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Read ArticlesSoulja Boy isn’t the first rapper to issue an apology, but won’t be the last. Big Draco received heavy backlash from the hip-hop community for his recent tirades dissing Metro Boomin and disrespecting the producer’s late mother.
Soulja Boy was seemingly set off on Sunday (May 12) after a 2012 tweet from Metro resurfaced taking a shot at the “Crank Dat” rapper. “My phone rings to come to the studio with Jeezy. Yours rings to send Soulja Boy a pack of beats. Sit down,” the since-deleted 2012 tweet reads, per VIBE.
After a few days of dwelling on his doubling down on his distasteful sentiments, the SODMG boss is expressing his remorse for his statements and issued an apology on X on Wednesday afternoon (May 15).
“I apologize to @MetroBoomin for over reacting over an old tweet,” he penned before revealing he’ll be seeking help. “Condolences to his mom. I’m going to seek therapy and anger management. I’m done responding to hate, new or old.”
It’s rare to hear Soulja Boy backing down in any sort of feud, so naturally, fans questioned his sincerity when hopping into his replies.
“I can’t tell if this is a bit,” one person wrote.
Another added: “I hope you reached out to him personally. Wishing you the best on your healing journey. Here’s to putting forth positivity into the world.”
The severe backlash came at Soulja Boy after he repeatedly took shots at Metro Boomin and brought up his late mother, whom the producer was very close with and died in a murder-suicide in 2022.
“F–k that n—a mama!!!!!!!!!! Don’t speak on my name b—h! You sacrificed your own mom @MetroBoomin you a puppet,” Soulja Boy wrote in more since-deleted tweets.
He continued: “All the streams, sales, money, and fame not gone bring your mom back @MetroBoomin was it worth it? can say f–k this money and fame s–t and still be a boss can you?”
21 Savage then stepped in to stick up for his friend and frequent collaborator. He dissed Soulja Boy by posting a screenshot from a XXL article alleging that Big Draco had a negative net worth.
The Slaughter Gang honcho went on to threaten the rapper on X: “Speaking on a n—a mama like shit a game you gone shit on yourself when I see you boy.”
Metro Boomin is yet to react to Soulja Boy’s olive branch apology. Find some of the tweets from the feud below.
Soulja Boy Apologizes to Metro Boomin Over Tweets About Late Mother: ‘I’m Going to Seek Therapy’
Every week, the Korean music scene delivers outstanding songs across various genres and styles, and the past week was no exception, with a heavy-hitting selection of hits with global-pop potential, emotionally stirring compositions, and refreshingly honest storytelling.
Marking major crossover moments in their careers, Stray Kids and PENTAGON‘s KINO teamed up, respectively, with fellow chart-toppers like Charlie Puth and Lay Bankz to bring two unforgettable and unexpected musical fusions that can transcend boundaries and new audiences. Meanwhile, solo stars like BAEKHO, Kim Jae Hwan and D.O of EXO are embarking on exciting sonic transformations to showcase new facets of their musical identities in this fast-paced industry. Alongside rising girl groups like ARTMS and tripleS, which set their sights on connecting international audiences, there’s also the solo sensation Lim Young Woong, who brings a modern take on classical and gospel music for the world to enjoy.
As the K-pop industry moves at a rapid pace, it’s important to pause and appreciate the innovation and diversity it offers across its different acts. Take a moment to explore these 11 new songs that embody the spirit of the scene and deserve a permanent spot on your playlist. Then cast your vote in our poll for the top of K-pop for the past week.
Of course, we absolutely love RM‘s future hit “Come back to me” — both the six-and-a-half-minute original and the radio edit. The fact that Billboard readers declared it last week’s best new release and an undeniably cool new pop song of the week tells us that music fans truly know (and love) the track. So listen through these 11 other K-pop releases for your radar now and vote below.
Top K-Pop of the Week: Stray Kids, Lim Young Woong, ARTMS, BM, KINO, tripleS & More — Vote!
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Sony is one of the most-trusted names when it comes to audio gear, but it’s not always easy to find deals or discounts on Sony products. That’s why you’ll want to take advantage of this Walmart sale, which gets you a pair of Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds for just $59 — their lowest price this year.
