R&B/Hip-Hop

28 Jun 2023

Cardi B Recalls ‘WAP’ Backlash, Getting ‘Almost Sued’ by FCC

Cardi B took to Twitter on Wednesday (June 28) to reflect on her controversial 2020 Megan Thee Stallion collaboration, “WAP,” and the political debate that it sparked.

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“Y’all remember when the FCC almost sued me cuz I performed WAP at the Grammys? What about when all the republicans literally harassed me over it? On the news everyday… Y’all remember? Oooohhh cuz I do,” she wrote.

After Cardi and Meg’s raunchy “WAP” performance at the 2021 Grammy Awards, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reportedly received more than 1000 complaints from viewers who thought the performance was obscene, pornographic, or as one viewer from Colorado reportedly opined, “as if they were dancing in a strip club.”

Following the show, Cardi responded to Republican California then-gubernatorial candidate Errol Webber’s attempted takedown maneuver, in which he accused the rapper of “deliberately chooses to do wrong by girating and scissoring her WAP on national TV… in view of other people’s kids.”

“The Grammies are PG,” Cardi tweeted in response “That means parental guidance.Meaning is your job like it is to mine to my child to monitor what they watch. My performance was around 10 pm on a Sunday Your child should be in bed ready for school the next day why are they up watching Wap?”

Cardi later addressed the controversy in her 2021 Lizzo collaboration, “Rumors,” rapping in her verse: “Last time I got freaky, the FCC sued me / But I’mma keep doing what I wanna do / ‘Cause all the rumors are, all the rumors are true.”

28 Jun 2023

Post Malone Unveils Upcoming Album’s Tracklist, Shares Snippet of ‘Something Real’: Listen

Post Malone is gearing up for the release his new record, Austin. Leading up to the LP’s arrival, he gave fans a peek at one of the songs, as well as the tracklist on Monday (June 26).

In a video posted to Instagram, the rapper shared the back cover of the album — which features a photo of a pickup truck in front of a house, with the vehicle cut out — with the 17 song titles listed next to the album’s name. “My new record AUSTIN has 17 songs and drops July 28th ??,” he wrote. “Here’s a snippet of one of em ? I love you!!!”

The video features a clip of “Something Real,” the second song on the album. On the track, Malone sings, “Give me something, I can feel/ Light a cigarette just so I can breathe/ Give me something, something real/ 700 feet off the coast of Greece/ Give me something, I can feel/ No reservation, pull up 20 deep/ Give me something, something real/ I’d trade it all just to be at peace” with the assistance of a choir.

The other song titles are “Don’t Understand,” “Chemical,” “Novacandy,” “Mourning,” “Too Cool to Die,” “Sign Me Up,” “Socialite,” “Overdrive,” “Speedometer,” “Hold My Breath,” “Enough Is Enough,” “Texas Tea,” “Buyer Beware,” “Landmine,” “Green Thumb” and “Laugh It Off.”

Malone first announced Austin in May, and shed some insight on what recording his fifth body of work was like.

“I wanted to say that I love you guys so very f–king much,” he shared via an Instagram Reel at the time. “I’m here on tour in Europe right now, and I wanted to tell you guys that I have an album coming out this summer on July 28. It’s called Austin. Like my name — that is my name.”

He added, “It’s been some of the funnest music, some of the most challenging and rewarding music for me, at least — trying to really push myself and really do some cool stuff. I played guitar on every song on the record, and it was a really, really fun experience, and I’m super, super excited to share it with you.”

Listen to the snippet of “Something Real” below.

28 Jun 2023

SZA’s ‘Snooze’ Cruises to No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart

SZA achieves her second No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart as “Snooze” ascends to the summit of the list dated July 1. The song advances from No. 3 after a 20% surge to 17.6 million in audience from 14.7 million in the prior frame, making it the week’s most-heard song on U.S. monitored R&B/hip-hop radio stations in the week ending June 22, according to Luminate. Thanks to the nearly 30 million audience gain, the song nabs the week’s Greatest Gainer award for the largest increase among the chart’s 50 titles.

“Snooze” brings at least a temporary halt to the reign of Tems’ “Free Mind,” which logged its 22nd week at No. 1 last week, the longest-running champ by a woman in a lead role in the chart’s history.

