

PnB Rock’s Girlfriend Describes ‘Deepest Depression’ on One-Year Anniversary of Rapper’s Death

PnB Rock‘s girlfriend opened up about the difficulty of marking the one-year anniversary of the “Selfish” rapper’s death on Wednesday (Sept. 13), writing in an emotional Instagram post that she’s struggled with how to mark the occasion.

“I’ve been in the deepest depression for a lil min contemplating todays date, which makes a year since your transition,” wrote Stephanie Sibounheuang a year after the MC born Rakim Allen, 30, was robbed and shot to death at a Roscoe’s House of Chicken’N Waffles restaurant in L.A. on Sept. 12 while the two were having a meal together.

“I argued with God about openly reliving this day and i absolutely did not want to, so this is an act of obedience,” she said alongside a picture of the couple in happier days chilling on a boat on a sunny day. “This same day last year, you could look into my eyes and and tell my soul was not in my body.
All I could hear were the gunshots over and over and they were so LOUD I couldn’t hear myself think.
I was so terrified and heartbroken.”

The photo roll also included a snap of the two celebrating an occasion with a giant ice cream cone cake and family pics of the two with their child, Xuri Li, and Rock’s daughter from a previous relationship, Milan.

Freddie Lee Trone, 41, and his then-17-year-old son were arrested a week after the shooting, with each charged with one count of murder, two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery; Shauntel Trone, 39, Trone’s wife and the boy’s step-mom was also arrested and charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to the killing and pleaded not guilty.

Sibounheuang also opened up about the day Rock was shot, writing, “You came to me and [daughter] Lani wearing all white and said those were not gunshots, they were fireworks. You did it! You changed for the better and you made it to paradise! Celebrate you!”

She added that she planned to honor her love on the anniversary and to “push thru and be joyful and celebrate you, just like you asked me to do. For I know this Earth is temporary and we will spend eternity together. You’re a legend and not only that…but a hero. I’m forever yours and forever loyal to you. I will live my life to the fullest because you gave your life for me. Thank you Lord for carrying us through a whole year and every day after this.”

See Sibounheuang’s post below.

14 Sep 2023

Sexyy Red’s ‘SkeeYee’ Crowns Inaugural TikTok Billboard Top 50 Chart

The initial TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart, dated Sept. 16, features Sexyy Red’s rising hit “SkeeYee” as the tally’s first No. 1.

The TikTok Billboard Top 50, announced Thursday (Sept. 14), is a weekly ranking of the most popular songs on TikTok in the U.S., based on creations, video views and user engagement. The maiden chart reflects activity from Sept. 4-10.

“SkeeYee,” which follows Sexyy Red’s breakthrough hit “Pound Town 2” (with Tay Keith and Nicki Minaj), reigns amid its notable prominence on TikTok over the past few weeks. Released in June, the song was initially aided by a trend in which users whipped their hair during the St. Louis rapper’s “skeeyee” ad lib, although many of the uploads to date have utilized the song in general videos, whether for comedy clips or otherwise.

Concurrently, “SkeeYee” bows at No. 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated Sept. 16. In the Sept. 1-7 tracking week, the song drew 6.5 million radio audience impressions (up 55%) and 6.2 million official streams (up 29%) and sold 1,000 downloads (up 28%) in the U.S., according to Luminate. (The Hot 100 blends streaming, radio airplay and sales data, incorporating streaming platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and more; for Billboard chart purposes, activity on TikTok is reflected solely on the TikTok Billboard Top 50.)

Sexyy Red boasts four songs on the inaugural TikTok Billboard Top 50, with “SkeeYee” followed by “Looking for the Hoes (Ain’t My Fault)” (No. 19), MCVERTT’s “Face Down,” on which she’s featured with Ferg (No. 27), and “Mad at Me” (No. 50). That’s the second-most appearances of any act on the chart; a leading six Taylor Swift songs infuse the first survey.

“I am so excited that so many of my songs are charting on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart,” Sexyy Red tells Billboard. “I always knew I would be a No. 1 type of artist, so I want to thank all my fans on TikTok for running my music up! I’m just being me on TikTok and people love it.”

