entertainment blog
Jay-Z Urges New York to Limit the Use of Rap Lyrics in Criminal Cases
Jay-Z, Meek Mill and other major musical artists are pressing New York lawmakers to pass legislation that would restrict when prosecutors can cite rap lyrics as evidence during criminal cases, saying such reform is “urgently needed.” Also signed by Killer Mike, Fat Joe, Robin Thicke and a slew of others, the new letter urged lawmakers to support Senate Bill S7527, known as “Rap Music on Trial,” which would limit the admissibility of someone’s music as evidence against them in a criminal trial. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The bill, introduced in November, is part of a broader legal debate over when prosecutors can or should cite rap lyrics – a practice that critics say offers little insight into an actual crime and can unfairly sway juries, ...
Five Burning Questions: Gunna’s ‘DS4Ever’ Triumphs on the Billboard 200 Chart
On this week’s Billboard 200 chart, Gunna emerged from a tight race for the top spot with the second No. 1 album of his career, as DS4Ever debuted with 150,300 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending Jan. 13, according to MRC Data. The 19-track project includes “Pushin P” featuring Future and Young Thug, which launched at No. 7 on the Hot 100 chart; meanwhile, The Weeknd’s Dawn FM album starts at No. 2 on this week’s Billboard 200, with 148,000 equivalent album units. Explore Explore Gunna See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news How did Gunna score a chart-topper this time around? And will “Pushin P” develop into a durable hit? Billboard staffers discuss these questions and more below. 1. Few would have predicted Gunna’s DS4Ever to em...
Kodak Black’s ‘Super Gremlin’ Hits No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart
Kodak Black revisits the summit of Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart as “Super Gremlin” advances from the runner-up rank to lead the list dated Jan. 22. With the move, the streaming hit, first released in October, gives the Florida rapper his second leader. He previously topped the list with “ZEZE,” featuring Travis Scott and Offset, which debuted at No. 1 in October 2018 and led for one week. The new champ also is his best showing as the only act on a track, passing his “Tunnel Vision” and its No. 4 peak in 2017. “Gremlin” removes Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow’s collaboration, “Industry Baby,” from the No. 1 rank after the latter’s 18-week nonconsecutive reign. It falls to No. 4. [embedded content] “Gremlin” arrives at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs in its 10th week on the chart...
‘South Park’ Theme Song Gets an Orchestral Treatment to Celebrate 25th Season: Exclusive Video
The boys of South Park are gonna have themselves a time … at an orchestra concert! In a new promo for the animated show’s upcoming 25th season that Comedy Central is sharing exclusively with Billboard, the iconic theme song by Primus gets an orchestral reinvention to mark the milestone. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The clip kicks off with the conductor stepping forward in an extravagant theater before the full orchestra bursts into action playing the song. Four singers then chime in, but despite performing in such a classy setting, the vocalists dive right into the raunchy, NSFW lyrics, with a more upbeat feel than the original. As the tune finishes, the theater’s audience roars with approval, and the scene cuts to Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Ke...
Big Thief Reschedule European Tour, Share New Song “Simulation Swarm”: Listen
Big Thief have rescheduled dates of their European tour, which was set to begin in France at the end of January. The band’s February and March dates in the United Kingdom and Ireland are still on, as is the North American tour that begins in April. Find the band’s updated schedule below. Big Thief’s next album, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You, arrives on February 11. Today, the band has released a new song called “Simulation Swarm.” It’s the latest song of the several Big Thief have shared from the 20-song album, following “Little Things,” “Change,” “Certainty,” “No Reason,” and “Spud Infinity.” Listen to “Simulation Swarm” below. Revisit Pitchfork’s feature “Big Thief Can’t Stop Moving Forward.” Content This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Big Thief: 0...
Mitski to Open for Harry Styles at UK Shows
Mitski has announced that she will be opening for Harry Styles on three of his upcoming tour dates. She will perform ahead of the pop star’s June 11 show at Glasgow’s Ibrox Stadium, his June 15 concert at Manchester’s Emirates Old Trafford, and his June 18 show at London’s Wembley Stadium. You can find Style’s full tour schedule at his website. Mitski is an established Harry Styles fan. In 2017, she wrote a review of the singer’s debut solo album for The Talkhouse. At one point in the piece, Mitski wrote that she would “stand like an ant in an arena crowd just to witness his magnetism.” That same year, Mitski recorded a cover of One Direction’s “Fireproof.” Mitski is set to release her new album Laurel Hell on February 4. Revisit Pitchfork’s 2018 interview “Don’t Cry for Mitski.” All produ...
