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It’s Tuesday, May 21st, and JoJo Siwa celebrated her 21st birthday at Disney World by “drinking around the world.” Eminem continues to tease fans with Slim Shady’s demise by posting a cryptic message on X. Victoria Monét cancels her performances at Governors Ball and two other festivals due to ongoing health issues. Confused about the Kendrick Lamar & Drake feud, Tom Hanks asks his son to break it down to him. We caught up with some of your favorites at the Gold Gala and asked them who their favorite Asian artists are. Who’s another independent artist that should be on your watch? Keep watching to find out!

Tetris Kelly: 

Tom Hanks has his son break down Kendrick versus Drake. Victoria Monét has to cancel several shows, and Eminem sends a cryptic text about Slim Shady’s death. JoJo Siwa gets lit for the most magical birthday ever. We highlight independent artist Russ and go to the Gold Gala to discover new Asian artists. It’s Tuesday at Billboard News, and we’re starting with the top story. Happy 21st birthday to one of our faves, JoJo Siwa, and she celebrated exactly as I would at Epcot in Walt Disney World, and we’re showing you all the best moments.

So if you didn’t know, Disney’s Epcot Park is divided into 11 countries, and some adults, myself included, like to grab a drink in each country and drink around the world. That’s exactly what JoJo did, and it was documented by so many guests. She was seen having drinks with fans in her epic park ‘fit. One of the best moments was her going back and forth with a group finishing the lyrics to the iconic “Karma.” And of course the “Karma” dance said hello. And this moment where she wished the fan with an interesting name happy birthday too. My only request is invite me next time, JoJo!

Here’s three things you need to know in rap. “Big Main, can you explain the Drake/Kendrick Lamar feud to me?” Yeah, that’s the way Tom Hanks asks his son, Chet, for a rundown. 

Keep watching to learn more!

Russ started as an independent artist who released 11 mixtapes before signing with Columbia Records.  Later he would become 100% independent again, and he shares what’s needed to make it as an independent artist and more!

Tetris Kelly:

When it comes to being an independent artist, perhaps nobody is as loud and proud as Russ. This smooth and talented emcee is no stranger to the game and truly believes in it because he came back. The do it yourself rapper released 11 mixtapes independently before signing with Columbia and releasing ‘There’s Really a Wolf.’ He released two more projects with the label and then in June 2020, he announced on IG he was 100% independent again. He’s been super honest about the hustle at one point even posting his weekly earnings, where fans can see hundreds of 1000s of dollars he made. He told us about it back in 2020 after his Top 40 hit, “HANDSOMER.” A guy that’s never afraid to call out the Grammys and yes, even the Charts if you’re gonna be independent, believe in it like Russ.

We caught up with some of your favorites at the Gold Gala and asked them who their favorite Asian artists are, including Saweetie, Olivia Rodrigo, Mitski and more!

Rania Aniftos:
Is there an Asian artist that you would recommend for people to listen to? 

Kim Chi:
Oh my god there’s so many.

Agnez Mo:
I love love love Jhené Aiko. Obviously my cancer sister, Saweetie.

Bella Poarch:
Beabadoobee, I love her.

Kim Chi:
I’m a K-pop junkie. Stan ARTMS, Loossemble and ZEROBASEONE. 

Rania Aniftos:
Besides yourself, is there any Asian artist that you’re loving that you would recommend to other people? 

Towa Bird:
Definitely not Towa Bird. Hate that b—h.

Rania Aniftos:
I would say Towa Bird, that’s my suggestion.

Towa Bird: 
My friend, Deb Never. She’s awesome, I love her music. I love Mitski, Japanese Breakfast.

Lucy Liu:
Olivia, who’s incredible. I also really love K-pop and I think it’s like infiltrating American culture. And I hope it keeps going. We need a tsunami to hit.

Sammy from The Rose:
There’s this group called KARD, and in KARD, there’s a guy named BM. He’s just came out with his solo album. I think people should check that out.

It’s Monday, May 20, and Diddy shared an apology video after CNN obtained a video of him physically assaulting former girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016. Katy Perry said goodbye to ‘American Idol’ after being a judge for seven years. Sabrina Carpenter performed her latest hit “Espresso” on ‘SNL.’ As Lana Del Rey headlined Hangout Fest, she surprised guests and brought out Jelly Roll, Benson Boone and Nessa Barrett. On the Hot 100, Post Malone has a stronghold in two top 10 spots, but which one of your favorites took No. 1 this week? We give you an exclusive look into EDM’s hottest festival of the year, EDC. What indie artists should you be on the lookout for? We tell you who and more!

Tetris Kelly: 

Lana is twerking with Sexy and singing with Benson and Nessa. Katy is slinging pizza on ‘Idol,’ and Sabrina gets nasty on ‘SNL.’ Diddy says sorry — do you believe it? We’re going in-depth with Tinashe as she has a viral smash, taking you to EDC and revealing the Billboard Hot 100.

Happy Monday, it’s Billboard News. Let’s jump into our top story. Diddy has released a video apologizing for his behavior after a video obtained by CNN of him assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie in 2016 went viral. 50 Cent has something to say. Are the words enough as Sean “Diddy” Combs apologizes only after the gruesome video of him and ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura has been made public? 50 Cent was one of the first to comment, posting, “This is not going to work, who is advising him right now? SMH bad move.” He had originally posted saying, “This is why they put that tape out, they know they can’t charge him with what we saw, but they know we can’t un-see what we saw.” What happens in the video was part of the an assault allegation Cassie made in a now-settled lawsuit she filed against the hip-hop mogul in November. And it’s the beginning of the week, so you know there’s more. Here’s three things you should know today. Sabrina Carpenter was perfection as she took over ‘Saturday Night Live’ over the weekend giving them a taste of “Espresso.”

Keep watching to learn more!

Tinashe is finding her own success with “Nasty” from her new album ‘QUANTUM BABY,’ now that she’s an independent artist. We share her transition from girl group, to a solo artist, to going independent and more.

Tetris Kelly:

Tinashe may be a name you know, but as an indie artist? She’s thriving. As a teenager, Tinashe was part of a girl group called The Stunners. She would later go solo when she signed to RCA. After three albums with the label, it was announced that she and RCA had parted ways. She told Billboard, “At the time I made the decision because I was following my gut instinct and it was telling me that relationship wasn’t productive anymore.” Since then, Tinashe’s released three albums on her own with another on the way. The lead single off of ‘QUANTUM BABY,’ “Nasty,” is blowing up in part thanks to a meme on TikTok. She says, “Going indie has been extremely rewarding, especially spiritually and emotionally in terms of how I view myself as a creative.”