Videos

19 Apr 2024

Bnxn & Ruger on Their Online ‘Beef,’ New Album ‘RnB,’ Friendship With Burna Boy | Billboard News

Nigerian Afrobeats artists Bnxn and Ruger talk about what their online beef was all about, how they made up, their new joint album called ‘RnB,’ what inspired them to make this joint album, their connection to Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy, the global recognition and growth for the Afrobeats genre and more!

Bnxn
It’s more about the blend, the mix of both worlds, something like a very nice cocktail that just embodies our strengths. Hey, guys, I’m Bnxn..

Ruga
and I’m Ruga.

Bnxn and Ruga
And you’re watching Billboard News.

Tetris Kelly
I’m Tetris with Billboard News, and I’m sitting with two guys. I don’t think anybody would have thought we’d see you guys sitting next to each other. Bnxn and Ruger what’s up man? Everybody obviously knows you guys went through a little bit of, a little bit of beef that you had going on. So what do you guys think was the root of that? Why did fans kind of create that moment?

Ruger
You talk about this.

Bnxn
I don’t know, in Nigeria, that excessive stanship is real, if you like an artist … you almost go to every extent to prove it, in some sense. So even if it means fighting somebody else. … That was kind of like the primary reason because I think someone came at him. And then he responded to the person, the response had, you know, had me all in it. And I’m like…

Tetris Kelly
How did I get in this?

Bnxn
That 50 Cent meme, where it’s like ‘Me?’

Watch the full interview above!

18 Apr 2024

Taylor Swift Announces First Single ‘Fortnight’ With Post Malone, Breaks Spotify Record & More | Billboard News

It’s Thursday April 18th and this is a complete Taylor Swift takeover, ahead of the release of her new album ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ the superstar announced the lead single “Fortnight,” breaks a record on Spotify for most pre-saves for her new album and we take you inside the ‘Tortured Poets Department’ Spotify library that happened in Los Angeles this week. Billboard explains Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Billboard chart history, Alek Olsen remains on top of the TikTok chart, we look back at the Isley Brothers’ going to No. 1 with “It’s Your Thing” and more!

Tetris Kelly:

Ahead of Taylor’s new album, she’s totally taking over. We bring you inside her exclusive pop up, explained some of her biggest achievements, run down the Tiktok Billboard Top 50 and take a look back at the Hot 100 in 1969.

Rania Aniftos:

Happy Thursday I’m Rania Aniftos for Billboard News. It’s April 18th and we’ve got a lot to get through so let’s jump into our lead stories.

Tetris Kelly:

With broken records, new challenges and major rebrands it’s a total Taylor takeover. Here are the details. Taylor Swift announced the first single off ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ will be “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone after already announcing the music videos coming Friday as well. And she also teased a “Fortnight” challenge set to kick off with the album tomorrow. With the announcement, Taylor gushed about Post Malone saying, “I’ve been such a huge fan of Post because of the writer he is, his musical experimentation and those melodies he creates that just stick in your head forever. I got to witness that magic come to life firsthand when we work together on “Fortnight.” Well fans are definitely excited for the album. Spotify posted on IG saying it became the most pre-saved album countdown page in the streamer’s history. And they aren’t the only ones that are going to blast the new album when it drops at midnight. iHeart Radio announced the rebrand for the release calling themselves iHeart Taylor,

Watch above to learn more!

18 Apr 2024

The Isley Brothers Hit No.1 In 1969 With ‘It’s Your Thing’ | Chart Rewind | Billboard News

On today’s episode of Billboard’s Chart Rewind, we look back at the Isley Brothers hitting No. 1 on the Best Selling Rhythm & Blues singles chart, now called Hot R&B / Hip-Hop songs with their song “It’s Your Thing.”

