Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE AUGUST 27, 2021 Page 1 of 28

INSIDE Executive of the Week:

• Roblox’s Music Play: ‘Hundreds’ Carbon Fiber Music President of Daily Concerts, Building a Franklin Martínez Digital Vegas & NMPA Lawsuit BY LEILA COBO

• UK Festival Industry Primed for Biggest Farruko’s “Pepas,” an EDM/reggaetón track about Enter “Pepas,” which kicks off with Farruko sing- Weekend Since pill-popping partygoers, hit No.1 this week on Bill- ing gently over simple chords, almost as if it were a Pandemic Began board’s Hot Latin Songs and Hot Dance/Electronic love song, before it pumps up, finessed by a sextet of Songs charts. Equally impressive is the fact that producers: IAmChino, Sharo Towers, Keriel “K4G” • Apple to Make Changes to “Pepas” is not a multi-artist collaboration, but a Far- Quiroz, Victor Cárdenas, White Star and Axel Ra- App Store Rules in ruko solo single, bolstered by an irresistible, anthemic fael Quezada Fulgencio “Ghetto.” Settlement With chorus that sent fans wild at the recent Baja Beach The song was released June 24 on Sony Music Latin U.S. Developers Fest in Rosarito, Mexico despite the fact that the song with little fanfare — there wasn’t even a video ready • Bruno Mars’ is only two months old. — and debuted at No. 28 on the Hot Latin Songs chart Las Vegas Show That’s all sweet news for Farruko (real name Carlos dated July 17. It jumped to the top 10 four weeks later, Grosses More Than Efrén Reyes Rosado), a reggaetón star who’s had eight reaching No. 6 on the chart dated Aug. 7, and finally $50 Million As prior top 10 hits on Hot Latin Songs, and who in the No. 1 this week, thanks to a 20% boost in streams Residencies Resume past decade has seen many of his pals, including J (reaching the top 20 of Streaming Songs and No. 1 on • With Ibiza Clubs Balvin and Bad Bunny, ultimately climb to the top Latin streaming songs) and airplay support. Closed, Ravers Rage of the mainstream charts, even though their collabs The real driver of the song on the Latin charts was at Illegal Villa Parties with Farruko were often their major launching pads. its performance on the dance charts. There, it debuted • Rolling Stones Witness 2014’s “6 a.m.” with Balvin (No. 3 on Hot at No. 9 on the chart dated July 17 and has remained to Play 2021 U.S. Latin Songs); 2017’s “Krippy Kush” with Rvssian and on the top 10 since, peaking at No. 1 last week. That’s Dates as Planned Bad Bunny (No. 5); “2019’s Calma” with Pedro because at heart, “Pepas” is an EDM track, propelled Following Death of Capó (No. 3); and, most recently, 2020’s “Relación,” by dozens of remixes by DJs big and small that also Charlie Watts the Sech track that features Balvin, Daddy Yan- aided its rise on the global charts — climbing this kee, Rosalía and, of course, Farruko (No. 2). (continued)

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week to No. 6 on both the Global 200 and album is a gas pump. La 167 is the road he came out June 24 and it started to go viral. the Global Excl. U.S. — and on the Hot 100, had to drive to and from every day. We had no playlisting. Even today, 33% of where this week it rose to No. 23, Farruko’s In fact, you were considering a single the plays come from user-generated playl- highest position yet. called “La Perla” after the San Juan ists and only 25% from editorial playlists. All that success was part of a strategy neighborhood, right? Once the record started to pick up, it went instigated by Farruko and his longtime man- We were going to release it. The video to another level. You can have a great or- ager Franklin Martínez, who is also the was done. And I kept saying, “Farruko, this ganic record, but if no one jumps behind it, president of Carbon Fiber Music, the music ‘Pepas’ is a World Cup record.” I’m a huge it won’t go anywhere. If you don’t have radio company the two are owners and partners fan of soccer, and when I heard this song it and the DSPs, it will not happen. And the in. And the result earns Martínez the title reminded me of the World Cup and of [Don truth is, after it took off, everyone helped. I of Billboard’s Executive of the Week. Omar’s] “Danza Kuduro.” As we began to want to send out a special shout out to the With the upward trajectory of “Pepas” talk the album up, I had mini conversations smallest DJs. They were playing it on their showing no signs of stopping, and with with people I pitched the record to [for col- social media; Facebook and Instagram were Farruko readying a September release for laborations]. For example, I sent it to Noah the first adopters. Then we got the big DJs his upcoming studio album, La 167, Mar- [Assad, Bad Bunny’s manager], and I said, like Tiesto, Alan Walker, DJ Carnage. tínez spoke with Billboard about the song’s “This is a global hit!” But they passed on it. Is there a remix coming? surprising success, the DJ factor and an up- I sent it to the A&R at Interscope, to other The remix is coming out hopefully by coming remix. “You can have a great organic artists, everyone passed. Finally, about two October, and hopefully it will be a remix record,” he says, “but if no one jumps behind months ago, Farruko said, “You know what, with one or two mainstream acts. To me, as a it, it won’t go anywhere.” you’re right. Let’s go out with ‘Pepas.’” manager, for Farruko’s career, we don’t work “Pepas” is part of Farruko’s upcom- Two months ago was about when this to be No. 1. And it was so difficult before, ing La 167. What’s the story behind the single came out. How did you work so when we wanted to do records with Anglo album and the song? fast? artists. Now that we went digital, and the We were working on the album for a I had to run, call the DSPs, call Sony, Latin movement took over, to combine three couple of years, in different sessions, differ- call everyone. Then, we started thinking worlds — dance, Anglo, Latin — is so special. ent recording camps, until we got to the last that everything had shut down during the I think the culture is going to love it. We’ve one in Puerto Rico. It took place right where pandemic, but the first thing that opened been in many good positions, but never like Farruko grew up, in Bayamón Puerto Rico, were restaurants and clubs, and the people this. Finally, it’s a solo Farruko record. He in his parents’ house. Farruko built his little performing were the DJs. So we decided had a hit with “Calma.” We had a big hit with home studio there, where this track was re- to make a call to DJs everywhere and ask “6 a.m.” Farruko wrote that. We did “Krippy corded. The concept of the album is coming them to create their version of the record. Kush,” “Passion Whine,” “La Toxica.” But it’s out of that place. Farruko wanted the album On June 22, we leaked the a capellas and the been with different artists. This is the one to let people know about him; not the artist, beat on Instagram and Facebook with a link that made the non-believers believe. Finally but him: Carlos. That’s why the cover of the so the DJs could download them. The song we have to recognize that this is Farruko and

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BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 5 OF of 1928

ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country thisA is thelbu real animalms; here. Brett Young ‘Catch’-es Fifthare Airplay now over 40 million) and spend real And while this is not a World Cup year, Roblox’s Music money on virtual currency called “Robux” there is soccerLea in theder; mix, isn’t Travis there? Denning Makes Historyto buy accessories for their avatars. Over We own a second division soccer club in Play: ‘Hundreds’ the last nine months, Roblox has partnered Honduras, FC Alvarado, and we’re doing a with Zara Larsson, Royal Blood, Ava Samversion Hunt for’s them,second using studio a full-length, “punta” rhythm, and first in overof five Daily years, Southside Concerts, sales (up 21%) in the tracking Max week., Why On Country Don’t Airplay,We and it Lilhops Nas X 18-15 (11.9 on mil- (MCAwhich Nashville/Universal is a traditional Honduran Music Group beat. Nashville), We debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s lion audience impressions, musicup 16%). experiences such as virtual concerts Tophave Country 25 players, Albums and chart we supportdated April them 18. In with its first week (ending April 9), it (where artists perform as avatars) and new- earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000Building in album sales, ac -a TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingtheir housing to Nielsen and Music/MRC their studies. Data. and total Country Airplay No.release 1 as “Catch” launch (Big parties Machine (where, Label Group) like KSI’s ascends Southside marks Hunt’s second No. 1 on the Digital Vegas & performance,2-1, increasing the 13% artist to 36.6 beams million in impressions. on a video chart and fourth top 10. It follows freshman LP screen),Young’s all firstspearheaded of six chart by entries, Roblox “Sleep global With - Montevallo, which arrived at the summit in No - NMPA Lawsuit headout You,”of music reachedJon No. Vlassopulos 2 in December. 2016. He vember 2014 and reigned for nine weeks. To date, followedA DJ in with his collegethe multiweek years, No. Vlassopulos 1s “In Case got You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved million in album sales. BY TATIANA CIRISANO hisYou” start (three, helping January the 2018), music “Mercy” business (two, adapt August Montevallo has spent 267 weeks on the list, tying to2018) the digital and “Here era: Tonight” He led business(two, April develop 2019). - Luke Bryan’s Crash My Party as the sixth-longest- n Aug. 13, more than 422,000 ment“Catch” at BMG completes in the late his longest 1990s, journey then man to No.- 1, running titles in the chart’s 56-year history. concurrent players gathered agedhaving entertainment taken 46 weeks partnerships to reach the apex.at AT&T It out - On the all-genre Billboard 200, Southside ar- in a London-themed virtual Wirelesspaces the when 30-week ringtones climb of were “Here the Tonight.” rage. He rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG after the No. 3-peaking Montevallo. world within the Roblox gaming joineda new Robloxhigh. in August 2019 with a plan Hunt first released the EPX2C , which debuted Oplatform to watch British rapper KSI per- to socialize the music-listening experience and peaked at No. 5 on Top Country Albums in Augustform 2014. songs Following from his JulyCOMBS album, ‘DOES’All Over IT AGAINthe Lukethrough Combs games.’ “Does “We to Me” had (River gotten House/Columbia stuck in a Montevallo, Between the Pines: Acoustic Mixtape startedPlace at. itsThe No. artist 7 high himself in Nashville),appeared onfeaturing a video Eric Churchbit of ,a ascends box with 11-8 [digital on Country service Airplay, providers], up 10% to November 2015. screen onstage while the24.7 players million in thein audience. crowd Theand song it felt is Combs’ like there eighth was straight more career-openingopportunity Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay: “Leave the Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Housebounced Party” on and floating “Make discs,promoted direct-messaged No. 1 singles. to have a [listening] experience that was You Miss Me.” “Break Up in a Small Town” peaked at No.one 2. another and showed offChurch virtual adds mer his- 15th Countryhyper-social,” Airplay top he 10. says. Hunt co-penned all 12 songs on Southside, includingchandise “Body like Like a a KSI-branded Back backpack. The For Roblox’s first-ever virtual concert in Road,” which was released in 2017. The smash hit ruledexperience Country Airplay reaired for throughout THAT TOOK the weekend QUITE ‘A FEW’November, MONTHS Travis Lil Nas X Denning wore shatters a motion-capture the record for three weeks and the airplay-, streaming- and sales-basedand Hot received Country 11 million Songs totalthe most visits, weeks according it has taken suit to penetrate to live-debut the Country his single Airplay “Holiday” top 10 as “After chart for a then-record 34 frames. It now ranks second only to Bebe Rexha and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant to Be” (50 weeks atop theto latterRoblox, list inwhile 2017-18). KSI’s virtuallion in merch radio reach. line has as an avatar in a winter wonderland, at- “Downtown’s Dead,” which is also on the new set, reached Nos. six figures 14 and 15 in sales.The song surpasses two trackstracting that 33 million took 50 weeks total each views to enter across the fourtop 10: on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, respectively,It in was June just 2018. the “Kin latest- musicEaston event Corbin within’s “A Girl Likeairings. You,” whichSince reachedthen, Roblox No. 10 hasin January only deep 2018- be- folks” led Country Airplay on Feb. 29, becoming Hunt’sthe seventh free gaming No. 1. It platform, hit fore where peaking a atcom No.- 6 that February,ened its and musical Aaron footprint. Watson’s “OuttaWarner Style,” Music which No. 3 on Hot Country Songs. achieved its No. 10 high in December 2017. munity of 42 million daily active users Group joined the platform’s $520 million Latest single “Hard to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker create and play their own games (there series H investment round in January, and eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY WE’RE BACK, LIVE IN MIAMI