Regularly $99.99+, this Sony earbuds deal brings the price of the WF-C500s down to just $59 — a $41 discount. This is the lowest price for Sony earbuds online and one of the best deals overall for wireless earbuds on Amazon.
Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless in-Ear Headphones, Black
The Sony WF-C500 Wireless Earbuds are equipped with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology, which seemingly “floats” sound all around you, for a wider, more immersive soundscape. This is the same 360 Audio technology found in large Sony speakers, only paired down to fit the shape and confines of these tiny buds.
Speaking of size, Sony says these earbuds are 45% smaller than previous earbuds, making them more comfortable in your ears, even while wearing for long periods of time. They’re less likely to fall out too, and in our experience, don’t take a lot of wiggling or adjusting to find a great fit. Sony says that’s thanks to the earbuds’ “Ergonomic Surface Design,” which helps the buds better conform to your ear shape.
With an IPX4-rating, the Sony WF-C500 earbuds are splash-proof and sweat-proof, making them great for taking on a run or workout. Get up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge and 20 hours with the included charging case.
These earbuds have a built-in mic, so you can use them at work for taking or making calls too.
Sony earbuds rarely go on sale so you’ll want to take advantage of this Amazon deal while it’s live. As with all Amazon sales, this discount could go away at any time. Regularly $99.99+, get the Sony WF-C500 Wireless Earbuds for just $59 here.
Subscribe to Walmart+ to receive free shipping, free access to Paramount+ and other membership benefits.
Sony’s Sweat-Proof Wireless Earbuds Are Marked Down to $59 at Walmart
It’s Wednesday, May 15, and Feid & Yandel got shut down in Miami for throwing an impromptu concert on their yacht. Cardi B says she will not be releasing a new album this year, Megan Thee Stallion is kicking off her tour and Saweetie posted her freestyling in the car. Sam Hunt shares how he created “Locked Up EP” and how his music is changing with his life. If you missed it last night, we got you covered, we give you a recap of Billboard’s Country Power Players. McKenna Grace shares what inspired her to write her song “Gentleman”and more!
Tetris Kelly:
No music from Cardi, new music from Saweetie and Megan kicks off her tour. Feid Yandel’s yacht party gets shut down. We catch up with Sam Hunt. We take you inside our Country Power Players event. And McKenna Grace tells us how it went down. Happy Hump Day at Billboard News. I wish I was on a boat, but not this one. Feid and Yandel’s impropmtu concert was cut short when the cops shut down the party. According to Yandel’s Manager The plan was to perform their joint album ‘Manifesting 20-05’ in its entirety, but after just three songs local water police patrol asked them to shut it down. Fans flocked to see the duo both on land and by sea which you can see caused quite the scene. Yandel’s manager told Billboard police asked them to please stop the music and they said they had over 50 patrols on hand to try to control the traffic caused by the event. Even though the party may not have been completed, they insist Feid’s team got all the necessary permits with the Coast Guard and everything was in order and in time. And for once the girls aren’t fighting but still have lots of updates. Here’s three things you need to know in female Hip Hop. Even with hits like “WAP” and “Up” and dropping her second Megan collab in 2023, Cardi B hasn’t actually released an album since her debut, ‘Invasion of Privacy’ in 2018.
Keep watching to learn more!
Feid & Yandel Concert Shut Down, Country Power Players Recap, Cardi B Won’t Be Releasing an Album & More | Billboard News
The best moments from Billboard’s Country Power Players 2024 featuring some of the biggest country stars like Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, The War and Treaty and more!
Tetris Kelly
Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson
Women deserve a spot and country music and we got a side of the story too, and it’s a good one
Tetris Kelly
Nate Smith.
Nate Smith
This is a dream come true guys. I am so honored to be your Rookie of the Year.
Tetris Kelly
And more were celebrated and Billboard’s country power players.
Tetris Kelly
Shakers and makers from country music gathered at Gilley’s, Dallas and Texas for a night to remember the event honored both musicians and execs including Rookie of the Year Nate Smith, Groundbreaker recipient, The War and Treaty and Executive of the Years said, Seth England.