Swift charts highest with her 2020 Folklore cut “August” at No. 3. Its high rank is concurrent not only with the end of August, but also general momentum in streaming for the song, which reached No. 23 on the Hot 100, following its first week of release in August 2020. It placed in the top 10 of Billboard’s Alternative Streaming Songs chart last month for the first time since 2020, and has risen as high as No. 3 (Aug. 19), spending the last three frames at No. 5.

Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red,” which ascends to No. 1 on the Hot 100, ranks at No. 2 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. Released in early August, it debuted at No. 15 on the Hot 100 dated Aug. 19 and has gained since sparked, in part, by TikTok usages, including viral dance choreography set to its chorus.

“Go!” by Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Tara Strong and Hyden Welch is No. 4 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. Superhero and animation fans may recognize the song as the theme to Teen Titans Go! to the Movies, the 2018 film spinoff of Cartoon Network’s Teen Titans Go!, performed by its voice cast. Many of its uploads utilize a “Hoodtrap Remix” from ProdByTTK, with some users adding animations of certain features of the Teen Titans characters set to each of their verses.

Rounding out the first TikTok Billboard Top 50’s top five, Zach Bryan’s “I Remember Everything” featuring Kacey Musgraves ranks at No. 5. Many TikTok videos spotlighting the song, from Bryan’s new self-titled album, are set to the lyric “I wish I didn’t, but I do/ Remember every moment on the nights with you,” with some users recalling past relationships.

The 50-position list doesn’t include only newly released or mostly modern songs. At No. 10 is Dazz Band’s “Let It Whip,” a No. 5 Hot 100 hit in summer 1982. The electrofunk track sports a resurgence more than 40 years later driven by a dance challenge featuring the song in which users try to emulate majorette-style dancing.

See the inaugural TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart here, and click on each entry to be sent to the TikTok sound page to learn more about what’s fueling each hit.

14 Sep 2023

Fat Joe Returns as Host for the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards

Fat Joe will host the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards for the second consecutive year, Billboard exclusively reports. Set to take place at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta on Oct. 3, the live broadcast will air the following week on Oct. 10 at 9 p.m. ET on BET. 

“We are thrilled to welcome back a true hip-hop legend in Fat Joe as this year’s host! As we round out a banner year of celebrating hip-hop’s landmark half-century of influencing culture, he is the perfect emcee to lead us through what promises to be an iconic night,” Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, tells Billboard. “Throughout his career, he has continued to be a leader within the culture, bridging the gap between generations. We can’t wait to watch what he comes up with for this year’s show.”

“Hip-hop is my life, and I’m extremely proud to return as host of BET Hip Hop Awards 2023,” Fat Joe adds. “We’re going to make this year’s award show even bigger while also celebrating our hip-hop stars and pioneers in a spectacular way. It’s going to be a legendary night of music and entertainment, and you’re not going to want to miss it.”

This year’s nominations include a diverse crowd of proven veterans, rising rookies, thriving producers and international stars. 21 Savage and Cardi B lead the way with 12 nominations, while Drake is right behind with nine. DJ Khaled and Burna Boy each have seven nods, while J. Cole has six. Jay-Z, Coi Leray, and GloRilla follow with five apiece. 

14 Sep 2023

Jay-Z’s Lexus From ‘Dead Presidents’ Video Is Now on Display at ‘Book of HOV’ Brooklyn Library Exhibit

As The Book of HOV draws fans inside the Brooklyn Public Library, the exhibit added a new installation for Jay-Z enthusiasts to enjoy. Roc Nation and Lexus partnered to bring the iconic 1993 Lexus GS 300 from Jay-Z’s 1996 “Dead Presidents” video, which is on display beginning Thursday (Sept. 14).

“We’re excited to partner with Lexus to bring Jay-Z’s iconic off-white Lexus to The Book of HOV. The new installation adds another element of Jay-Z’s career to the exhibit that visitors can enjoy,” said Desiree Perez, CEO Roc Nation, in a release. “The response to The Book of HOV has been overwhelming, so we’re excited to extend the exhibit to December to ensure new and returning attendees can have enough opportunities to fully immerse themselves into the experience.”