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over the summer, Sony Music Entertain- do it on a Friday night. type experience to the platform. If you go to ment and BMG each formed partner- How does Roblox collaborate with art- a city, you hear music in a shop. We have this ships to bring their artists into the game. ists and labels on set and virtual merch metaverse parallel. Right now, it’s a quiet ex- Roblox, which went public in March with a design? perience. But why shouldn’t there be music $41 billion valuation, reported $454 million We’ll look at physical merch they’ve done, in the background? That would be a great in revenue in the second quarter of 2021, a talk about the aesthetics of the album or way to promote music to tens of millions of 127% year-over-year increase. song that’s coming out and draw things from people every day. Along the way, Roblox has faced criti- that. KSI is a boxer, so we have a boxing belt. That would require the proper li- cism from the National Music Publishers’ The aesthetic of the virtual world is similar: censes, and Roblox has been criticized for Association, which, on behalf of more than a There’s a boxing ring where the perfor- its approach to music licensing. Roblox dozen publishers, alleged in a $200 million mance happens. has said that the NMPA doesn’t under- copyright infringement lawsuit filed in June What makes virtual merch such a lu- stand how Roblox uses music. What don’t that the platform is hosting a “massive” crative opportunity? they get? library of unlicensed songs uploaded by We’re a microtransaction platform. The You’ve got some platforms where music users. Vlassopulos says Roblox is discussing community is used to spending 100 Robux, is essential. Think TikTok. Roblox has func- the plaintiffs’ claims with the NMPA, which 200 Robux, 500 Robux — [about] $1, $2, $5. tioned for 15 years quite happily without declined to comment, although both sides Lil Nas X is on a path to eight figures for music. We’re presenting the industry with are hopeful for a resolution. He also points an annual run rate [for his Roblox merch a new opportunity, which is now almost out that the platform has agreements with collection]. And there’s no inventory or universally understood. I think it’s about three of the four top publishers. manufacturing. We can all go on holiday for working out, collectively, what those new The company is also up against stiff com- a month, come back, and the community has creative and commercial opportunities are, petition from gaming platforms like Fort- been buying every day. For the artist, that’s and then getting licensing models that sup- nite, which has put on musical spectacles almost like catalog sales. port those. We’re optimistic about resolving with Travis Scott and Ariana Grande. But How are artists and labels compensat- any disputes in the short term. as Roblox racks up partnerships with fash- ed for virtual events and merch? Are you Users were once able to buy a boom- ion brands and TV shows — including Gucci paying artists to perform? box for their avatars, fill it with clips of and Stranger Things — alongside labels, It’s almost the other way around, where unlicensed songs and broadcast them in Vlassopulos is optimistic about his vision: they’ll cover the cost of activating and often games. What are you doing about that? turning Roblox into an experiential hub akin also spend media dollars to support it. We cannot comment on the back-end to Las Vegas. Think of us more like the executive produc- operations of our platform, but we do have “It’s our responsibility to have a place ers. We haven’t done that many [virtual a policy against unlicensed music being up- where if you are a music fan, you should merch] deals, but 24.5 cents on the dollar is loaded onto the platform. And we have deals have all different types of experiences that our general platform revenue share. with Sony, the biggest publisher, and deals fit your interests,” he says. “There should be Roblox users are predominantly with Warner, the third-biggest publisher, hundreds of shows every day.” between the ages of 8 and 18. Does this and BMG, the fourth-biggest publisher. What sets Roblox apart from other affect what artists and songs you’re able There’s one missing. So it’s not an industry virtual spaces? to work with? thing; it was more of a specific publisher. Roblox is social media for the next gen- We need to be protective of the com- Watch that space. eration. We’re a real-time, daily social ex- munity. The artists and labels are flexible. Dance label Monstercat independently perience. The objective is not to compete in If there is a word [in the lyrics] that’s not launched a Roblox game in July, drawing a game for 100 hours. You’re there to meet appropriate, they can choose another word. over 1.2 million visits in its first 24 hours. friends, hang out, shop, unlock things. With Lil Nas X, certain lyrics went above Why are you encouraging artists and How do your music events build on the my head, like, “Lean all in my bladder.” labels to leverage Roblox on their own? traditional live experience? But we don’t want to be doing Kidz Bop, The more we turn the keys over to our Virtual fans can be piped in to watch a which is what people were pitching in the partners, we train them to understand the physical event, and physical fans are piped beginning. So there are things coming that platform, so the community can have one into the virtual world. It’s extending both will offer more of an older demo opportu- [concert] a week and then 10 a week and what’s happening with [streaming] — nity. There will be [age confirmation and then 100 a week, and we can have much which is a very antisocial, individualistic ratings] where, if you are older, you can more of a variety of music choices. You’ll see consumption experience — and the live experience things that are more suitable more and more labels having launch parties experience. And there are no limits. Artists for your demographic. as part of their general marketing schedule. don’t have to spend 18 months reaching What else is in the future? This article originally appeared in the Aug. 2 million people on a world tour. They can We have an opportunity to bring a radio- 28, 2021 issue of Billboard. O N S A L E SEPT. 18, 2021

2021 NEW & R ENOVATED VENUES

On September 18th Billboard will provide CONTACT readers with an exclusive backstage Cynthia Mellow | 615.352.0265 pass into the newest and latest renovated [email protected] venues around the world. This special Joe Maimone | 212.493.4427 feature will assess the architecture, [email protected] production capabilities, sound, capacity Lee Ann Photoglo | 615.376.7931 level, fan amenities, and more that entice [email protected] talent to these highly anticipated venues. Ryan O’Donnell | +447843437176 Take this opportunity to advertise your venue [email protected] and reach key touring industry decision- makers as they plan tour schedules and map Marcia Olival | 786.586.4901 out must-play venues. [email protected]

O N S A L E 9 / 1 8 | I SSU E C L O S E 9 / 7 | M A T E R I A L S D U E 9 / 8

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IN BRIEF

saving the last few weeks of the U.K. festival lets, trestle tables, the tents that we use for UK Festival season and preserving fall and winter tour- entrances, bars and medical tents — they’re ing schedules. like rocking horse shit,” said Benn, speaking Industry Primed Tentpole events scheduled for September to Billboard from the Reading site, which is include Wireless Festival in London and the about 40 miles outside of London. “You just for Biggest 50,000-capacity Isle of Wight Festival. can’t find them anywhere.” The organizers of Reading and Leeds have Instead, the same tents where festival- Weekend Since had to contend with a series of artist cancel- goers usually buy drinks — or seek medi- lations and lineup changes. In July, Queens cal help when they’ve had too much — are Pandemic Began of the Stone Age pulled out of their co- being used as pop-up testing centers at U.K. headline slot with Liam Gallagher due to hospitals, schools and businesses. BY RICHARD SMIRKE travel restriction and logistical issues, with Also in short supply are available security Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro replacing staff and truck drivers because of Brexit and ONDON — Three of the biggest them on the bill. the relocation of many U.K.-based Euro- live music events in Europe this Then earlier this week, the festivals pean workers back to their home countries. summer kick off this weekend said Machine Gun Kelly would not be Festival costs have risen more than 5% as a in the United Kingdom, after an performing for the same reasons. Blos- result, says Benn. Lextended lockdown left Britain’s festival soms were drafted as a last-minute replace- Despite those challenges, the promoter season in grave doubt. ment. Other Reading and Leeds cancel- says he’s confident that Reading and Leeds Around 200,000 people will attend the lations include North American acts 070 will provide a beacon of hope to the live sold-out Reading and Leeds festivals each Shake, Spiritbox, Cleopatrick and Sur- industry about how to operate large scale of the three days, along with 70,000 a day faces and British band Gallows. events safely during a pandemic. at the four-day Creamfields, which started Creamfields has also undergone lineup “We have done something few people yesterday (Aug. 26). All three events were changes. Deadmau5 is among the DJs no expected us to do, which is deliver Reading canceled last year due to the pandemic but longer on the lineup. (Billboard’s requests and Leeds — two of the greatest festivals in now return at full capacity and free of CO- for clarification from the festival and the the world — in the most extraordinary dif- VID-19 safety restrictions such as masks or artist’s team have gone unanswered.) ficult circumstances,” says Benn. social distancing. Melvin Benn, managing director of To help ensure the safety of everyone Reading and Leeds — which are promoted Festival Republic, says a variety of different on site, all ticket holders must either be by Live Nation-owned Festival Republic factors are behind the cancellations. Some fully vaccinated or show proof of a nega- — are the biggest live music events to take U.S. artists were not able to get vaccinated in tive lateral-flow test. The only other way place in the U.K. since lockdown restrictions time to travel to the U.K. without having to to attend is through demonstrated natural ended on July 19, and are the biggest music quarantine. Others were forced to pull out immunity (based on a positive PCR test to shows to take place in Europe this summer. when people in their camp tested positive show you have had the virus within 180 days (The organizers of EXIT Festival in Serbia, for COVID-19, Benn says. of the event). The same entry requirements which has a daily capacity of 50,000, say Up to now, ongoing COVID-19 restrictions are in place at Creamfields. that event drew 180,000 people over four in many European markets have led to the Covid vaccinations will be on offer at days in July.) cancellation of most major European festi- Reading and Leeds, where festival-goers Headliners for the three-day events vals, including Tomorrowland in Belgium are typically between 16 and 25 years old ending Sunday include Stormzy, Post and Lowlands in the Netherlands. That and predominantly (more than 95%) U.K. Malone, Liam Gallagher, Disclosure, Cat- means that artists are not able to spread residents, say organizers. fish and the Bottlemen and Biffy Clyro. touring production costs over multiple Nevertheless, with the rise of the Delta Creamfields, in Daresbury, Cheshire, dates. “The cost to artists is proportionally variant, fears remain over the spread of about 20 miles away from Liverpool, sold much greater,” says Benn. “It limits their infection at music festivals. According out its ticket run within days of going on opportunities.” to government figures, more than 1,000 sale. The Live Nation-promoted event fea- Earlier this week, Benn, a 30-year veteran people out of 37,000 total who attended the tures David Guetta, The Chemical Broth- of the British festival business, was dealing Latitude Festival in Suffolk from July 22-25 ers, Bicep, Alesso and Martin Garrix. with last minute lineup changes and numer- later tested positive for COVID-19. Festival The return of Creamfields and Reading ous supply chain issues, ranging from a lack Republic ran the event as part of the govern- and Leeds makes this weekend a critical one of available tents and portable toilets to a ment’s Events Research Program. for a British live industry still struggling to shortage of qualified truck drivers. Everyone needed to be fully vaccinated or get back on its feet after the double punch of “A huge amount of the temporary infra- test negative to attend Latitude, but findings Brexit and COVID-19. At stake is any hope of structure that we rely on — porta cabins, toi- showed 432 people were probably already PROMOTION

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ON SALE 10/8 Billboard will publish its inaugural LATIN GRAMMY® AD CLOSE 10/1 Voter Guide E-Newsletter,showcasing the music MATERIALS DUE 10/6 and artist that made an impact during the eligibility period for the 22nd Latin GRAMMY® Awards.

This special issue will highlight the artists, CONTACT: producers and other creative professionals Marcia Olival | 786.586.4901 | [email protected] whose work is in contention this year, including for Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, *Special rates available for independent artists and companies. Song Of The Year, and Best New Artist.

