NEWS
Kaskade Performs Breathtaking Set Atop Grand Canyon Skywalk
In a historic performance, Kaskade has netted a new achievement as the first producer to perform at the Grand Canyon Skywalk. In the first-ever effort, Kaskade brought his music to the wonder of the world, and performed against a breathtaking natural backdrop unlike any other. The Skywalk is a horseshoe-like platform that extends seventy feet over the edge of the Grand Canyon. The tourist attraction is not for the faint of heart, however, as it has a see-through glass floor and towers an astounding 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon floor. The great heights did not seem to bother Kaskade in the slightest. As day turned to night, he danced on the glass floor the whole way through. The sunset performance included timeless Kaskade originals such as “I Remember” and ̶...
Ahmaud Arbery’s Alleged Murderer Was Encouraged By Cops To Be A Vigilante
Source: Sean Rayford / Getty As more details unfold regarding the senseless murder of Ahmaud Arbery, it appears that Gregory McMichael was put up to the task of vigilante justice by local police. According to a text message exchange between cops and the homeowner of a residence under construction, the elder McMichael was framed as the point man for overseeing criminal activity in the neighborhood. TMZ reports: According to text messages between an officer of the Glynn County Police Department and Larry English, the owner of the home under construction where Ahmaud’s alleged killers claim he was trespassing, police told English to call Greg instead of cops whenever Larry needed assistance. The officer texted Greg’s phone number to Larry, informing him McMichael was his neighbor and instruct...
5 Things I’d Rather Do Than Listen to Lionel Richie’s Upcoming ‘We Are the World’ Remake
Remember when Lionel Richie threatened to curate a new version of “We Are the World” a few months ago? Reuters reports that Richie, along with his American Idol co-hosts Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, will perform the song on Sunday night’s edition of the show, featuring several bodies hidden under Idol’s floorboards: Fantasia, Jordin Sparks, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina, Ruben Studdard, and Scotty McCreery, as well as this season’s remaining 11 finalists. 5. Lick an entire package of q-tips. After it’s been used. 4. Let Robert Pattinson cater my wedding. 3. Eat a stop sign, covered in pigeon shit. 2. Perform one hour of (unpaid) emotional labor for Mike Pence. 1. Look through the Trapt guy’s browser history. Enjoy former renditions of the sweet kiss of death ...
5 Uplifting Moments in Latin Music This Week (May 16)
From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week: Shakira honors professors in Colombia In honor of Teacher’s Day in Colombia on Friday (May 14), Shakira shared photos of students and teachers from her Fundación Pies Descalzos in action. “Teachers are the pillars of society. With their dedication they build a world with equal opportunities for all boys and girls every day, inspiring them to develop their full potential in life! Now more than ever their work is essential!” she expressed on Instagram. Wisin & Yandel kick off fan contest Despite putting most of their 2020 plans on hold, Wisin & Ya...
Astrid Kirchherr, Photographer of The Beatles, Dead at 81
Astrid Kirchherr, the German photographer who shot some of the earliest and most striking images of The Beatles and helped shape their trend-setting visual style, has died at age 81. She died Tuesday in her native Hamburg, days before her 82nd birthday, her friend Kai-Uwe Franz told The Associated Press. Her death was first announced by Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn, who tweeted Friday that Kirchherr made an “immeasurable” contribution to the group and was “intelligent, inspirational, innovative, daring, artistic, awake, aware, beautiful, smart, loving and uplifting.” According to the German publication Die Zeit, she died of a “short, serious illness.” “God bless Astrid a beautiful human being,” Ringo Starr tweeted. George Harrison’s widow, Olivia Harrison, tweeted that Kirchherr was “so...
Little Richard to Be Buried at Historically Black College in Alabama
Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Little Richard will be buried at Oakwood University, a historically black university in Huntsville, Alabama. Gerald Kibble, director of Oakwood Memorial Gardens, said the private funeral will be held Wednesday (May 20) and will not be open to the public. Little Richard’s close friend Pastor Bill Minson said the singer was an alumnus of the university. Little Richard died May 9 at the age of 87 in Tennessee due to bone cancer. The cemetery is owned by the Seventh-day Adventist university.