“In further celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we are thrilled to partner with Roc Nation in this special tribute to Jay-Z’s musical legacy,” added Mia Phillips, senior manager of Lexus Advertising & Media. “The vehicle display is recognition of the mutual respect and admiration between Lexus and Jay-Z, whose brilliance and contributions to culture extend far beyond hip-hop.”

Since debuting in July, The Book of HOV has highlighted the bevy of accolades and artifacts in Jay-Z’s career. Spanning eight sections, rooms such as “Hov Did That” contain his 2008 Glastonbury Festival guitar, a 2009 hand-written letter from the daughter of Frank Sinatra and his 2021 Rock and Roll of Fame Award. The 1993 Lexus GS 300 will remain on display for the remainder of The Book of HOV exhibit until December.

Check out the photos below.

Roc Nation and Lexus

Roc Nation and Lexus Partner for New Installation at The Book Of HOV Exhibit – JAY-Z’s Iconic “Off White Lexus”

Soul Brother

Roc Nation and Lexus

Roc Nation and Lexus Partner for New Installation at The Book Of HOV Exhibit – JAY-Z’s Iconic “Off White Lexus”

Soul Brother

14 Sep 2023

Drake Teases Upcoming ‘For All the Dogs’ Collaboration With SZA

On Wednesday night (Sept. 13), Drake teased an upcoming collaboration with SZA on his Instagram.  

The cover art is a throwback photo of Halle Berry drenched in green slime at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2012. Drake tagged SZA in the post, and the “Shirt” singer returned the favor and shared the image on her Instagram feed as well. 

Drake and SZA’s untitled collaboration would serve as their first in-studio collaboration. The pair have wound up the rumor mill over their dating history in the last few years, back to Drizzy’s mention of the TDE singer on 21 Savage’s 2020 track “Mr Right Now, where he rapped: “Said she wanna f–k to some SZA, wait/ ‘Cause I used to date SZA back in ’08.”

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SZA later addressed the rumors in a tweet, saying: “So It was actually 2009 lol … in this case a year of poetic rap license mattered lol. I think he jus innocently rhymed 08 w wait. Anybody who really knows me and was around during this time can confirm … it’s all love all peace.”

Earlier this week, Drake confirmed that For All The Dogs’ first single was coming. “I’m even going to say something tonight in Austin, Texas I haven’t said yet,” Drake said from the stage of the Moody Center. “I know y’all excited to hear the album. I know it’s, like two weeks out. I’m a drop a song for y’all this week. Yeah, yeah. What a time, what a time. I appreciate y’all. Deeply, by the way, I do. It’s a lot of love in Texas.” 

The elusive release date for Drake’s eighth studio album is currently Sept. 22.

Check out Drake and SZA’s post below. 

13 Sep 2023

Tinashe Recalls ‘Embarrassing’ Collaborations With R. Kelly & Chris Brown, Says She Was Pushed by Label

Back in 2015, while Tinashe was sign to RCA, she teamed up with Chris Brown for a song called “Player.” Shortly after, her R. Kelly team-up, “Let’s Be Real Now,” arrived. On Wednesday (Sept. 12), the singer reflected on working with two men accused of abuse on the Zach Sang Show.

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“I literally block out that R. Kelly song from my mind. I forget that it even exists,” she said in a clip from the interview posted to TikTok. “That is so embarrassing. That is so unreal that I even have a song with R. Kelly. That’s so embarrassing.”

She added that she was “so young” when “Let’s Be Real Now” came out, which Sang noted that there is not a lot of “control” over collaborators when you first sign to a label — and that it wasn’t fair for Tinashe to face scrutiny over the releases. “Especially when it comes to singles, for example, that song with with Chris [Brown],” Tinashe replied. “That was a song that we all wanted it to be this big moment, this big single. So, I feel like, in their mind, they were like, ‘You need the support.’ He was their biggest artist that they had on rhythmic radio at the time. To me, I was like, ‘Well, this is a pop song. So, I really don’t feel like we should put Chris on it.’ That doesn’t compute to me, but I don’t know.”

Brown has a history of alleged violence against women, dating back to his 2009 assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna. R. Kelly, meanwhile was found guilty in 2021 on all nine charges brought against him by the government, including racketeering and sex trafficking, at the end of his federal trial in New York.

Tinashe left RCA in 2019, and signed with Nice Life Recording Company earlier this year. See the full interview clip below.

