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Ye — formerly Kanye West — hosted a Grammy Awards afterparty in Los Angeles on Sunday (Feb. 2), where he premiered his upcoming The Download interview with Justin Laboy. The rapper reflected on competing with Drake over the years, and while he recognized the 6 God was down following his battle with Kendrick Lamar, West […]
Drake and PartyNextDoor are looking to spice up your Valentine’s Day playlist, as Drizzy announced on Monday (Feb. 3) that their $ome $exy $ongs 4 U joint project is set to arrive on Feb. 14. While down in Australia gearing up for the Anita Max Wynn Tour, the 6 God unleashed an album trailer for […]
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has long blended the worlds of fashion and sports. A 12-year pro, D-Hop’s Avante-garde fashion sense mixing elements of streetwear with chic formal pieces and eccentric hats made him a pioneer in the “tunnel fits” era of athletics.
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NFL and NBA players have been turning their strolls from the stadium hallways to the locker room into fashion show catwalks, which has opened them up to different avenues of opportunities, while showcasing more personality under the helmet and allowing them to be defined by more than just their athletic abilities.
“When people think of football players, they think tough or mean, and guys that tackle,” Hopkins tells Billboard. “Then they see a different perspective of us wearing cool things, and I think it gives us a certain light that allows the audience to appreciate us more as people.”
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Hopkins parlayed that reputation into a deal with IMG Models, walking in fashion shows for Vetements and Fear of God, and being named to Nashville’s 25 Most People People list while playing for the Tennessee Titans.
He checked another box off on Friday (Jan. 31) with the release of his 60-piece Boohooman capsule collection. Filled with tonal palettes splattered across t-shirts, bomber jackets, elevated trousers, silk sets and more, Hopkins and Boohooman made sure to keep the collection affordable with every piece under $60.
“All the pieces are easily wearable. Nothing crazy — very versatile,” he says. “I got some matching tonal silk sets in there. I got a little bomber jacket, which I feel like is the hero piece. I wanted to make things affordable because growing up I couldn’t afford the craziest things.”
Next up: the biggest game of Hopkins’ life. With Super Bowl LIX on deck in New Orleans, the future Hall-of-Famer will look to add the only thing missing from his decorated resume — a championship ring.
“It would mean everything,” he says of lifting the Lombardi Trophy. “I think it would kind of put my legacy in a good place of hopefully being one of the best to play the game.”
Check out the rest of our chat with the 32-year-old wideout as he touches on his new music publishing company, friendships with Shaboozey and Travis Scott as well as what’s buzzing on his pre-game playlist. Shop Hopkins’ Boohooman collection here.
How did the partnership with Boohooman come together and how involved were you in the collection?
I’m about to play in the Super Bowl, baby… It started a couple of months ago. Me being a fan of Boohooman, I was looking to collab with someone. I feel like Boohooman is a brand that’s respected everywhere. My little sister, my brothers — we’ve all been supporters of it. I wanted to make something happen and they agreed.
As far as being hands-on with the collection, it was an understanding of who I am and who they are. It was something that was easy because I didn’t have to do much and they didn’t either. The pieces they chose and I chose it worked and it was very effortless because they know who I am from studying me and I knew who they were. We made it work. I’m a clean guy kind of guy. I want it to be clean, but very easy. The color palette is very tonal which is my vibe. All the pieces are easily wearable. Nothing crazy — very versatile. I got some matching tonal silk sets in there. I got a little bomber jacket, which I feel like is the hero piece. I wanted to make things affordable because growing up I couldn’t afford the craziest things. The pieces I did have I appreciated. I wanted to stay under $100, which I’m happy we made happen.
What do you think about the tunnel fits aesthetic that’s taken over the NFL from when you came in, in the early 2010s, to now — with social media booming and how big fashion’s become?