Hailey & Justin Bieber Say This Sitcom Is a ‘Palate Cleanser for the Soul’
For the latest installment of their Facebook Watch series, The Biebers on Watch, Hailey and Justin Bieber went live to answer questions from fans. When asked about the sitcom Friends, the couple couldn’t help but gush, noting that it’s their favorite show. “We watch Friends every night before we go to bed,” Hailey revealed, before adding, “I watched all of Friends from start to finish when I was single, I watched it every day.” “It’s a good palate cleanser for the soul in the sense of–you know how you have ginger when you have sushi? Same vibe,” the “Sorry” singer added. The conversation soon turned to the topic of marriage, and fans wanted to know how the couple felt about being married so young (Justin was 24 and Hailey...
Taeyeon Earns 15th Top 10 on World Digital Song Sales With ‘Happy’
The powerhouse vocalist has earned more than 30 top 10 hits as a soloist and in a group. We hope this week’s chart news can make Taeyeon a bit more “Happy.” The K-pop superstar returns to Billboard‘s World Digital Song Sales chart with “Happy” entering at No. 9 this week. The nostalgic R&B-pop track sold 1,000 downloads in the week ending May 8, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. The No. 9 debut for “Happy” marks Taeyeon’s 15th top 10 entry on World Digital Song Sales to date. Since making her first solo appearance in 2014 with the song “Breath,” sung alongside fellow K-pop singer Jonghyun, Taeyeon has been a consistent chart force. The star earned her highest-charting single in early 2016 with “Rain” ...
Anthrax & Suicidal Tendencies Members Deliver Rocked Out Version of Billie Eilish’s ‘Bad Guy’
They’re the bad guys (duh). That’s the message Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante and Suicidal Tendencies bassist Ra Diaz are sending with their hard rock rendition of Billie Eilish‘s Hot 100 chart topper, “bad guy.” The new rendition still features the 18-year-old star’s vocals, while Benante, accompanies on drums and guitar, and Diaz plays bass. “My daughter @miiabenante would play @billieeilish in the car all the time, when I heard the song #oceaneyes I was hooked,” Benante wrote on Instagram announcing the cover. “When this song came out I knew it was going to blow up and it did. @ra_diaz and I Loved this tune and wanted to do a Remix of it. We added some crunch, some funk, some Gr...
Houseparty App Connects With Westside Gunn For “In The House” Campaign
Source: Houseparty Westside Gunn has transformed himself into one of the most capable creative minds in Hip-Hop and fashion and his expert knowledge of those cultures will be on display in a new venture. The Griselda Records x Fashion Rebels mastermind has connected with the social networking app Houseparty for a weekend-long invite that invites fans into the world of the Buffalo, N.Y. star. With most of the world locked down and indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gunn, a survivor of the virus, will play host to Houseparty app users and offer a pair of art and lifestyle pieces. If one thing is apparent about WSG and his cohorts is that they are at the forefront of what’s popping in the streets both sonically and in terms of visual display. This Saturday (May 16), Gunn will hop on Housep...
Devo Whip COVID-19 Good by Selling Energy Dome Face Shields
Sensing an opportunity to protect the world from de-evolution, Devo is selling their trademark energy dome hats with a twist: A plastic face shield attached for COVID-19 protection. It’s a good thing. “The dome is solid and the attached shield is clear, but it’s what you can’t see that gets you!” a statement on the band’s website read. “Stay safe from invisible particles and unwanted bodily fluids in this coordinated, disease-blocking, Devo Energy Dome PPE kit headgear. The shield attaches to your Energy Dome via Velcro. It’s simple and it’s safe!” “As you know the Coronavirus pandemic squashed any DEVO 2020 concert plans for the time being. We shall see what happens. In the meantime we know that as the lockdown is eased human interactions at concerts, sporting events, etc. mean that masks...
Doja Cat’s ‘Say So’ Producer Yeti Beats Signs Warner Chappell Admin Deal
Warner Chappell has signed an exclusive administration agreement with Yeti Beats, co-producer of Doja Cat‘s current Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Say So” feat. Nicki Minaj. Announced Friday (May 15), the deal covers all catalog and future works by Yeti Beats, who also served writer, producer, executive producer and A&R roles on Doja Cat’s first two albums — Amala and Hot Pink — and produced such hits as “Candy” and “Juicy” feat. Tyga. He also served as an executive producer on Doja Cat’s 2014 EP Purrr! “I’ve known Yeti for a while, and it’s been incredible to see what he’s accomplished with Doja Cat and her team,” said Warner Chappell Music senior director of A&R, Wallace Joseph, in a statement. “Yeti’s in a great positi...
