Hip-Hop
Usher Launches Las Vegas Residency: ‘I Don’t Want to Close the Curtain’
From there, Usher rolled out hit after hit as well as other fan faves curated from a Grammy Award-winning career that began in 1994. The energetic journey down memory lane kicked off with “Caught Up,” followed by “Love in This Club” and “Party” (the Chris Brown song featuring Usher and Gucci Mane). It was a nonstop audience sing-along as Usher and his crew of dancers triggered a slew of oh-wow moments from there, including “Lovers and Friends” and “There Goes My Baby.” During a segment devoted to his Atlanta roots, Usher donned skates along with his dancers and turned the massive Colosseum stage into a giant roller rink as he performed “Don’t Waste My Time” (featuring Ella Mai). Then in a nod to Magic City, Atlanta’s famous strip club, pole dancers showcased their flexibility amid a shower...
Missy Elliott, Questlove, Q-Tip & More Pay Tribute to Biz Markie: “Your Impact in the Culture Is 4EVER”
In light of Biz Markie’s passing on Friday, countless figures from the music and entertainment community have paid tribute to the hip-hop legend. “Biz built me man,” declared Questlove. “In my early early stages it was Biz who taught me the REAL places to cop records….Biz taught me what cities had good digging…..Biz taught me where to collect 45s……Biz taught me where to collect 8TRACK TAPES!!” “He taught me ALOT. Im using ALL the education he taught me,” added Questlove. “We will miss him. But he will be here forever. Love you Biz.” Advertisement Related Video “This one hurts baad,” said fellow hip-hop legend Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest. “ahhh man @BizMarkie damn im gonna miss u so so many memories.. hurts bad. My FRIEND.” “I can remember so many times trying to beat box like you until m...
‘I’ll Be Missing You’ Tops SiriusXM’s ‘Billboard Top 500 Summer Hits’ Countdown
The Billboard Top 500 Summer Hits channel is celebrating the hottest summer hits from 1958 through 2020 based on Hot 100 chart data, featuring artists such as The Beatles, Bee Gees, Mariah Carey, Drake, Elton John, Madonna, Katy Perry, Elvis Presley, Rihanna, The Rolling Stones, Usher and Donna Summer. Joining Puff Daddy (aka Diddy, born Sean Combs), Evans and vocal group 112 in the top 10 of the Billboard Top 500 Summer Hits spotlight are fellow summer smashes by Brandy and Monica, Andy Gibb, Lil Nas X, Prince and the Revolution and more. After launching Friday (July 16) and running through July 30, Billboard Top 500 Summer Hits on SiriusXM channel 104 and the SiriusXM app is counting down the songs that made summers feel even hotter over the past six decades-plus. You can also liste...
Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Nas X & More Go ‘Wild’ for Normani & Cardi B Video: ‘I Have Chills’
It didn’t take long for Normani to transport her fellow music stars to the “Wild Side,” thanks to the eye-popping video for her new Cardi B collaboration. The “Wild Side” song and video came out at midnight on Friday (July 16) and immediately transfixed celebs from Megan Thee Stallion to Halle Berry with its fierce fashions, colorful sets and groundbreaking choreography. “The video the song … everything,” Meg wrote via her Instagram story, celebrating her “WAP” teammate Cardi teaming up with a new female star. “That was the best video I have ever seen in my entire life,” Lil Nas X added on Twitter. “I am in [awe]. I am inspired!” You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So ...
Biz Markie, Bombastic Rapper Behind ‘Just a Friend,’ Dies at 57
In 1988, Markie released his debut album, Goin’ Off, which peaked at No. 90 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and included his first Billboard hit, with “Make the Music With Your Mouth” peaking at No. 84 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 1987. But Markie’s big breakthrough to the mainstream came with his sophomore album, 1989’s The Biz Never Sleeps, which included his one-and-only Hot 100 entry: “Just a Friend.” His signature hit reached No. 5 on the Hot Rap Songs chart in December 1989 and then crossed over the next year. It became his only Billboard Hot 100 entry and reached its No. 9 peak in March 1990. The single’s success helped its parent album, The Biz Never Sleeps, crack the top 10 of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, wher...
Biz Markie’s Death Mourned by Questlove, Q-Tip, Wyclef & More: ‘A True GOAT’
After Biz Markie’s death was announced Friday (July 16), reactions from his hip-hop peers — including Questlove, Q-Tip and Wyclef — started to pour in, in remembrance of the jovial “Just a Friend” rapper. “Biz built me,” Roots mastermind Questlove started his touching tribute on Instagram, recalling how the veteran MC taught him where to dig for the best records, or even 8-tracks. “I’m using all the education he taught me,” he added. “We will miss him. But he will be here forever.” “This one hurts baad,” A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip tweeted. “Damn I’m gonna miss u.” You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should be. It...