Before “Snooze,” SZA scored her first R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay leader with the four-week champ “I Hate U” in 2022.

In addition to leading R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, “Snooze” also captures the No. 1 spot on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, which ranks the most-played songs at U.S. monitored R&B/hip-hop radio stations. There, the single rises from the runner-up rank due to a 15% rally in plays in the latest tracking week.

“Snooze” likewise is SZA’s second career champ on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. She first led with the two-week No. 1 “Shirt” in February.

Elsewhere, “Snooze” is eyeing a third radio chart conquest as it moves 4-3 on Rhythmic Airplay through a 14% boost in plays. The track is also progressing on Pop Airplay, with a 19-18 bump on the new chart and an 18% swell in weekly plays at monitored mainstream top-40 stations.

With increased support from the R&B/hip-hop, rhythmic and pop formats, “Snooze” jumps 13-9 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart. There, it improved 20% in total audience, to 47 million in the tracking week, up from 39.2 million in the previous frame. Radio gains, in turn, push the single to new peaks on multiple multimetric charts, which combine radio airplay with streaming and sales for their calculations. Most notably, “Snooze” lifts 7-6 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and 15-13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

27 Jun 2023

‘The Idol’ Song ‘One of the Girls’ Debuts at No. 1 on Hot Trending Songs Chart

Music from HBO’s The Idol lands at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart as The Weeknd’s “One of the Girls,” with JENNIE and Lily-Rose Depp, crowns the July 1-dated tally.

Billboard’s Hot Trending charts, powered by Twitter, track global music-related trends and conversations in real-time across Twitter, viewable over either the last 24 hours or past seven days. A weekly, 20-position version of the chart, covering activity from Friday through Thursday of each week, posts alongside Billboard’s other weekly charts on Billboard.com each Tuesday, with the latest tracking period running June 16-22

“One of the Girls” paces the July 1 survey after the song was teased prior to its eventual June 23 release. The tune itself was then heard in The Idol’s June 25 episode.

It’s one of two songs from the series to appear on the latest list; The Weeknd’s “Take Me Back,” from the show’s June 18 episode, debuts at No. 10.

A third song from the series, “Popular” (The Weeknd, Playboi Carti and Madonna), reached No. 7 on the June 10-dated chart.

The top non-The idol entry comes from Rauw Alejandro and Bizarrap, whose collaboration “Baby Hello” debuts at No. 2. The song was released June 23, but was teased on June 21 as part of the pair’s other collaboration, “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 56,” released that day. (It concurrently bows at No. 17 on Hot Trending Songs.)

Music from Chris Brown, NCT DREAM and Lil Tjay round out the top five.

Keep visiting Billboard.com for the constantly evolving Hot Trending Songs rankings, and check in each Tuesday for the latest weekly chart.

27 Jun 2023

H.E.R. Announces Third Annual Lights On Festival With Jazmine Sullivan, Don Toliver & More

After missing out on her third annual Lights On Festival last year, H.E.R. is ready to bring the R&B vibes and excitement back this September with her star-studded lineup.

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Slated to kick off Sept. 16 and 17 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, Calif., H.E.R. will tap the likes of PARTYNEXTDOOR, Jazmine Sullivan, Don Toliver, Doechii, DVSN, Alina Baraz and more for her two-day festivities. Partnering with Live Nation Urban, presales go live this Thursday (June 29) at 12 p.m. PT and will end on at 10 p.m. PT. General on-sale launches Friday, June 30, at 12 p.m. PT. Tickets are available here.

“I’m so excited Lights On Festival will be making its return,” H.E.R. said in a press release. “It’s my favorite way to wind down the summer by having two days filled with great R&B music. I am so proud to reveal the extraordinary talent we have on the bill this year and can’t wait for everyone to see what’s to come!”

H.E.R.’s Lights On Festival debuted in 2019 and included performances by Jhene Aiko, Daniel Caesar, Summer Walker, Ari Lennox and Lucky Daye. The festival returned in 2021 after missing 2020 due to the pandemic and housed concerts in California and New York. Held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, H.E.R. enlisted Maxwell, 6LACK, Bryson Tiller, Chloe Bailey and Queen Naija.

Fans can check out the rest of the lineup below, including newcomers Ayra Starr, Ravyn Lenae, Uncle Waffles, Flo, Symba and Leon Thomas.