Cardi B to Help Cover Funeral Costs for Bronx Fire Victims, Mayor Says
Cardi B is going to help cover burial expenses for the families of the 17 people who died in the January 9 Bronx apartment fire, the New York mayor’s office announced. “When I heard about the fire and all of the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help,” Cardi B said in a statement. She continued: I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal. I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy. Cardi B is partnering with the New York Mayor’s Fund’s Bronx Fire Relief Fund to help cover the funeral costs. In his own statement, Mayor Eric Adams said, “We are grateful for Car...
Arca Remixes Laurie Anderson’s “Big Science”: Listen
Arca has reworked the title track from Laurie Anderson’s 1982 debut album Big Science. The remix arrives today via Nonesuch Records. The label recently reissued Big Science on red vinyl and released a Sam Gendel remix of Anderson’s song “Sweaters” last fall. Listen to Arca’s take on “Big Science” below. Arca crafted her “Big Science” remix at her home studio in Barcelona last summer. Late last year, she completed her KICK LP series, which now spans five studio albums. Revisit Pitchfork’s feature interview “Live From Quarantine, It’s the Arca Show.” Content This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Krewella Announce Headline Tour and New Album, “The Body Never Lies”
In just 24 hours, Krewella stunned and galvanized fans with back-to-back announcements. Starting off the week on a high note, the sisters announced that the follow-up to their 2020 album, zer0, will be arriving on March 4th, 2022. In less than two months, 10 new tracks from the superstar duo will hit the airwaves in The Body Never Lies. The record will feature Krewella’s recently released collabs, “Never Been Hurt” (with BEAUZ) and “No Control” (with MADGRRL). With one song dipping into house territory and the other leaning towards bass and hardstyle, it seems safe to assume the upcoming album will see Jahan and Yasmine take on a number of sub-genres in the electronic sphere. Just one day after the reveal, they returned with news of an eponymous 20-city tour. ...
Boogie T Reveals First Headline Performance at Red Rocks, “Boogie T On The Rocks”
Hold out your glass because Boogie T is serving up some funk on the rocks this spring. In April, the Louisiana-bred producer will be taking over one of America’s most iconic concert venues, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, for a Friday night showcase. Joining the bearded bass bender will be SoDown, Minnesota, KHIVA, Bawldy, and his BOOGIE T.RIO live band for a special sunset set. Like Boogie T himself, the lineup is a nice blend of live electronic and wonky bass music. The announcement video also shows a very sacred process that’s not often caught on camera. Believe it or not, artists are not booked at Red Rocks via email chains with their managers. As it turns out, bottles with invites have been scattered around the world and those who find them get to take the...
Zamna Festival Reawakens Tulum to Kick Off 2022 With 6 Nights of Dance Music
After postponing last year’s edition due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, Zamna Festival made a successful return to Tulum in 2021, bringing along some of the most celebrated names in house and techno music. Last year’s marathon edition was set to kick off on December 31st and run for a total of 17 days, while this year organizers brought together a more modest—yet still incredible—experience with six thematic events over 10 days. Zamna Festival 2021 Zamna Festival Throughout Zamna 2021, fans and attendees found themselves in the epicenter of the bustling electronic scene in Tulum, enjoying DJ sets from headliners Claptone, Tale Of Us, and Black Coffee, among others, as well as performances from some of dance music’s most promising underground talents. Black Coffee....
Marbs Broadens Scope of Desert Hearts Black Imprint With latest EP, “Minds on the Run”
As a flourishing record label under the Desert Hearts umbrella, Desert Hearts Black has long been the home for acts who flirt with the more melodic tones of house and techno. However, in hopes of targeting a global audience, the imprint is expanding its Rolodex to include a more varied sound loaded with grit and groove. At the helm of this new sonic journey is label head and Desert Hearts co-founder Marbs. The Southern California native has released an introspective EP born out of the confines of isolation from the global pandemic. Titled Minds on the Run, the project features three original recordings alongside a remix from Spanish techno veteran Oscar L. Described by Marbs as a “twisted trip through my mind and an exploration of the sounds I love,” the EP wraps itself in...