I think tunnel pieces for football players have changed some people’s perspective on football players. See us as equal. Some of us are funny and we wear cool, funny stuff. Like, Mack Hollins wore a costume. People see that and are like, “Okay, these guys are cool and have a personality other than tackling each other.” I think the walk-through has opened up a different audience to the fans appreciating us and waiting for certain guys’ outfits and seeing what they’re doing. It’s opened a lot of doors in the fashion world and for fashion brands to see the football players — we can be runway models, and design and collab. It’s just getting started.
You’ve walked in the Vetements and Fear of God shows in the past — if you could talk about connecting with those brands.
That was a blessing. I signed to IMG Models about six or seven years ago and I think part of the reason they signed me was the tunnel fits. How I put certain pieces on and that led to other things. I walked in Jerry Lorenzo’s show in the Hollywood Bowl. I went to Paris and walked in Vetements which was a dream come true. I seen more guys — even ex-NFL players — getting into the fashion scene. Everything I would say started with the tunnel walk-ins. I would say I was one of the early pioneer guys who kind of led the way and was a unicorn at the time of wearing things at the time that people would say is borderline “this is a little crazy.” I did it, and I’m happy guys like [Russell Westbrook] in the NBA did it as well. Not a lot of people were really wearing or trying to make that the expressive fashion sense that some guys do.
Who would you say has the best style on the Chiefs?
Outside of myself, I would say JuJu Smith-Schuster. JuJu has good style. He’s not scared to be himself or wear something unique. That’s the reason I would say JuJu.
What are you thinking for the Super Bowl Sunday gameday style?
I’m still deciding, but I’m thinking I want to have some balance to whatever I wear. I don’t want to go too crazy because it is a big game. It has its moment itself. I might wear something to balance it and tone it down a bit.
Who are some of your go-to’s for the pre-game playlist for the Super Bowl?
I’m very balanced in my music taste. I gotta go Montell Fish, Sauce Walka, Chris Stapleton and Marcus King. That’s my vibe right now. I’ll throw a little H-Town in there.
How did your friendship with Shaboozey come about? I saw you in the “Drink Don’t Need No Mix” video.
I would say just appreciation for my craft. A mutual appreciation. I’ve been listening to Shaboozey for a while. I was in L.A. and I have some friends that know him. I’ve been a supporter of his since day one. It came about because of a mutual friendship. We hung out in Nashville when I was living there because he had a show. We’ve been [cool] for a couple of years now. We’re pushing each other. We’re each other’s biggest fans and biggest critics. I started a publishing company in Nashville. A joint pub company.
Tell me more about the publishing company.
There’s a group called Spirit Music Group from Nashville and they have a lot of big country artists. It’s a joint venture with myself and them. It’s called Lasa (Love All Serve All). We’re working on a big artist who averages three million monthly listeners on Spotify his name is Lecade. We just finalized it. It hasn’t even been six months now. We got a lot of artists who want to get on and I’m trying to keep it versatile. Def looking for pop, country and a little bit of everything.
When you were in Houston, were you cool with Travis Scott? I saw you playing in the Cactus Jack softball game.
Oh yeah. Trav’s my guy, man. I was listening to Trav in early 2013 and of course I was like, “This dude is gonna blow up.” Obviously, he did. Trav and I, we definitely hung out especially being in Houston.
Tay Keith is another person you’re cool with out there.
Tay Keith is one of my good friends. The thing I love about Tay Keith is Tay Keith is a businessman. He’s got a tequila company called Shadow Tequila based in Nashville and it’s doing really well. I’m a big supporter of my friends and what he’s doing. A lot of people know him as Tay Keith the producer, but he’s a businessman, and I think that’s why we get a long so well. Tay Keith is one of my best friends back there.
What’s your album or song of the year for 2024?
I would have to go with Marcus King’s “F–k My Life Up Again” and the album’s Mood Swings. That whole album is pretty good.
What would it mean to win a ring and finish off this season right?
I’ve played 12 years, and I think I’ve played with 19 or 20 quarterbacks. I think, for me, to get this Super Bowl — it would be a [testament] to my patience and my faith and still trusting God and trusting myself. I think it would kind of put my legacy where it needs to be.