Take this opportunity to remind the industry of the accomplished work that was released between September 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021, as the members of the Latin Recording Academy® prepare to cast their ballots for Latin’s Music’s Biggest Night®. Page 11 of 28

IN BRIEF

infected at the time (but didn’t test positive comprised 99 percent of its U.S. developers. But just being able to email users to or show symptoms), leading to around 600 Under long-standing Apple rules, makers explain why they should pay outside the app new infections. of iPhone apps were forbidden to email is a breakthrough for developers who have Benn — who also ran U.K. pilot events in users with information on how to pay for complained about Apple’s commissions as a Liverpool in May and the 10,000-capacity services outside the app, which would cir- form of price gouging for years. Download Pilot festival in June — says the cumvent Apple commissions of 15% to 30%. results were broadly in line with the infec- The concession now opens one way for app tion rate in the U.K. at that time and met developers to more aggressively encourage Bruno Mars’ Las scientists’ expectations. its users to pay in other ways, so long as the “It completely reinforced the belief that companies obtain consumer consent. Vegas Show by doing an event properly with testing and “We would like to thank the developers making sure everybody was vaccinated that who worked with us to reach these agree- Grosses More we have an incredibly good future for the ments in support of the goals of the App industry if we work to those standards,” Store and to the benefit of all of our users,” Than $50 Million says Benn. Phil Schiller, an Apple fellow who oversees Despite a recent surge in virus cases the App Store, said in a statement. As Residencies around the world, he’s confident that the The settlement, which still must be ap- U.K. live industry has turned a corner in its proved by a judge, comes two years after a Resume 16-month fight back to full-capacity shows. group of U.S. developers sued Apple over its “We’ve been able to rescue a summer and management of the App Store, alleging that BY ERIC FRANKENBERG a year from what very much looked like the the tech giant was breaching antitrust laws. jaws of defeat,” says Benn. “It’s great to be The suit is separate from an ongoing case efore July, Bruno Mars last back.” between Apple and Epic Games, the creator played MGM’s Park Theater in of Fortnite. Las Vegas on March 6-7, 2020, Spotify, which has been openly critical presumably unaware of how Apple to Make of Apple’s App Store practices, feel the pro- Blong it’d be before he’d return to continue posed changes don’t go far enough. “Apple’s his multiyear residency. After a year-plus Changes to App proposed concessions fail to address the of lockdown, he’s back in business. Mars most basic aspects of their anticompetitive played eight shows in July and August, Store Rules in and unfair App Store practices,” said Spotify pushing the resumed residency’s total gross head of global affairs and chief legal officer past the $50 million mark. Settlement With Horacio Gutierrez in a statement. “They To be more specific, the Bruno Mars at are attempting to distract policymakers and Park MGM show has now earned $53.2 mil- U.S. Developers regulators and slow down the momentum lion and sold 201,000 tickets since launch- that’s building around the world to address ing on Dec. 27, 2016, according to figures BY THE HOLLYWOOD their behavior. Apple has been allowed to reported to Billboard Boxscore. That comes REPORTER AND ASSOCIATED PRESS abuse their dominant position for years, and from 36 shows at the Park Theater in Vegas we continue to seek real reforms to ensure plus five at The Theater at MGM National pple will implement changes that companies can innovate and compete Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Just 12 miles to its App Store regulations as fairly, on a level playing field.” outside of Washington, D.C., the Mary- part of a settlement with U.S. The compromise addresses a concern land venue plays second home to several developers, the company said that U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez other MGM residencies, including those ThursdayA evening. Rogers repeatedly raised while presiding by Cher and Aerosmith. As part of the changes, developers will over the high-profile Epic-Apple trial. She Mars’ six shows in July grossed $10.3 mil- be allowed to contact users to inform them openly wondered why Apple couldn’t allow lion in Las Vegas, followed by a $2.9 million about purchase options outside of the iOS developers to display a range of payment weekend (Aug. 6-7) in Oxon Hill, and one app, which could help bypass Apple’s com- options within their apps, much like brick- more $3.1 million double-header (Aug. 13-14) mission charges that can be as high as 30 and-mortar retailers can show a range of back in Vegas. percent. Apple will also establish a $100 different credit cards they accept in addition The entire 10-show haul is an encouraging million fund for smaller app developers that to cash. note, not just for Mars, but for the entire re- made $1 million or less for every year they Apple still isn’t allowing developers to use turn of Vegas residencies. At each venue, it’s had an account between June 4, 2015, and in-app notifications to prod consumers to the highest per-show gross ($1.67 million in April 26, 2021 — a group that Apple said explore different payment options. Vegas; $1.43 million in Maryland), per-show ON SALE OCTOBER 9 TOP LATIN POWER PLAYERS On October 9th, Billboard will profile the most influential people in Latin music, from record label executives, music publishers and management companies to radio and television stations and live entertainment

Join Billboard in congratulating this year’s Latin Power Players.

ON SALE 10/9 | ISSUE CLOSE 9/29 | MATERIALS DUE 9/30

TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT:

Marcia Olival | 786.586.4901 | [email protected]

Joe Maimone | 212.493.4427 | [email protected]

Lee Ann Photoglo | 615.376.7931 | [email protected]

Cynthia Mellow | 615.352.0625 | cmellow.billboard.com

Ryan O’Donnell | +447843437176 | cmellow.billboard.com

*Editorial content subject to change. Page 13 of 28

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attendance (5,400 in Vegas; 2,700 in Mary- As night turned to day police officers fellow artists for allowing private events to land), and per-ticket price ($308 in Vegas; showed up to shut down the party, whose go ahead relatively unchecked. $525 in Maryland) throughout the entire booming music was violating local noise “They’re really trying to turn Ibiza residency compared to each previous year of restrictions, the Periódico de Ibiza reported. into this like VIP-focused island, and the show, dating back to its 2016 debut. (Anne Dongois, a spokesperson for Lalib- they’re turning the blind eye to things that Bruno Mars at Park MGM is the sec- erté, said he sold the property last year, so shouldn’t be happening,” the DJ says. “You ond theater residency for the franchise to “questions should be addressed to the new can’t have a club, but you can have like 700 cross the $50 million mark, following Lady owner,” whom she would not identify.) people at your villa party, which doesn’t Gaga Enigma, which sits just barely ahead Such private partying has emerged as the make sense to me.” at $53.9 million through its New Year’s Eve featured attraction this summer in Ibiza A group from the U.K. calling them- 2019 show (new Jazz & Piano shows were — normally a global destination for dance selves Ibiza Underground Movement on just announced beginning Oct. 14). Aeros- music-loving tourists —as local authorities Instagram has thrown at least one rave at mith: Deuces Are Wild ($45.4 million) and have kept the clubs shuttered to contain a an Ibiza mansion, on the weekend of July Classic Cher ($42.9 million) may soon join soaring caseload of COVID-19 infections. 3-4, according to posts on Twitter and the MGM $50 million club once they both For Ibiza’s club owners, who are coping Instagram and a story in Diario de Ibiza. pick back up. with a second consecutive summer of forced The publication said the party provided Mars will play two more dates at the Park closures, the private parties have added insult van service for guests and displayed a flyer Theater on Aug. 27-28 before going back on to injury. Many feel their plans to reopen featuring British DJs Jamie Roy, Ben hiatus. Based on recent data, Billboard proj- clubs in late July, after a successful trial con- Sterling, Skream and Hannah Wants. (The ects another $2.75-3 million earned, which cert, were partly dashed because authorities party organizers have since deleted at least will push his career Boxscore total gross failed to enforce restrictions on private-party two posts from before Aug. 3 and any that over the $600 million mark. He currently organizers. If anything, some venue operators dealt with Ibiza parties.) sits at $598.1 million from 5.8 million tickets suggest, the club closures led illegal private Ibiza authorities, who did not respond to sold over 385 reported shows. parties to mushroom in number. interview requests, have given few details “The [COVID-19)] numbers are now bad about their attempts to clamp down on in Ibiza, but we have not been part of the illegal house parties. After meeting with With Ibiza Clubs problem, since the clubs have been closed police officers on July 28, Mariano Juan, while the high quantity of private parties al- a government official in charge of tourism, Closed, Ravers lowed infections to spread,” says José Luis said the force felt “overwhelmed” and did Benítez, the vice president of Spain Night- not have enough officers to scout private Rage at Illegal life, an association of Spanish club owners. parties, according to media reports. So “We could have been part of the solution, police also backed the idea of hiring outside Villa Parties by opening with very strict controls, but we detectives to help locate private party were not even given this option.” venues and monitor social media for parties BY RAPHAEL MINDER In a sign of how the illegal partying has being planned. spiraled out of control, local authorities (When he gave an update in mid-August, ADRID — With Ibiza’s famous recently announced plans to hire private Juan said some detectives had already nightclubs shuttered by the detectives to put an end to unsanctioned helped shut down illegal parties. He did not ongoing pandemic, sev- private gatherings, which they blame, in specify the number of detectives nor how eral hundred people instead large part, for making Ibiza Spain’s new CO- many parties.) Mboarded a fleet of mini-buses last month VID-19 hotspot. The island’s infection rate Some club executives consider the detec- and headed to the Can Soleil estate formerly rose more than sixfold in July. tive initiative to be little more than a publicity owned by Guy Laliberté, the billionaire Seth Troxler, a techno DJ who has stunt by local authorities. “It’s all nonsense… Canadian founder of Cirque du Soleil, for a been a resident at Ibiza’s DC10 club for a to make it look like they are keeping the is- long night of semi-secret raving. decade, says many DJs, struggling from the land open and clubs closed,” says Neil Evans, While a DJ spun to a packed dance floor, loss of income from the island’s shuttered the artistic director at Amnesia Ibiza and di- as videos shared on social media showed, clubs, have agreed to spin at private parties. rector of Electric Ibiza, an artist and concert the throng partied around one of three “When a DJ gets offered $20,000 in cash to management company. “We could have 1,500 swimming pools at the 64-acre property, play for a couple of hours at a private party,” (people) in a nightclub COVID-free, with which is set on the edge of a cliff overlook- Troxler tells Billboard from the island, testing, but they prefer to allow villa events to ing the Mediterranean Sea and dotted with “there’s very few people who are saying ‘no’ happen with no control,” he says. palm trees and outdoor sculptures topped to that.” Evans says local authorities were “system- with gold leaf. Troxler blames authorities rather than atically killing this island’s music heritage,” Page 14 of 28

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by undermining clubs that have been the after the island hosted a trial outdoor event Urgell sold the club’s holding group for backbone of its electronic music scene, in June at Ibiza’s Hard Rock Hotel. Benítez 350 million euros to a private equity firm, while allowing partying on private grounds. says the trial proved successful, with not a Trilantic Capital Partners. Local officials, for their part, have -ex single known positive case among the 1,263 Some clubs have also expanded beyond pressed concern and say they are scrambling people who attended. the island. Amnesia, owned by the Martin to find solutions. But that event was soon overshadowed by Ferrer family, has promoted non-Ibiza Illegal parties “represent a clear risk for another virus spike in Ibiza and the rest of events this summer, including in Croa- people’s health,” Juan said in an inter- the Balearic Islands. The archipelago’s 14- tia, and has held seated music events in a view this month with Períodico de Ibiza. day infection rate reached almost 1,000 reg- smaller Ibiza venue, Cova Santa, while its “In these parties we have identified not istered cases per 100,000 inhabitants at the main club remained shuttered. only tourists but also residents and seasonal end of July, compared with 161 registered Seated events at Ushuaïa and Cova Santa workers who then get into contact with the cases on July 1, according to the local health have taken place with reduced capacity, so- rest of the population and can create a prob- authorities. The rate fell back down to 415 cial distancing and face masks — in a setting lem if there have been infections.” on Aug. 24, in line with a general improve- and on a scale that bears little resemblance Until the COVID-19 caseload started ment in the pandemic situation in Spain. to the experience of a packed dance floor. soaring again, Ibiza applied only loose Benítez says the forced closure of clubs Troxler worries that COVID-19 restric- rules to private parties. So long as they did would leave venue owners with “very high tions and illegal villa parties are adding fuel not charge participants to attend and their [financial] losses,” although he would not to a multi-year campaign by local officials number did not exceed 500, the gatherings quantify them. Entertainment is a 770-mil- to tame the island’s hedonistic club culture were considered legal at first. But as of July lion-euro business on the island, represent- and make the island a more family-friendly 24, Ibiza reintroduced a nighttime curfew ing over half of all seasonal jobs, according destination for tourists. on gatherings — from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. — and to a study by an economist at the University “The typical kind of clubbing spirit that far-tighter capacity limits on any private of the Balearic Islands. embodied Ibiza for so long based on music event held before the curfew. The maximum And the Ibiza music season is massive: and freedom, that’s the thing that’s really is now 50 if indoors and 120 if outdoors. over a 22-week season, DJs spin seven days being kind of suppressed,” he says. “This is Officials also set harsher fines for anybody a week at eight main clubs — with average devastating for club culture as a whole.” found organizing an illegal party, reaching capacities of 5,000 people each — along with Additional reporting by Alexei Barrionuevo up to 300,000 euros for the worst offenders. dozens of sunset bars and after-party spots. Since June, Spain has struggled with The final tally of losses, Benítez says, another wave of COVID-19, attributed by will depend on whether clubs can negoti- Rolling Stones politicians and health experts mostly to ate to receive additional subsidies from the gatherings of younger unvaccinated people. Spanish government — though he says there to Play 2021 U.S. Overall, however, the country has managed is “little hope” that such funds would be to accelerate its vaccination rollout at one of granted. The clubs are also negotiating to Dates as Planned the highest paces in Europe, with about 67% keep their employees furloughed until May of its population fully vaccinated as of Aug. of 2022, ahead of the next summer season. Following Death 24, according to Johns Hopkins University. For now, at least, venue owners are not Spain’s COVID-19 numbers have im- expressing concerns about permanent club of Charlie Watts proved slightly in August, but several coun- closures. tries have maintained travel restrictions for Ibiza’s biggest clubs are not solely depen- BY GIL KAUFMAN Ibiza and other parts of Spain. dent on their own revenues, since several The Balearic Islands had been the only belong to larger corporations that also own he promoter of the Rolling Spanish destination on Britain’s “green” list hotels, restaurants and other assets. Most Stones’ upcoming U.S. tour said of safe destinations. But the U.K. govern- notably, Abel Matutes, a former Spanish on Thursday (August 26) that the ment put the Spanish archipelago back on politician who was mayor of Ibiza in the 12-date No Filter outing will go on its amber list in early July, forcing unvac- early 1970s, also built up a family prop- Tfollowing the death of drummer Charlie cinated tourists to quarantine when they erty empire: their Palladium Hotel Group Watts earlier this week. According to Rolling return to Britain. owns Ushuaïa — normally the site of shows Stone magazine, promoter Concerts West For Clubs, It Was A Summer That from major dance artists like Calvin Har- said in a statement that “The Rolling Stones’ Never Was ris and David Guetta — and Hï Ibiza (the tour dates are moving ahead as planned.” Clubs in Ibiza — including Ushuaïa Ibiza former Space). On August 4 the band announced that Beach Hotel, Hï, Privilege, Pacha and Am- Financial firms have also invested in the Watts, 80, would not be joining them on nesia — had hoped to kickstart their season island. In 2017, Pacha founder Ricardo the tour after 58 years behind the kit due Page 15 of 28