Alyssa Caverley
The Isley Brothers make it to the top on this week’s Chart Rewind. We head all the way back to 1969 the Isley Brothers hit the No.1 spot with their hit. It’s your thing on what was called the Best Selling Rhythm and Blues Singles Chart. Now called Hot R&B, Hip-Hop songs is spent four weeks at the top and was their first No. 1 on any Billboard chart. Over on the Hot 100, the song reached No. 2 and remains the group’s highest charting song

18 Apr 2024

Inside Taylor Swift’s ‘Tortured Poets Department’ Spotify Pop-Up | All Access | Billboard News

Taylor Swift’s upcoming album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ has everyone excited, and fans can’t wait to uncover the hidden meanings and Easter eggs within her Spotify pop-up, The Tortured Poets Department Library.

Chris Olsen:
This is crazy. I mean, what Spotify has done is also so beautiful. The energy here is beautiful, Swifties are the best people in the world

Tetris Kelly:
So many Swifties, lyrics and Easter eggs? It’s Tetris with Billboard, and Spotify is helping us celebrate ‘The Tortured Poets Department.’ Taylor Swift, what are you telling us? We try to find out in Billboard All Access. You wouldn’t believe the line at The Grove as Spotify enticed Swifties with a mission before Friday’s release of ‘The Tortured Poets Department.’

Swiftie #1:
I cannot wait. I actually can’t believe it’s already coming out. We just saw you at Coachella, Taylor!

Swiftie #2:
I literally can’t wait. This woman’s a genius. She is a genius! 

Swiftie #3
Twenty new songs, hopefully some music videos, merch, it’s gonna be amazing.

Tetris Kelly:
Fans grabbed bookmarks and a card where they could pick the song they’re most excited for and then deposit it at the library pop-up. And in addition to hidden lyrics and titles, they also had a photo opp to commemorate the moment. And what are the Easter eggs here? I gotta find them.

Chris Olsen:
There’s a lot of 2’s here. There’s a lot of Easter eggs that lead to the number 2, and I don’t know what that means, but I’m shaking once again.

Swiftie #1:
I saw the December 13th sign over there. And then I also saw a journal that said “us” and it was like hidden behind something and I really wanted to go in there and see if it was a journal about her and Travis, but who knows.

Watch to learn more!

18 Apr 2024

Taylor Swift: Insider Her Record-Breaking Billboard Chart History | Billboard Explains

Will Taylor Swift earn another No. 1 album? In light of her highly anticipated release of ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ this Friday, April 19th, let’s take a look back at Taylor Swift’s many history-making achievements.

This is Billboard Explains: Taylor Swift’s Record-Breaking Chart History.

Narrator:
​​The day has finally arrived. Taylor Swift’s upcoming studio album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ drops on April 19. And to celebrate, we’re looking back at some of Taylor’s incredible achievements on the Billboard charts. This is Billboard Explains: Taylor Swift’s Record-Breaking Chart History.

Taylor kicked off her charts journey back in July 2006 when her debut single ‘Tim McGraw’ arrived on the country charts. It also made the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 40 the next year. She kicked things into high gear with her sophomore album ‘Fearless,’ which includes hits like “Love Story” — that reached No. 4 on the Hot 100 — and “You Belong With Me,” which went to No. 2 in 2009.

Since then, Taylor has been a Hot 100 force to be reckoned with. She’s racked up 11 No. 1 hits, tying her with Whitney Houston for the fourth most among women in chart history. The superstar has charted 232 songs on the Hot 100, more than any other female artist and only second to Drake overall. Often, Taylor is competing against herself. She’s the only woman to replace herself at No. 1 on the Hot 100, and she’s done it three times. In 2014, “Blank Space” knocked “Shake It Off” from the top spot. And then in 2023, “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version)” took out “Cruel Summer” before the songs switched places the following week.

And we can’t forget the history-making album ‘Midnights.’

Watch above to learn more!

18 Apr 2024

YG Marley Lands in Top 3, Madison Beer in Top 10 in TikTok Billboard Top 50 | Billboard News

On the TikTok Billboard Top 50, YG Marley’s “Crazier in the Moonlight”  jumps into the top three, and Madison Beer lands in the top 10 with “Make You Mine.” Alek Olsen remains at No. 1 for the fourth week straight with “Someday I’ll Get It.”