Beyoncé notched a number of firsts on Sunday night (Feb. 2) at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Not only did she become the first Black woman to take home the album of the year award as the lead artist this century when Cowboy Carter took the top prize, but she also finally scored her long-sought first win in the AOTY category after four previous nominations and losses.
Asked what the award means to her by ET after the show, Beyoncé said, “It’s very surreal and it’s been 25 years of working really had and trying me best to keep growing and keep opening up doors… so I’m just very honored.” In accepting the award, Bey shouted out the members of the Los Angeles Fire Department who presented it to her, thanking them for keeping Angelenos safe during the recent deadly wildfires that were acknowledged frequently during Sunday’s fundraising broadcast.
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“I’d like to thank and acknowledge and praise all of the firefighters for keeping us safe,” she said during the show. “I just feel very full and very honored. It’s been many, many years.”
A reporter for the Recording Academy also caught up with the singer backstage and got a similarly jubilant answer. “I feel overwhelmed, so full, thank you so much. This is a beautiful night,” she said, adding with some sass and a wrist roll, “the Beyhive is buzzin‘!”
In her chat with ET, Bey also said she was glad that her and Jay-Z’s eldest daughter, Blue Ivy, was on hand to see her mom triumph and join her on stage for the big moment. “Taller than me, and I don’t like it at all,” the singer joked about the 13-year-old, noting that their youngest daughter, four-year-old Rumi — who is also on Cowboy Carter — was “at home watching and I forgot to thank her so I get to thank her now: Thank you, Rumi.”
Beyoncé also took time to acknowledge that the Carter album was a means to introduce many more people to the deep history of Black country artists while showcasing such contemporary players as Rhiannon Giddens, whose hot banjo licks on the “Texas Hold ‘Em” single likely put a lot more eyes on her long career in country/bluegrass music.
“The banjo has a deep history and I just feel honored to reintroduce some of that history that I think has been lost and very, very honored that I got the response and the open heart and that people welcomed the album,” Beyoncé said, appearing to get a little teary-eyed when the interviewer mentioned how touched Giddens said she was in an chat last year about her prominent spot on the album.
“The love I got from the country community tonight really made me feel so seen and I’m very grateful,” Beyoncé said. “Hopefully they continue to open up the world for people that just love and respect the genre, no matter where they come from, everybody should be invited.”
In addition to AOTY, the 11-times nominated Cowboy Carter also won best country album, making Bey the first Black woman to ever take home the prize; she also won best country duo/group performance thanks to her Miley Cyrus team-up on “II Most Wanted.”
Watch Beyoncé talk AOTY Grammy win below.
Doechii isn’t wasting any time celebrating her big night at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
Fresh off winning Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal, the Tampa rapper surprised fans with a brand-new single, “Nosebleeds,” just hours after her emotional victory.
The track, released via Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records, was written and recorded specifically for the occasion with producer Jonas Jeberg. Executive produced by Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith and Anthony “Moosa” Tiffith, “Nosebleeds” finds Doechii at her sharpest—balancing confidence, humor, and raw storytelling as she addresses her rise, her doubters, and the whirlwind of speculation surrounding her Grammy nominations.
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Her Best Rap Album win made history, as Doechii became only the third female artist to take home the award since its introduction in 1989.
In her acceptance speech, she reflected on the significance of the moment. “This category was introduced in 1989, and two women have won,” she started, before correcting herself: “three women have won — Lauryn Hill, Cardi B and Doechii.”
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She then took the opportunity to introduce herself to a wider audience and shine a light on her city’s talent. “There’s so many people out there who probably don’t know who I am. I call myself the Swamp Princess because I’m from Tampa, Florida. Tampa has so much talent… labels, go to Tampa.”
She ended her speech by shouting out the kids watching who might see themselves in her: “I know there is some Black girl out there [watching] and I want to tell you that you can do it. Anything is possible. Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes onto you… you are exactly who you need to be to where you are, and I am a testimony [to that].”
In addition to her Best Rap Album win, Doechii was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Rap Performance for “Nissan Altima.”