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to recuperation required after an unspeci- Wonderland, created Insomniac Records in fied medical procedure. They announced at Tomorrowland 2014. Initially a partnership with Interscope the time that their longtime associate Steve Geffen A&M, Insomniac took its A&R and Jordan — who has been member of Stones Forms Dance distribution operations in-house in 2017 guitarist Keith Richards’ X-Pensive Winos and formed Insomniac Music Group. The side project, as well as the John Mayer Trio Label With group’s initial signings included Chris — would be filling in for Watts. At the time, Lake, Slander and Dombresky. Jordan said in a statement, “It is an absolute Universal Music (Although they share similar names, Ultra honor and a privilege to be Charlie’s under- Music Festival in Miami and Ultra Music study and I am looking forward to rehears- Germany Records, an electronic music label in New ing with Mick, Keith and Ronnie. No-one York City, are not directly tied together. will be happier than me to give up my seat BY ALEXEI BARRIONUEVO They announced a global alliance in 2012 on the drum-riser as soon as Charlie tells me that allows them to collaborate on cross- he is good to go.” omorrowland, the global festival promotion and marketing.) The No Filter tour was originally sched- brand based in Belgium, is branch- The label partnership comes as Tomor- uled to hit U.S. stadiums in 2020 before ing out by creating a new dance rowland is having a tough two years due to being postponed due to the COVID-19 music label in partnership with the coronavirus pandemic. Government- pandemic; the outing is slated to resume on TUniversal Music Germany. imposed virus restrictions forced the Sept. 26 with a show at the Dome of Amer- The Tomorrowland Music label will allow cancelations of the 2020 and 2021 flagship ica’s Center in St. Louis and run through a the company, which is known for its annual Tomorrowland festivals in Belgium, which Nov. 20 gig at the Circuit of the Americas in namesake festival in Boom, Belgium, to re- normally draw more than 400,000 people Austin, Texas. lease music and sign artists through UMG’s over two weekends in the summer, as well Check out the dates for the No Filter USA global distribution network, the companies as Tomorrowland Winter in the French 2021 Tour below: said in a joint release. Alps. To partially compensate for the lost Sept. 26 – St. Louis, MO @ The Dome at The label’s first release will be the single revenue, organizers created virtual pay-per- America’s Center “You Got The Love” from Never Sleeps, a view events in July of both years, and a New Sept. 30 – Charlotte, NC @ Bank Of new project from Afrojack featuring Chico Year’s Eve event, all featuring DJs perform- America Stadium Rose, which will be available Friday on ing in green-screen studios. (The first Oct. 4 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Heinz Field streaming platforms worldwide. livestream fell short of turning a profit, Oct. 9 – Nashville, TN @ Nissan Stadium Through the partnership, Tomorrowland despite selling just under 140,000 tickets.) Oct. 17 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium will enjoy direct access to a collective pool “We have taken the extra time to focus on Oct. 24 – Minneapolis, MN @ U.S. Bank of UMG’s international label divisions, projects that were on our list for a long time Stadium including Virgin Records and Astralwerks and one of them was definitely launching Oct. 29 – Tampa, FL @ Raymond James in the U.S. Leading the partnership will be our own Tomorrowland Music label,” Mich- Stadium Berlin-based Virgin Records executives Al- iel Beers, Tomorrowland’s CEO and co- Nov. 2 – Dallas, TX @ Cotton Bowl Sta- exander Neipp, Daniel Schmidt and Mag- founder, said in a press release. dium nus Textor, and Tina Adams at Virgin Beyond live events and digital livestreams, Nov. 6 – Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Sta- Music Label & Artist Services. Tomorrowland has grown into a global and dium “Over the past 15 years Tomorrowland has lifestyle brand, with its own fashion label Nov. 11 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz built a reputation as one of the world’s lead- TML by Tomorrowland and the radio sta- Stadium ing festivals and electronic music brands tion One World Radio. Nov. 15 – Detroit, MI @ Ford Field by consistently expanding and evolving Nov. 20 – Austin, TX @ Circuit of The their relationship with music fans,” Frank Americas Briegmann, chairman and CEO, Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Gram- mophon, said in a press release. He added that the partners had created a “uniquely flexible model” that will “help drive success and create global hits for Tomorrowland.” This is not the first time an EDM festival brand has extended into the label business. Los Angeles-based Insomniac, the creators of Electric Daisy Carnival and Beyond Page 16 of 28

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Elden’s attorney James Marsh, whose ing me. I think it’s because of my penis — a Nevermind That practice focuses on victims of sex abuse, lot of the other babies were girls. Also, the insists permission wasn’t given. “Our composition seemed very natural. I am glad Nirvana Child understanding is there was no release,” he they chose me.” says. “In a culture in which we are trying to Marsh doesn’t think Elden’s past com- Pornography upload consent as one of the highest values, ments are relevant to the key issue: whether an image of a child naked that he didn’t con- the photo is child pornography. To a certain Lawsuit, sent to should cause people concern.” extent, he’s correct. If the court determines Another entertainment litigator with the image is child pornography, nothing else Attorneys Say experience in invasion-of-privacy and right- matters. If the court determines it isn’t, that’s of-publicity matters tells THR, “Depending when the other claims will come into play. BY ASHLEY CULLINS on which federal judge this case is assigned “Hindsight is 2020,” says Marsh, “You can to downtown, plaintiff’s counsel is likely go- cherry-pick all kinds of things he’s said over he naked swimming baby on the ing to be in for a very rough ride. Sanctions the years. He’s also said he felt profoundly iconic Nirvana Nevermind cover are a definite possibility.” humiliated and exposed by this image.” is now a 30-year-old man — and That attorney — who is often on the Brettler suspects the suit will be brought he’s suing just about everyone plaintiff’s side in these matters — adds there to a swift end thanks to California’s anti- Tconnected to the album with claims that the are a “plethora of defenses” to the suit. He SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public photo amounts to child pornography and an notes, “I think what will be most troubling participation) statute, an avenue for de- invasion of his privacy. While it makes for for any judge will be the amount of time that fendants to bring an early end to frivolous splashy headlines, attorneys consulted by has elapsed since the photo was published, complaints arising from protected activity The Hollywood Reporter say the complaint the fact the kid’s parents did this knowingly like artistic expression, which qualifies as will likely be dismissed early. (more or less, but they knew the naked baby protected speech under the First Amend- On Tuesday, Spencer Elden filed a lawsuit was being photographed), and the numerous ment. “My initial reaction to reading about in California federal court against Nirvana, times that the plaintiff himself embraced the the suit yesterday was that it is a SLAPP Universal Music Group, Warner Records, photo and sought publicity for himself.” under California law and should be prompt- music mogul David Geffen, the band Entertainment litigator and Lavely & ly dismissed,” says Brettler, noting that the members (even the late Kurt Cobain via his Singer partner Andrew Brettler agrees that statute’s provision regarding fee awards estate and three individuals who oversee publicity will be a key issue: “What I think could get expensive for Elden. “If an anti- it, including his widow Courtney Love), really damns their case is the fact that this SLAPP motion is granted, he’d have to pay the photographer and others. Elden alleges kid sat for all these interviews and re-creat- the legal fees for all the defendants.” the image depicts him “like a sex worker — ed the album art.” He continues, “I’ve represented actresses grabbing for a dollar bill that is positioned For example, in a 2015 essay in The whose nude photos were released when dangling from a fishhook in front of his nude Guardian Elden said his parents agreed they were minors. That’s very different. A body with his penis explicitly displayed.” He to the shoot and said it had opened doors naked baby is not necessarily pornographic.” also claims he had a “reasonable expectation for him: “I don’t think my parents really Marsh disagrees. “I’m not an expert on that the images depicting him would remain gave my taking part in this shoot too much California law, or California SLAPP law, private” and maintains his legal guardians thought. They knew who Nirvana were, but but for what I understand it only extends to didn’t sign a release authorizing the use of weren’t really into the grunge scene. I was protected speech, and child pornography is the images. four months old and my dad was attending not protected speech,” he says. “We vetted Bryan Sullivan, an entertainment litiga- art school at the time, and his friends would this case very carefully over many years tion partner at Early Sullivan, says the suit is often ask for help with their projects. So before we filed this. We chose to bring this “ridiculous,” and that even if there wasn’t a his friend the photographer Kirk Weddle case forward because we have a good-faith written agreement, which he doubts, Elden’s called him and said, ‘Do you want to make belief that this qualifies under the law as claims are weak. “I think it is highly unlikely some money today and throw your kid in child exploitation material.” that a record company would use a photo- the pool?’ And he agreed. My parents took So what’s the line between art and child graph for an album cover without verifying me down there, apparently they blew in my pornography? Both Brettler and Sullivan the existence of a release signed by the par- face to stimulate my gag reflex, dunked me point to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Pot- ents,” he says. “But, if is there is no release, in, took some pictures, and pulled me out. ter Stewart’s famous 1964 quote from his it does not mean he has a claim for child And that was it. They were paid $200 and concurring opinion in Jacobellis v. Ohio: “I pornography. As to the right of privacy, you went to eat tacos afterwards. No big deal. know it when I see it.” can waive it by your actions or by his parents’ Weddle had shot a number of babies to find “There is no bright-line rule, says Brettler. actions in allowing him to be photographed.” the right image, and they ended up choos- “It has to be something created to stimulate Page 17 of 28