Tetris Kelly:

One trend reigned supreme while two songs returned to the top 10. Alek Olsen’s “Someday I’ll Get It” spends a fourth week on top of the TikTok Billboard Top 50 for the chart posting April 18. It ties Flo Milli’s “Never Lose Me” for the most consecutive weeks at No. 1, while the rest of the top 10 are the same as last week.

YG Marley’s “Crazier in the Moonlight” jumped up from No. 14 to No. 2, a new peak for the reggae hit. Also reaching new heights is Madison Beer’s “Make You Mine,” which climbs 20-8.

Every Thursday, Billboard will bring you the verified list of the hottest songs on TikTok by monitoring music discovery and engagement on the platform in the United States. To find the TikTok Billboard Top 50 each week, users can simply go to any sound detail page and tap the top right button to access the charts page.

Watch the full video above!

17 Apr 2024

Tha Dogg Pound “Smoke Up,” Dave East & Scram Jones “I Just Wanna” & More | Daily Visuals 4.17.24

HipHopWired Featured Video

When Snoop Dogg took over the Death Row record label he once called home in 2022, no one knew what to expect other than the release of some classic catalogues on streaming services, but it seems like the Hip-Hop icon has reunited a fan favorite group from the 90’s that sold millions of records.

Once again riding alongside Kurupt and Daz Dillinger to form Tha Dogg Pound, Snoop Dogg and company drop off their new visuals for “Smoke Up” the Triple OG trio break out the all blue paisley DPGC attire and show these youngn’s how it’s done (or how it used to be done anyway) and walk out to the beat while flexing some classic cars and… some WWE title belts?! That was hella random. Either way it’s dope to see them back together on the same set.

From the West to the East, Dave East does some turning up of his own and in his and Scram Jones clip to “I Just Wanna” the two men hit the strip club and stack bricks of cash on the talent who leave little to the imagination as they twerk and work to get East to turn into the rain man. With all that thunder clapping how could he not?

Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from Lizzen and Robin Thicke, 1TakeJake, and more.

THA DOGG POUND – “SMOKE UP”



DAVE EAST & SCRAM JONES – “I JUST WANNA”



LIZZEN & ROBIN THICKE – “WHY REMIX”



1TAKEJAKE – “THE BEST”



GLOSS UP – “NOT YA GIRL”



GUKKO DA GENERULE FT. HIPPIEX – “DON’T WASTE MY TIME”



REESE YOUNGN FT. BIRDMAN – “LAST WEEK”



03 GREEDO & MAXO KREAM – “R.I.C.O.”



17 Apr 2024

JoJo Siwa Backlash Continues, NBA YoungBoy Arrested, Ariana Grande’s Grandmother Awarded For Hot 100 | Billboard News

It’s Wednesday, April 17th, and JoJo Siwa keeps on taking heat from the public and Lil Tay steps in. Ariana Grande’s grandmother officially became the most senior person to chart on The Hot 100, Kid Cudi is set to perform at Coachella weekend two and Charli XCX & Troye Sivan announced a co-headlining tour coming later this year. NBA YoungBoy has been arrested? You read that right, the rapper was arrested in Utah for various drug, fraud and weapon charges while on house arrest. Our latest cover star, Tyla, talks about her viral hit, “Water,” the collaborations on her self-titled debut album and more. Tate McRae shares more about her friendship with Olivia Rodrigo, her fashion choices growing up and more!