Her 2024 mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, earned critical acclaim, and the project was supported by a sold-out tour across the U.S., Europe, and the U.K., along with high-profile performances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series.
Stream “Nosebleeds” below.
In 2024, Grammy-winner Mustard had a year that reminded the world why he was the hottest beatmaker on the planet a decade prior. Thanks, in large part, to the seismic success of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” — the Billboard Hot 100-topping KO punch Lamar threw Drake near the end of their culture-shifting beef – Mustard notched a pair of 2025 Grammy nods: record of the year and producer of the year, non-classical.
It’s the first time Mustard has earned a nod in the latter category, a testament to both his longevity and the strength of his non-“Not Like Us” 2024 work, like the Faith of a Mustard Seed album, which hit No. 11 on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. “Not Like Us” is, of course, the song everyone is thinking about going into Lamar’s highly anticipated Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show performance: Between Drake’s ongoing lawsuit against UMG and the Grammys, “Not Like Us” has remained at the center of the cultural conversation — even as several hits circulate from K.Dot’s Billboard 200-topping GNX LP, which also includes the No. 2 Mustard-helmed smash “TV Off” (with Lefty Gunplay).
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At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, “Not Like Us” won all five of its nominations: best rap song, best rap performance, best music video, song of the year and record of the year.
While Mustard himself isn’t totally convinced he’ll be joining Kung Fu Kenny for the halftime show on Feb. 9, this year’s Super Bowl will still be a special one for the LA-bred producer. During the Grammy telecast (Feb. 2). Heinz and Mustard announced the first-ever Mustard x Mustard remix, an endeavor that will last the entire year and include Heinz’s first-ever co-created product. Dubbed a “secret sauce,” Mustard’s custom new condiment marks the first new national Heinz Mustard innovation in nearly ten years.
“I’ve been ‘mustard’ since I was born, my real name is Dijon,” he tells Billboard. “I’ve always wanted to work with Heinz and I only use Heinz. Ironically, I have a Heinz DJ Mustard chain that cost me a lot — I actually spent all of my money on it when I got my first check. I don’t wear it as much no more, but that was my first-ever chain. This could have happened a long time ago, but now is the perfect time. I was 340 lbs. back then, I’m on the leaner side now so I’m looking good; If I ever got to do some commercials, I look better now!”
Read what else Mustard had to say about the Super Bowl, “Not Like Us” and the best food to pair his new secret sauce with.
What felt different this time around at the Grammys compared to the previous years you’ve been nominated?
I’ve never been nominated for this many Grammys in one year. It’s definitely scary but exciting. And producer of the year, man. That’s one of the ones that means a lot. Everything is different about this year for me.
What was your initial reaction when you saw your name on that lineup for producer of the year, non-classical?
I was more worried about “Not Like Us” being nominated, so I [wasn’t even thinking about that category]. I don’t want to say I forgot about producer of the year, but I’ve never been nominated for it, so I never even thought it could happen. At this point, so many years have passed. I don’t think I was even looking for that; it was one of the first ones that popped up, and I just started going crazy because it was just so unexpected. I was like, “What the hell?!” I just couldn’t believe it.
It’s wild to hear that you were more worried about “Not Like Us.” Was there a world in your head in which that track got no love at the Grammys?
I think that I’m optimistic about anything; I don’t feel entitled about anything. I’m grateful that we got nominations, but a part of me in the back of my mind was like, “What if we don’t?” I never feel like I’m just supposed to get [recognition]. Although we have a song that is really huge, I feel like people sometimes have a problem with entitlement. I want whatever I deserve, but I don’t feel like it has to be given to me.
What track from Faith of a Mustard Seed are you most proud of from a production standpoint?
“Pray for Me.” [I’m] rapping [on there and that’s] definitely something that I didn’t see myself doing or wasn’t planning on doing. It’s very personal and vulnerable. I always go for the things that make me super nervous, because that’s the stuff that takes the most courage to do. I’m very proud of that one.
How does it feel to have a battle track nominated for record of the year?
