R&B/Hip-Hop

23 May 2023

Beyoncé’s Dad Wants Destiny’s Child to Reunite for ‘One Last Album’

Baby, can you handle this? It’s been 17 years since Destiny’s Child went on hiatus, but if Mathew Knowles had his way, he’d be all for the pioneering girl group getting back together.

“It’s a decision that the ladies would have to make,” Beyoncé‘s father said to Entertainment Tonight on Monday (May 23). “And I would certainly, certainly support that decision as I still manage Destiny’s Child. I would love to see that as well.”

Of course, the trio have reunited multiple times since the release of their 2004 album Destiny Fulfilled and 2005 greatest hits compilation #1s, including an unforgettable appearance during Beyoncé’s headlining Coachella set in 2018. Over the years, they’ve also teamed up for 2013’s “You Changed” off Kelly Rowland‘s Talk a Good Game and Michelle Williams‘ 2014 gospel single “Say Yes” as well as appearances in the visual album for Bey’s 2015 self-titled studio set Beyoncé.

“I think the fans will be just overjoyed, overwhelmed,” the elder Knowles continued. “And hopefully they do one last time in their career. Hopefully they give us one last album. Who knows? You never know. You never say it can’t happen. Because this is entertainment. A lot of things can happen.”

Of course, any chance for an official reunion would have to wait, considering Beyoncé just kicked off her electric Renaissance World Tour in Stockholm, Sweden earlier this month — though considering she’s included Destiny’s Child single “Cater 2 U” on the setlist, it wouldn’t be completely outside the realm of possibility for fans hope that Michelle and Kelly might make a surprise appearance somewhere along the tour route to perform the slow jam with their bestie and bandmate.

23 May 2023

Cardi B Asks ‘Drag Race’ Stars Violet Chachki & Gottmik to Direct Her Next Music Video

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.

We don’t know when Cardi B will release new music, but we do know who she wants to be behind the cameras for her next video.

At a private party at The Bungalow in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday night, Cardi B introduced a new summer-ready lime flavor to her Whipshots boozy whipped-cream line — and she wasn’t alone behind the bar. The superstar rapper invited RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Violet Chachki (season 7 winner) and Gottmik (season 13 runner-up) to mix some cocktails with her, including a Cardi-rita topped with lime Whipshots.

Cardi B

‘We Just Went Double Platinum’: Cardi B Celebrates Vodka-Infused Whipshots…

Cardi took the opportunity with the queens to do a little business. “Can I ask you guys something?” Cardi said to the pair. “Can you guys direct my music video?”

The pair were definitely game. “Bi—, I would pay you to direct it!” Chachki shot back. “That would be my dream job!”

“Are you kidding me?” Gottmik chimed in, grabbing on to Cardi’s Pucci-bodysuited waist. “The way we’re going to cinch this little waist even smaller!”

“I love you guys,” Cardi added. “You guys are so creative, so amazing. And I really want you to direct my music video.”

“Y’all heard that, right?” Chachki confirmed, making sure the moment was captured on video.

When Cardi first joined the Bungalow crowd, she explained why she decided to team up with Starco Brands on Whipshots, which celebrated selling 2 million cans of the alcoholic whipped cream back in March.

“I remember when we were discussing this product during the pandemic, I just knew it was going to work,” she said. “I mean, who doesn’t like whipped cream? I thought it was sexy and fun like me. I’m just a fun-ass bi—.”

About the new lime flavor, Cardi added: “I hope you guys enjoy this flavor. It’s really cute. It tastes like Fruity Pebbles to me. But it’s strong, don’t get it twisted. This ain’t your f—ing Fruity Pebbles!”

It remains to be seen when Cardi will release her next album — which will be her first since her debut project, 2018’s Invasion of Privacy. Since then, she dropped the four-week Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion in 2020, plus her solo chart-topper “Up” in 2021. She also teamed up with GloRilla on the Hot 100 top 10 “Tomorrow 2” late last year.

Watch Cardi make her way through the Bungalow crowd below:

23 May 2023

A$AP Rocky Scolds Rowdy Clubgoers Around Rihanna: ‘Act Like Gentlemen In Her Presence’

A$AP Rocky saved Rihanna from a rude boy or two during a recent night out. The rapper can be seen in a newly surfaced video scolding an unruly crowd of fans for getting a little too rough around his partner, who’s currently in her third trimester of pregnancy with the couple’s second child.

“Act like gentlemen right now, you heard?” Rocky tells the tightly packed crowd in the clip, yelling into a microphone. “I got my lady here!”

“Calm that s–t down, man,” he continues. “Don’t be in this section doing all that. Calm that s–t the f–k down. Y’all act like gentlemen when y’all are in her presence.”