Seth England
I want to thank Mercury and Republic for being such a great distro partner, and Billboard magazine for constantly supporting country music, and its artists.
Katie Beale Brown
Lone River founder Katie Beale Brown was also there to share a few words ahead of the presentation for Laniney Wilson, this year’s record breaker, which was presented by Lone River Ranch Water. Tonight,
Katie Beale Brown
We get to honor a woman who knows a little something about celebrating where she comes from. She has inspired millions of people on her whirlwind World Tour.
Kelsea Ballerina
Kelsea Ballerini brought the feels and she introduced Wilson at the podium.
Kelsea Ballerini
Lainey is a country girl, a girl’s girl, a good friend, a good woman.
Lainey Wilson
To me being a record breaker is the ultimate honor. It signifies the blood sweat and tears I have put
Tetris Kelly
The night wasn’t just filled with acceptance speeches, but attendees also got their music fix when Wilson performed an intimate set they sipped on Lone River award winning Ranch Water and Ranch Rita drinks.
Tetris Kelly
For more on Billboard’s Country Power Players even head over to billboard.com
Highlights From Billboard’s Country Power Players 2024: Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey & More | Billboard News
Rarely does a conspiracy theory make its way into the mainstream the way a certain rumor about Avril Lavigne has.
In a new episode of Call Her Daddy published on Wednesday (May 15), the “Sk8er Boi” singer addressed the long-standing Internet theory that claims the Canadian pop-punk superstar died in the early 2000s after her debut album Let Go was released, but due to her skyrocketed success, music industry execs replaced her with a doppelgänger named Melissa. “I mean, it’s just funny to me. Like, on one end, everyone’s like, ‘You look the exact same. You haven’t aged a day.’ But then other people are like, there’s a conspiracy theory that I’m not me,” Lavigne said on the podcast in response. “Honestly, it’s not that bad. It could be worse, right? I kind of feel like I got a good one. I don’t think it’s negative or anything creepy. We’re good.”
Pressing the topic further, host Alex Cooper asked once and for all if the singer’s name is, in fact, Avril Lavigne. “Obviously, I am me. It’s so dumb,” she responded with a laugh, before telling Cooper, “I knew you half believed it.”
Although Cooper didn’t confirm or deny that she believes the rumor, the 29-year-old podcast host admitted that Lavigne does, in fact, look the same as she always has. “I’m staring at you and I’m picturing you with your auburn hair. And I’m like, ‘Oh my God.’ You literally look the same from when you were younger,” the host noted.
Veering off the topic of Melissa, Lavigne also discussed her love life on the podcast, proclaiming that she’s “f—ing awesome” when in a relationship, adding, “I would date me. I cook. I’m a really big cook, really big into, like, the house and decorating, and I have a lot of fun with that.”
“Rough around the edges,” she added of her ideal partner, noting that she’d like someone “who’s like me […] likes to have a good time, but is a solid. I need someone who’s solid that I can lean on.”
In reflection of negative relationship experiences in the past, Lavigne added that she’s now focused on finding someone who is “trustworthy, ‘cause if you don’t have that, you’re just never going to feel grounded in the relationship, and you’re going to be spinning.”
Lavigne’s Call Her Daddy episode is available to listen to here.
Avril Lavigne Addresses Melissa Body-Double Conspiracy Theory: ‘It’s Just Funny’
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Attention all book lovers, Amazon Book Haul is here! From May 15 to May 20, book enthusiasts can enjoy big discounts on thousands of popular books across different types of genres. Whether you’re into fiction, non-fiction, romance, thrillers, or celebrity memoirs, there’s something for everyone.
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Select your top picks from this list and take advantage of these incredible deals. If you’re shopping on Amazon, consider taking advantage of all Amazon Prime has to offer and sign up for a 30-day free trial, including access to Prime Video, Prime Gaming and Amazon Music. Get fast, free shipping in less than two days with Prime Delivery.
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For those looking to expand their library, consider adding this celebrity cookbook that includes 65+ recipes from rapper Snoop Dogg. You can get Snoop Dogg’s Goon with the Spoon for only $11.99, kindle edition only. Go get your now and start your cooking adventure.