[Chuckles]. It feels great. I always think about the song and my legacy. I always think about Jay-Z and Nas and how we still talk about that beef. People are going to talk about this forever, and I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m still in the moment. Every time I think about it, I’m like, “Damn, that’s crazy.”
What’s the most random place you’ve heard “Not Like Us” playing?
My daughter’s school. She’s nine and she had a dance recital. It was definitely the clean version, but they danced to it and she was in front. I was like, “Whoa, this is pretty crazy!”
Would you ever make the “MUSTAAAARRRD” ad-lib from “TV Off” a recurring one?
I think it’s something I would do. If I did do that, I would use it on a song with Kendrick — I don’t know that I would just start passing around that tag, it’s really special.
Can we expect an appearance from you during the halftime show?
I’m gonna go watch the game, but I’m not saying I’m performing, because I don’t think I am. I have no idea about any of that. I don’t actually talk to Kendrick about stuff like this. I recently texted him a voice note where I was singing “Euphoria” [and gassing him]. We talk about stuff like that. I’m not asking him like, “Hey man, can I perform with you?” I’m not asking no s—t like that. But if he did call me up and invite me, I would say “Hell yeah!” As of right now, you can’t expect me on the halftime show. But you can expect me in a box!
Out of all the songs that you and Kendrick have collaborated on, which one would you most like to see perform?
All of them! I mean, “Not Like Us,” man. It would just be crazy to see. If he does “TV Off,” I get the shout-out. If he does “Not Like Us,” I still get the shout-out! I like ‘em all the same. I really would love him to perform “Hey Now.” But if he doesn’t, I’ll be good with whatever he does.
After the year the West Coast had in 2024, what does it feel like to watch Kendrick lead a victory lap on the Super Bowl stage?
It feels great that Kendrick is really putting the West Coast back in the forefront. He’s giving people like me opportunities to shine; even though SZA’s not from Los Angeles, she’s adopted, she’s with us. And all the people that he put on his [GNX] album; he really cares about the West Coast. That’s the part that people don’t really see. For him to be that big, putting people like Lefty Gunplay and AzChike and Peysoh on tracks… he really gave people looks, and people don’t do that often. People don’t grab the youngest person that nobody knows.
What can you tell us about the secret sauce?
Nothing, it’s a secret! It’s one-of-a-kind. I think people are gonna love it. Whenever I end up deciding, it’s gonna be that.
What’s the best food item to pair with the limited-edition mustard?
I’m a mustard of all trades, so I like to say, “everything.” You can do some lemon pepper chicken strips maybe, or some hot wings, all flats, extra crispy. I got flavor in every aspect.
What’s your favorite type of mustard?
All of them, but I don’t really like spicy like that. I’m not a spicy person. I can do a little kick now, but I can’t do crazy burning hot. I can do Hot Ones with some ranch dressing or something to cool it off. I can’t tell you my favorite mustard, though — because if I told you that, then you probably know a little bit of my secret sauce. And I know you’re trying to figure it out!
I use them all, depending on what we’re doing. If we grilling, we going regular yellow mustard for the hot dogs and hamburgers. I’m also using yellow for the binder on the ribs now. Now if I’m getting out the fry basket, I’m using yellow mustard for the binder on the chicken!
Shortly after taking home the Grammy for record of the year, Kendrick Lamar returned to the stage at Crypto.com Arena to accept his second Big Four Grammy for song of the year on Sunday night (Feb. 2) for hit breakout hit “Not Like Us.”
The award was presented by the legend Diana Ross, who offered a somber reflection on the goings on of the world. “How can we have the balance between celebrating and being filled with sorrow? Even as we face trials and tributes with our soul, music brings us home,” she told the audience. “You are not alone, we stand with you, my heart reaches out to you.”
Appearing from backstage after taking home the prize for record of the year, Lamar immediately started beaming about being handed his second trophy of the evening by The Boss herself. “Damn, that’s Diana Ross,” he said with a laugh. “I’m starstruck.”