27 Jun 2023

Lil Wayne to be Named a BMI Icon at 2023 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards

Lil Wayne will receive the BMI icon award, the organization’s highest honor, at the 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards on Sept. 6. Hosted by BMI president & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI vice president, creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, the private event will be held at LIV Nightclub in Miami Beach. The event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

“As a legend and superstar of hip-hop, Lil Wayne is synonymous with the genre,” Brewton said in a statement. “He’s been part of the BMI family since 2002, and we’re proud to name him a BMI Icon in keeping with his reputation as one of the most influential artists of all time. We’re also excited to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with a celebration that reflects the genre’s legacy, which has infiltrated entertainment, fashion, sports and much more.”

Previous recipients of the BMI Icon award include Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Nile Rodgers, Snoop Dogg, The Jacksons, LA Reid, Babyface, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, James Brown and Busta Rhymes.

BMI will also salute the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s 35 most-performed R&B/hip-hop songs in the U.S. from BMI’s repertoire. The BMI R&B/hip-hop song, songwriter, producer and publisher of the Year will also be named.

Lil Wayne has amassed five No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 – for the third, fourth and fifth installments in his Tha Carter franchise as well as I Am Not a Human Being (2010) and Funeral (2020). He has notched three No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 – “Lollipop” (featuring Static Major) and as a featured artist on Jay Sean’s “Down” and DJ Khaled’s “I’m the One.”

The rapper won four Grammys in 2009, including best rap album for Tha Carter III and best rap song for “Lollipop.” He won a fifth Grammy in 2017 – best rap performance as a featured artist on Chance the Rapper’s “No Problem.” In addition, he recently received the global impact award at The Recording Academy Honors Presented by The Black Music Collective.

Wayne has received 52 BMI Awards as well as being named R&B/hip-hop songwriter of the year in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013. He also received college song of the year at the BMI London Awards in 2009 for “Down.” He has garnered 15 BET Hip-Hop Awards, 11 BET Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, four Soul Train Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards.

Wayne also owns and operates Young Money Entertainment, a company that has ignited the careers of such artists as Drake and Nicki Minaj. The philanthropist also founded The One Family Foundation – a charitable group focused on helping under-served youth.

27 Jun 2023

Usher, Miguel, GloRilla & More to Perform at iHeartRadio Living Black! 2023 Event

iHeartRadio is celebrating Black music and culture with the return of its Living Black! event. On Tuesday (June 27), iHeartMedia announced that Usher, Miguel, GloRilla, Coco Jones and NLE Choppa will be performing for the 2023 iteration.

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iHeartRadio Living Black! will take place on Aug. 2 at Market Street in Inglewood, Calif., a historic location for Black culture in the Los Angeles area. This year’s event largely draws inspiration from the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, as well as the history and innovation within the genre and Black culture. LL Cool J, Ty Dolla $ign, Roddy Ricch, Warren G, Chlöe, Lola Brooke, D Smoke, Kash Doll, SleazyWorld Go, DDG and more will also make special appearances at the annual celebration.

iHeartRadio Living Black! — which will be broadcast on iHeartRadio’s YouTube and Facebook, iHeartMedia Hip-Hop and R&B stations and the iHeartRadio app on Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. local time — will feature The Breakfast Club’s DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, Big Boy and Nyla Symone. The hour-long special is also an interactive block party with multiple themes, including artists reflecting on their journey in the music industry (In the Booth, Mic Drop) and iconic moments in hip-hop (Flip The Script: Big Boy’s Neighborhood) and mental health within the genre (FundaMENTAL).

“We’re thrilled to celebrate iHeartRadio Living Black! in its third year, bringing together fans and superstar artists to honor Black culture and continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop,” Doc Wynter, president of hip-hop and R&B programming for iHeartMedia, said in a press release. “Living Black! is a true testament to the power and lasting influence of Black artists and the community they reflect. We’re excited to once again partner with some of the very best talent and celebrate the impact that Black lives have on American culture.”

27 Jun 2023

Lil Uzi Vert’s New Album ‘The Pink Tape’ Is Dropping Soon: Watch the Trailer

Lil Uzi Vert‘s long-awaited album The Pink Tape is coming sooner than you think. On Monday (June 26), the Generation Now artist announced that his third album would arrive this Friday (June 30), after unveiling the artwork and trailer. 