R.I.P. Biz Markie, “Just a Friend” Rapper Dead at 57
Biz Markie has died at the age of 57. According to TMZ, the veteran rapper passed away Friday, July 16th, due to complications from diabetes. “It is with profound sadness that we announce, this evening, with his wife Tara by his side, hip-hop pioneer Biz Markie peacefully passed away,” a representative for Markie said in a statement on Friday. “We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time. Biz created a legacy of artistry that will forever be celebrated by his industry peers and his beloved fans whose lives he was able to touch through music, spanning over 35 years. He leaves behind a wife, many family members and close friends who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter. We respectfully request pri...
Olivia Rodrigo, Justin Bieber, Normani, Khalid & More of the Week’s Biggest Winners (July 16)
Take a look at Billboard‘s new weekly roundup and the “awards” it gave to this week’s headlines. Sweetest Music News: Cardi B & Offset throw Kulture a 3rd birthday party fit for a princess Cardi and Offset’s little princess got the royal treatment on Saturday (July 10) for her third birthday, which included a horse-drawn carriage to a greeting party of Disney princesses and a custom Eliantte diamond neck piece for even more razzle dazzle. But to all the haters who wanted to rain on Kulture’s parade, Cardi wasn’t having it. “Listen imma live my childhood dreams thru my kids,” she tweeted in defense of the lavish celebration and gift. See photos of the party here and extravagant gift here, read Cardi...
Watch Saweetie & Justine Skye Headline Samsung & Billboard’s Songs of the Summer Concert Now
The concert — presented by Samsung and powered by Billboard‘s Songs of the Summer chart — is free for Samsung Galaxy owners, while non-Galaxy owners can pay $10 to stream it. Galaxy owners can redeem a code from the Samsung Members app to watch the show on their device, while non-owners can purchase a ticket and then stream it from their device or cast to their TV. The concert will be available to watch through midnight ET on Sunday, July 18. The Songs of the Summer virtual concert wraps up the Summer of Galaxy, which kicked off when Samsung teamed up with Billboard to offer Galaxy owners early access to the annual Songs of the Summer chart, among other perks. Click here to watch the concert now. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we ...
Normani and Cardi B Join Forces on New Song “Wild Side”: Stream
Normani has enlisted Cardi B for her new single, titled “Wild Side.” Watch the Tanu Muino-directed music video, choreographed by Sean Bankhead, below. “Wild Side” is Normani’s first solo single since 2019’s “Motivation,” which netted the Fifth Harmony member a Platinum plaque. She first teased a snippet of the track on social media back in February. In a statement, Normani spoke about teaming with Cardi for their first musical collaboration. “I had already been in rehearsal for about three weeks preparing for the video when Cardi heard the record for the first time,” she recalled. “She really showed up for me and brought this record to life by simply doing what Cardi does best. I lovethat woman down and I’m forever grateful.” Advertisement Related Video On her Instagram story, Cardi gushed...
Pop Smoke’s New Posthumous Album Faith Features Kanye West, Dua Lipa, and More: Stream
Pop Smoke’s second posthumous album, Faith, is out this Friday via Victor Victor/Republic, and the late rapper is being honored with a star-studded array of featured guests. The tracklist to Faith includes contributions from Kanye West, Dua Lipa, Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Pharrell, Lil Tjay, Future, 21 Savage, Migos’ Quavo, Takeoff, Swae Lee, 42 Dugg, Rick Ross, Kodack Black, Bizzy Banks, and more. As for the album artwork, it’s a portrait of the late rapper that highlights his tattoo of the word ‘faith.’ Check out both artwork and tracklist below. Pop Smoke, a key figure in Brooklyn’s drill scene, was shot and killed during an attempted home invasion in February 2020. He was 20 years old. His first proper album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, arrived the following July after his dea...
Normani Releases ‘Wild Side’ Feat. Cardi B: Watch
Normani fans, rejoice: The songstress released her all-new single “Wild Side,” featuring Cardi B, and an accompanying music video on Friday (July 16). The exciting collab comes nearly one year after Normani appeared in the music video for Cardi and Megan Thee Stallion’s Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “WAP.” “I had already been in rehearsal for about three weeks preparing for the video when Cardi heard the record for the first time,” Normani said in a statement. “She really showed up for me and brought this record to life by simply doing what Cardi does best. “I love that woman down and I’m forever grateful,” the singer added. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a datin...