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After letting his crew get a few words in (including Mustard declaring “somebody get the broom out” for his partner’s apparent sweep), Lamar took a moment to pay tribute to the West Coast rap stars who helped build the lane he occupies today. “All the West Coast artists, from early on — G Malone, Problem, Bad Lucc, K-Bo, Daylyt … these are the cats that inspired me to be the MC I am today,” he said. “Schoolboy, J-Roc, Ab-Soul, this is what it’s about, man. Because at the end of the day, nothing more powerful than rap music — I don’t care what it is. We are the culture.”
With his final words, Lamar offered one final message to any up-and-coming rap artists watching. “To all the young artists, like my man Punch say, I just hope you respect the art form,” he said. “It’ll get you where you need to go.”
At Sunday night’s ceremony, Beyoncé led the pack of nominees with a whopping 11 nods, with Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Lamar himself and Post Malone tied for the second most nominations with seven each. Meanwhile, the jam-packed show included performances from stars such as Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Benson Boone and plenty of others.
The boycott is over. The Weeknd made his surprise return to the 2025 Grammy Awards stage on Sunday (Feb. 2) with an electric performance of “Cry for Me” and “Timeless” featuring an assist from his upcoming tourmate Playboi Carti. After an extended broadcast tease, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. shocked viewers by introducing The […]
Kendrick Lamar is a 20-time Grammy Award winner, and he could be adding more to that tally later Sunday night (Feb. 2). Lamar’s “Not Like Us” won in the best rap song, best rap performance and best music video categories during the 2025 Grammy Premiere Ceremony ahead of Sunday night’s prime-time telecast. With his 20th […]
Is Ye finally looking to move past his troubled history with Taylor Swift?
On Sunday (Feb. 2), just hours before the 67th annual Grammy Awards, the rapper and fashion mogul — formerly known as Kanye West — raised eyebrows regarding his relationship with the pop superstar, posting a cryptic message on his Instagram Story to reveal that he was now following only one person on the platform: Swift.
“1 following,” Ye, 47, posted to his 20.6 million followers, sharing a screenshot of his Instagram page. The next post showed Swift, 35, as the lone person he follows.
As of Saturday night, Ye had unfollowed everyone — including his wife, Bianca Censori — except for Swift, according to TMZ.
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In addition to Swift, Ye also posted about his recent Grammy nomination for “Carnival,” his collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign, which is nominated for best rap song at this year’s ceremony. The track, also featuring Rich the Kid and Playboi Carti, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart last March.
“Thank you to the Grammies for nominating Carnival,” Ye wrote on IG alongside a photo of a Grammy trophy. The image tagged the likes of Swift, Ty Dolla $ign, Playboi Carti, Rich the Kid and the Recording Academy.
It’s still unclear whether Ye will attend the ceremony, which is set to air live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Swift and Beyoncé, both of whom are nominated for album of the year, are expected to be there. Bey leads the nominations with 11, while Swift has six, including her nod for The Tortured Poets Department, alongside Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter.
Ye and Swift’s relationship has been one of the most notorious feuds in the music industry. It all began in 2009 when Ye interrupted Swift’s VMA acceptance speech to declare that Beyoncé deserved the best female video award instead. Though the two eventually reconciled, their tension reignited when Ye claimed in his 2016 track “Famous” that the incident helped launch Swift’s career.
When Swift slammed Ye for the song, he claimed that he got the “Karma” singer’s blessing on a phone call before its release, which she denied. After that, his then-wife Kim Kardashian posted an edited recording of their conversation to portray Swift as a liar, something the latter spoke about as recently as last year.
“You have a fully manufactured frame job, in an illegally recorded phone call, which Kim Kardashian edited and then put out to say to everyone that I was a liar,” she told TIME in her Person of the Year cover story in December 2023. “That took me down psychologically to a place I’ve never been before. I moved to a foreign country. I didn’t leave a rental house for a year. I was afraid to get on phone calls. I pushed away most people in my life because I didn’t trust anyone anymore. I went down really, really hard.”
Check out the complete timeline of Ye and Swift’s relationship here.