It’s difficult to ascertain through the dimly lit video where and when the confrontation took place, but numerous photos and videos on social media pin the exchange to a nightclub in Tokyo, Japan, where Rocky reportedly gave a preview of his upcoming album last week. Snaps posted to Twitter show the “F**kin’ Problems” artist in the same color-block shirt as he wears in the tense video, with Rihanna — dressed in what looks to be a blue Carolina Panthers jersey — standing nearby.

Billboard has reached out to both musicians’ reps for comment.

The couple’s date-night hiccup comes shortly after they celebrated their son’s first birthday earlier this month, an occasion Rocky marked by sharing a carousel of photos with the baby boy — whose name was only recently revealed to be RZA, after the Wu-Tang Clan rapper — and RiRi. “WU TANG IZ 4 DA CHUREN ?” he captioned the pics. “HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO MY 1st BORN . RZA❤️”

Watch the video of A$AP Rocky defending Rihanna at a nightclub below:

23 May 2023

Teyana Taylor, Muni Long, Bell Biv DeVoe, Fat Joe & More Among Harlem Festival of Culture Performers

Teyana Taylor, Muni Long, Bell Biv DeVoe, Fat Joe, Coco Jones, Cam’ron and Doug E. Fresh are among the legacy and contemporary artists who will be performing at the Harlem Festival of Culture (HFC). Hip-hop legend MC Lyte will host the inaugural event at Randall’s Island on July 28-30.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The performance slate for the three-day festival also includes Adam Blackstone, Eric Bellinger, Jozzy, MAJOR., Ma$e, Remy Ma, Ro James, Tink and Wyclef Jean. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Estelle is curating the Dancehall LinkUp, featuring special appearances by Sister Nancy, Nadine Sutherland, Wayne Wonder, Lumidee, Rupee, Serani and Mr. Killa. In partnership with the iconic Apollo Theater, HFC will also present intimate concert events. That lineup as well as additional festival details will be announced in early June.

“For this inaugural year, we were very thoughtful and intentional in building what is an amazing lineup that aptly reflects the incredibly unique legacy that is intrinsic to the village of Harlem as well as the breadth and brilliance of Black music and culture,” said HFC co-founder and technical & talent producer Yvonne McNair in the announcement release. “Ultimately, HFC is our love letter to Harlem, and we’re excited to grow it into a landmark cultural experience that encapsulates all the things that make Uptown the nexus of innovation, cultural expression and a place of true community-building.”

Added HFC creative director and Bell Biv DeVoe’s Michael L. Bivins, “I’ve worked closely with Yvonne and the team to build something very special and unique to the personality of this community and to now see it come to fruition is an incredible feeling. As an artist who has spent a lot of time in Harlem and supported the local businesses in the neighborhood for many years, I’m so proud to be part of the inaugural Harlem Festival of Culture.”

Additional HFC offerings will include interactive art installations, a culinary court and the Mart 125 Marketplace. The latter is a reimagining of Harlem’s famed economic hub of Black-owned businesses that were located on 125th Street. Supported by SheaMoisture, the contemporary iteration will showcase Black-owned, Harlem-based hospitality, retail and cultural enterprises.

Joining SheaMoisture and the Apollo as HFC presenting sponsors are Infiniti, AMC Networks, Shark Beauty, Steve Madden and Northwell Health. Speaking of Madden, the company and HFC will launch a line of official festival co-branded merchandise. Created by Harlem-based visual artist DaQuane Cherry, the limited-edition collection will include a custom Steve Madden Bettyy Boot, belt bag and denim jacket.

Festival organizers also worked in tandem with its HFC Music Advisory Board, co-chaired by Wyclef Jean and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr.  The board’s members include Doug E. Fresh and MC Lyte.

“This will be a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that I believe will become a formidable force in the festival space,” stated Mason. Added festival host Lyte, “As a native New Yorker, I’m honored to host the very first Harlem Festival of Culture. [HFC] has planned something special that I think everyone – whether they’re from around the corner, across the country or around the world – will enjoy.”

As the countdown to July begins, HFC will present the second annual Black Independence Awards (June 17). The awards honor the impactful cultural, social and economic contributions being made by Harlem’s leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and creators. The 2023 nominees and special award recipients will be announced in early June.

The Harlem Festival of Culture was inspired by the groundbreaking Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969 — focus of the Academy Award-winning documentary Summer of Soul directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. Tickets for the Harlem Festival of Culture are now on sale. For more information, visit the festival’s website.

Harlem Festival of culture

Courtesy Photo

23 May 2023

Janelle Monae Is ‘Much Happier’ When She Doesn’t Wear a Bra: ‘I Can Run Around Free’

If there’s anything fans have learned about Janelle Monae after releasing her sensual video “Lipstick Lover,” she enjoys flaunting her body and the beauty that comes with it. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, she explained why she appreciates not wearing a bra. 