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prurient interests. There’s nothing in my frivolous things.” view that a reasonable person would see as Sullivan agrees the claims minimize the Witness Says sexual about that image.” seriousness of child pornography. “It is an If an image doesn’t depict actual or simu- insult to true victims of such heinous crimes R. Kelly Compared lated sexual conduct (which is explicitly who have suffered inhuman conditions and defined), in order for an image to be “sexu- degradations,” he says. “This is the type of Himself to ally explicit” under the law it must contain frivolous case that makes it more difficult a “lascivious exhibition of the genitals or for true victims to obtain justice.” ‘Genius’ Musician pubic area.” The factors for determining Marsh says it’s “mystifying” that the suit such a finding include whether the genitals is generating criticism and says he’s heard Who Married are the focal point of the picture, whether the “you’re not a real victim” narrative for the setting or pose are sexually suggestive, “far too long” in his line of work. 13-Year-Old Girl the amount of nudity, whether the image He also tells THR they didn’t send suggests a willingness to engage in sexual demand letters to the defendants prior to BY NEENA ROUHANI activity, and whether it is designed to elicit a filing the suit, but notes there has been press sexual response in the viewer. coverage over the years that his client “tried he latest witness during the R. “The Plaintiff and his attorney attempt to to reach out to people and has had the door Kelly trial, identified as Stephanie, inject sexuality into it by arguing the baby slammed in his face.” gave an explosive testimony on grabbing at the dollar bill on a fishhook is The upcoming 30th anniversary of the Thursday (Aug. 26). She recount- ‘like a sex worker,’ but that is an extreme album was a catalyst for the complaint. “We Ted a 1999 dinner at Houston’s in Chicago interpretation in an attempt to support the needed to get this done and try to put a stop where Kelly compared himself to fellow frivolous allegations in the complaint and to the re-issuance prior to the anniversary,” musical artist, Jerry Lee Lewis, who mar- ignores the artistic message,” says Sullivan. says Marsh, adding that the motivation for ried a 13-year-old when he was 22. “Look at “I doubt any judge or jury would find this choosing this image over another one isn’t Jerry Lee Lewis,” Kelly said. “He’s a genius album cover to be pornography.” being adequately scrutinized. and I’m a genius. We should be allowed to Brown Rudnick’s Michael Bowe — who’s “Would the album have been as iconic do whatever we want. Look at what we give currently representing nearly three dozen without his penis as it was with it? If it the world.” plaintiffs in a lawsuit against PornHub par- could have, why did they pick the image Lewis’ wife Myrna (who also happened to ent MindGeek alleging “the most powerful that displayed it?” Marsh says, pointing to be his cousin, once removed) later divorced online pornography company in the world an allegation in the complaint that Cobain him, citing “every type of physical and men- was built and sustained in material parts on wanted to cover the baby’s genitals with a tal abuse imaginable.” child pornography, rape, and human traf- sticker that read “If you’re offended by this, Stephanie, who was 16 the first time she ficking” — agrees. you must be a closet pedophile” if the album encountered a 31-year-old Kelly, says his “This seems like an unserious college cover couldn’t be left uncensored. “We want comment about Lewis came after he men- philosophy argument in a bar,” Bowe says. the sticker on there. That’s what it’s all tioned liking young girls “out of the blue.” “Most serious-minded people would — and about. I think Nirvana, given the publicity Rap duo Boo & Gotti were also in atten- have for decades, with respect to this image from this lawsuit, will more than make up dance at the dinner, and Stephanie says she — understood this was not sexually explicit for the cost of the sticker.” was not allowed to speak to them because of or suggestive. Just like my parents’ home This article was originally published Kelly’s rules. movies of me in the tub as a baby were not. by The Hollywood Reporter. Kelly first set eyes on Stephanie at Chi- I think one could debate whether it is the cago’s Rock N Roll McDonald’s in 1998. She best parenting decision to let someone take was there on a “double-date” with her boy- pictures of your naked baby underwater for friend and another couple. While collecting a rock album cover. And he may have a fair her food from the counter alone, she says complaint about not being paid or about she was approached by an associate of Kelly his privacy being invaded unfairly then or who asked her age, whether she knew who now. And maybe they should just respect his R. Kelly was, and gestured to the singer who concerns now out of decency. But those are was sitting at a table nearby. Then, Stepha- different issues.” nie says the man gave her a slip of paper Bowe adds, “I am always concerned when with Kelly’s number on it; after consulting people hijack a word that has the most with her friends, she decided to throw it in serious meaning and dilute it by applying it the trash. to far different, less serious, and sometime But through an unfortunate twist of fate, Page 18 of 28

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Stephanie and Kelly met again a year later, and warned her to never mention another when the then 17-year-old worked as a baris- man to him again. She described herself as Want Guitar ta at a hotel coffee shop. During her shift, a having been “terrified.” Although she noted friend alerted her that Kelly would be at the sexual and verbal abuse, Stephanie said Kelly Lessons From Nike store around the corner for an event. was never physically violent. On the stand, Stephanie explained that her Stephanie says Kelly often recorded their Metallica? close friend Kathryn was an aspiring singer, sexual encounters and “orchestrated” the and she thought connecting Kathryn with sounds she would make during sex. Accord- Yousician Kelly could be her big break. She made her ing to her accounts, Kelly would instruct her way up to Kelly and the two spoke as he to get into a position while naked and stay Launches New walked to his car. After inviting her into the that way until he came back into the room. vehicle to continue their conversation, she Sometimes, hours passed and with no sign of Artist Series said they sat alone, and after Stephanie men- him. “I’d be completely naked with my butt tioned Kathryn, Kelly made advances. in the air waiting for him,” she said. If she BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN “He said he likes to cuddle and if I’d be shifted out of the position upon his return, OK with that,” said Stephanie. A week or Stephanie says he would become angry. ousician — a leading music two later, she says they met up at his studio Another time, Stephanie says she and education platform that offers and the two had sex. Stephanie explained Kelly were in an SUV with his associates, lessons in guitar, bass, piano, that at the time of her sexual encounter, she and he asked her to give him oral sex. “It voice and more — is launching was “very vulnerable” and had been subject was really disgusting because he just played itsY first-ever artist partnership series, the to sexual abuse in the past by family mem- basketball for an hour,” Stephanie said. She company tells Billboard. bers and former bosses. Stephanie contin- says she reluctantly obliged, and tried to The new Spotlight series is essentially a ued seeing Kelly for six months, a point that do so quietly, to avoid attracting attention. “Master Class” for musicians, with added defense attorney Nicole Blank Becker used He then told her to moan, “he wanted the interactive elements provided by Yousi- to discredit her account. people in the car to know,” she said. cian’s real-time feedback technology, and Becker questioned why Stephanie chose Stephanie recalled at least three times launches Friday (Aug. 27) with a course to answer Kelly’s phone calls, why she con- when she tried to persuade Kelly to give her from singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, fol- tinued seeing him and following his orders, the sex tapes and suggested that they could lowed by a course with Colombian rock and furthermore, why she flew to Orlando even burn them together. While he never artist Juanes in October and another with to see Kelly. On that trip to Orlando (booked completely shut down the idea, eventually heavy metal icons Metallica early next and paid for through Kelly), Stephanie says Stephanie says she knew it would never year. All artist deals include an upfront she sat in a rental home for days, wait- happen. That was the end of her commu- fee, licensing royalties and a revenue share ing for Kelly, who didn’t arrive until her nication with Kelly, and the last time she model in which artists are paid a percent- last night in town. Once he did show up, saw him in person until this testimony, 22 age of revenue from customers who sign Stephanie says Kelly drove them in a sports years later. “I just didn’t want to be abused up for a Yousician subscription specifically car to a studio and said he wanted to record anymore,” Stephanie, who is now 39, said as to access the artist’s course. The company her giving him oral sex. She says she felt she wept. “He humiliated me, he degraded additionally invests in the content shoot “humiliated” and cried on the way back to me, he scared me. I’ll never forget the way and accompanying marketing campaigns for the vacation rental. As she cried, “he really he treated me.” each of the Spotlights. didn’t know how to deal with that,” Stepha- Kelly was arrested more than two years In the platform’s inaugural Spotlight nie explained. ago and has pleaded not guilty to the course, Mraz will offer personalized tu- Stephanie said there were two sides of charges, which include racketeering, sexual torials for some of his best-known songs, Kelly. Sometimes he could be “jovial” and exploitation of a minor, kidnapping and including “I’m Yours,” “I Won’t Give Up” “charming” while at other times, the singer bribery. If convicted on all counts, he faces and “93 Million Miles.” The musician will “could put the fear of God in [her] very 10 years to life in prison. additionally offer tips and tricks on play- quickly.” She testified that Kelly was control- ing the guitar and ukulele, talk about his ling and recounted moments highlighting songwriting process, perform his music and his short fuse. On one occasion, Stephanie more. Juanes’ course is a partnership with says she noticed the absence of one of Kelly’s popular language-learning app Duolingo security guards who often accompanied that will focus on communicating through them and mentioned it to Kelly. Stephanie the universal language of music, while Me- explained that Kelly then snapped, exclaim- tallica’s course will offer a “unique window” ing, “What the f—k did you just stay to me?” into the band’s songwriting process and Page 19 of 28

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include tutorials by band members them- recurring revenue increased from $30 mil- selves showing users how to play their most lion to $50 million, while its user base rose Five Takeaways requested songs. from 14.5 million to 20 million and its paying “I’ve partnered with Yousician because I subscribers increased by 78%. The number From Kanye hope that anyone at any age feels that now is of songs played in the platform also saw a the right time to learn,” said Mraz in a state- sharp 100% increase, rising from 150 million West’s ‘Donda’ ment. “Yousician makes it so easy to learn in 2019 to 300 million in 2020. The Yousi- and play. It’s like having a friend to person- cian app alone was downloaded 14 million Listening Event ally guide you on your musical journey.” times last year — up 52% over 2019 — while Hadley Spanier, head of brand marketing GuitarTuna was up 10% to 32 million down- at Chicago’s and artist relations at Yousician who joined loads. (Though it’s currently available in 154 the company in January 2020 after a stint as countries, the company notes that most of Soldier Field senior vp and head of marketing at UMG’s Yousician’s active users reside in the U.S., Verve Label Group, calls the Spotlight series the U.K. and Canada.) BY MARK BRABOY a “natural progression” for the growing plat- Much of this recent boost can be attrib- form, which currently boasts a combined 20 uted to the pandemic, when more people in he city of Chicago always trans- million users across Yousician and its associ- the U.S. and abroad turned to virtual music forms into a different place ated guitar-tuning app GuitarTuna. Spanier lessons following the wide-scale shutdown whenever Kanye West, now tells Billboard the initiative grew out of a of in-person instruction. Indeed, since the asking to be legally known as Ye, series of live virtual sessions the platform start of the pandemic in the U.S., Yousician Tunveils his latest offerings to the droves of hosted last year, which saw artists including reports that its active user base and revenue his most loyal supporters. This past Thurs- Mraz, Declan McKenna, Heart’s Nancy have both increased by 60%, while the com- day (Aug. 26) was no different, as Yeezy and Wilson and more performing for students pany is trending toward a 60% increase in his colorful ensemble of artists performed and offering real-time feedback. paying users during that span. the newest draft of his highly anticipated “There’s so much potential for artists, both In light of this momentum, the Spot- (and frequently delayed) album, DONDA, at on the exposure side to our 20 million users, light series is being introduced at a critical Soldier Field. and also on a revenue side, because we are juncture for Yousician, which is now looking The third installment of his listening able to put together pretty attractive financial to further differentiate itself in the growing events — which, like the others, was also offers for artists as well,” says Spanier. virtual music lessons space by offering an livestreamed on Apple Music — was a Some of the company’s current and future added incentive for users to invest in their gloomier, gothic, and more elaborately de- Spotlight courses — which are included with music education — and buy into the plat- tailed show. A replica of his childhood home a Yousician Premium+ subscription — will form itself — over the long-term. on Southeast Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive entail partnerships with other brands. The “Our greatest challenge is not our com- was set on a big plot of dirt in the middle of partnership with Duolingo for the Juanes petitors or the technology or anything, it’s the stadium, and served as was one of the course will serve to amplify the introduction people’s motivation to get over that hurdle major focal points of a vivid yet open-to- of language-customization capabilities on the and actually start learning and then stick interpretation narrative. Yousician platform, which became available with it,” says Spanier. “We believe that we At first, walking into Soldier Field and in a total of five languages starting last year offer the best mix of things to keep people witnessing the house in person while it was (with plans to add more by the end of 2021). going and inspired, and we think that artists shrouded in darkness was a creepy experi- Spanier describes the partnership as a “three- coming on board is going to...keep them ence. Still, it changed as Kanye, draped in way consolidated marketing campaign,” with motivated to play.” all-black attire, delivered possibly the most cross-promotion across Yousician, Duolingo With the launch of the Mraz course, energetic performance of the three listen- and Juanes’ official channels. Yousician is offering a discount of 25% off ing sessions. The Spotlight initiative was made pos- Premium+ and Family Plan subscriptions Like in Atlanta, Kanye performed the sible by Yousician’s recent $28 million at this link. In September, Mraz will give new version of the DONDA without saying Series B funding round, which the company away signed ukuleles to five users who com- a single word outside of his lyrics (which at announced in April. Led by Silicon Valley plete his course. times were barely audible over the amplified venture firm True Ventures, new investors bass). However, Chicago received an eerier in this round included Amazon’s Alexa Fund version with Kanye. His celebrity cohorts and Paul McCartney’s investment arm Marilyn Manson, Travis Scott, DaBaby, Don MPL Ventures. The Series B came on the Toliver, Westside Gunn, and rising dancehall heels of a successful 2020 for the company; artist Shenseea sat on the porch of his late over the course of that year, Yousician’s mother Donda West’s old home. Page 20 of 28