Rania Aniftos:

JoJo Siwa taking a lot of heat, Ariana’s Nona breaks a record, Kid Cudi joins Coachella and Charlie and Troye Sivan hit the road. YoungBoy Never Broke Again has been arrested. We go behind the scenes with Billboard cover star Tyla and Tate McRae takes us Behind The Photo. Another day, another Billboard News. I’m Rania Aniftos and it’s Wednesday, April 17th. Everyone’s been talking about JoJo Siwa since she released “Karma,” but it’s not just people trolling on the internet now. JoJo Siwa clarifies that viral moment while some others hop on the hate train. Practically everyone saw that moment of our interview with JoJo Siwa, well JoJo clarified what she meant on SiriusXM. That wasn’t the only flack JoJo got after releasing “Karma.” Folks online dug up an unreleased version of the song by Brit Smith from 12 years ago accusing JoJo of stealing the track. Jojo told TMZ that she didn’t steal it. Rock Mafia who wrote the song allegedly for Miley Cyrus at the time recorded a version with Brit Smith that didn’t see the light of day until it showed up on TikTok recently. Well Brit released her version and many people bought it on iTunes in order to, what looks like, spite JoJo. One person who definitely is not a fan of JoJo? Lil Tay. After people online compared the young rapper who went viral after an online death hoax to JoJo, she told people to not compare them.

Keep watching to learn more!

17 Apr 2024

Myke Towers Surprises Rockstar Energy Myke Check Winner GiL | Billboard News

Latin superstar Myke Towers was on a mission to find the next Latin star through this Rockstar Energy Myke Check con Myke Towers campaign. GiL stood out from the competition, and Myke Towers surprised her and gave her advice on making it in the music industry.

Tetris Kelly:
What’s better than winning a contest to open for one of your musical inspirations on tour? Well, maybe a surprise in-person hang with that very idol. 

As a part of Rockstar energy presents Myke Check con Myke Towers, the global Latin superstar took to the House of Hits recording studio in Miami to surprise rising artist Gilmarie “GiL” Villanueva. The star came out on top in the contest and thought she was getting an interview with Billboard, but was met with the surprise of a lifetime.

GiL:
[In Spanish] I play the song “Girl” by Myke Towers. 

Myke Towers: 
[In Spanish] Which other one? Which other song do you play? 

Tetris Kelly:
During his appearance, Myke opened up about his partnership with Rockstar energy drink. 

Myke Towers:
[In Spanish] Well I termed up with Rockstar Energy for this new campaign to discover a new Latin star and from there, we found GiL. When I saw GiL, I thought, “She has it all.” 

Tetris Kelly:
After the big reveal, GiL spent time with her idol to get some tips on making it in the industry.

Myke Towers: 
[In Spanish] Maintain forward with your focus and do what the people ask of you, what you know they’re expecting. You have a responsibility to present the best version of yourself.

Watch the full video above!

17 Apr 2024

Tate McRae on Friendship With Olivia Rodrigo, Tour Essentials & More | Billboard News

Tate McRae opens up about her tour must-haves, her friendship with Olivia Rodrigo, being a part of the “Bad Idea Right?” music video and her fashion choices growing up in Billboard News’ Behind the Photo.

Tate McRae:
Hey, this is Tate McRae, and this is Behind the Photo with Billboard.

Oh my god, this is me on the tour bus. My first ever tour, North American tour. Obviously, you wake up and you feel very puffy because you’re seeing a lot of people, you’re dancing every night, lots is going on. I have this one, like, ice cold face mask that has ice in it, and my photographer took this photo. I was sitting in my front lounge like this. Pretty iconic.

Oh my god. This is insane. This is me as a child. I have the wildest baby pictures you have ever seen. I don’t know what I would wear every single day. I always say to my mom, like, “How could you let me, like, out of the house like this?” But I always wore, like, these massive bandanas over my head. I was just the chubbiest little kid ever, who did not give a s–t about anything or how I looked or anything and I would just be chillin always. Pretty gangster, always.

This last photo is a picture of me and my girlfriends, the best ever. They’re so beautiful. This was on Olivia’s music video shoot for “Bad Idea Right?” All of us were in the music video. It was so cute. It was in this little neighborhood. We were all driving around on golf carts. We literally only filmed for, like, 10 minutes, and then we just, like, hung out the rest of the day. But they’re the best. I love these girls. They’re so talented and the sweetest.

Watch the full video above!