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“I’m much happier when my titties are out, and I can run around free,” she told the publication. In a viral performance clip on Twitter earlier this month, Monae lifted her top and joyfully exposed her breasts.

In a previous interview with Zane Lowe, Monae spoke about the creative prowess for her upcoming album Age of Pleasure and writing from a candid space. 

“Listen, I’ve had my age of depression. I’ve had my age of anxiety. I’ve had my age of struggle,” Monae said. “And again, it’s not like life is pleasurable every single day, but I think I have actively just sought out … How do I create a space for myself? How do I redirect my mind on how I’m thinking about things? How do I realize that right now in this present moment, moments that we’ll never get back, this is where you need to find your pleasure? This is your moment.”

Elsewhere in her Rolling Stone interview, Monae also spoke about how her friends influenced the sound of Age of Pleasure, and how Blackness helped cultivate the album. “It was inspired by all of my friends, my community of folks who are from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, the Caribbean, Atlanta, L.A., Chicago,” the singer said. “Seeing all of us together in our Blackness, in the love that we had in our eyes for each other. People from the continent f–k around with trap from Atlanta. You know what I’m saying? I love how the diaspora — we talk to each other.”

Monae’s fourth album, Age of Pleasure, drops June 9 via Atlantic Records.

23 May 2023

Conway the Machine Postpones Upcoming Tour After ‘Severe Leg Injury’: ‘I Am in Good Spirits’

Fans of Conway the Machine will have to wait a little longer to see him on stage again after the Buffalo MC revealed that he is postponing his forthcoming tour due to his leg injuries. 

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“The results are in,” he wrote on Instagram Monday (May 22). “I have a Fractured right tibia, dislocated kneecap, ANNNNND the album of the year tho!”

He continued: “But In all seriousness tho, anyone that knows me knows there’s nothing I love to do more than bein up on that stage! I can’t lie I’m super disappointed that I have to postpone the WHDi tour for a little bit, because I was really looking forward to goin on those stages and rocking this WHDI shit for y’all live. However I am in good spirits and I’m only looking at it as just a minor lil setback for a MAJOR COMEBACK! No stress!!”

Despite the postponement, Conway will honor fans’ tickets for future dates as he recovers from his injuries. “If u already bought tickets they’ll be honored at the later dates for sure! More updates coming this week. I appreciate all the love and concern for my well-being, love y’all,” he wrote.

Conway’s “album of the year” claim refers to his newly released project Won’t He Do It. In an interview with Billboard earlier this month, Conway spoke about the 14-track collection. “I think about all that God has blessed me with and done for me. I think about where I came from, where I started this journey, and I know I’m far from finished and far from completing my journey,” he shared. “But just looking back and seeing where I’m at now, it’s unthinkable what I’ve been doing and where this journey has taken me. It’s just amazing.”

Won’t He Do It is the predecessor to his acclaimed 2022 effort God Don’t Make Mistakes, which was deemed one of the best hip-hop projects by Billboard last year.  

Check out Conway’s post below.

22 May 2023

Busta Rhymes & Jhene Aiko to Headline at The Show: Sunshine Vibes Sessions in Las Vegas

This Memorial Day Weekend, Busta Rhymes and Jhene Aiko look to light up Las Vegas with their performances at the Palms Casino Resort as part of the launch of The Show: Sunshine Vibes Sessions.

The two concerts will begin this Saturday (May 27) at the Soak Pool with special performances by Aiko, Swae Lee, Saint Jhn and DJ Boof. The following night will feature a second concert by Rhymes, Jeremih and DJ Boof on the 1’s and 2’s.

“We are thrilled to kick off the pool season this Memorial Day Weekend at SOAK,” Steve Sagan, executive director of nightlife and daylife at Palms, said exclusively to Billboard. “SOAK Pool promises to be an ultimate poolside party paradise, offering a vibrant lineup of high-energy entertainment, fantastic music, refreshing drinks, delectable food, and endless fun.”

Last month, Rhymes performed in Vegas for Lovers and Friends and, shortly after, alongside the venerable Janet Jackson during her tour at the New York show. He also has a new album slated to be executive produced by Pharrell, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland.

“First and foremost, thank you to everyone for the birthday well wishes. They always mean so much. I am truly blessed. We continue the celebration this weekend and all year long,” he told Billboard.

Busta continued to speak on his banner year, as he recently headlined the epic HipHop50 tribute at this year’s Grammy Awards and enjoyed a sold-out performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall.

“2023 has been another milestone year for me, from honoring our beloved hip-hop culture with fellow icons at The Grammys to performing with Queens Janet Jackson and Mary J Blige in the same week at their respective concerts, to my first headlining, sold out, engagement at Carnegie Hall. And of course, when I got the invitations from the Kings Pharrell and Usher, I had to go and destroy the festivals “Something In The Water” and “Lovers & Friends.” As always, my family Spliff Star and DJ Scratch, have been with me tearing down every stage.