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Behind him on the large screen appeared 3. Chicago Artist Rooga Performs “GD to be a news channel that played the show’s Anthem” Marilyn Manson’s footage behind a border that showed various Kanye has been continuing the “Free bible verses throughout. While the show Larry Hoover” campaign throughout the al- ‘Voice Is Featured’ started about 45 minutes later than the bum cycle, but in Chicago, the birthplace of initial 10 p.m. time, Yeezy did not waste a the Gangster Disciples, he went above and on Kanye West’s second, as he took fans on a rollercoaster of beyond. Midway through the performance, emotions between somber and celebratory as the black brigade of people and vehicles ‘Donda’ Album with every song. circled the house, rising Chicago artist The whole show felt like a ceremony of Rooga was brought out as a surprise guest BY GIL KAUFMAN epic proportions that came off as either to perform his celebratory hit “GD Anthem” a dramatic funeral, a symbolistic rebirth, in front of the packed-out stadium. Draped fter disgraced shock rocker Mar- and possibly one of the most unorthodox in all black, the blood cousin of the late FBG ilyn Manson appeared at Kanye renewals of vows that over 30,000 people Duck performed the song amid a crew of the West’s Chicago Donda listening witnessed at the stadium. performers dressed in black, who bore the event on Thursday night (Aug. Here are five of the most standout mo- star of David — the symbol of the notorious 26)A at Chicago’s Soldier Field, Billboard has ments from the third DONDA listening GDs — on their vests. confirmed that the singer’s voice will appear session. 4. Kanye Is Either Nearing the End or on the as-yet-unscheduled album as well. 1. The album has been drastically Being Reborn in Fire “Marilyn Manson’s voice is featured changed As DONDA was nearing its conclusion on DONDA, and he will continue to con- Though fans expected a series of changes and the large home remained enveloped ceptually collaborate with Ye on the DON- on the album, many fans were surprised by in a white haze, a man tied up to a chair DA project,” a spokesperson for the rocker the latest updates. The verses from Jay-Z, appeared on the screen. As one of the songs told Billboard. Newsweek was first to break Kid Cudi, Jay Electronica, and The Lox did played, the fire began to cover the inside of the news. not appear on the new version of DONDA, the house. The man would be burned alive At press time, West’s team had not re- while DaBaby served as a new addition. in the chair with a combination of flames, sponded to requests for further details of There were also times where the audio was flares, and lights covering the home. Kanye the unexpected collab on the album, whose rough, and the bass overpowered the lyrics, would then come out of the house, burning release date and feature lineup have been making parts of Kanye’s words inaudible de- alive in a fireproof suit with a crew putting moving targets. ‘Ye invited Manson (born pending on where you were in the stadium. him right out. Considering the black trucks Brian Hugh Warner) to the show in the midst Most of the album comes off a much more and hearses circling the home, it could be of the shock rocker’s current legal issues, somber, gloomier version of the Grammy- possible that the burning of the house and which include lawsuits from four women winning album Jesus Is King, as he’s singing Kanye himself may symbolize the end of over accusations of rape and sexual, physi- most of the time. And with the help of the something. Or possibly, the beginning of cal and emotional assault, as well as claims gaudy visual effects, fans were captivated at something or someone reborn. from a number of other women regarding this more extensive narrative — but disap- 5. Kim Kardashian-West and ‘Ye re- alleged inappropriate, threatening and pointed at the removal of Hov’s verse. unite abusive sexual behavior. 2. Kanye’s usage of bible verses and One of the biggest surprises of the eve- Manson has denied all the charges in the other elements of Christianity ning was the arrival of the recently divorced lawsuits, and said in a February Instagram Atop, the replica of Kanye’s childhood Kim Kardashian-West, who appeared post the allegations against him are “hor- home bore a large cross in front of the on stage in a white wedding dress with a rible distortions of reality,” saying that his massive audience that set the tone for the translucent veil covering her whole face. As “intimate relationships have always been religious elements behind DONDA. Almost the two approached each other, they kindly entirely consensual.” every song included the title of several bible embraced each other and walked away to- West has hosted three Donda listening verses that alluded to God’s strength, love, gether with the Black ensemble. Could this events to date, with each one present- and light, such as Isaiah 41:10, James 2:14- mean that the two have renewed their vows? ing a slightly different version of his 10th 26, and Romans 8:13. As mentioned earlier, Either way, it was one of the most heart- album. Previous versions have contained the tone, production, and hooks are highly warming moments of the show. features from Jay Electronica, Griselda, The reminiscent of Jesus Is King, but with more Weeknd, Fivio Foreign, Young Thug, Kid hip-hop elements. The show also alluded to Cudi, Pusha T, Playboi Carti, Lil Durk, Pop heaven, with a stuntman being lifted above Smoke, Baby Keem, Roddy Ricch, Lil Baby Soldier Field, portraying Kanye’s ascension and Jay-Z; at Thursday night’s event it ap- into a CGI-rendered afterlife. peared that Jigga’s verse had been replaced Page 21 of 28

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by a new one from DaBaby. Naturi Naughton (Jill Da Thrill). Rounding of people’s faces.” The embattled MC (born Jonathan out the quartet is actress Nadine Velazquez When it comes to winning over viewers, Lyndale Kirk) is currently under intense (Valeria, better known as Butter Pecan). Swizz believes the shared experience of the scrutiny in the wake of his set at July’s Roll- Also driving viewer anticipation is the show’s stars — having worked in the music ing Loud Miami, where he made a series promise of original songs inspired by the industry in the ’90s — will give Queens an of hateful homophobic and misogynistic fertile ’90s era of R&B/hip-hop. Swizz edge. “These ladies may be acting,” says comments about HIV/AIDS that cost him Beatz, who has recently been mining nostal- Swizz, “but they know exactly what this a number of festival gigs and drew wide- gia as the co-founder of Verzuz, was tapped time period feels like.” Adds Eve: “I try spread condemnation. as executive music producer to ensure the to make sure things from my side are as West — whose recent career has been authenticity of the Nasty B—ches’ onscreen authentic as possible, because people who filled with confounding provocations repertoire. “Eve is my sister,” says Swizz, know me and my music from that time will including his embrace of former presi- who broke through alongside the rapper as definitely know if it isn’t.” dent Donald Trump and his own quixotic, the in-house producer for Ruff Ryders En- This story originally appeared in the Aug. ill-fated run for president in 2020 — has tertainment in the late ’90s, later producing 28, 2021, issue of Billboard. seemingly embraced Manson at a time when for JAY-Z, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and many the rocker’s career is in free-fall due to the others. “So the idea of being able to sonically abuse allegations. revisit the ’90s where we started and create Versus Creative In addition to the four lawsuits, Manson a strong sound was a win-win.” was erased from an episode of the reboot- Swizz and a support team that includes Launches ed Creepshow series, reportedly dropped by six writers began crafting the show’s music his longtime manager Tony Ciulla, and let six months ago. Writing a lot of songs on de- ‘Intentional go by his label and representation at CAA, mand, so to speak, for a weekly series is a feat while facing calls from Sen. Susan Rubio for where “you definitely have to catch your flow Listening’ Label an FBI and Department of Justice inves- and move like clockwork,” says Swizz. tigation into the allegations made against The music for Queens captures R&B/hip- with Universal the singer. hop’s ’90s boundary-pushing evolution, with artists embracing everything from new jack Music Canada swing and neo-soul to hip-hop’s empower- How Swizz Beatz ing battle-rap attitude. As Eve’s character BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN Brianna declares against a hypnotic drum Gave ABC’s beat during the group’s comeback per- FFAIR Records, a newly-formed formance, “I used to be a nasty b—ch, but label focused on mood music ‘Queens’ A tonight, I’m a queen!” and “intentional listening expe- The line nods to a central theme riences,” is launching today in Musical Edge of Queens: artists of a certain age still being Opartnership with Universal Music Canada able to compete in the contemporary music (UMC), the company tells Billboard. Global BY GAIL MITCHELL scene, as evidenced offscreen by catalog distribution for the imprint, which is being streaming spikes sparked by Verzuz battles. launched by creative agency Versus Cre- fter a 20-year estrangement For instance, Brandy’s own match-up with ative, will be provided by UMC and Virgin owing to personal travails and Monica in August 2020 drove a 444.6% day- Music Artist + Label Services. jealousies, can four women in over-day catalog streaming gain, according Co-founded by Versus partners Rishi their 40s reclaim the ’90s fame to MRC Data. Now, in the wake of Ver- Shah and Nate Auerbach, OFFAIR’s stated andA swagger they achieved as R&B and hip- zuz, Swizz is pushing for new platforms mission is “to create deeper experiences hop stars? That one-line pitch is the premise like Queens that can provide more opportu- with music” via instrumental and experi- behind Queens, which, ahead of the ABC nities for veteran voices to keep climbing. mental releases from artists “exploring drama series’ premiere on Oct. 19, is already “A lot of people like to put an age limit on beyond their familiar sonic territories.” picking up must-watch buzz. our culture’s music; if you’re 30, you’re old The label will strive to inspire “intentional The hype is thanks in part to the cast, and it’s over,” he says. “This is while many listening,” supported by special events, part- which brings together three popular ’90s non-African American acts are still making nerships and more spearheaded by Versus’ hitmakers as members of the fictional group albums and doing tours. Verzuz has shown creative and digital marketing team. Nasty B—ches: Brandy (who plays Naomi, that it’s not about age. That great, timeless One of the label’s first signees is Highland aka Xplicit Lyrics), Eve (Brianna, aka music is about what you bring as a creative Park Sleep Collective, a duo comprised of Professor Sex) and 3LW founding member — and the access you have to get out in front producers Tim Anderson and Filip Nikolic Page 22 of 28

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(Billie Eilish, Pabllo Vittar, King Prin- essential albums, has taken on Marcus J. cess), formerly of Poolside, who just put Executive Moore as the new director of Hip-Hop. An out the ambient album OFFAIR: Music For award-winning music journalist, senior edi- Water on the label. Other OFFAIR artists at Turntable: Feed tor, curator, pundit and author, Moore will launch include Swedish singer-songwriter work to elevate VMP’s Hip-Hop subscrip- Anders Fridén (vocalist of metal band In Launches Music tion curation. Flames); jazz singer-songwriter-pianist “We are ecstatic to be welcoming Marcus Niia; record producer Oh No; and recording Team; VMP Adds J. Moore to the VMP team as the Director artist, music director and drummer Pauli the of Hip-Hop. said Alex Berenson, head of PSM. Upcoming releases for those acts will Hip-Hop Director A&R at VMP. “Marcus’ presence at VMP be announced soon. is another step towards growth for the OFFAIR Records was inspired by Versus’ BY HANNAH DAILEY company at large, and we cannot wait to see OFFAIR phone-free performance series how he shapes the future of Hip-Hop A&R at Public Records in Brooklyn, which s a push to grow its music depart- for VMP.” has featured sets by Orion Sun, Raphael ment, Feed Media Group has As the author of The Butterfly Effect: How Saadiq, Moses Sumney, Angel Olsen and created a new team dedicated Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black others. to music and appointed Bryn America and a writer of jazz, soul, hip-hop “Instead of music getting stuck in your Boughton toA take the helm. The department, and rock pieces for The New York Times, The head, we want your head to get lost in the called the “the heart and soul of the compa- Nation, Pitchfork, Entertainment Weekly, music,” said Shah and Auerbach in a joint ny’’ in a press release, will work to strengthen The Washington Post, NPR, Rolling Stone, statement. “OFFAIR is about foreground mu- FMG’s relationships with labels, publishers The Atlantic and Bandcamp Daily, Moore is sic – not what you put on in the background and artists who are music rightsholders. exceptionally well-informed in the world while you do something else. Through OF- Boughton is credited with being the of Hip-Hop. In addition to writing, he’s a FAIR we want to drive a deeper connection driving force behind FMG’s latest product tastemaker within the genre, having created between how we listen and what our minds Adaptr, an all-in-one music solution for playlists for Google, interviewed cultural and bodies are doing while we listen.” startups. Over the course of her career, she’s leaders for Sonos and compiled for local res- “Finding ways to unplug and stay present run independent record labels, managed art- taurants, bars, coworking spaces and cafes. while leaning into music that brings focus to ist development programs at Valley Media, “Having worked with VMP on a few our intentions is so powerful – and perhaps Inc. and founded a digital distributor that projects, I’ve long admired the company’s more important now than ever,” added Jef- was acquired by The Orchard. willingness to trumpet intriguing music of frey Remedios, chairman & CEO, Universal “Music has always been at the core of what all eras and genres. Being their Director of Music Canada. “The OFFAIR team have everyone at Feed does, and the formation Hip-Hop provides a great opportunity to do created a distinct and compelling brand that of a music affairs team was the next step in what I’ve always tried to do: tell the world invites artists to explore mood music while marshaling resources within the company,” about fascinating music,” said Marcus J. centering the creative process. Through she said. “We are not just a tech company but Moore, new Director of Hip-Hop at VMP. this label joint venture, we’re proud to work a company with music at its heart.” “It’s one thing to suggest which records to alongside Rishi, Nate, and our colleagues at Boughton and her team will strive to buy, it’s another to help usher these albums Virgin Music to invite the world to join us ensure rightsholders have information on into the marketplace.” off air.” what’s taking off in new spaces so they can Music agent Kevin Kastrup is the new Founded by Shah in 2014, Versus Cre- make informed decisions. Through licensing vp of casinos at Wasserman Music, where ative’s recent clients have included Golden- and curating music, she hopes the new team he’ll oversee North American casino book- voice, Amazon Music, Oatly, the Grateful will encourage innovation. “We want to ings for the agency’s clientele. Coming off a Dead, Joni Mitchell, CHVRCHES, Discogs align what we’re doing with our music part- nine-year run as an agent at Paradigm Talent and Vinyl Me, Please. Shah and Auerbach ners’ plans for growth and empower more Agency, Kastrup will be based in New York. were named to Billboard’s Digital Power music discovery,” she said. “Fitness instruc- While at Paradigm, the executive special- Players list in 2019. tors are becoming influencers. Games are ized in symphonies and performing arts becoming music discovery channels. We’ve centers and represented artists like A.R. built an amazing, large distribution platform Rahman, Lyle Lovett, Ry Cooder and Wayne and that means we can service innovators Shorter. Before that, he spent time at IMG and help keep rightsholders moving towards Artists and Ted Kurland Associates. “I’m their goals.” very excited to rejoin so many longtime Vinyl Me, Please, the record of the colleagues at Wasserman,” he said. “It’s an month club connecting collectors with incredible opportunity to represent so many Page 23 of 28

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of the world’s best musical artists in the munity with a platform to engage and help private sector change-makers to harness our unique space of casino performances. I can’t grow existing relationships with their fans collective power to affect meaningful, last- wait to get to work!” by making something of integrity and in ing progress,” says Universal Music Group Kastrup’s new home wears many hats as line with their brand, while also being fairly executive vp Michele Anthony, who sits on a company. Wasserman serves as a partner compensated was a no-brainer,” he said. the organization’s executive management to the athletes, artists, brands, properties, “The model we’re pioneering convinces me board and recalls hosting the first festival broadcasters, coaches, sport executives as executive and artist that there’s some meeting in her living room. and influencers in their endeavors across much-needed light at the end of the tunnel Coldplay, BTS, Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, sports, entertainment and culture. “Wel- we’re all emerging from. I’m thrilled to Metallica and Jennifer Lopez are among the coming Kevin back and entrusting him with bring my 30 years of experience, taste, and acts due to appear at this year’s event, which our casino business is easy because we’ve vision to an already incredible team.” the organization admits was a logistical known and worked alongside him for years roller coaster “as the pandemic continues already,” said Jackie Nalpant, executive to spread and schedules and tour routing vp and managing executive at Wasserman Why Global continue to shift as a result,” says Katie Hill, Music. “He’s a well-liked, well-respected senior vp music, entertainment and artist professional, and we know our artists are in Citizen’s Fall 2021 relations at Global Citizen. good hands with him.” Evans believes artists keep returning Justin Warfield has been appointed as the Concert Matters to support the movement, and to perform vp of artist services at Downwrite, a custom for free, because they can see the tangible song commissioning experience created by More Than Ever actions taking place as a result. Usher — Chicago-based musicians Mark Rose and who will perform for a vaccinated, masked Bob Nanna. Recruited specifically to bring BY JOE LYNCH audience — agrees: “For a decade, this global top-tier talent to the platform, his appoint- organization has had a direct impact on ment is Downwrite’s first big hire since it n Sept. 25, an eclectic roster of inspiring change for those who need it most. relaunched earlier this year and “marks a A-listers will perform across When the lights go down and the perform- significant moment in the company’s vi- six continents during the ers have left the stage, Global Citizen is sion,” the press release reads. 24-hour Global Citizen Live, continuing its work, day in and day out, to In his new role, Warfield will work to Orallying to fight climate change and extreme defeat poverty and protect our planet.” bring high-quality songs to music lovers as poverty, and aiming to help the 41 million But, as Evans adds, the performers are well as deliver exclusive scores, signature people on the brink of famine. These are making an impact, too. “Artists are activists. music and theme tunes to filmmakers, pod- issues that have only been compounded by Their platform just happens to be an awfully casters, and other content creators. “We’re the pandemic, notes Global Citizen CEO lot bigger than [yours or mine].” thrilled that someone of Justin’s caliber has Hugh Evans. This story originally appeared in the Aug. recognized the potential of Downwrite and “We’re going bigger than ever to reflect 28, 2021, issue of Billboard. decided to become a part of our mission to the scale and severity of the crisis,” he says. reinvent how music is made,” Downwrite “This is not a celebration — it’s a moment CEO Jake Morris said. “Adding Justin’s stel- of unity to rally the world, to petition world lar reputation, depth of experience, wealth leaders, CEOs, philanthropists to commit to of knowledge, and inexhaustible passion to solutions that only governments and those the team makes us even stronger—and sets with billions of dollars can bring about.” the stage for future growth and innovation.” Musicians and industry power players Warfield brings 30 years of industry have been integral to the organization’s suc- experience to the company, as an executive cess since its inaugural concert in 2012, ad- and a musician. He’s composed, performed, dressing world leaders on social media and produced and remixed for artists like behind the scenes to secure donations. After Timbaland and The Chemical Brothers, and the deadly Beirut explosion in August 2020, brands like Adidas. He also has a multitude superstar manager Wassim “Sal” Slaiby of executive experience, with credits on teamed with Global Citizen to help raise projects for Warner Bros, Geffen, Inter- $1.2 million, which helped provide 7,600 scope, Virgin, Sony Music Publishing, EMI, people with food packages that could feed a Epic and Columbia Records. family of five for one month. “We’ve become “The opportunity to join Downwrite and a crucial partner to government leaders, provide my fellow artists and music com- key [nongovernmental organizations] and Page 24 of 28

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and Music Pros) industry magazine. New Aaliyah New L.A. Radio/ Other board members include top radio personalities Rick Dees and Shadoe Ste- Merch Celebrates Record Promotion vens. Los Angeles radio stars are eligible for 25th Anniversary Hall of Fame honors from national organizations such as the Radio Hall of Fame and the NAB Broad- of ‘One in a Will Honor Local casting Hall of Fame. Likewise, Los Angeles record company execs are eligible for hon- Million’ Album Trailblazers: ors from the Recording Academy and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, among other BY HERAN MAMO ‘It’s About Time!’ national organizations. And of course there’s the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, week after Aaliyah’s multiplati- BY PAUL GREIN where people from all facets of entertain- num sophomore album One in ment vie for sidewalk stars in Hollywood. a Million finally arrived on on Alexenburg had a long and But Alexenburg, Resnik and others want a streaming services, Black- successful career in the music more localized approach. groundA Records released a limited-edition business. He was head of promo- Hollywood Media Professionals is a merch collection to commemorate the tion at Columbia Records and networking organization for pros who have album’s 25th anniversary. Rsenior vp and general manager of Epic and worked in any phase of radio, television, film, The set, which was released Thursday CBS Records-associated labels. music, or new media for at least 10 years. (Aug. 26), includes baseball jersey, hood- But it always bugged him that Los An- The group’s stated mission is to elevate and ies, sweats and more items that mirror the geles doesn’t have a Hall of Fame for its promote media and music through education Princess of R&B’s tomboyish style from back radio stars and record company honchos. So and mentorship. The group was founded as in the day. he did something about it. Alexenburg is Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters in 1966. One in a Million was first released Aug. 27, president of Hollywood Media Profession- The group hosts luncheons where it hon- 1996, via Blackground and Atlantic Records, als, which is moving forward with plans for ors individuals who have made significant and it peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top the Los Angeles Radio/Record Promotion contributions to the worlds of entertain- R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and hit No. Hall of Fame. ment or media. Honorees have included 18 on the Billboard 200. Produced by Tim- “When we started thinking about this, Dees, Lily Tomlin, Dick Cavett, Larry King, baland and Missy Elliott — who are also we found it hard to believe that Southern Art Laboe and Regis Philbin and sports- credited as featured artists on the album California, as instrumental as it’s been to caster Vin Scully as well as a wide range alongside Treach and Slick Rick — One in a the record industry, does not have a Radio of artists, from Mike Love of The Beach Million spans 17 tracks, including singles “If Hall Of Fame that honors the amazing Boys to Michael Feinstein. Your Girl Only Knew,” “Got to Give It Up” people who have worked in radio and record and the Billboard Hot 100 No. 9 hit “The promotion,” Alexenburg said in a statement. One I Gave My Heart To.” “It’s about time!” Billboard named the title track “One in a A 20-member committee, led by board Million” as the No. 1 pick in our staff’s top member Steve Resnik, is spearheading a 20 songs list, which was published Wednes- list of candidates that will include Southern day, on the 20th anniversary of her death in California radio trailblazers, personalities, a plane accident Aug. 25, 2001, when she programmers and executives in all formats; was just 22 years old. and local and national leaders in record pro- Aaliyah’s uncle and Blackground Records motion from the music industry. Inductees founder Barry Hankerson recently told Bill- will be honored at an in-person event. board about how he secured a new partner- Like Alexenburg, Resnik achieved con- ship with EMPIRE, which will allow the siderable success in the record industry. He late R&B songstress’ catalog to be available worked at A&M, ABC/Dunhill and United on streaming for the first time ever. Artists/EMI. He started New Marketing/ See samples of the Aaliyah merch below, The Charts with former Billboard associate and shop the collection here. publisher Tom Noonan before moving on to The Gavin Report and Radio & Records. He is co-founder and partner of RAMP (Radio Page 25 of 28

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ally, it’s great that in the U.S. festivals like see so many people without masks, sing- My First Fest these can now take place where we can once ing, it personally made me feel anxious and again have a space to share our music. scared. But once I was onstage, it’s as if the Back: Enjambre, All I could think about when I was going past few months had never existed. onstage was “vamos de nuevo con todo, entu- We hope that one day we can return to Ambar Lucid & siasmados (here we go again, we’re excited that normalcy, the type that we want to see and we’re giving it our all).” Now that we’re not one that is dictated by others. Let’s learn More on Adjusting back, it’s all about getting used to the new from this to make festival experiences even normal and things we have to do to stay better. Hopefully live music will be valued to a New Normal protected. Our biggest priority is to remain more after the pandemic because really its safe and sound. And we’re getting used to what kept many people sane. at Ruido Fest 2021 seeing people wearing face masks, we’re Dr. Shenka: To be part of a festival that getting tested for COVID every time before has the courage to put on an event after the BY GRISELDA FLORES we travel, maintaining social distance. But times we’ve lived in with this pandemic, none of the above will stop us from taking it was really important. I think we will be or the first time in 15 months, live music to different pockets and sharing it criticized by some people for performing live music is returning nationwide after with our fans. but we applaud Ruido Fest’s audacity – from the global coronavirus pandemic Ambar Lucid the sponsors, to promoters, the bands and ravaged the industry. Billboard’s I was more nervous than usual because the fans – we were all part of this lineup and F“My First Fest Back” is a spin-off series of the last time I set foot on a stage was two it really creates a precedent of how we can “My First Show Back,” dedicated to shar- years ago. Before my set, I was extremely return to festivals safely in a city like Chicago. ing anecdotes from the return of Chicago’s nervous but once I was on the stage, it’s as There is some sort of responsibility be- Ruido Fest for its sixth annual event. if this nervousness just left my body. It was cause these are tough times but music really In this installment, Ruido Fest perform- really hot so I got tired pretty fast. has a way to heal our souls and helps us ers Enjambre’s Luis Alberto and Angel, Lido Being back just made me feel super face this pandemic. Not only should we stay Pimienta, Ambar Lucid and Panteón Rococó’s inspired and feel passionate about my craft. strong physically but emotionally too and, in Dr. Shenka and Missael Oseguera discuss After not performing live for two years, I that sense, we have to also take into account adjusting to a new normal; from frequent had this pressure to not only sing well but that as humans we need this type of con- COVID tests to performing as if it was their to please the crowd. But the energy that the nection, we need to see our friends again. last time (again). “Any opportunity I have Latinx fans bring speaks for itself and the By performing we tried to give people here to sing and play live I take it as if it’s my last love they have to offer is always there. That in Chicago some hope in these depressing time,” says Pimienta. “So that I’m ready when helped alleviate the pressure. times. It’s been hard for all of us so we really everything starts getting canceled again.” It was also an Aquarius full moon the needed this. Enjambre day I performed. I also have three Aquarius We missed us together. The stage is such Luis Alberto: We were so happy to be placements in my birth chart so I felt the an important part of my life ... sure they took in Chicago, it’s a beautiful city. We love to qualities of Aquarius extra that day: opti- the stage away from me but they didn’t take come over every chance we get and espe- mistic, creative, intuitive, strong willed and my desire to keep writing songs and create cially if it’s to play at an event. The night free spirited. music because I knew that whenever we’d before our set, some of the band members Panteón Rococó reunite with our fans again, we’d need to went to listen to blues. Missael Oseguera: The day before Ruido have new things to offer to them. Angel: Yeah, we went to listen to blues, Fest, we were feeling a lot of excitement and Lido Pimienta eat pizza and toured around the downtown very relaxed too. We were really eager to go More than anything, I felt really excited area. It’s a really interesting city with good out and perform, wondering what it would be to have an opportunity to return to Chicago. vibes, very diverse and it’s a pleasure to visit. like to be back and remember what we were It’s a city that has always given me so much Luis Alberto: It was great to be on stage doing months ago that for us was routine. love. During and after my set, I felt calm and again in front of an audience that was Ever since our last show, it’s like I’ve been blessed. Any opportunity I have to sing and anxious to see us again just like we were on stand by or like if I was hibernating. And play live I take it as if it’s my last time so that anxious to see them. They were happy to now I’ve been woken up again. But I think I’m ready when everything starts getting see us and to see them singing along to our 20 minutes before jumping onstage, it really canceled again. music again, it’s an indescribable joy. We hit us. I personally started feeling anxiety If I could describe my first festival back in felt comfortable playing at Ruido Fest. I and started panicking obviously more with one word it would be: thankful. wouldn’t change a thing about protocols or COVID because back in Mexico not all of ask them to do something differently. Actu- our family members are vaccinated. And to Page 26 of 28

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It’s definitely Prince. We recently the lead in October 2012. Why Left Shark added Tom Petty’s performance outfit and Concurrently, the rootsy Pressure guitar [from his 2008 performance with The Machine debuts as the band’s first No. 1 Was a ‘Huge Win’ Heartbreakers]. And we can’t forget about on Americana/Folk Albums and starts at Left Shark and Katy Perry’s [2015] perfor- No. 2 on Alternative Albums. On the all- for the Rock & Roll mance. Having Left Shark in the exhibit has format Billboard 200, the set starts at No. been a huge, huge win for us. 9, marking The Killers’ seventh top 10. Each Hall of Fame Of the upcoming class of inductees — of their studio albums has hit the chart’s top including The Go-Go’s, JAY-Z, Foo Fight- 10, dating to their debut album Hot Fuss, BY PAUL GREIN ers and LL Cool J — whom are you most which peaked at No. 7 in May 2005. looking forward to seeing at a future leveland is a football halftime show? town,” says Nwaka On- LL is such a dynamic performer. It would Kiss Concert wusa, the Rock & Roll Hall be really cool to see him take the stage. of Fame’s chief curator/vp This story originally appeared in the Aug. Canceled After “Ccuratorial affairs. It’s why, she says, the mu- 28, 2021, issue of Billboard. seum decided to open its latest exhibit, “The Paul Stanley Biggest Show on Turf: 55 Years of Halftime Shows,” when the city hosted the 86th NFL The Killers Tests Positive for draft in April. Ahead of the 36th annual Rock Hall induction ceremony on Oct. 30, Nab Second COVID Onwusa reveals the reasons for extending the exhibit through the fall — and which Top Rock Albums BY KATIE ATKINSON new inductee she would like to see play a future halftime show. No. 1 in Under iss announced late Thurs- Why do you think the exhibit has done day night (Aug. 26) that their well enough to extend its run? a Year With concert scheduled just outside It’s really an opportunity to relive some Pittsburgh had been canceled of those memorable Super Bowl moments ‘Pressure Machine’ Kafter lead vocalist Paul Stanley tested posi- that are cultural moments that make a huge tive for COVID. While a new date is yet to impact. You get an in-depth look at what BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD be announced, the band said the show has it takes to make this 13-and-a-half-minute been postponed. show come to life. he Killers notch their second “Tonight’s #KISS show at The Pavil- What are your favorite halftime No. 1 in less than a year on Bill- ion at Star Lake in Burgettstown, PA is shows? board’s Top Rock Albums chart unfortunately postponed due to Paul The list really goes on, but the two most with Pressure Machine, which de- Stanley testing positive for COVID,” the significant ones for me are U2 in 2002, a mo- Tbuts atop the survey dated Aug. 28. band tweeted alongside a full statement. ment of healing for the country five months The set follows Imploding the Mirage, “More information about show dates will be after 9/11, and Prince — may he rest in which opened atop the Sept. 5, 2020, tally. made available ASAP.” peace — in 2007 when it rained purple rain. The band is the second act with multiple The statement also clarified that “every- That was an unforgettable moment. leaders in that stretch, joining Paul Mc- one on the entire tour, both band and crew, The exhibit goes back to the early Cartney, whose McCartney III topped the are fully vaccinated.” years of halftime shows, which were very Jan. 2 chart and McCartney III Reimag- Ahead of the band’s announcement, different from what we have come to ined led the Aug. 7 list. Stanley took to Twitter to shoot down know. Released Aug. 13, Pressure Ma- rumors about how severe his symptoms It has not always been star-studded chine earned 26,000 equivalent album units were. “PEOPLE!!! I am fine! I am not in moments with Prince and [2017 perform- in its first week, ending Aug. 19, according to ICU!” Stantey tweeted. “My heart allows er] Lady Gaga. We have to pay homage MRC Data. me to do 26 miles a day on my bike! I don’t and credit to [1993 performer] Michael The Killers add their fourth No. 1 on Top know where this came from but it’s absolute Jackson, who really set the tone for what a Rock Albums (which began in 2006), as nonsense.” In a subsequent tweet, he wrote, Super Bowl halftime show could be. prior to Pressure Machine and Imploding the “I had been sick with flu-like symptoms and What are the most popular attractions Mirage, Wonderful Wonderful launched on was tested repeatedly and was negative. As with museumgoers? top in October 2017 and Battle Born began in of late this afternoon I tested positive. The Page 27 of 28

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crew, staff and band have all tested negative ence impressions, 3.5 million streams and once again. More to follow.” 8,600 downloads sold. The collab, which New Around The glam rockers are currently on their updates John’s 1972 anthem “Rocket Man” End of the Road Tour, billed as their final and 1990’s “Sacrifice,” also starts at No. 1 the World: trek ever, which kicked off in January 2019 on Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales, and then had to reschedule dozens of 2020 marking John’s inaugural leader and Lipa’s India’s Badshah dates due to the coronavirus pandemic. second, and at No. 6 on Dance/Electronic They resumed touring just last week in Mas- Streaming Songs, becoming John’s first top & More Climb on sachusetts and have U.S. dates scheduled 10 and Lipa’s fourth. through October in Florida, followed by a Tiësto and Karol G also debut in the Global Charts December stint in Las Vegas and interna- Hot Dance/Electronic Songs top 10, at No. tional dates booked through July 2022. 6 with “Don’t Be Shy.” Tiesto’s fifth top 10 BY ERIC FRANKENBERG See Kiss’ and Stanley’s messages below: and Karol G’s first, the song opens with 3.6 million U.S. streams and 2,000 sold. Those ore than 20 songs debut on figures further earn starts for the Dutch DJ/ the Aug. 28-dated Billboard Jungle’s ‘Stereo’ producer and Columbian singer on Dance/ Global 200 and Billboard Electronic Digital Song Sales (No. 3) and Global Excl. U.S. charts, led by Blasts in at Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs (No. 5). MLizzo and Cardi B’s “Rumors” at Nos. 12 and Plus, Kygo captures his 20th top 10 on 29, respectively. No. 1 on Top Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, bowing at No. Elsewhere, two songs enter the Global 9 with “Love Me Now,” featuring German 200 after getting a head start on last week’s Dance/Electronic singer Zoe Wees, who earns her first. The Global Excl. U.S. survey, while two songs Norwegian DJ/producer claims sole pos- do the opposite, launching on the latter list Albums Chart session of the most top 10s in the chart’s after debuting on the former. history, dating to its January 2013 inception, Turkey’s Sefo finds himself on the Global BY GORDON MURRAY passing The Chainsmokers and Calvin Har- 200 for the first time, as “Bilmem Mi?” ar- ris, each with 19. rives at No. 82, while rocketing 121-41 on the ungle jumps in at No. 1 on Bill- “Love” locked in 2.4 million streams Global Excl. U.S. chart. It’s the first Turkish- board’s Top Dance/Electronic Al- and sold 700, also good for beginnings on language song to hit the former survey and bums chart (dated Aug. 28) with Lov- Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales (No. the fourth to hit the latter (following two ing in Stereo. The set starts with 8,000 13) and Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs mixed German-Turkish-language titles). Jequivalent album units, including 5,000 (No. 16). Sahdev Dirdo, Badshah, Aastha Gill and from album sales, in the week ending Aug. Rico — all from India — debut on the Global 19, according to MRC Data. 200 at No. 88 with “Bachpan Ka Pyaar,” It’s the British act’s first No. 1 and third while vaulting 184-50 on the Global Excl. top 10, following Jungle (No. 3, 2014) U.S. chart. It’s the first song on either chart and For Ever (No. 6, 2018). for Rico and Dirdo, while Badshah and Gill On the Hot Dance/Electronic previously hit both lists with “Paani Paani.” Songs chart, Jungle has charted eight tracks Like “Paani Paani” and other Bollywood to-date, half from Stereo: “Keep Moving” hits that have reached the global charts, (No. 29 peak, April) and “Talk About It” (No. “Bachpan Ka Pyaar” owes its strong show- 39, June), as well as debuts this week for “All ing to its official music video, which -ac of the Time” (No. 29) and “Romeo,” featur- counted for the bulk of the song’s 42 million ing Bas (No. 41). total streams in the week ending Aug. 19, ac- Jungle hit its highest rank (No. 18) on Hot cording to MRC Data (marking the 13th-best Dance/Electronic Songs in July as featured streaming sum among all songs worldwide on “Don’t Be Afraid” by Diplo and Damian in the tracking week). Lazarus. Meanwhile, Wizkid’s “Essence,” featur- Elsewhere on the Hot Dance/Electronic ing Justin Bieber and Tems, starts at No. 60 Songs chart, Elton John earns his first on the Global Excl. U.S. chart as it shoots top 10 and Dua Lipa collects her sixth as 87-28 on the Global 200. The track gets “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” launches at its major lift in part due to the new Bieber No. 3 with 3.8 million radio airplay audi- remix, released Aug. 13, with the Canadian Page 28 of 28

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superstar joining the two Nigerian acts on of Good Morning America for a sit-down the ascendant hit. interview about their casting, before the full Plus, Doja Cat breaks onto the Global cast of season 30 is revealed Sept. 8. Excl. U.S. ranking at No. 152 with “Get Into Dancing With the Stars season 30 It (Yuh),” as it jumps 108-65 in its third premieres Monday, Sept. 20, at 8 p.m. ET week on the Global 200. It’s as the Los An- on ABC. Check out Siwa’s video message geles native’s 15th title to hit the former list, below: as her log of simultaneously charting songs builds. On this week’s surveys, she lands eight songs on the Global 200 and six on the Global Excl. U.S. ranking, outpaced only by Olivia Rodrigo (seven) on the latter, and ty- ing her for the most on the former. JoJo Siwa to Join ‘Dancing With the Stars’ in Show’s First Same-Sex Pairing

BY STEPHEN DAW

oJo Siwa is ready to go back to her dancing roots and make history on Dancing With the Stars. At ABC’s Television Critics Associa- Jtion panel on Thursday (Aug. 26), it was announced that season 30 of Dancing With the Stars would feature the show’s first same-sex pairing of contestants; Siwa will be paired with a female professional dancer to compete on the show. In a video shared on the show’s Twit- ter account, Siwa expressed her eagerness to get started on the show. “I am so excited to be a part of this year’s Dancing With the Stars season 30, and to be dancing with a girl,” she said in the video. “I think it’s so cool ... I can’t wait to dance every week, I can’t wait to meet my partner, oh my gosh, there’s so many things I’m so excited for!” Dancing With the Stars also announced that 18-year-old Team USA gymnast Suni Yee will also be joining the show’s 30th sea- son, hot off of her gold medal win in wom- en’s gymnastics individual all-around at the Tokyo Summer Olympics. Both Siwa and Lee are set to appear on Friday’s episode