13 Sep 2023

Beyonce Sends Flowers & Congratulatory Note to Coi Leray: ‘I Love Watching You Grow’

Beyoncé stays supporting her fellow female artists.

Coi Leray took to Instagram on Tuesday (Sept. 12) to share a series of photos of a stunning white floral arrangement sent to her by Queen Bey herself. In the flowers was a sweet note that reads, “I’m a fan of yours and I love watching you grow. You’re a very talented young lady. Love, Beyoncé.”

“The queen has spoken .. Thank you for inspiring all of us not only with music but just how you carry yourself with such grace,” Leray captioned the post along with a string of pink heart emojis. “Thank you thank you thank you ??”

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The 26-year-old rapper has had an impressive 2023 so far, heating up the charts with song like her hit “Players,” which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. “When I found out I was on the top 10 U.K. charts, and then the top 20 pop charts and then the top 20 Billboard [Hot 100],” she told Billboard before her set at Rolling Loud earlier this year. “That was a big stepping stone for me because my dream was to cross over. Of course, I love Billboard. I look up to you guys. You guys are watching me grow, so I can’t wait to show you how much more I have for you.”

See the sweet gift from Bey below.

13 Sep 2023

Diddy Wants to Unite With Tyler Perry & Byron Allen For ‘Black-Owned Media Conglomerate’

Earlier this summer, reports swirled that Diddy, by way of Revolt, award-winning filmmaker Tyler Perry and Entertainment Studios founder Byron Allen were all vying for majority stake in BET. In a new interview with Billboard (Sept. 13), Diddy revealed that his mind is still set on collaborating with his two fellow businessmen in some capacity.

Of Revolt, which is nearing its ten-year anniversary this year, Diddy said, “As far as our business strategy, we’re in acquisition mode to really build a Black-owned media conglomerate. That’s why we were looking at BET and at a couple of other businesses.” He continued, “BET is definitely the mecca, the originator of Black media, and still is…. We’re not going to be able to reach our highest level of success in the media world, like a Rupert Murdoch, if we don’t unify. Like me, Tyler Perry and Byron Allen. We have a responsibility because it’s like 15 of us getting money, but 10 billion people in the world.”

Nonetheless, by the end of the summer (Aug. 16), Paramount decided against selling their majority stake in BET.

Diddy’s talk of unification comes alongside his understanding that diversity in the music industry has “gotten worse” since #TheShowMustBePaused. “It’s all a bunch of bulls–t. Diversity isn’t about inclusion; diversity is about sharing power. And nothing has changed. It’s gotten worse,” he said. “We have some representation … Shout out and all due respect to everybody that’s in power. But [for most people], there’s still somebody over them, a white man that they have to get permission from to do something. And it’s always been the same, no matter what the industry.”

In 2020, Atlantic Records senior directors of marketing Brianna Agyemang and Jamila Thomas launched #TheShowMustBePaused in conjunction with an industry-wide Blackout Tuesday intended to pause music business happenings and focus on ways to protect and uplift the Black community. That same year, Diddy himself challenged the Recording Academy to reckon with their history of not respecting Black music “to the point that it should be.”

One of the most powerful names in music, Diddy has traversed different genres and styles of Black music throughout his career. In fact, his new Billboard interview is in support of his forthcoming The Love Album: Off the Grid, his first studio album since 2010’s Last Train to Paris, a collaborative album with Dawn Richard and Kalenna Harper billed under the Diddy — Dirty Money moniker.

Diddy lamented how he “had to compromise the uncut Blackness and soul” of the album because his “intentions were to get another No. 1 record instead of keeping the album uncut and soulful.” Despite his feelings about the project, Last Train to Paris — which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 — has undergone an interesting trajectory. “As time went on, people were able to connect with the album, and it’s become a cult classic,” Diddy mused.

The Grammy-winner, who was recently awarded the global icon award at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, also touched on his highly anticipated Verzuz battle against Jermaine Dupri, saying “The only Verzuz I want to have right now is Puff Daddy versus Diddy. The only person I’m in competition with is myself. But the battle with Jermaine isn’t off the table. We’re still trying to work it out, and I definitely look forward to that.”

Click here to read the full interview.