He adds, “I assure you we are just getting started. My new album is on the way, and of course, me and my longtime brothers, 50 Cent and Jeremih, are going absolutely earthquake every city starting this summer on the Final Lap Tour 2023.

Tickets range from $65 – $150 and doors will open at 11 AM Saturday morning. Fans can buy here.

22 May 2023

Chloe Bailey Is Glowing in Gold Bikini While Enjoying a Beach Vacation

Chloe Bailey is enjoying a much-deserved tropical vacation.

The “Pray It Away” singer took to Instagram on Monday (May 22) to share a fun video montage of her recent trip, where she dances around in a gold fringe bikini, does cartwheels in the grass, swims in the ocean, eats delicious meals, goes on hikes, surfs, takes outdoor showers and generally enjoys herself. “baby finally went on vacation.. having my eat pray love moment,” she captioned the post.

Her sister, The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey, supported her sibling in the comments section, writing, “So beautiful!!!”

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The vacation comes after a busy year for the 24-year-old singer, who is fresh off the release of her solo album, In Pieces, and went on tour in support of the project last month. “In Pieces is for the ones who behind closed doors are breaking and don’t know how much more they can take,” she previously wrote of the album. “In Pieces is for the ones who hold the people up around them while barely holding themselves. In Pieces is for the people who continue to get stabbed in the back, heart broken by the ones they thought they could trust, but STILL that doesn’t change their heart and how they love. In Pieces is for the ones like me, who wear their outer shell so well that you’d have no idea what they’re going through.”

See Chloe’s vacation post below.

22 May 2023

Janelle Monáe Speaks Out About Queer Representation: ‘I’m Not Obligated to Share My Story’

Janelle Monáe spoke out about bucking expectations of being a queer icon in a new cover story on Monday (May 22).

“I’m not obligated to share my story,” the proudly non-binary artist told Rolling Stone for the magazine’s June 2023 issue. “Nobody’s obligated. But I do think it’s powerful for me to talk and give a name to some of these things.”

Elsewhere in the interview, though, she cautioned against putting any musician or public figure on a pedestal. “You cannot project onto artists. You have to understand that experiences will be had and people will change and evolve and not be the person you look up to,” she said. “As much as you love and care about me, I’m on my own journey that has nothing to do with music, has nothing to do with art.”

Monáe is on the precipice of releasing her fourth album, The Age of Pleasure, which is due out June 9 via Atlantic Records. Pivoting from the futuristic narrative of her early releases such as 2010’s The ArchAndroid and 2013’s The Electric Lady, the forthcoming studio set is rooted in the sounds of the Black diaspora in the here and now.

“It was inspired by all of my friends, my community of folks who are from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, the Caribbean, Atlanta, L.A., Chicago,” the singer said. “Seeing all of us together in our Blackness, in the love that we had in our eyes for each other. People from the continent f–k around with trap from Atlanta. You know what I’m saying? I love how the diaspora — we talk to each other.”

Check out Monáe’s Rolling Stone cover below.

22 May 2023

Nick Cannon Jokes About Child Support With Bre Tiesi: ‘WE PAY LAMBO SUPPORT!!’

Nick Cannon took to social media over the weekend to poke fun at the headlines about his child support arrangement with Bre Tiesi.

“Nope! The Government don’t have to tell us to pay Child Support… WE PAY LAMBO SUPPORT !! My Money is Their Money! Just accept it, We different over here !! LOL,” the host of The Masked Singer wrote in a now-expired Instagram Story, reposting a photo of the black Lamborghini he gifted Tiesi for her 32nd birthday earlier this month.

For her part, the newest addition to Netflix’s Selling Sunset happily reposted Cannon’s Story, writing, “Tell ’em Daddy [tea emoji].. [heart emoji] you.” In addition to the tea and heart symbols, she also added a bunch of laughing and clapping emojis.

The father of twelve’s commentary comes on the heels of Tiesi speaking about their child support agreement on the newly released sixth season of Selling Sunset. After joining The Oppenheim Group as a real estate agent, the model — who gave birth to son Legendary Love Cannon last summer — was questioned by her new co-stars about Cannon’s support.

In episode seven of the Netflix hit, Tiesi erroneously stated that Cannon didn’t have to pay child support in the state of California for any kids after his tenth. The gaffe even prompted a public chiding from Tiesi’s lawyer, who gave a statement to Us Weekly. “Bre, you should know better!” she said before clarifying, “That is absolutely not true. There’s no cap on child support based on the number of children. So, to the extent that Nick Cannon can have babies, he owes child support for those babies under California law.”