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For more product recommendations, check out these 15 books every music fan should read, singer-songwriter Maren Morris’s children’s book, and alternative celebrity books to add to your reading list.
Amazon Book Haul: Save Up to 50% Off Select Titles
In today’s episode of ‘How It Went Down,’ actress and singer McKenna Grace shares what inspired her to write her song “Gentleman,” why she decided to have so many dogs in the music video and more!
McKenna Grace
Hi, I’m McKenna Grace and this is how it went down from my single “Gentleman.” I always have like little reference playlists or vibe playlists for the day whenever I get in the studio it’s kind of the most pop I’ve ever leaned and I it’s not something I’d usually like do but it was really fun to explore and play with. I think it was more just so a feeling. I was like, oh, there’s a “Gentleman.” I know. It’s just I love it. Oh, you know, it was just like being a girl. A boy treated me really nice. And so I wanted to write a bunch of songs about it. And actually, of course, it was so fun and silly and nice to be able to create and make something positive and upbeat. I mean, it was just a fun writing process. I just got in there and gushed for a couple hours and then wrote a nice song about a gentleman. We had our own little gentleman in the studio, there was this dog, his name was Woodstock. It’s our producer’s dog, he was adorable. And my heart, my gentlemen, is that dog, I always do this. It does not matter how long it’s been since I wrote the song or if the vocal sound great. I will always go back in the studio and redo my vocals before the song comes out. I don’t know why. Maybe I get like demo-itis or something. And I’m like, I hate these vocals. Like they sound wrong. I need to do it again. Maybe my voice has changed in a week. And so like whenever we decide that we’re going to put the song out I went back in for another couple hours and recorded some vocals. For the music video. I’m a really big movie watcher. I love movies. Who would have guessed, what? Yeah, I really really love movies. I did that for a music video. Before I recreated scenes from ‘Scott Pilgrim.’ I’m I always feel so weird making music videos about situations that like happened in my life. And I was like, I don’t want to hire like a guy to come and play this guy. Like, that felt to weird to me. So I was like, I don’t wanna have a boy in this music video. But how am I supposed to recreate these romance movies? Because that’s how it feels to me that I want to do something fun and light. So I was just like, oh, you know, I know a gentleman and he’s downstairs in my living room probably rolling around on my rug, my dog, Gizmo. And so I was like, Oh, I could write a music video for me and I spiraled out of control. And I was like, I have to have as many dogs like I just want to have a bunch of dogs in this and recreate scenes from movies and just have a good time. I just wanted it to feel authentic and fun and silly and match with the songs vibe and so I feel like this music video is probably one of the most knee music videos I have out there. So it’s really it’s just movies and puppies. And that’s me.
McKenna Grace Shares the Inspiration For Her “Gentleman” Music Video | How It Went Down | Billboard
Billboard Editorial Director Hannah Karp presents Shaboozey with a Billboard Hot Country Songs No.1 chart plaque to celebrate his record breaking achievement with his song “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Hannah Karp:
Good evening, everyone. I’m Hannah Karp. I’m Billboard’s Editorial Director. And I am thrilled to have with us, tonight, an artist who scored his first three Hot 100 Hits this year. The first two “SPAGHETTII” and “SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’” were collaborations with Beyoncé, who of course made history this year, as the first black woman ever to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart with her hit “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM.” But a few weeks ago, this fast rising star that we have in the house tonight, made even more history when he replaced Beyoncé atop the Hot Country Songs Chart with his own hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” marking the first time that two black artists have topped the 66 year old chart back to back. Give it up. So now, “Tipsy” is in its third week at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs Chart having hit No. 3 on the Hot 100 and No. 5 on Billboard’s Global 200 Chart. And it’s continuing to climb the Country Airplay and Pop AirPlay Charts. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Shaboozey to the stage. Shaboozey, it is our pleasure. It is our pleasure to present you with this plaque to commemorate your historic No. 1 and here’s to many, many more. And we are so excited to hear your new album coming out at the end of the month.
Hannah Karp Presents Shaboozey With Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart Plaque for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” | Country Power Players 2024
NASHVILLE – The Music Business Association conference kicked off successfully in Nashville this week, with the annual gathering bringing together more than 2,100 music industry professionals representing attendance from over 750 companies and more than 30 countries, the trade group’s president, Portia Sabin, announced on Tuesday (May 14) in her annual address on the state of the Music Biz organization.