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The artwork is semi-patriotic as Uzi stands before a U.S. flag draped in pink versus the traditional red, white, and blue. Uzi’s signature spiked hair also appears as he dons a jacket matching the flag. As for the trailer, it’s an animated clip helmed by Gibson Hazard.

The amine-style visual finds Uzi in combat with a demon creature who initially bests him in their contentious showdown. The creature rips off Uzi’s pink diamond from his forehead and steals his powers. Upon having his diamond pulled out, Uzi reverts to human form, and is transported to a mysterious world. Seeking vengeance, Uzi races to retrieve the diamond and ends up in more action-packed battles. Proving to be the ultimate samurai, Uzi wins his early bouts before entering a rematch with the demon creature for his diamond. This time, Uzi is sharper and evades any attacks issued against him and retrieves his prized possession. 

The Pink Tape is the follow-up to his 2020 album Eternal Atake, with wich he dodged the sophomore slump when he netted his second Billboard 200 No. 1 album with EA. The celebrated project sold 288,000 copies in its opening week, and had three songs debut in the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, led by “Baby Pluto” at No. 6. 

Check out Uzi’s trailer and artwork for The Pink Tape below. 

27 Jun 2023

Watch Pharrell & Jay-Z Rock the Stage at Louis Vuitton 2024 Men’s Fashion Show

In a career full of iconic moments, Pharrell Williams has added yet another achievement to his extensive list of accomplishments. This time, he brought along his friend, collaborator and 24-time Grammy winner Jay-Z to help celebrate with a performance at his recent Louis Vuitton’s 2024 Men’s Spring-Summer Fashion Show, where he debuted his first collection for the famed fashion house’s menswear line.

To celebrate Pharrell’s new collection, Jay-Z joined the “Happy” singer on stage for a performance on the Pont Neuf in Paris. In addition to performing some of his own tracks — including the RIAA Diamond-certified “N—-s In Paris” and “F–kwithmeyouknowigotit” — Jay-Z and Pharrell delivered a medley of two of their biggest collaborations: “I Just Wanna Love You (Give It 2 Me)” and “Frontin.’” (In 2003, “Frontin’” climbed to a peak of No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Three years prior, “I Just Wanna Love You (Give It 2 Me)” peaked at No. 11.)

“Ladies and gentlemen, the creative director of LV in this building!” Jay-Z proclaims as he introduces Pharrell in the video Louis Vuitton shared to its YouTube page on Sunday (June 25).

In February, Louis Vuitton announced that Pharrell would succeed Virgil Abloh as the fashion house’s new men’s creative director following the beloved designer’s death in 2021. On June 20, the Academy Award-nominated multi-hyphenate officially debuted his stunning new collection. Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton debut drew some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Beyoncé, Zendaya, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky and Jay-Z. Rihanna has also modeled the line in a series of campaign photos.

Pharrell has earned four Hot 100 chart-toppers over the course of his career, including “Money Maker” with Ludacris, and the 12-week leader “Blurred Lines” with Robin Thicke & T.I. Both of his solo studio albums — 2006’s In My Mind (No. 3) and 2014’s G I R L (No. 2) — have reached the top five of the Billboard 200. Although Jay-Z hasn’t released a solo studio album since 2017’s chart-topping 4:44, he rapped over a Pharrell production just last year thanks to his featured turn on Pusha T’s “Neck & Wrist.”

Watch Louis Vuitton’s video of Pharrell and Jay-Z’s performance above.

26 Jun 2023

Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players’ Choice Award: Vote for the Most Impactful Executive (Semifinalists)

Billboard is introducing a peer-voted award to run alongside its annual R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players list of the genres’ most influential executives. This new R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players’ Choice Award will honor the executive in the genres whose peers believe has had the greatest impact across the music business over the past year, from recording and publishing to managing and touring and beyond.

Voting is open to all Billboard Pro members, both existing and new, with one vote per member.

Billboard launched its first Players’ Choice Award with the Power 100 list earlier this year, followed by the Country Power Players’ Choice Award that concluded last month.

The current, second round of voting will narrow down the top 15 nominees into the final five top executives.

The third round of voting will begin July 10, to select the winner from that list. Voting concludes July 23 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Vote here: