Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE JULY 21, 2021 Page 1 of 26

INSIDE TikTok’s Knack for Connecting

• England’s Venues Fans With Songs & Are Open Again, But New Vaccine Brands Examined in New Study Passport Plans Stir Discontent BY TATIANA CIRISANO • Warner Music Gets Upgrade From TikTok’s influence on popular music is by now unde- songs with TikTok. S&P on Strength of niable, as challenges and trends on the video-sharing The study also sheds some light on best practices Streaming app routinely propel songs up the music charts and for brands looking to connect with TikTok users • Taylor Swift Pulls turn emerging artists into stars. But song uses on through music. When brands feature songs that are ‘Fearless (Taylor’s TikTok don’t automatically translate to streams, and popular on TikTok, 68% of users say they remember Version)’ From artists and executives have had little data to under- the brand better; 58% say they feel a stronger connec- Grammy & CMA stand how songs go from being popular on TikTok to tion to the brand; 58% say they’re more likely to talk Awards Contention: becoming a hit beyond it. about the brand or share the ad; and 62% say they’re Exclusive A new study by TikTok and MRC Data released curious to learn about the brand. • Warner Chappell today (July 21) provides some answers. In all, the study provides data to confirm things the Production Music According to the results of the study, which was music industry anecdotally already knows. But this Brand Refresh: New Logo & Exec Hires conducted on U.S. TikTok users in November 2020, alone is valuable, helping connect the dots of how 67% of TikTok users are likely to seek out a song they songs travel through and beyond TikTok. • Rob Jonas Named heard and connected with on TikTok on a music “TikTok has become an integral part of music dis- CEO of P-MRC Data streaming platform. The study also reflects TikTok’s covery, connecting artists to their fans and introduc- • Broadway’s reputation as a destination for music discovery, as ing brands to every corner of the community,” TikTok Reopening Fears three-quarters of TikTok users discover new artists global head of music Ole Obermann said in a press Amid COVID-19: through the platform, and 63% of users heard new statement. “TikTok is the home for music trends ‘There’s So Much We Still Don’t Know’ music on the platform they had never heard before. that permeate the industry, charts, and culture. From The study also notes that TikTok users often have emerging artists to small business owners, the re- • BILLBOARD 200 “heard it on TikTok” moments in their day-to-day search from MRC Data reinforces that by associating CLICK lives: 72% of users agree that they associate certain (continued)

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ON SALE : 8/7 | AD CLOSE: 7/28 | MATER IAL S DUE: 7/29 CONTACT

Sp ue Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] LE Lee Ann Photoglo 615.376.7931 | [email protected] 21 Cynthia Mellow 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected]

Editorial content subject to change Page 3 of 26

IN BRIEF

with the right music or sound on TikTok, The prime minister — who is self-iso- According to research cited by the NTIA, creators, artists and businesses alike can see lating at his Chequers country home after 80% of nightclubs do not want to implement a major impact.” health minister Sajid Javid tested positive vaccination passports due to concerns over Read the full results of the study, which for COVID-19 — said the reversal in govern- enforcing the certification and a reduction also includes insights about TikTok’s influ- ment policy was prompted by fears over the in spontaneous customers. ence on cultural movements, here. risk of coronavirus transmission in venues Earlier this month, the government gave where people are in close contact, such as hope to the sector when it indicated that clubs and music venues. COVID passports would not be compulsory England’s Venues The announcement was made on the for venue operators. At present, nightclubs same day that England lifted its last remain- are encouraged to ask clubbers to show Are Open Again, ing COVID-19 restrictions, bringing an proof of vaccination or a negative test end to capacity limits and social distancing result but are not legally required to do so. But New Vaccine measures inside music and entertainment Nightclubs in Scotland, Wales and Northern venues. Ireland remain closed. Passport Plans Stir That prompted scores of nightclubs Responding to Boris Johnson’s July 19 across the country to open just after mid- announcement, which took many in the sec- Discontent night local time Monday to welcome back tor by surprise, Kill slammed the change in their first customers in almost 17 months. policy as “yet another chaotic U-turn” and BY RICHARD SMIRKE The news that those same businesses will an “absolute shambles.” soon be required to make so-called “CO- U.K. live industry body LIVE said it ONDON – Government plans in VID passports” a condition of entry for all needed to see more detail about the govern- England to allow only fully vacci- customers drew condemnation from night- ment’s plans and how it will implement nated patrons into nightclubs and club industry execs. UKHospitality chief them to assess “the full impact for the live large music venues have been criti- executive Kate Nicholl said the plans dealt music industry.” Lcized as a “hammer blow” for the country’s a devastating “hammer blow” to the sector Elsewhere in Europe, a recent rise in struggling live and night-time industries as and “risks hitting these fragile businesses COVID-19 infections in the Netherlands led they seek to rebuild. and derailing their recovery.” to the government closing its nightclubs on Speaking at a press conference on Mon- Michael Kill, CEO of the U.K. Night July 10, only two weeks after they reopened. day, Prime Minister Boris Johnson an- Time Industries Association (NTIA), said The Dutch government said most infec- nounced that the new measures would come that mandatory enforcement of COVID-19 tions had occurred “in nightlife settings and into force by the end of September, by which vaccination passports for nightclubs placed parties with high numbers of people” and time everyone in England aged over 18 will them at a “competitive disadvantage with that extra safety measures were needed this have been offered both COVID-19 vaccine pubs and bars that aren’t subject to the same summer as a result. doses. restrictions.” Venue operators and live execs in the U.K.

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DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS 2021 ERIKA RECORDS INC. 40TH ANNIVERSARY

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Erika Records Inc. CONTACTS founded in 1981 by Erzsebet Liz Dunster, making the company the first ever woman owned vinyl record Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] pressing plant. Originally started as a heavy metal label Dunster scouted bands at legendary venues such as the Lee Ann Photoglo Troubadour and sold records out of the trunk of her Pinto. 615.376.7931 | [email protected] She had one goal in mind: save enough to open her own pressing plant for the sake of creative freedom. She Cynthia Mellow wanted to elevate vinyl records beyond the standard 615.352,0265 | [email protected] round record. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] The company’s DIY approach and commitment to the evolution of vinyl has been key to the success of Erika Ryan O’Donnell Records over the past four decades. The company is a +447843437176 | [email protected] leader in both standard and custom vinyl manufacturing having made puzzle piece records, flower petal records, etch-picture disc combination records, and more. Today Erika Records operates out of a 36,000 square foot facility with over 40 running presses in Buena Park, California and is the only 100% lead free pressing plant. Over the years they have produced vinyl for independent and mainstream artists alike such as The Locust, Nirvana, Snoh Aalegra, MF Doom, Tame Impala, SZA, and Lady Gaga.

ISSUE DATE 8/7 | AD CLOSE 7/28 | MATERIALS DUE 7/29 BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 5 OF of 1926

ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country are Ahopinglbu that thems; same doesn’tBrett happen Y oungOn Tuesday, ‘Catc the U.K.h recorded’-es 46,558 Fifth cited Airplay by analysts: streaming accounts for a there, with promoters increasingly des- new cases of COVID-19 and the seven-day growing majority of company revenues and perate to saveLea what remainsder; of theTravis British caseDenning average rose 40% comparedMakes with the History offers better margins than CDs and down- festival season. week before. Over the past seven days, 342 loads. Countries such as Japan and Germany Tentpole events scheduled to take place people have died within 28 days of testing — the second- and fourth-largest markets Samlater Hunt this summer’s second includestudio full-length, the 185,000-ca and first- in overpositive five years, — a Southside rise of 60% salescompared (up 21%) with in the the tracking in week. the world On Country — have Airplay, been itdominated hops 18-15 (11.9 by mil- (MCApacity Nashville/Universal dual-site Reading Music and GroupLeeds Nashville), festivals debutsweek at No. before. 1 on Billboard’s lion audience impressions, physicalup 16%). product but are moving to digital. Topheadlined Country by Albums Liam chartGallagher, dated AprilStormzy 18. In its first weekAccording (ending April to the9), itlatest data, over 36 Streaming services have an ability to tap into earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingand Post to Malone,Nielsen Music/MRC and the 70,000-capacity Data. million people in the U.K.and have total had Country both Airplay No.emerging 1 as “Catch” markets (Big Machine where Labelmajor Group) labels ascends have Creamfields,Southside marks which Hunt’s features second David No. 1 onGuetta, the vaccine doses, equivalent to 69% of the adult historically2-1, increasing had 13% little to 36.6presence. million impressions. chartdeadmau5, and fourth The top Chemical 10. It follows Brothers, freshman Alesso LP population, and 46 million people have had BecauseYoung’s offirst these of six and chart other entries, factors, “Sleep S&P With - Montevalloand Martin, which Garrix. arrived at the summit in No - one dose, or 88% of adults. loweredout You,” its reached risk assessment No. 2 in December for WMG 2016. from He vemberIndoor 2014 live and shows reigned booked for nine for weeks. August To date, and fairfollowed to satisfactory with the multiweek and raised No. its 1s credit “In Case rat You- Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionSeptember in album include sales. gigs by Gorillaz and Bur- ingYou” from (three, BB Januaryto BB+. 2018), BB is “Mercy” speculative (two, grade, August naMontevallo Boy at London’s has spent The 267 O2weeks arena, on the and list, Blos tying- Warner Music a 2018)notch and below “Here investment Tonight” (two, grade, April meaning 2019). Lukesoms Bryan and Genesis’s Crash Myat Manchester’sParty as the sixth-longest- AO Arena, the company“Catch” completes is “less hisvulnerable longest journey in the to near- No. 1, runningalthough titles the in vast the majoritychart’s 56-year of U.K. history. touring is Gets Upgrade termhaving but taken faces 46 major weeks ongoing to reach uncertaintiesthe apex. It out - notOn scheduled the all-genre to resume Billboard until 200, the Southside fall. ar- topaces adverse the 30-week business, climb financial of “Here and Tonight.” economic rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG afterDespite the No. the 3-peaking end of Montevallo lockdown. restrictions From S&P on conditions.”a new high. in HuntEngland, first releasedconcerns the remain EPX2C ,over which the debuted lack WMG’s share price rose 4.4% to $36.85 on andof a peakedgovernment-backed at No. 5 on Top insurance Country Albums scheme in AugustStrength 2014. Following ofCOMBS ‘DOES’ IT AGAIN LukeTuesday, Combs valuing’ “Does tothe Me” company (River House/Columbia at $21.4 bil- Montevallocovering the, Between cost of the event Pines: cancellations Acoustic Mixtape as a started at its No. 7 high in Nashville), featuring Eric Churchlion. Some, ascends of Tuesday’s 11-8 on Country gain Airplay,can be upattrib 10%- to Novemberresult of COVID-19, 2015. similar to what’s been 24.7 million in audience. Theuted song to isthe Combs’ markets’ eighth rebound straight from career-opening Monday’s Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit Streamingthe pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay:introduced “Leave in theother Night European On,” “Take markets, Your Time,” like “House Party” and “Make promoted No. 1 singles. pessimism about the surge in COVID-19 YouGermany, Miss Me.” the “Break Netherlands Up in a Small and Belgium. Town” peaked at No.BY 2.GLENN PEOPLES Church adds his 15th Countryinfections: Airplay the top Nasdaq10. and Dow each rose HuntWithout co-penned that safety all 12 net songs in place,on Southside promot, including- “Body Like a Back 1.6%. After WMG’s May 2020 IPO, its share Road,”ers are which risking was “huge released financial in 2017. losses The smash and hit ruled Country&P Airplay Global for upgraded THAT TOOKWarner QUITE ‘A FEW’price MONTHS peaked Travis at $39.61 Denning on shattersFeb. 2, 2021.the record for threeeven weeksbankruptcy” and the airplay-,to stage streaming- events, warns and sales-based Hot CountryMusic Songs Group’s the credit most rating weeks on it has taken toEven penetrate as music the Country rights Airplayacquisitions top 10 remainas “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 - FloridaGreg Parmley, Georgia CEO Line’s of “Meant LIVE. to He Be” calls (50 weeks the atop the latter listTuesday in 2017-18). (July lion20), in citing radio a reach. surg- a hot market with increased competition end“Downtown’s of lockdown Dead,” “bittersweet which is alsofor theon the live new set, reached Nos.ing 14 streaming and 15 musicThe businesssong surpasses and two tracksand companies that took 50 paying weeks eachhigher to entermultiples the top in 10: onmusic Hot Countrysector” dueSongs to and the Country lack of Airplay,insurance respectively, Sacquisitions in June 2018. of music“Kin- rightsEaston that Corbin provide’s “A an Girl Liketheir You,” deals, which S&P reached still expects No. 10 in WMG January to 2018 use be - folks”and calls led Countryon the government Airplay on Feb. to 29,urgently becoming pro -Hunt’simmediate seventh No. boost 1. It to hit revenue. fore peaking at No. 6 that February,most of and its Aarondiscretionary Watson ’scash “Outta flow Style,” on acquiwhich- No.vide 3 onfinancial Hot Country backing Songs. if it “wants to avoid a S&P’s report containsachieved many of its the No. com 10 high- in Decembersitions. The 2017. agency adds that WMG spent 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 summer of silence.” mon themes about today’s music business about $370 million on music rights in the 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 ON SALE: AUG. 28, 2021 40 UNDER 40

On August 28th, Billboard will publish its annual 40 CONTACTS : Under 40 Issue, celebrating the next generation of leaders in the music industry. This issue will profile Joe Maimone | 201.301.5933 40 power players who are making their mark in music, [email protected] touring and live entertainment. Lee Ann Photoglo | 615.376.7931 These progressive young leaders’ innovation and [email protected] creativity will continue to create excitement in the music business. Cynthia Mellow | 615.352,0265 Advertise in this issue to reach the music industry’s [email protected] most influential and affluent - from the young disrupters to the seasoned veterans - who paved Marcia Olival | 786.586.4901 the way. [email protected] ON SALE : 8/28 | +447843437176 Issue Close: 8/18 Ryan O’Donnell Materials Due: 8/19 [email protected] Page 7 of 26

IN BRIEF

first half of 2021 and will likely spend even awarded country album of all time.” more by using debt and will maintain an The statement goes on to add that Swift’s Warner Chappell adjusted leverage ratio — debt to EBITDA ninth studio album, Evermore, released in (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation December 2020, will be submitted to the Production Music and amortization) — of 3.3 to 3.5 in 2021 and Grammys for consideration in all eligible 3.1 to 3.3 in 2022. categories. Swift’s decision leaves room for Brand Refresh: S&P’s “base-case” scenario is as follows: voters to focus on Evermore, rather than Music label industry will expand faster potentially split their votes between the two New Logo & Exec than global gross domestic product. projects. WMG revenue growth “in the mid-teens The Recording Academy, which presents Hires percentage area in 2021” and “high-single the Grammys, and the Country Music Assn. digital percent area in 2022.” declined to comment. BY TATIANA CIRISANO Improves margins due to increased The surprise album, which came out streaming royalties, cost-reduction efforts five months after Swift’s Grammy album arner Chappell Production and greater “fixed-cost leverage.” of the year winner Folklore, debuted at No. Music (WCPM) is getting Discretionary cash flow (after $250 mil- 1 on the Billboard 200, giving Swift eight a global brand refresh and lion of annual dividends) of about $320 consecutive No. 1 debuts. Evermore returned expanded executive team, to $370 million in 2021 and $400 to $450 to No. 1 this June for a fourth nonconsecu- amongW other changes in what the pub- million in 2022. WMG will spend all of its tive week, making Swift the artist with the lisher’s production and custom music arm discretionary cash flow — and maybe more third-most weeks at No. 1 on the all-genre describes as its “biggest transformation in a — on acquisitions over the next few years. album chart behind The Beatles and Elvis decade.” Presley. According to MRC Data’s midyear Led by WCPM co-heads Alec report, released July 13, Evermore is the top- Sharpe (head of business development Taylor Swift selling vinyl album of the year, with more & operations) and Pat Weaver (head of than 143,000 copies sold, and ranks No. 8 production), the rebrand announced today Pulls ‘Fearless in terms of overall album consumption at (July 21) includes a new logo paying hom- 818,000 units. age to the publisher’s signature gold crown (Taylor’s Version)’ Swift remade Fearless after Scooter and new website, which also serves as its Braun’s 2019 purchase of her former label, flagship licensing tool for more than 135,000 From Grammy Big Machine Label Group, which includes songs. The company creates and licenses the rights to her first six albums. Last year, music for content creators, technology & CMA Awards Braun’s Ithaca Holdings sold the catalog to platforms and the television and film, sports, Shamrock Holdings. streaming, broadcast and advertising in- Contention: Swift landed at No. 2 on Billboard’s Global dustries, with recent partners including the Money Makers list, released Monday, with United Arab Emirates’ Pro League soccer Exclusive an estimated total income of $41.4 million. team and Netflix docu-series The Lost Pirate Kingdom. BY MELINDA NEWMAN “We’re thrilled for the bright future ahead for WCPM and the opportunity to better aylor Swift has pulled Fearless serve our clients through unmatched service (Taylor’s Version), her 2021 re-re- and a much-improved music search experi- corded album of her 2008 second ence,” Sharpe said. “...This is the start of a studio release, from Grammy and dynamic new era in our evolution.” TCMA Awards contention. The company has also named production “After careful consideration, Taylor music executive Julia Sassi its new head Swift will not be submitting Fearless (Tay- of WCPM France; and appointed the Los lor’s Version) in any category at this year’s Angeles-based Sinéad Hartmann, formerly upcoming Grammy and CMA Awards,” of BMG, WCPM’s new vp of licensing and according to a Republic Records repre- music creative, where she will oversee the sentative. “Fearless has already won four sync and creative teams in L.A., Nashville Grammys including album of the year, as and New York as well as Canada and Latin well as the CMA Award for album of the America. Gavin Carroll, also formerly of year in 2009/2010 and remains the most BMG, has joined WCPM as senior creative 2 0 2 1 PHOTO FINISH RECORDS 15TH ANNIVERSARY

Photo Finish Records is an independent record label CONTACTS boasting a diverse roster including Alternative Rock, Indie Pop, Electro Pop, and Hip Hop that has amassed billions of Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] streams and over 40 million tracks sold. Lee Ann Photoglo The New York City-based label was created and founded 615.376.7931 | [email protected] by Matt Galle and 2021 will celebrate its fifteenth year of success. As the label grew and developed, Matt brought in Cynthia Mellow his business partner Mike Marquis to co-run the label with 615.352,0265 | [email protected] him. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Photo Finish has forged a well-deserved reputation for developing and breaking an eclectic roster of artists Ryan O’Donnell including 3OH!3, SHAED, The Maine, Marian Hill, Mister- +447843437176 | [email protected] Wives, ROZES, The Mowgli's, and new signings Ross Copperman, CAL, Elliot Lee, Lakeview, guardin, and joan.

Photo Finish Records is distributed through Virgin Music Artist & Label Services. The team along with Matt and Mike includes Drew Kaklamanos, Gerardo Cueva, Michael Collin, Taylor Flynn, and Shane Friedman.

ISSUE DATE 8/28 | AD CLOSE 8/18 | MATERIALS DUE 8/19 Page 9 of 26

IN BRIEF

director, licensing, based in New York, tional markets across the company’s entire once-thriving theater industry, decimated where he will work primarily with advertis- product portfolio. He joined Foursquare by the pandemic. A strict government ing clients. in Mar. 2020 via a merger with geospatial contact-tracing program has led to a string Finally, WCPM has opened the doors to data company Factual, where he served in of high-profile show closings, The Prince of two new recording studios — Skylight Stu- the same role. Over the succeeding year, he Egypt and Hairspray among them. Closely dios in Hollywood and Sandtrack Sound in completed the integration of the companies’ watching the fallout unfolding across the Nashville — which are already in operation. go-to-market teams. pond are the producers, performers and “It’s an exciting time to be with WCPM as Prior to Factual, Jonas worked as global publicists who keep Broadway alight, all we expand our custom music services, grow CRO at PubMatic, vp and managing director of them hoping to avoid the same fate once our production music catalog, and kick off EMEA at InMobi and director of strategic the Great White Way begins to fully reopen the first projects in our new recording facili- partnerships at Google in Europe. He has come September. ties,” Weaver added. “We’ve greatly expand- also worked in various commercial and So far, Broadway has taken a more cau- ed our music talent pool over the past year technical roles at Yahoo!, idealab! and IBM. tious approach than the West End. It began and are thrilled to have fresh leadership “Rob brings strength as an operator with Springsteen on Broadway, the Bruce perspectives from Julia and Sinéad. We’re in high-growth organizations and has a Springsteen confessional concert that looking forward to this next chapter.” proven track record of scaling product and returned June 26 to a sold-out crowd of customer centric businesses, he is highly 1,721 at the St. James Theatre. All audience entrepreneurial and innovative, and will members presented proof of vaccination Rob Jonas Named be a tremendous asset as we look to grow to gain admittance — a policy devised by and fully optimize the business,” said PMC Jordan Roth, president and majority owner CEO of P-MRC CEO Jay Penske and MRC co-CEOs Asif of Jujamcyn Theaters, the third-largest Satchu and Modi Wiczyk in a statement. landlord on Broadway, which counts the St. Data “Rich and accurate data is the indis- James among its stable of five theaters. De- pensable enabler for decision making and spite anti-vax protesters gathering outside, BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN growth in this and every industry,” added the strategy appears to be working. Says Jonas, “and in combination with systemic Rick Miramontez, president of DKC/O&M, ech industry veteran Rob changes in how we consume music, TV, the publicity firm that reps about a third of Jonas has been named CEO of film and other forms of entertainment, Broadway shows (including Springsteen on P-MRC Data, the industry’s lead- P-MRC Data is uniquely positioned. I am Broadway), “It went as smooth as smooth ing source for global music and honored to bring my experience to this can be.” Tentertainment consumption data, behavior team and to partner with industry innova- But it’s the back of house that has been and trends powering the Billboard and Roll- tors PMC and MRC.” proving the problem in the West End, where ing Stone charts, it was announced today. In even one positive COVID-19 test among cast the role, Jonas will lead the joint venture or crew sends everyone into isolation for 10 formed in Oct. 2020 between Penske Media Broadway’s days — they are informed via a smartphone Corporation (PMC) and MRC, which is app. That program, what Webber called a comprised of MRC Data (formerly Nielsen Reopening Fears “blunt instrument” in announcing Cinder- Music), Alpha Data and Variety Business ella’s closure, is due to end Aug. 16. Intelligence. Amid COVID-19: On Broadway, things are still very much Working out of the company’s Los Ange- in a state of flux. The trade association les headquarters, Jonas will be responsible ‘There’s So Much Broadway League had held throughout the for unifying and expanding P-MRC Data’s pandemic that theaters will only reopen to portfolio of data products, creating in- We Still Don’t 100 percent capacity — regardless of ticket creased value for both existing and new cus- sales — and nothing less. Beyond that, noth- tomers and partners and solidifying P-MRC Know’ ing is yet fixed. “There’s so much we still Data’s role as the authoritative, independent don’t know,” says Broadway League presi- data company for the music and entertain- BY SETH ABRAMOVITCH dent Charlotte St. Martin. “We know that the ment industries. state at this point has given us the go-ahead A native of the U.K., Jonas comes to he July 19 shuttering of Andrew to open with the guidelines that the audi- P-MRC from enterprise data company Lloyd Webber’s production ence does not have to be masked if they’ve Foursquare, where, as chief revenue officer, of Cinderella just hours ahead been vaccinated. You can have unvaccinated he was responsible for all sales, partner- of its world premiere in London people with masks sitting in their own spe- ships, business development and interna- Tis the latest major setback to that city’s cial section. It will depend upon the theater.” WE’RE BACK, LIVE IN MIAMI

#BILLBOARDLATINWEEK WWW.BILLBOARDLATINMUSICWEEK.COM

FOR SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: MARCIA OLIVAL, [email protected] | MIKE VAN, [email protected] Page 11 of 26

IN BRIEF

The next test will come with the start of ductions, that amounted to $50 million in “I think CTS is a legitimately vision- previews on Aug. 4 of Pass Over, a retelling total federal aid.) The U.K. government, by ary company. They are on a roll,” Miller of the “Exodus” story. The play’s home is contrast, has offered no lifelines to theater, tells Billboard. “They have tripled their in the August Wilson Theatre, also owned leading Les Misérables and Phantom of revenue in the last 10 years and doubled it by Jujamcyn, and the same proof-of-vac- the Opera producer Cameron Mackintosh in the last four. They’ve done a tremendous cination policy will apply to all attendees. to lambaste Prime Minister Boris Johnson amount of growth, both by acquiring tal- And like Springsteen on Broadway, the in an open letter, writing, “We have simply ent as well as companies in a bunch of new show benefits from having a cast of only been left to fend for ourselves. markets around the world. This launch two (Springsteen brought wife Patti Scialfa But financial lifelines can’t change the fact puts Eventim as as much of a global tour- onstage for a duet). With crew, neither show of hard science — that proliferating vari- ing company as anyone.” should have more than a dozen back-of- ants and vaccine reluctance has led to yet Over the last decade, Miller has pro- house workers, reducing the chances of a another surge in COVID cases, even among duced eight of the top 10 highest grossing positive COVID-19 diagnosis. the vaccinated. Nevertheless, the plan is for tours in Asia for western artists includ- But risk could increase exponentially the shows to go on, and, as Dick Van Dyke ing Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Madonna, Ma- when larger-scale (and hugely profitable) sang in Bye, Bye Birdie, to put on a happy roon 5, U2 and more. Prior to his work with productions like Wicked and The Lion King, face. “I thought we’d be semi-busy, but all Live Nation, Miller worked at CAA with art- where cast and crew numbers can be as high of the shows running [pre-pandemic] plus ists such as Beyoncé, Jimmy Fallon, Kanye as 125, resume performances Sept. 14. Just several new shows are coming back,” says West and Stevie Wonder. how testing protocols will work on shows Miramontez. “It’s not going to be just busy, The launch follows CTS Eventim’s joint of that scale — and whether positive test but ridiculously busy at an unprecedented venture with North American promoter Mi- results, even a single one, will require them time. Barring some major setback, I think chael Cohl that was announced in Feb. to shut down — has yet to be determined. it’s going to be a breathtaking comeback.” 2020. “The current thinking is that everyone A version of this story first appeared in “Following on from our joint venture [employed by a show] will be vaccinated the July 21 issue of The Hollywood Report- with Michael Cohl in the US market, the and will have proved that, and there will be er magazine. Click here to subscribe. launch of Eventim Live Asia marks another frequent testing,” says St. Martin. “I know key milestone in achieving our strategic everybody wants to know what the proto- objective of offering tours and ticketing cols are, but we’re still working with the Jason Miller around the world,” said CEO of CTS Even- unions because there’s new scientific infor- tim Klaus-Peter Schulenberg in a release. mation all the time.” Contrary to erroneous to Lead CTS “This is a further sign that, as announced, reports in the media, Actors’ Equity Associa- CTS Eventim will emerge from the corona- tion does not enforce vaccinations among Eventim’s virus crisis with renewed strength.” its membership, nor does it plan to; rather, Miller calls Eventim Live Asia a “true such a requirement will fall to individual Expansion Into equity partnership” that was a no-brainer producers. for both himself and the company given St. Martin says that what’s unfolding in Asia Asian’s fast-growing economies. London is unlikely to befall Broadway. “One “We’re delighted to welcome Jason Miller of the reasons we haven’t opened earlier BY TAYLOR MIMS to the team. He has extensive experience is because our financial models don’t al- in our industry in Asia at the highest level low us to open and close and reopen and sian touring markets just got and has an excellent network of contacts,” close and reopen. If it closes, it stays closed more competitive. European said Eventim Live managing director Dr. permanently,” she says. “Our producers tell promoter and ticketer CTS Even- Frithjof Pils in a release. “He will en- us to reopen one of these shows, it costs tim is expanding its reach with able Eventim Live Asia to bring amazing anywhere from $1.6 million to $4 million theA new Eventim Live Asia, which will concerts by leading international artists depending on the size of the show, the age of be headquartered out of Singapore with to fans in this major world region. We also the show, the number of castmembers.” industry veteran Jason Miller as its CEO. want to intensify our work with local artists Helping to soften that blow is the Shut- Miller previously led all touring activity for going forward.” tered Venue Operators Grant, a $16 billion Live Nation Entertainment’s Asia and Middle Miller — who will split his time between federal aid program that has distributed East offices. He will run the division, which Los Angeles and Singapore — tells Bill- grants of $10 million to every shuttered is focused on the rapidly growing markets board that the most visionary managers and Broadway show — and additional grants in China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, agents are no longer thinking of Asia as an af- of $10 million for touring productions. (In Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philip- terthought when it comes to touring. Instead, Hamilton’s case, which has four touring pro- pines, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. touring Asia has become an opportunity to 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

Editorial content subject to change Page 13 of 26

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greatly build an act’s fanbase and reach a It would seem Dash is cashing in his As part of Billboard’s efforts to best cover much larger audience. The new company is chips, as he said he would. the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts gearing up to present shows in 2022 as the The highest bidder will receive a com- on the music industry, we will be speaking world reopens after the pandemic. memorative NFT, titled “It’s the Roc,” with Garza, a 44-year-old former Forefront “Having another legitimate global option which is said to represent “certificate of creative team leader who used to be general in [Asia] is exciting. ELA is going to play a ownership” of Dash’s one-third share. manager of festival producer Transmission real leadership role in that equation. Go ask “Own a moment in time when ‘Reason- Events, every other week to chronicle his managers and agents if they prefer to have able Doubt’ changed hip-hop culture. The experience throughout the crisis. As of early three bids instead of two for a global tour,” album that influenced and touched so many January, he is now vice president of pro- says Miller. “I’m also a firm believer that lives,” reads the blurb. grams and community outreach at the Long a rising tide lifts all boats. So, with Asia’s The auction closes Monday on July 26, Center, a performing-arts facility in Austin, insane population and all of that tremen- with a minimum bid of $10 million in one of which, among other things is working on dous growth, I think opportunities in Asia four currencies. At the time of writing, the dispersing emergency SAVES grants worth are endless.” target hadn’t been met. tens of thousands of dollars to struggling Earlier, Roc-A-Fella Records sued Dash local concert venues. over the auction, which had initially been (Read the latest installment here and see Damon Dash’s set for June 23-25. A New York federal judge the full series here.) sided with the suit, and the auction was Note: This is the 34th and final installment Disputed Roc-A- temporary halted. of this Q&A series with Garza, due to the (al- Dash announced the NFT auction would most?) end of the pandemic. “I feel like this is Fella NFT Auction go ahead by way of post Tuesday (Juy 20) the conversation where we sort out what our on his social media accounts. It remains to belongings are and go our separate ways,” he Is Live be seen what Jay-Z and his legal reps will says with a laugh. “Who’s keeping the dog?” do next. Over the past 16 months, what has the BY LARS BRANDLE concert business done right and wrong? The industry was both more initially amon Dash’s beef with Shawn Event Designer fragile and also more resilient than I antici- “Jay-Z” Carter just lifted a pated. As I was seeing friends get laid off, or notch as the record producer Bobby Garza people I knew that had businesses closing kick-started an auction to sell their doors, I also saw venue operators fig- Dhis stake Roc-A-Fella Inc, despite a judging In Austin, In ure it out. I saw production companies get ordering him not to. super-scrappy. I’m at the Long Center right Dash and Jay-Z are co-owners of Roc-A- a Pandemic: now and we’re having an all-team meeting Fella Records, which they launched with talking about how we made it through all Kareem “Biggs” Burke back in 1995. Looking Back On this stuff and what the future holds. I hope But their relationship has soured, with other organizations are going through the the pair locking horns on Roc-A-Fella and 16 Months of Ups same: “We barely made it, but we made it, its last remaining asset, Reasonable Doubt. and we’re here.” The stuff that NIVA is do- Released in 1996, Reasonable Doubt was and Downs ing and the activism coming out of a really Jay-Z’s debut album, opening and peaking at bad thing is encouraging to me. No. 23 on the Billboard 200 chart. BY STEVE KNOPPER Let’s go back to the very beginning when Dash has accused Carter of wrongfully all those terrible things were happening and taking streaming rights on Reasonable hen the concert busi- you lost your job. Doubt for himself, and, over recent weeks, ness shut down in March Pick that scab, Steve! the pair have been engaged in a legal battle 2020, Bobby Garza abrupt- How were you were feeling psychologi- over a proposed auction of an NFT (non- ly shifted from putting cally then, and how is it different now? fungible token). onW live events to tearing them down — his I’m more hopeful than probably I’ve been Neither side is telling precisely the same company, Austin-based Forefront Networks, in two years. I was petrified, thinking about tale. Carter’s people claim Dash wanted to had to cancel the California food-and-music how I was going to provide for my kids, sell off the copyright to the album, which festival Yountville Live later that month. In which is something I never had to consider a judge blocked, though Dash’s reps have early April, his life changed even more dra- before. But it made me empathize with my said the plan is simply to sell his one-third matically: Forefront furloughed 30 percent mom, who was a single mother working share in Roc-A-Fella Inc. of its staff, including him. multiple jobs. “Man, it’s going to be driv- Page 14 of 26

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ing Lyft or Uber or working at 7-Eleven if playlists and talked about what we like and demand than ever, but are also fighting for I have to.” I had never mentally been there what our influences are, which people never equality in the field. before. Then trying to provide other things do in business because we never have the Growing up in Virginia, TRAKGIRL (born for my kids that school provided for them — time, but we had time this time. It evolved to Shakari Boles) was inspired by local heroes that was a really challenging time. I wasn’t us hosting one of their bigger events of the like Pharrell, Missy Elliott and Timbaland equipped for that and I’m certainly not year at the Long Center this year. They had and studied footage of them hard at work trained for that. It was pretty dismal. And Big Freedia come out and a local DJ, Kay in the studio, saying, “There’s no produc- talking to all my friends working for this Cali. I was talking to their CEO last night ers in my family, no music industry people, industry who were like, “I don’t know what and she was like “we’re not done,” and I so I wanted to build something for myself, the hell I’m going to do,” and seeing people said, “Absolutely, we’re not done.” legacy wise.” who didn’t make it through to the end of What one thing comes to mind about your She’s well on her way — and is building this thing for whatever reasons, health or personal life over the past 16 months? something for others, too. In 2018, she and mental health. The frequency and duration with which I her manager Ashley Kershaw co-founded What good things have come out of the got to spend time with my kids. I find myself The 7, an empowerment initiative named to last 16 months, for the industry? missing them now more when they’re gone, represent the less-than 7% of engineers and When I was laid off and worrying about like we just came back from the beach and producers who are women, with the aim of paying bills, I didn’t really have the head- had these conversations about “remember encouraging women to seek both creative space to do much more than I was doing. when, this last year, that was so much fun . . and business roles in music. Now my brain is moving in a direction and .” We’ve created some really cool traditions, An even bleaker stat arrived this March, talking with our executive team about this like playing ukulele together, and watching on International Women’s Day, when the incredible resource we have with the Long Marvel shows together, and some of it feels fourth annual “Inclusion in the Record- Center and how we can be of service to like mundane day-to-day stuff, but that is ing Studio?” report, conducted by Stacy L. other organizations, other businesses and really the guts of everything that holds me Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion artists. together. Absent being stuck in the same Initiative with funding from Spotify, re- What are you thinking as far as new ideas house, we never would have done that. vealed that of the songs to hit the Hot 100 in and the change you’d like to come up with? 2020, just 2% were produced by women. One of the things we learned over the last “The numbers are disheartening,” says year and a half was focusing on local artists These Major TRAKGIRL. “I don’t try to think about the is a good thing and really doubling down on elephant in the room, because it distracts that stuff is incredibly important and vital. Producers Are you from your purpose. Of course, when And I don’t want to lose that, and [thinking I first started getting into these rooms it about] whether we’re as inclusive as pos- Changing the wasn’t like I always had that armor. It took sible, whether we’re missing certain voices. some time to build that.” Drop-ins for BIPOC or women-led bands Future For Women On the same day the USC study arrived, were 81%. For our online series Good Vibes Grammy-winning engineer Emily Lazar, Only, that was like 67%. What that tells us In the Studio who’s worked in the industry for 25 years, is we can be successful and maintain these launched her nonprofit We Are Moving The values of diversity and inclusion. BY LYNDSEY HAVENS Needle, which prioritizes representation How much did last summer’s Black Lives and inclusivity across all technical fields Matter activism impact what you’re doing at RAKGIRL has produced and within the recording industry. the Long Center? written for Vic Mensa, Jhene Aiko “I hit this place where it was like, not 100%. Our CEO Cory Baker, when she and Dawn Richard, among others enough is changing,” she says. “No more was giving her all-staff presentation, was — and her manifestation board bench warming.” like, “Social justice is important. We need Thas even higher goals, from having a Barbie Lazar — founder of New York City mas- to continue to think about that.” That’s the made in her likeness to seeing a woman fi- tering facility The Lodge, with credits on first time the Long Center has taken a stand nally take home the Grammy for producer of thousands of albums from Foo Fighters and to say Black Lives Matter. We’re having the year. “We’re trying to do things that are Garbage to new immersive audio reissues these deeper conversations about creating ‘impossible,’ because it’s all possible,” she for the Beatles and Rolling Stones — was more entrenched relationships with the says with a contagious sense of positivity. shocked when John McBride, owner of right organizations. There’s a Black cultural TRAKGIRL is one of a handful of produc- Nashville’s Blackbird Studios and director district here called Six Square and we’ve ers — including Alex Kline, Suzy Shinn, of its Blackbird Academy, told her in Janu- been working with them. It started with Jenn Decilveo and mastering engineer ary he hadn’t had a female applicant in two get-to-know-you stuff and we shared some Emily Lazar — who are not only more in- years. McBride suggested creating a scholar- Page 15 of 26

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ship for women to encourage more applica- years ago she started a boutique publisher, when three projects she worked on all tions, but Lazar pushed for two scholarships Manzanita Lane, in hopes of making sure scored album of the year Grammy nomi- a quarter. As she told McBride: “I’m not other artists, songwriters and producers nations (Coldplay’s Everyday Life, Jacob sending women down there by themselves never feel that way. Manzanita Lane recent- Collier’s Djesse Vol.3 and Haim’s Women to be the only woman in the room.” ly partnered with Kobalt, and reps Ryn In Music Pt. III) — a first for any mastering Within days, hundreds of applications Weaver, Wens and Appleby, among others. engineer — she could only describe the feel- poured in. With We Are Moving the Needle, “I want to pass the torch when it’s time and ing as “boggling.” She says, “It wasn’t about Lazar hopes to drive more application give people the knowledge I have,” says the gender anymore, it wasn’t about male or numbers with other scholarship opportuni- Grammy-nominated Decilveo. female. I was the first person.” ties — not only for women, but underrep- Marina says she started prioritizing col- And ultimately, for these top producers, resented people of any gender identity (she laborating in the studio with women as she that’s what it all comes down to: unbiased cites the importance of male allies, praising became “aware of the lack of balance in this respect. As TRAKGIRL says, “What we’re her co-mastering engineer of a decade, part of my industry. I was so used to work- pursuing, it’s bigger than me and my career.” Chris Allgood). The nonprofit is currently ing almost exclusively with male producers, It’s a sentiment echoed by Lazar, who adds: offering scholarships to the online program engineers, etc. that I didn’t question why “We’ve been able to help create pathways She Knows Tech; in less than 30 hours, they that was or if that could be different.” The and a support network and avenues for had 75 applicants. Lazar says the response solution, she says, “isn’t ‘female everything’ people to fight their way through this — and confirms “what I felt in my heart was true: — it’s equal opportunities, regardless of your I couldn’t ask for more.” the numbers were going down, but the gender.” Although, she adds, she actually could: people are out there with the desire to learn Country songwriter-producer Alex Kline “More money, more support, more employ- and, for whatever reason, they’re simply not adds that while her perspective is indeed ment opportunities. More and more and comfortable enough to engage.” specific to being a woman, that shouldn’t more. We need it.” Suzy Shinn can understand why. The limit her to only working with other women. A version of this article originally appeared producer has carved a lane in alternative- “Even though there’s all of these barriers in the July 17, 2021 issue of Billboard. rock, most recently producing Weezer’s Van being broken, it’s still like, ‘I’ve got this girl Weezer, which debuted at No. 1 on Bill- and the girls should get together.’ I’m happy board’s Top Rock Albums chart in May. there’s tons of talented women in town, but Britney Spears’ Yet while studying music production and I also want to be like, ‘Let’s just make sure engineering at Berklee College of Music that we’re not having the boys over here and Conservatorship years ago, she was discouraged by her the girls over here.’” professor — and the only one who was a Kline — who recently scored her first Case Ignites woman. “I was so excited to work and learn major hit as a sole producer for Tenille Arts’ from her, and she pulled me out of class to “Somebody Like That,” which peaked at Bipartisan be like, ‘Hey, it looks like you’re not get- No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart ting it, maybe you should drop out,” Shinn — is far from the only producer making Legislative Push recounts. “It really fueled the f—king flame strides — and history. In June, Wonda- of like, ‘All right, you want to tell me to drop Gurl — the Toronto native who has worked BY ASSOCIATED PRESS out?’ I know how I look. I know that, at the with Mariah Carey, Travis Scott, Drake and time, I was bleach blonde wearing pink — I countless others — became the first Black rompted by Britney Spears’ know how it was.” woman to win producer of the year in the 50 conservatorship fight, a biparti- She says her goal is to make producing year history of Canada’s Juno Awards. She san legislative effort has emerged “seem awesome for a girl. You don’t have to followed the win with a partnership deal to reform the process created to hide in a dark room and not wear makeup with Red Bull Records for her label imprint, Pprotect the rights of more than 1 million and your hair is never done — that’s not Wonderchild. Lazar, for her part, says “I’ve people across the United States under the the life that I live, and that’s the life that I had quite a few ceiling-breaking moments” protective arrangements. thought I had to live.” — from becoming the first woman mastering On Tuesday, Reps. Charlie Crist and Jenn Decilveo — best known for co- engineer nominated for record of the year Nancy Mace unveiled “The Free Britney writing and -producing Andra Day’s 2015 (Sia’s “Chandelier”) to the first woman to Act,” designed to give more options to smash “Rise Up” and co-producing Marina’s win best engineered album, non-classical people placed under conservatorships. new Ancient Dreams In a Modern Land — (Beck’s Colors). But, she adds, each time Those include the ability to talk about their has also been “overlooked and discounted someone described those feats in terms situations with caseworkers — over any as a woman.” She says, “it f—king sucks. It of gender, “it ended up oddly discounting objections from their conservators — and makes me feel like I want to quit.” Three the achievement.” Which is why this year, petition a court to replace their conservators Page 16 of 26

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without having to “prove wrongdoing or addressing the Spears supporters outside the done miracles on me,” West repeatedly sings malfeasance.” downtown Los Angels courthouse, at one in the song, as the ad’s “Live Your Truth” “This is just a commonsense approach point shouting “Free Britney!” slogan hits the screen. Donda will be West’s to doing what is right, to making sure that first album since his back-to-back 2019 rights are balanced,” Crist, a Florida Demo- gospel projects Jesus Is King and Jesus Is crat, said during a virtual news conference Kanye West Born, the latter of which is credited to the on Tuesday. Sunday Service Choir. It remains to be seen Both Mace, a Republican from South Reveals ‘Donda’ what the new project — named after his late Carolina, and Crist said it was Spears’ pas- mom, who died in 2007 — will sound like, sionate plea last month that a judge end the Release Date, but the first taste of “No Child Left Behind” conservatorship that controls her life and both lyrically and sonically recalls West’s money that spurred their proposal. Previews New gospel work. “What she had was an opportunity to do Tickets for “Kanye West Presents A Don- is bring to light, to shine a light, on those Song in Sha’Carri da Listening Event,” set for Atlanta’s Mer- abuses,” Mace said. “Her situation is a night- cedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday at 8 p.m. mare, and if it can happen to Britney Spears, Richardson Beats ET, went on sale Monday at Ticketmaster. it can happen to anyone in this country.” com for $20 and $50. Speaking in open court, Spears con- by Dre Ad demned her father and others who control the conservatorship, put in place as Spears BY KATIE ATKINSON Meet Omer Fedi, underwent a mental health crisis in 2008. Spears said that the arrangement has e have our first taste the 21-Year-Old compelled her to use birth control and take of Kanye West’s new other medications against her will, and pre- music, thanks to a Beats by Prodigy Bringing vented her from getting married or having Dre ad starring track and another child. fieldW star Sha’Carri Richardson, who found Guitar Back to Spears’ father and his attorneys have worldwide support when she was suspend- emphasized that she and her fortune, which ed from Team USA ahead of the Olympics Top 40 court records put at more than $50 million, after testing positive for marijuana. remain vulnerable to fraud and manipula- The new commercial, which debuted dur- BY ANDREW UNTERBERGER tion. Under current law, the burden is on ing Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday Spears to prove she is competent before the (July 20) and was scored and edited by ven among the trees and thick case could end. West, includes one minute of the rapper’s shrubberies lining the pathways Mace and Crist said they expected more “No Child Left Behind” track from his up- outside Conway Recording Studios bipartisan support for the measure, which coming album Donda. The ad confirms that in Hollywood, it’s easy to find would also provide at least $260 million in West’s 10th studio album will be released EOmer Fedi. His hair, dyed a siren red last grant funds for states to hire caseworkers or on Friday and also announces that his Don- year, makes for a blinding follicular flash conservators. da listening event, set for Thursday in that, combined with his rainbow manicure The #FreeBritney movement has already Atlanta, will be livestreamed by Apple Music and heavy chain necklace that jangles loudly crossed party lines. at 8 p.m. ET. when he gets animated — which is often — “Everyone deserves control over their Following the news earlier this month of immediately announces his presence. own body. Period,” U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark Richardson’s 30-day suspension from the Ensconced behind the sound board at of Massachusetts, the fourth-ranking House U.S. Olympic team, music stars including Conway’s Studio C, Fedi gives a one-word Democrat, tweeted last month following Drake and Dua Lipa took to social media to explanation for his hair inspiration: “Kurt” Spears’ testimony. show their support. “They know she woulda — as in grunge icon Kurt Cobain, who went Some House Republicans have invited ATE,” Drake captioned a photo of the star rouge in 1992 and whose style Fedi is also in- Spears to testify before Congress. The politi- athlete on his Instagram Story, while the voking today, despite the 75-degree weather, cal arm of the House Republican caucus sent “Levitating” singer wrote, “Let her run!! in a brown and yellow cable-knit sweater. texts that described Ms. Spears as “a victim of This is stupid.” He elaborates: “I was looking around, like, toxic gov’t overreach & censorship.” Richardson wears Beats Studio Buds in ‘Nope! No one else has red hair. Might as Earlier this month, Florida Republican U.S. the commercial, which shows the runner well be me!’ ” Rep. Matt Gaetz, a close ally of former Presi- in her element on the track as the organ It’s becoming an increasingly unavoid- dent Donald Trump, made a brief appearance chords of “No Child Left Behind” play. “He’s able sight. You might have seen it in photos Page 17 of 26

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alongside Machine Gun Kelly and Travis ing I do sounds alike,” Fedi says. “ ‘Mood’ both on “I Think I’m OKAY,” the alt-radio Barker. Or maybe on Ellen last November, doesn’t sound like ‘Without You.’ ‘Without smash that signaled MGK’s pivot from rap when Fedi played the ubiquitous guitar You’ doesn’t sound like ‘Call Me.’ ‘Call Me’ to pop-punk). He linked up with 24kGoldn riff to 24kGoldn and iann dior’s “Mood,” doesn’t sound like anything MGK did.” at a University of Southern California party, the Billboard Hot 100-topping smash he That owes in part to Fedi’s wide range of and then with KBeaZy at a 24kGoldn record co-wrote and produced. Or on Saturday influences — including rock guitar heroes release gathering (with KBeaZy, he’d end up Night Live in May, when he strapped on an like Jimi Hendrix and John Frusciante of crafting the hook to “Mood” in just his sec- acoustic to back The Kid LAROI and Miley the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as hip- ond session with 24kGoldn). Even manager Cyrus on their collaborative version of the hop and jazz — much of which he absorbed Ambrose, then working at Interscope, was former’s breakout ballad, “Without You.” from his father, Asher, a studio and session first drawn to Fedi because he kept coming But Fedi isn’t just the new sideman of choice musician whom Fedi refers to as “the big- by the label offices to meet people and jam. for all these artists; he has quite literally gest drummer ever in Israel.” Fedi also start- “I think he’s probably the best networker played an instrumental role in creating all ed on the drums but switched to guitar after I’ve ever met,” says Ambrose. their most recent hits, writing, producing seeing an episode of Nickelodeon’s Drake & In just a short few years, Fedi has trans- and/or performing on each. Josh in which Drake slings a six-string. (Lat- lated that ability into a string of friendships Now that the world is reopening follow- er, he gives a different explanation: “Guitar that then became close collaborations. ing the COVID-19 shutdown, Fedi is even players get more girls than drummers.”) When presented with opportunities to getting recognized in public — like on a re- Fedi credits his father not only with work with the likes of Lil Nas X and Cyrus, cent trip to Chipotle with Keegan “KBeaZy” expanding his musical universe but instill- he makes sure to hang out with them at Bach, his best friend, roommate and most ing a freelancer’s work ethic and competi- length first. (Both social experiments were frequent collaborator. “We were just sitting tive drive in him as well. “When we were successes: He’s executive-producing Nas’ outside, talking probably about nothing,” re- jamming, he would always be like, ‘Oh, upcoming Montero alongside co-produc- calls Fedi. “And some kid came up to us and you have to practice this, and you have to do er Take a Daytrip, and he’s currently in the was like, ‘Producers have to get the recogni- this...’ He would never be like, ‘Nice,’ ” says studio with Cyrus.) Early on, he learned tion! KBeaZy and Omer!’ ” KBeaZy says it Fedi. “Which I appreciated! Because then I that getting placed in writers’ rooms and has happened multiple times: “I was telling would be like, “Oh, have to practice, have to pitch sessions didn’t yield much. “Why him the other day, ‘Yo, the red hair’s like a make sure I’m better than everybody.’ ” (The would I ever do this again, when I could just crazy branding advantage.’ ” lessons have stuck: His manager, Conor go on SoundCloud and find someone I’m a More important than the hair, of course, Ambrose, says Fedi just took his first day off fan of and try to build with them?” he recalls is that the 21-year-old Israeli-Ameri- “like, ever” a few weeks ago). thinking. “It’s just way more fun making can’s sound — piercing, melodic, muscular- Asher moved his family to Los Angeles music with your friends.” but-melancholy riffs laid over super-charged when his son was 16 to give the apparent Lillia Parsa, Fedi’s publisher at Universal rock and/or trap beats — has become just prodigy — who also plays piano, drums, bass Music Publishing Group, calls him “a good as distinctive a presence in modern pop. As and varied other stringed instruments — the blueprint for up-and-coming writers and much as any artist whose name appears on greatest opportunities possible. It was an producers. So many times, they come to my his or her cover art, Fedi has been respon- adjustment for Fedi, who quips that, at the office saying, ‘I need to work with A-list sible for dragging the guitar back to the time of his family’s move, he was failing his [artists],’” she says. “And sometimes you can forefront of top 40, helping to revitalize alt- English class in Israel. But he always trusted just make great music [with your friends] rock and pop-punk in the mainstream and, that “I’m going to meet a musician some- that you enjoy, and that other people in turn, helping pave the way for artists like how, and we’ll figure it out.” (He turned 21 enjoy.” She was charmed the first time she Olivia Rodrigo and Willow Smith to crash in March but still has a preteen’s excess of met Fedi — even though he initially told her the charts with electric-powered ass-kickers energy — constantly climbing up and spin- he didn’t think he needed a publisher — a of their own. ning on his stool and later politely denying not-uncommon reaction. “A lot of people His sound might be immediately rec- a photo shoot request for a “slower, quieter” who meet [Fedi] are kind of just like, ‘I don’t ognizable, but it’s not always predict- pose with a matter-of-fact “I’m really a know what it is, but there’s something about able. See Fedi’s second 2021 Hot 100 No. pretty intense guy.”) this kid,’ ” says Blake Slatkin, a frequent co- 1, Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Fedi’s innate ability to find his people has writer/producer. “You just want to be Name)”: with no overt pop-punk or alterna- led to most of the important relationships in around him.” tive signifiers, it’s built off a flamenco-tinged his career. He met Machine Gun Kelly when Over the course of the pandemic, so did riff (inspired by a Spanish movie Fedi was he went out to eat with MGK’s alt-rock seemingly every artist in Los Angeles. Today, watching at the time) and a hand-clapped buddy Yungblud and tagged along when Fedi is at his base in Studio C, but Studio beat based on a recording of Fedi’s own Machine Gun Kelly summoned the latter B is reserved for The Kid LAROI, while drumming on a countertop. “I like that noth- to come by the studio (he’d later play with Charlie Puth, another recent newcomer into Page 18 of 26

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Fedi’s fold, is occupying Studio A. “I was the car, you’re getting in and you don’t care The pandemic-enforced lockdown not like, ‘Wow, my whole friend group is here!’ where you’re going.” only reminded the duo — consisting of Tor ” he raves about the setup. It’s almost like a Blanco also recently offered Fedi some Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen — college campus, with Fedi able to dorm-hop grounding post-COVID-19 perspective. “He about the importance of meaningful collabo- at his leisure. would go, ‘You know, it’s insane, because ration in music creation, but also allowed It’s hard to argue with Fedi’s methods. [while] you guys started popping, all the art- them time the to create a nine-month lesson He currently has credits on four songs that ists were in L.A. all the time,’ ” recalls Fedi. plan. The result, The Los Angeles Academy have spent nearly the entire past three “Most of the time, the artists leave and go on for Artists & Music Production (LAAMP), months in the top 40 of the Hot 100 — tour, and it’s way different.’ ” will launch its inaugural term in October “Mood,” “Montero,” “Without You,” and He acknowledges it’s going to be a chal- with 45 in-person students and an addition- MGK and blackbear’s “My Ex’s Best Friend.” lenge adapting to a world in which his crew al online cohort. Just a few weeks after we meet, The Kid may no longer reside cozily in his orbit (even Dressed comfortably in a white t-shirt LAROI/Justin Bieber collaboration “Stay” is if he is relocating imminently — he and KBea- and jeans at the Stargate studios hidden in released (on which Fedi and Puth are among Zy are looking for a new L.A. house). “It’s go- a Los Angeles residential neighborhood, the co-writers/producers) and soon after ing to be interesting to see while my friends Hermansen says the idea for the academy it debuts at No. 3 on the Hot 100. He com- go on tour what’s going to happen,” he says, came from a similar mentorship program mands as much as music’s biggest produc- sounding hopeful but also a little sad, like a he helped create in Norway at Lillehammer ers — top industry fees now hover around rising undergrad bummed that the school Institute of Music Production and Indus- $50,000 per track — though deals vary by year’s over and everyone is going home for tries. Hermansen hopes LAAMP will follow project, and Fedi declines to comment on the summer. “Maybe LAROI’s gonna call the blueprint laid out by the The Limpi their terms; he defers on all business mat- me and be like, ‘I’m gonna be in Miami next program, saying “[it was] about finding ters to Ambrose. “When Omer’s like, ‘I need week, and I wanna make music — pull up.’ your voice and improving your material in a to get these deals done for these songs,’ And then we’re gonna work in Miami.... real-world experience with a low-pressure Conor is just kind of the guy who comes in Maybe not. I dunno.” environment.” and makes sure that everything gets done,” Then he reconsiders: “Maybe we’re going For nine months (October-June), students says UMPG’s Parsa. to be lonely in L.A. — and me and KBea- will work five days a week in a newly-con- All that success has even impressed Fedi’s Zy will just go and eat Chipotle every day.” structed 6,600 square-foot studio complex toughest critic: his dad. “When ‘Mood’ hit His energy revs up again at the idea of going in downtown Santa Monica where they will No. 1, he was like, ‘Proud of you,’ “ recalls back to basics with his best friend. “We’ll write, sing and/or produce material weekly. Fedi. “And I was like, ‘Whoa. That was just be eating our tacos and burritos, and Online and in-person students will receive hard.’ ” His own reaction to the No. 1, on the vibe and listen to music.” lessons from mentors — including Charli other hand: “I was like, ‘Oh. That’s cool,’ A version of this article originally appeared XCX and Ne-Yo, as well as songwriters ” he recalls, a smile creeping across his face. in the July 17, 2021, issue of Billboard. Emily Warren and Justin Tranter — at the “I have 40 more to go now.” But while he beginning of the week, who will provide an hopes he inspires kids to pick up the guitar, assignment and feedback upon submission. he doesn’t care if they know he’s the ax man Inside Look: “We believe in spontaneity, trusting an behind their favorite hits. “I’m not really idea and sharpening it with a mentor,” says thinking about the recognition thing,” he Stargate To Hermansen, who has worked with Beyonce, says. “I like to be behind the scenes.” Rihanna and Coldplay, among others. “One Still, he’s competitive enough to look Launch Full-Time of the things that’s hard for people is if askance at his own hits that merely peak in you’re sitting at home without good collabo- the top 10. (“If it’s not No. 1, I have nothing Music Program rators, you start doubting yourself. There right now,” he seethes through a grin.) It’s is no one there to help push you along, to conceivable that Fedi might approach the This Fall tweak a lyric or fix the beat. You’re just sit- heights of the uber-producers he looks up ting there wondering if it is good or not.” to, like Benny Blanco and previous Studio BY TAYLOR MIMS The program – which will cost about C-inhabitant Max Martin (“Tell me what $35,000 for in-person and $5,000 for online to do!” Fedi shouts to their spirits at one ix months without work during – teaches collaboration and focuses on stam- point in mock frustration). “Omer has the the pandemic could have marked ina. “You can’t work on the same song for thing,” says Blanco. “A way of making you a major loss for Stargate; instead, four weeks,” Hermansen says. “Then you’re feel comfortable, making you want tell the Norwegian producers spent losing out on a lot of great ideas.” Students him your life story, making you want to do Stheir downtime developing a full-time will produce a track a week in varying teams everything with him. If he has the keys to music program. and get into the practice and pacing of “de- Page 19 of 26

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livering” material. Rodrigo is also likely to be nominated Let’s take a closer look at best new artist Hermansen says the Norwegian program for album of the year for her debut, Sour. winners who, that year, won three or more had a 100% success rate for weekly song The album is currently in its fourth non- of the Big Four awards. delivery and predicts the same for the L.A. consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard Clean Sweep (all four awards): group who will be expected to spend 10-12 200. That’s one of the three longest stays Christopher Cross: At the 1981 ceremo- hours a day in the studio. The program will in the top spot of any album released in ny, Cross became the first artist to sweep all conclude with a “thesis,” or collection of this eligibility period (Sept. 1, 2020 to Sept. four awards. He won album of the year for songs, which can serve as an EP or project 30, 2021). The others are Morgan Wal- his eponymous debut and record and song to present to publishers, managers or artists len’s Dangerous: The Double Album (10 of the year for his hypnotic ballad “Sailing.” students would like to work with. weeks) and Taylor Swift’s Evermore (also The Texan was the last major star to emerge Stargate is still looking to fill the remain- four weeks). Sour also made history as the before MTV’s arrival in August 1981 put a ing slots for its inaugural year, to join those first debut album to contain two songs that greater focus on image and looks. who have already enrolled from around the entered the Hot 100 at No. 1 — “drivers Billie Eilish: At the 2020 ceremony, the world. Several publishers and managers license” and “good 4 u.” then-18-year-old prodigy became the first have also signed up their developing talent, Sour was included on Billboard’s un- female artist to sweep all four awards. She which Hermansen jokes “is a cheap way to ranked list of the 50 Best Albums of 2021 So won album of the year for her debut, When get nine months of sessions.” Far: Staff Picks. Writing about the album, We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, and “As producers and songwriters, it is our Josh Glickman was impressed by Rodrigo’s record and song of the year for “bad guy” job to make other people successful and, in songwriting. (She wrote or co-wrote all 11 (which she co-wrote with her broth- the process, we become successful,” adds songs on the album.) He observed: “From its er, Finneas.) Hermansen. “It’s in our DNA to bring out starkest lyrics of insecurity to its most biting Near Sweep (three of the four awards): the best in people.” one-liners, her songwriting prowess is on Norah Jones: At the 2003 ceremony, full display throughout.” Jones’ debut, Come Away With Me, won Sour has a solid 83 rating at Metacritic. album of the year and her silky “Don’t Know Just How Big Will com, the review aggregation site. Why” won record of the year. “Don’t Know Rodrigo is also likely to benefit from the Why” also won song of the year, but Jones Olivia Rodrigo’s Grammys’ long history of favoring young, fe- didn’t write or co-write the song. The award male singer/songwriter breakout stars in the went to its writer, Jesse Harris. Grammy Night top categories. This dates back to Bobbie Amy Winehouse: At the 2008 ceremony, Gentry, who wrote and recorded the haunt- Winehouse’s zesty, retro-shaded “Rehab” Be? ing 1967 smash “Ode to Billie Joe.” Gentry, took record and song of the year. Her second 23 at the time, was the first artist to be nomi- solo album, Back to Black, was nominated BY PAUL GREIN nated in each of the Big Four categories in for album of the year, but lost to Herbie the same year. Hancock’s River: The Joni Letters. e all know that Olivia Other young female singer/songwrit- Sam Smith: At the 2015 ceremony, Rodrigo is headed for a big ers — Tracy Chapman, Mariah Carey, India. Smith’s soulful ballad “Stay With Me” won night at the 64th annual Arie, Amy Winehouse and Billie Eilish record and song of the year. (Smith co-wrote Grammy Awards, which — have since matched that feat. Other the song with James Napier and William willW be held at Staples Center in Los Angeles young women who have scored big at the Phillips.) His debut, In the Lonely Hour, was on Jan. 31. She is an overwhelming favorite Grammys over the years (even though that nominated for album of the year but lost to win as best new artist and is the clear particular feat eluded them) include Alanis to Beck’s Morning Phase. front-runner to win record and song of the Morissette, Lauryn Hill, Swift, Norah Jones year for her widely admired smash “drivers and Lorde. Rodrigo has been compared license.” to several of these winning artists for her That song spent eight consecutive weeks music and artistry. at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also With all this going for it, Sour could win topped Billboard’s list of the 50 Best Songs album of the year. That would make Rodrigo of 2021 So Far: Staff Picks, where Rania just the third artist in Grammy history — Aniftos called Rodrigo “pop’s most capti- following Christopher Cross and Eilish — to vating new storyteller” and noted: “With sweep the Big Four awards in one night. just one song, Rodrigo proved herself as a Even if she loses album of the year, and compelling vocalist and a songwriter well winds up with “just” three of the Big Four beyond her years.” awards, she’ll still be in very good company. Page 20 of 26

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excited about seeing the people that make The Hot 97 Summer Jam kicks off Aug. Desert Daze Sets this event so special, and seeing this beauti- 22 at the MetLife Stadium in East Ruth- ful, multi-faceted lineup at the lake,” Pirrone erford, New Jersey. Tickets are available Return With War said in a release. for purchase online via Ticketmaster. A Margolis adds, “Desert Daze has been portion of proceeds from ticket sales will on Drugs, Kamasi a multi-year journey for KFE and we’re benefit the Hip-Hop Has Heart Founda- ecstatic to continue—I’m personally looking tion to support community programs and Washington and forward to getting back to work with our initiatives. teams and bringing this incredible curated Bradford Tobin, president and CEO of sta- Toro y Moi event to the fans again.” tion owner MediaCo Holding Inc., said in a Tickets, parking and camping passes statement, “Hot 97’s Summer Jam is return- BY DAVE BROOKS will be on sale July 23 at 10am pst and start ing in a major way and we are all eager to at $75 for single day tickets, and $225 for get outside and back to enjoying live music. esert Daze is returning to South- 3-show passes with payment plans available. COVID-19 safety protocols remain a priority ern California this year (Nov. Desert Daze capacity will be limited this and the entire production team is working 12-14) after taking 2020 off due year to accommodate for safety measures, in close consultation with Metlife Stadium, to the COVID-19 pandemic. This and fans are encouraged to purchase passes as well as the state and federal guidelines to Dyear’s festival is being booked and promoted early as the weekend is expected to sell out ensure the safety of our fans and staff.” by founder, curator and artist Phil Pirrone quickly. And hip-hop’s very own Funk Flex is of Moon Block Collective and Morgan Mar- thrilled to be a part of the big day. “DJs golis of Knitting Factory Entertainment, provided the soundtrack to the world during continuing a partnership that began in 2016. DaBaby, Polo G the pandemic and our entire team is amped Desert Daze is returning to Lake Per- to perform live and feel the energy from the ris, Calif. for a scaled-down version of the & DMX Tribute crowd,” he said in a statement. “We are all festival, known for blurring the line between ready for the return of Summer Jam.” the tangible and the metaphysical through Added to Hot art installations, live music and a dedicated fan based drawn to the festival’s escapism 97 Summer Jam Joni Mitchell feel and non-linear relationship with its natural environment. The news comes three Lineup & Bette Midler months after Knitting Factory Entertain- ment announced it was taking over booking BY DARLENE ADEROJU Among 2021 at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace with Pirrone serving as the talent buyer for olo G and DaBaby have been Kennedy Center the famed music venue located about an added to the 2021 Hot 97 Summer hour east of Lake Perris. Jam lineup, joining Meek Mill, Honorees “Like you, the lake knows where we Migos, Saweetie, MoneyBagg belong,” a statement from the festival reads, PYo, A Boogie, Bobby Shmurda and more BY PAUL GREIN before explaining new protocols being intro- performers. duced to mitigate COVID-19. “In order to Plus, Swizz Beatz is set to deliver a trib- oni Mitchell, Bette Midler, Motown provide a safer experience, this year’s event ute to his late friend DMX, who died April founder Berry Gordy, Saturday Night will be scaled down to keep us together in 9 at age 50. The tribute comes after Swizz Live creator Lorne Michaels and oper- spirit while socially distanced.” hit the stage at the BET Awards on June 27 atic bass-baritone Justino Díaz are the Headlining this year’s event is The War and paid homage to DMX alongside hip-hop J2021 Kennedy Center honorees. on Drugs performing their only 2021 show contemporaries including Busta Rhymes, If it seems like the Kennedy Center along with Kamasi Washington, Toro The LOX and Method Man. Honors just aired on CBS, well, they did. y Moi and Japanese Breakfast. The “Hot 97 Summer Jam is traditionally the The show that would have normally been three-day lineup will also feature music official start of summer, but this year it’s the held in December 2020 was finally held in from Devendra Banhart, Andy Shauf, Tim official return of hip-hop,” Ebro Darden, May (and aired on CBS on June 6), delayed Heidecker & Weyes Blood and many more, host of Hot 97’s Ebro in the Morning, said in because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The with stage projections from Mad Alchemy. a statement. “We’re excited to present his- Kennedy Center announced that this year’s “It’s been a long year+ away from the toric live performances for the culture and show will return to the famed Opera House Desert Daze community and we are really make iconic historic moments in hip-hop.” after the most recent show was taped all Page 21 of 26

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over the Kennedy Center campus to allow Cherry Entertainment will produce this and I truly never imagined that I would find for greater social distancing. year’s Kennedy Center Honors. It will be the myself among these swans. Thank you to Several of this year’s honorees have seventh consecutive year that White Cherry the Kennedy Center for recognizing me, and already received major career honors. Gordy has produced the show. my heartfelt thanks to everyone who put me and Mitchell have both been honored by the “The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates here.” – Bette Midler Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters luminaries whose art and creativity have “I’m grateful to the Kennedy Center for Hall of Fame and the Recording Academy. enriched us beyond measure,” Kennedy bestowing this honor on my work and I look Gordy was ushered into the Rock Hall (in Center chairman David M. Rubenstein said forward to being a part of this prestigious the non-performer category) in 1988, was in a statement. celebration of the arts. I wish my mother awarded a trustees award from the Record- Here are the honoree statements, in full, and father were alive to see this. It’s a long ing Academy in 1991 and received the pio- taken from that same statement. way from Saskatoon.” – Joni Mitchell neer award from the SHOF in 2013. Mitchell “I’m deeply grateful to be receiving was voted into both the Rock Hall and this Honor. It is especially thrilling for me the SHOF in 1997 and received a lifetime because 50 years ago I sang as the male lead Kris Wu Dumped achievement award from the Academy five in Ginastera’s Beatrix Cenci on the Opera years later. House stage at the Kennedy Center’s grand By Multiple Michaels was voted into the Television opening — the night after Bernstein’s Mass. Academy Hall of Fame in 1999. Michaels has I was the first operatic voice to christen the Brands Over Sex won 20 Emmy Awards. SNL has won a total walls of this wonderful institution all those of 87 Emmys and is nominated for 21 more years ago and I am beyond honored to re- Complaint this year. turn to this stage to have such a distinction Mitchell has won eight Grammy Awards bestowed on me. I am humbled as I assume BY ASSOCIATED PRESS in competition, including album of the my place amongst so many wonderful peers year for her featured role on Herbie Han- and talented artists.” – Justino Díaz popular Chinese-Canadian cock’s River: The Joni Letters (2007), which “The Arts not only give voice to the singer, Kris Wu, has lost endorse- was a tribute to her music. voiceless, but connect us, transform us, and ment and other deals with at least Midler is closer to EGOT status than soothe our souls. The Kennedy Center Hon- 10 brands including Porsche and any of this year’s other honorees. She has ors epitomizes the recognition and value of BulgariA after a teen-ager accused him of won three Grammy Awards, including best both the Arts, and the Artist. I am thrilled to having sex with her while she was drunk. new artist (1973) and record of the year for become a part of this prestigious American The former member of Korean boy band “Wind Beneath My Wings” (1989), three legacy. Growing up in Detroit, I was not only EXO denied the accusation, which prompt- Emmys for Ol’ Red Hair Is Back (1978), The Black but the “black sheep” of my family. ed an outpouring of supportive comments Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1992) I was a failure at everything I did until I for the woman online and criticism of Wu. and Diva Las Vegas (1997) and a Tony was 29 years old, while my younger brother “There was no ‘groupie sex’! There was for Hello, Dolly! (2017), which she received Robert was not only a family favorite, but no ‘underage’!” Wu said on his social media 43 years after receiving a special Tony for strangely, a favorite of mine as well. He account, which has 52 million followers. “for adding lustre to the Broadway season.” inspired me with his loyalty, love, and gra- “If there were this kind of thing, please Midler has also been nominated twice for ciousness. Throughout the years I’ve been everyone relax, I would put myself in jail!” an Oscar for best actress, for The Rose (1979) blessed with many wonderful memories, but The backlash after the accusation appeared and For the Boys (1991). this — the Kennedy Center Honors — is one on the internet portal NetEase reflects the Gordy and Díaz have never won Grammys that will be forever in my heart. Thank you.” growing willingness of Chinese women to in competition, though each has been nomi- – Berry Gordy speak up about abuses in a male-dominated nated for one competitive Grammy. Gordy “The Kennedy Center’s commitment society. Brands cut ties with Wu the next was belatedly nominated for best R&B song to the performing arts has always been an day. for “I’ll Be There” when Mariah Carey and important force in American culture. Being They are acutely sensitive to public Trey Lorenz re-popularized the Jackson 5 acknowledged here and included in this opinion after the ruling Communist Party classic in 1992. Díaz was nominated for best company is an honor in the truest sense. I stirred up anger at shoe and clothing brands opera recording for Verdi: Otello in 1986. am deeply grateful.” – Lorne Michaels in retaliation for Western reports of human Michaels, 76, and Mitchell, 77, were both “I am profoundly touched by this honor, rights abuses in the mostly Muslim region born in Canada. Díaz, 81, was born in Puerto in fact, I am stunned and grateful beyond of Xinjiang in the northwest. In addition Rico. Gordy, 91, was born in Detroit; Midler, words. For many years I have watched this to Porsche and Bulgari, brands including 75, in Hawaii before it became a state. broadcast celebrating the best talent in the Tuborg Beer and China’s Tencent Video Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White performing arts that America has to offer, and Master Kong Ice Tea scrapped endorse- Page 22 of 26

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ment, appearance and other deals with Wu. status in China but has tried to suppress the AJ Tracey, Flu Game Lancome said its contract with Wu ended “#MeToo” movement as a potential source Bugzy Malone, The Resurrection last month. Louis Vuitton said it suspended of political unrest. D Block Europe, The Blueprint- Us Vs. Them a contract with Wu. Some comments left Fredo, Money Can’t Buy Happiness on websites criticized the company for not Ghetts, Conflict of Interest dropping him outright. Stormzy, Jorja Headie One, EDNA The woman told NetEase that when she K Trap, Street Side Effects was 17, Wu encouraged her to drink too Smith & More Loski, Music, Trial and Trauma: A Drill Story much at a party and she woke up in his bed. Nines, Crabs In A Bucket “I hate it so much that my teeth itch,” she Nominated for slowthai, TYRON was quoted as saying. “I hate myself even Female artist of the year: more, hate it so much that I want to commit 2021 GRM Daily Bree Runway suicide.” The woman said other women told Darkoo her Wu seduced them, sometimes when Rated Awards ENNY they were under 18, with promises of jobs Ivorian Doll and other opportunities. There was no BY MIA NAZARENO Jorja Smith indication any were under China’s age of Lady Leshurr consent of 14 or that Wu faces accusations of rime icon Stormzy, rap- Ms Banks criminal misconduct. per slowthai, R&B singer Jorja Shaybo “Get out of China,” said a comment left Smith and more have been nomi- Stefflon Don under Wu’s social media post. Wu, known in nated at the sixth annual GRM Midas The Jagaban Chinese as Wu Yifan, grew up in Guangzhou GDaily Rated Awards in the U.K. The event Male artist of the year: in southern China and in Vancouver, Brit- — which honors the best in Britain’s rap and AJ Tracey ish Columbia. He performed with EXO in grime scene — will be livestreamed Sept. 16 Abra Cadabra 2012-14 and then launched a solo career. As at 7 p.m. BST via GRM’s YouTube channel. Central Cee an actor, he appeared in 2017′s XXX: Return Nominations were announced Wednes- Chip of Xander Cage and two Chinese box office day (July 21) in the U.K., with such artists Digga D successes, Mr. Six and Journey to the West: as AJ Tracey, Headie One and Little Simz, Fredo The Demons Strike Back. leading the way with multiple nods. Pre- Ghetts Both Wu, 30, and the woman said they sented by the U.K. rap and grime culture Headie One asked police to investigate. Wu said he outlet GRM Daily, the awards show is Potter Payper waited to respond publicly to avoid inter- designed to recognize the best of British tal- Tion Wayne fering with legal action. Wu wrote he met ent in the genre between June 1, 2020, and Breakthrough of the year: the woman at a friend’s gathering on Dec. June 1, 2021. ArrDee 5, 2020, but “I didn’t force her to drink,” Even though the U.K. has recently lifted BackRoad Gee and “there was not this sort of ‘details’ she its live show restrictions amid COVID-19, ENNY describes.” “I didn’t expect my silence to en- the sixth annual Rated Awards will remain Central Cee courage these rumors, and I couldn’t stand virtual for the second year in a row. French The Kid it!” Wu wrote. “There were a lot of people Last year’s virtual ceremony was hosted Jordan there that day who can bear witness.” by comedian Mo Gilligan and radio host Ju- Shaybo In March, the ruling party targeted H&M, lie Adenuga. Among last year’s winners SR Nike and other global brands over past ex- were J Hus’ Big Conspiracy for album of the Pa Salieu pressions of concern about reports of forced year, Dutchavelli for breakthrough of the wewantwraiths labor in Xinjiang, where foreign govern- year, and D-Block Europe for male artist of Personality of the year: ments say more than 1 million people have the year. Other highlights from last year’s Big Zuu been confined in detention camps. State TV show include performances by George the Chunkz called for a boycott of H&M, causing sales in Poet, Dizzee Rascal and Kano. Harry Pinero China to plunge. Other official media criti- Fans can vote for their favorite art- Nella Rose cized Adidas, Nike, Zara, Burberry and New ists here until Aug. 17. Performances for Michael Dapaah Balance. More than 30 Chinese singers and this year’s show will be announced in the Mo Gilligan actors pulled out of endorsement contracts coming weeks. Munya Chawawa with H&M, Nike and Adidas. The ruling See below for the list of nominees. Niko Omilana party claims credit for improving women’s Album of the year: Yung Filly Page 23 of 26

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ZeZe Mills Tiffany Calver weekly streaming-, airplay- and sales-based Track of the year: Yinka & Shayna Marie Hot 100 from Memorial Day through Labor A1 & J1, “Latest Trends” Producer of the year: Day (this year encompassing charts dated Abra Cadabra, “On Deck” 169 June 12 through Sept. 11). At the end of the Central Cee, “Loading” 5ive Beatz season, the top song of the summer will be Digga D, “Woi” Chris Rich revealed. ENNY, “Peng Black Girls” (ft Amia Brave) Ghosty “Butter” holds the top spot on the latest Headie One, Stormzy and AJ Tracey, Gotcha Songs of the Summer chart over a static “Ain’t It Different” Hargo top five. Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U”; Dua Nines, “Airplane Mode” (ft NSG) M1OnTheBeat Lipa’s “Levitating,” featuring DaBaby; Doja Pa Salieu, “My Family” (ft BackRoad Gee) P2J Cat’s “Kiss Me More,” featuring SZA; and Potter Payper, “Purpose” R14 Justin Bieber’s “Peaches,” featuring Daniel Russ & Tion Wayne, “Body” TSB Caesar and Giveon, keep at Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5, Video of the year: respectively. Aitch, “Safe To Say” (Directed by KC Locke) Check out the top 10 summer songs ev- AJ Tracey, “Little More Love” (Directed by BTS Is First Act ery year throughout the Hot 100’s history KC Locke) (from the chart’s start in 1958) and the Ghetts, “Skengman Mode” (ft. Stormzy) to Top Hot 100 latest Songs of the Summer chart in its (Directed by Nathan James Tettey) entirety. Headie One, “Princess Cuts” (ft. Young T & Songs of the Plus, after launching July 16, SiriusXM’s & Bugsey) (Directed by Capone) limited engagement channel Billboard Top Little Simz, “Introvert” (Directed by Salo- Summer Charts 500 Summer Hits is running through July mon Ligthelm) 30 on channel 104 and the SiriusXM app, Meekz, “Respect The Come Up” (Directed With Different counting down the top 500 songs based on by KC Locke) Hot 100 data from 1958 through 2020. The Nines, “Clout” (Directed by Charlie Di Songs at Same countdown will also be available on-demand Placido) in the SiriusXM app from July 30 to Aug. Pa Salieu, “My Family” (ft. BackRoad Gee) Time Since Katy 13, with the full chart to post on Billboard. (Directed by Femi Ladi) com Aug. 16. Russ & Tion Wayne, “Body” (Directed by Perry Wowa) slowthai, Skepta, “Cancelled” (Directed by BY GARY TRUST Bad Bunny THE REST) Mixtape of the year: s BTS’ new single “Permission Extends Top 10 Abra Cadabra, Product of My Environment to Dance” soars in at No. 1 on Central Cee, Wild West the Billboard Hot 100, the South Record on Hot Chip, Snakes and Ladders Korean superstars’ previous re- Digga D, Made In The Pyrex leaseA “Butter” holds atop Billboard’s Songs Latin Songs Chart Giggs, Now Or Never of the Summer chart (dated July 24). M Huncho & Nafe Smallz, DNA Such a double coronation is rare: No act BY PAMELA BUSTIOS NSG, Roots had led the Hot 100 and Songs of the Sum- Pa Salieu, Send Them To Coventry mer surveys with different songs simultane- ad Bunny collects his record- Potter Payper, Training Day 3 ously in nearly 11 years. On the last Songs extending 42nd and 43rd top Unknown T, Rise Above Hate of the Summer chart of 2010 (dated that 10s on Billboard’s Hot Latin Radio DJ of the year: Sept. 18), Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” Songs chart as “De Museo” Charlie Sloth featuring Snoop Dogg, secured the crown Bascends 11-8 and “Volando,” by Mora, Bad DJ Target as that summer’s top song as follow-up Bunny and Sech, debuts at No. 7, on the July Dotty single “Teenage Dream,” the title track from 24-dated survey. Henrie Kwushue her historic 2010 album, took over at No. 1 The former rises on the strength of Kenny Allstar on the Hot 100. streaming activity: It earned 6.2 million U.S. Robert Bruce The 20-position Songs of the Summer streams, up 34%, in the week ending July 15, Reece Parkinson running tally tracks the most popular titles according to MRC Data. Snoochie Shy based on cumulative performance on the As for “Volando,” the cut — which was Page 24 of 26

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originally a solo track by Mora — garnered “911” takes the chart’s Greatest Gainer earnest in early 2020, with the bones of a new remix on July 8 with Bad Bunny and Digital/Streaming honors with gains in all its production used for a remix of Justin Sech. As the remix drives the bulk of the metrics. It earned 4.2 million U.S. streams Bieber’s “Yummy.” When videos featuring song’s chart activity, all three artists are (up 145%) and re-enters Latin Stream- his mix started gaining traction on YouTube, credited. It’s the first top 10 for Mora. The ing Songs at No. 9. It concurrently re-en- he fleshed it out into a full song, ditching track registered 6.4 million streams in ters Latin Digital Song Sales at No. 15 with Bieber’s vocals and writing two verses and the U.S., enough for a No. 5 start on Latin 445 downloads sold. a hook, incorporating English and Punjabi Streaming Songs. On the radio front, “911” shoots 22-10 lyrics. Bad Bunny’s 43 top 10s are the most since on Latin Airplay with 6 million in audience As Tesher’s solo track continued to gain the chart launched in 1986. Enrique Igle- impressions, up 25%, and earns Sech his momentum, he inked a global contract with sias and Luis Miguel continue to be tied for seventh top 10 there. Capitol Records and Universal Music India. the second-most, both with 39. With all the wheels on the bus, Derulo en- Here’s a recap of the Latin artists with the tered the picture and their re-worked duet most top 10s (at least 29) on the multi-met- The Jason Derulo arrived in May, sparking the song onto the ric (airplay, digital sales, and streams) Hot charts. (This is the first week in which De- Latin Songs chart: Effect: Tesher’s rulo is credited on the Global tallies, as the 43, Bad Bunny remix outperformed the original in weekly 39, Enrique Iglesias ‘Jalebi Baby’ overall chart activity for the first time.) 39, Luis Miguel Though the song hasn’t yet crossed over 36, Daddy Yankee Scales Global to the U.S.-based Billboard Hot 100 or Ra- 34, J Balvin dio Songs rankings (although it is bubbling 30, Shakira Charts Thanks to under the Pop Airplay chart), the collabora- 29, Chayanne tive action for Derulo, a rare act to score 29, Cristian Castro Remix top 10 Hot 100 hits in the 2000s, ‘10s and “De Museo,” Bad Bunny’s second new ‘20s, isn’t surprising either. It’s his fourth solo single of 2021, follows his five-week BY ERIC FRANKENBERG entry on the Global 200 and Global Excl. ruler “Yonaguni” which this week falls U.S. chart paired with an international pro- 1-2, as Kali Uchis’ “Telepatía” retakes the esher’s “Jalebi Baby” debuted ducer on an existing song, giving each the crown. The latter earlier spent four weeks on the June 12-dated Billboard extra push needed to further succeed. atop the list. Global Excl U.S. chart and Bill- First, it was Jawsh 685. The New Zealand With “De Museo” entering the top 10, board Global 200 at Nos. 116 and singer and producer posted “Laxed (Siren Bad Bunny rises to 556 weeks in the chart’s T186, respectively. And after weeks of static Beat),” an instrumental inspired by his Sa- top tier, the fourth-most weeks in the re- or downward motion, streams are back up moan and Cook Island lineage, to YouTube gion, trailing Daddy Yankee who remains 26% to 12.8 million, while sales rise 6% to in 2019 and then properly released it via at the helm with a total of 629 weeks, J 2,100 worldwide, in the week ending July 15, Columbia Records in April 2020 as streams Balvin (621), and Enrique Iglesias (620). according to MRC Data. snowballed. Derulo dropped his own take, Beyond its progress on Hot Latin Songs, The song shoots 142-119 on the July later formally released in June as “Savage “De Museo” makes its first visit on Bill- 24-dated Global Excl. U.S. chart and re- Love – Laxed (Siren Beat).” board’s all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart, enters the Global 200 at No. 187, approach- The guest list kept on growing, ultimately arriving at No. 94. The track joins another ing its original No. 116 and 186 peaks on crowning the Global 200 in October with Bad Bunny debut: “Volando,” with Mora and the respective surveys. The song’s burst of additional help from BTS on another remix. Sech, at No. 89, for a total of four place- energy comes courtesy of a familiar face, as While the song peaked at No. 3 on the ments on the tally as “Yonaguni” and “AM,” the Jason Derulo remix continues to gain Global Excl. U.S. chart, it has, on average, with Nio García and J Balvin, rank at No. 38 following its May release, and more recently, ranked five spots higher on the latter chart and No. 66, respectively. after the July 13 premiere of its official across its 45 weeks on each survey. Sech Dials Up a Hit With ‘911’: One spot music video. Then, it was Puri, Jhorrmountain and below “De Museo,” Sech’s “911” rebounds to But while the song is a recent arrival on Adje. The Dutch producers and rappers had No. 9 from No. 23. The song is from the Pana- both global surveys, it isn’t actually new, gone through three iterations of “Coño,” manian’s 42 album (No. 7 high on Top Latin adding to a growing list of buzzing interna- dating back to 2017. When Derulo’s version Albums, May 1st-dated list). The track is tional dance hits that Derulo has remixed was released in July 2020, the song was fur- likely driven up the chart thanks in large part onto the charts throughout the last year. ther propelled, eventually hitting the Global to interest generated by the new remix which Canadian-Indian rapper-singer-producer Excl. U.S. chart at No. 177 in September. features Jhay Cortez, released July 9. Tesher began work on “Jalebi Baby” in Next: Nuka. The New Caledonian produc- Page 25 of 26

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er released “4 Brylean (Wayz2Rmx2018),” a 3, Aaron Dessner pop-dancehall hybrid that built listenership Dan Nigro Breaks 3, Ricky Reed between its 2018 premiere and its 2020 redo Louis Bell previously held the mark with as “Love Not War (The Tampa Beat)” featur- Record For Most 17 weeks at No. 1 on Hot 100 Producers in ing, who else, Derulo. The song ascended 2019, thanks to his work on songs from Post to No. 90 across 15 weeks on the Global 200 Weeks at No. 1 on Malone’s Hollywood’s Bleeding LP, including and, like “Coño,” attained greater success the Hot 100 No. 1 “Circles” and the top 10s outside the U.S., reaching No. 49 and lasting Hot 100 Producers “Wow.,” “Goodbyes” (featuring Young Thug) 25 weeks on the Global Excl. U.S. chart. and “Take What You Want” (featuring Ozzy That brings us to this week’s charts, as Chart Osbourne and Travis Scott). “Jalebi Baby” ranks 68 spots higher on the Outside of his work with Rodrigo, Nigro Global Excl. U.S. chart than the Global 200. BY XANDER ZELLNER has produced one other Hot 100-charting Amid the chart runs of these international hit: Conan Gray’s “Heather,” which reached discoveries, Derulo has also found success an Nigro spends an 18th week No. 46 in September 2020. Nigro is the with “Take You Dancing” and “Lifestyle,” at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 former lead singer and guitarist of As Tall the latter featuring Maroon 5 frontman Producers chart, breaking the as Lions, whose third and final LP You Can’t Adam Levine. But even “Take You Dancing,” record for the most time spent Take Us With You reached No. 36 on Top a song more in line with his solo catalog that Don top, dating to the survey’s June 2019 Rock & Alternative Albums in 2009. drew U.S. radio support, built on his collab- inception. The weekly Hot 100 Songwriters and orative international momentum and per- Nigro rules the latest ranking (dated Hot 100 Producers charts are based on total formed better on the Global Excl. U.S. chart, July 24) on the strength of eight produc- points accrued by a songwriter and produc- going higher (No. 24) and lasting longer (36 tion credits on the Billboard Hot 100, all er, respectively, for each attributed song that weeks) than on the Global 200 (No. 32; 31 due to songs from Olivia Rodrigo’s debut appears on the Hot 100; plus, genre-based weeks). (Both songs hit the U.S.-based Hot album Sour. Former No. 1 “Good 4 U” songwriter and producer charts follow the 100 and Radio Songs surveys, unlike “Coño” (produced with Alexander 23) ranks at No. same methodology based on corresponding and “Love Not War.”) 2, while former No. 3 hit “Deja Vu” holds at “Hot”-named genre charts. As with Bill- More than a decade into his career, No. 10. Elsewhere: former eight-week leader board’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or Derulo has reinvented himself yet again, “Drivers License” (No. 42), “Traitor” (No. producers split points for each song equally balancing a string of worldwide hits with his 45), “Favorite Crime” (No. 57), “Happier” (and the dividing of points will lead to oc- tried-and-true brand of American-friendly (No. 68), “Brutal” (No. 76) and “Jealousy casional ties on rankings). pop, as well as a profile boost with newer Jealousy” (No. 87). The full Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot and longtime fans alike thanks, in part, Nigro also produced Sour’s other tracks 100 Producers charts, in addition to the full to TikTok. With “Jalebi Baby” rising in “1 Step Forward 3 Steps Back” (No. 19 peak), genre rankings, can be found on Billboard. streams and sales, he has scored another “Enough for You” (No. 14 peak) and “Hope com. international success, again bringing a fresh Ur OK” (No. 29 peak). face, this time in Tesher, and sound, onto the The eight titles above also help Rodrigo Global charts. spend a record-extending 17th week at No. Weezer Scores 1 on the Hot 100 Songwriters chart (which also began in June 2019). Finneas follows 2 Straight with 11 total weeks at the summit, followed by Roddy Ricch (10), Johnny Marks and Alternative Airplay Nigro (nine each). Most Weeks at No. 1 on Hot 100 Produc- No. 1s for First ers: 18, Dan Nigro Time 17, Louis Bell 13, Joey Moi BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD 9, 30Roc 7, Finneas or the first time in a lengthy 7, OZ career, Weezer has two straight 5, Owen Bradley No. 1s on Billboard’s Alternative 4, David Stewart Airplay chart. 4, SethInTheKitchen F“All My Favorite Songs,” the lead single Page 26 of 26

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from Weezer’s album OK Human, rises 2-1 be heading back to Comedy Central with- ward to all the ways in which the fearless, on the survey dated July 24. It follows the out offering too many more details, conclud- peerless Charlamagne is going to change the one-week reign of the band’s “Hero” last ed with the words, “to be continued.” game.” August. Now, two days later, the Viacom-owned McCarthy dials up the praise, calling The group notches its sixth Alternative network has announced that Colbert will be Charlamagne “one of the most culturally Airplay No. 1, dating to its first, “Beverly returning to the network that made him fa- significant voices of our time.” He continues: Hills,” in July 2005. Weezer has charted at mous, though this time he’ll do so as the co- “His thought provoking and uninhibited the format since 1994, when “Undone – The creator and producer of a weekly talk show observations both get under peoples’ skin Sweater Song” peaked at No. 6 that August, fronted by Charlamagne Tha God, who’s and open their minds, which is why we are marking the band’s first of 19 top 10s. long been one of the most influential and thrilled to be doing this show with him and After “Beverly Hills,” Weezer led Alterna- controversial voices in New York radio. The equally thrilled to welcome back the Dean tive Airplay with “Perfect Situation” (four series, aptly titled Tha God’s Honest Truth of Late Night to Comedy Central, Mr. Ste- weeks, 2006), “Pork and Beans” (11 weeks, With Lenard ‘Charlamagne’ McKelvey, is set phen Colbert.” 2008) and “Africa” (three weeks, 2018), to launch Friday, Sept. 17, at 10 p.m. Rumors of a forthcoming Charlamagne prior to its first set of back-to-back No. 1s. Based in New York, the half-hour series series first leaked last year, with reports The band has earned half its six No. 1s since is being billed as a culturally fluent take that it could get on the air in time for 2018, and each of Weezer’s last seven singles on social issues, with a mix of deep dives, the 2020 election. The iteration that will has hit the chart’s top 10, a career-best sketches and social experiments — or, as a ultimately bow this fall also counts as streak for the act, dating to “Feels Like Sum- Viacom press release describes the show, executive producers Karen Kinney, James mer” (No. 2, August 2017). “redemptively comedic, refreshingly unfil- Dixon, Chris Licht, Norm Aladjem and The “All My Favorite Songs” is additionally tered, and unapologetically Black, nothing Boondocks’ Aaron McGruder, who says of Weezer’s first multi-radio format No. 1. is off limits.” Rachael Edwards Wild( ‘N Out) the project: “Charlamagne knows exactly It ruled Adult Alternative Airplay for has been tapped as the series’ showrunner. what he wants to do with this show, which three weeks in April, becoming the band’s The host has shared history with both is smack the audience upside the head every first leader on the list. Colbert, a fellow South Carolina native, and week and make sure they’re paying atten- On the all-rock-format, audience- MTV Entertainment Group’s president and tion to the world around them.” based Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, CEO Chris McCarthy, who’s producing the And for him, the series — in success, at “All My Favorite Songs” returns to its No. series in house. Charlamagne met Colbert least — fits nicely into his growing em- 2 high, up 24% to 6.4 million audience im- in 2016, when he first appeared on Colbert’s pire, which includes his syndicated radio pressions, according to MRC Data. CBS late night show, and he’s since been show, The Breakfast Club, an all-but-re- back six times. (In the small-world realm, quired P.R. stop for celebrities and politi- Colbert’s brother was also a teacher at Char- cians alike, along with a publishing imprint Charlamagne Tha lamagne’s middle school.) Charlamagne’s with Atria Books and multiple best-selling relationship with McCarthy dates back books, a Black Effect Podcast Network and God, Stephen even further; in fact, the two first worked an audio-production deal with Audible, together a decade ago, when McCarthy among other ventures. Colbert Team was running MTV2 and Charlamagne was Charlamagne is repped by ICM partners, a regular on the network’s Guy Code. He’d KK Entertainment, The Britto Agency and Up For Comedy later host a pair of talk shows, Charlamagne Del Shaw. & Friends and Uncommon Sense with Charla- This story was originally published by The Central Late Night magne, for MTV2. Hollywood Reporter. “This is the third talk show Chris Mc- Show Carthy has done with me and those shows prepared me for this opportunity,” says BY LACEY ROSE Charlamagne now. “My South Carolina brethren Stephen Colbert is the ultimate co- an you ever really go home sign in the late night space and he wouldn’t again?” Stephen Col- cosign no bullshit! We are going to win an bert asks in a 30-second Emmy next year for best lighting direction I clip that quickly racked can feel it!!!” “Cup a quarter-million views and plenty of Adds Colbert: “For too long, the town of Twitter chatter earlier this week. The video, Moncks Corner, South Carolina, has been which revealed The Late Show host would underrepresented in late night. I look for-