What’s more, Sabin said proposals for programming at the conference, which is crowd-sourced from industry executives, saw a 30% increase this year, “reflective of everything our industry wants to discuss — from hot topics like AI, gaming, and social impact, to perennial favorites like synch, music and money, and marketing. And don’t worry, we still have the critical but non-sexy topics like metadata and neighboring rights.”
With a full-court press of panels and seminars on many of the industry’s challenges and opportunities, Sabin also reported that about 325 speakers/panelists are set to take part in this year’s conference. She additionally noted the the trade group’s membership has grown by 106 companies and organizations since last year’s gathering, with Deezer, Audiomack, Pirames International, SonoSuite, the NMPA (National Music Publisher’s Association) Louisiana Entertainment (a division of Louisiana Economic Development) and Toronto Metropolitan University joining the fold.
Beyond the convention, Sabin reported that the organization continues to stage its Music Biz Roadshow event series in places like Dallas, Miami and Huntsville, Ala., with programs for local indie musicians that have included topics like “Tech Solutions in Music,” “The State of Independent Distribution” and “Where’s My Money and How Do I Get It?” Those events have featured companies like the Mechanical Licensing Collective, CD Baby, Bandcamp, TropiSounds, Songtrust, Symphonic Distribution, Syntax Creative, Switchchord and Music Audience Exchange. “If your company wants to be a part of a Roadshow this year, please let my team know – they are some of the most fun and inspirational events we do and we’d love to have you join us,” Sabin said.
Besides going on the road, the trade group has also created a new virtual series, Music Biz Passport, which explores a different international market each time. “These events are meant to connect music business executives from the U.S. with international trendsetters so they may both learn what does and doesn’t work in these communities, and build new partnerships that will ultimately make our industry stronger,” Sabin elaborated, adding that upcoming events will focus on local music industries in Finland, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
On the good works front, Sabin reported that Music Biz has partnered with the Music Health Alliance to set up the MHA Mental Health Fund. Since its launch, backed by a $50,000 contribution from the SCARS Foundation — an organization created by Sully Erna and the band Godsmack to support mental health initiatives — the fund has grown to $355,000 and served more than 500 music industry professionals through 5,246 outpatient counseling and psychiatry visits.
Meanwhile, the organization’s scholarship foundation has raised $60,000 and given out 12 scholarships to deserving music business students to the tune of $5,000 each, Sabin reported, thanking the scholarship committee for their hard work as well as “Lisa Robinson and Aaron Tochini for going above and beyond.”
Finally, Sabin celebrated another big accomplishment the trade group achieved during the year: persuading Luminate to abandon its implemented plan to unweight physical sales data, thus changing the chart methodology. Following the initial change to unweight sales data, Sabin, the retail coalitions and other stakeholders pulled together to partner with Streetpulse to collect that data from indie stores. After indie music retailers began boycotting reporting to Luminate, Music Biz worked with the coalitions to negotiate a deal that brought indie store data back into the Luminate system. As a result of that effort, the number of stores reporting to Luminate has more than doubled to 315 stores, up from the 140 retailers that previously reported to Luminate before the imbroglio.
“I want to thank everyone who was invested and made their voices heard on this issue, from retail stores to labels to distributors to individual artists – and of course to Rob Jonas and Luminate for coming to the table and being good partners,” Sabin said. “Those who’ve been around since the NARM days know that physical retailers are the original heart of Music Biz, and this year’s Record Store Day was another off-the-charts success… proving yet again that physical is a vital part of our industry.”
Sabin closed by noting that the conference is moving to Atlanta next year and will take place May 12 to May 15 at the city’s Renaissance Waverly Hotel. “It’s a great property that’s close to The Battery and Braves Stadium; and we’re especially excited that we were able to buy out the entire hotel, meaning everyone there will be a Music Biz attendee,” she said. “Sounds like sleepaway camp, right?”
Music Biz 2024: President Portia Sabin Talks Growth, Luminate’s Indie Retail Sales Expansion & More
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