Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE MAY 27, 2021 Page 1 of 32

INSIDE Shuttered Venue Grants Are

• Prince Royce Finally On Their Way, Says SBA Inks Management Deal With WK BY TAYLOR MIMS Entertainment Shuttered Venue Operator Grant awards have started American culture,” said Guzman in her opening state- • On Pearpop, TikTok Users Can Now Earn to roll out to live entertainment businesses struggling ment to the committee. Cash Rewards for amid coronavirus restrictions, according to Small A representative for the SBA confirmed that the Song Promos Business Administration administrator Isabel Guz- administration has begun sending notices of awards , who testified before the House Small Business to approved applicants of the SVOG program as of • How Gucci Mane man Rebuilt His Life — Committee on Wednesday (May 26). Wednesday. The federal government’s grant process And Started Building Marking her first 100 days in the role, Guzman includes sending a Notice of Award to recipients who the ‘Walmart’ of said the SBA is “continuing” to roll out awards for will then need to accept the grant. By signing the Record Labels the Priority 1 group of SVOG recipients who lost lost grant agreement, those entities can receive funds and • Radio Promo 90% or more of their revenue from April to De- are obligated to carry out the full terms and condi- Veteran John Boulos cember 2020. After Congress and then-President tions of the grant. Stepping Away From Trump approved $15 billion for the SVOG program in “We have hundreds of SBA staff working around the Arista December, payouts have been delayed as the SBA first clock to continue processing, approving, and disburs- • Trey Anastasio to worked months to build the infrastructure to receive ing funds as quickly as possible to get our live enter- Play Manhattan’s applications and award payments and then a launch tainment venues back on track,” the SBA representa- First Full-Capacity on April 8 failed and was postponed until April 26. tive tells Billboard. Indoor Show Post- Since then, venues were waiting until this week to According to Guzman, the SBA has received more COVID start receiving funds. On May 24, the SBA told Bill- than 13,000 applications for the grant totaling approx- MARKET WATCH board Priority 1 venues would receive their grants by imately $11 billion in requested funds. Those 13,000 PAGE 29 the end of the month. applicants compile all three priority groups: Priority SONGWRITERS “We started awarding our SVOG funds 1, who lost 90% or more of revenue in 2020; Priority & PRODUCERS this week and we hope to continue to help our nations 2, who lost 70% or more; and Priority 3, who lost 25% CHARTS venues hold on until they can bring back the perfor- or more. With only $11 billion in requested funds, that PAGES 30 - 32 mances and experiences that are the lifeblood of the (continued)

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Billboard’s eighth annual Country Power Players CONTACTS issue will profile the people who have driven Joe Maimone another solid year for the country music industry, 201.301.5933 | [email protected] generating billions in sales, streaming and Lee Ann Photoglo publishing. This special feature will highlight the top 615.376.7931 | [email protected] executives, artists and changemakers who kept the music playing during an incredibly challenging Cynthia Mellow 615.352,0265 | [email protected] year, as well as coverage of the changing face of country music. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected]

Advertise in Billboard’s Country Power Players Ryan O’Donnell issue to congratulate this year’s honorees while +447843437176 | [email protected] reaching key decision-makers who are driving the music business.

ISSUE DATE 6/26 | AD CLOSE 6/16 | MATERIALS DUE 6/17 Page 3 of 32

IN BRIEF

leaves roughly $4 billion for supplemental said. “While the program has been delayed, Power Player and the 2018 Latin Power grants for independent venues, promoters, I feel confident that we’ll continue to start Player of the year, WK Entertainment will talent agencies and other cultural institu- to roll out these funds as we have been doing be in charge of the planning, strategizing, tions. this week. We appreciate the patience from and structuring of Royce’s musical career. “For the Shuttered Venue program, it is the industry. Obviously, they don’t have time The deal will also include booking. over $11 billion [in requested funds]. It looks to wait. Their rent is due and other expenses “I’m happy to be working with Walter like applications are still coming in,” said are critical for them.” and look forward to continuing to take my Guzman. “It looks like there will be enough According to committee chairwoman bachata around the globe, with the strate- funding for that in addition to supplemental Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), “The [SBA] gic support of a great management group,” [funds].” administered more aid during the COVID Royce, who was previously signed to David As of publication, the National Indepen- crisis that it had for all the other disasters Sonenberg’s DAS Communications, said in dent Venue Association says none of its combined during its 67-year history.” The an official statement. members have received funds from the SBA. chairwoman acknowledged that this amount Kolm added: “We welcome Prince Royce “We heard Administrator Guzman of responsibility also resulted in issues for to the WK Entertainment family with open testify that SVOG awards started going the administration and added that it was arms and all of the drive to develop global out this week, and look forward to inde- “overwhelmed” at times. strategies for the evolution of this bachata pendent venues and promoters hearing music icon.” directly about awards from the SBA,” says Royce’s longtime manager, Gaby Her- NIVA board member Audrey Fix Schae- Prince Royce Inks rera, will remain part of Royce’s team, han- fer. “The emergency relief can’t come dling his day-to-day management alongside soon enough and we’ll be incredibly grateful Management Kolm. when it starts flowing.” “This new chapter and alliance will Over the past five months since Trump Deal With WK undoubtedly take Royce’s remarkable career signed the SVOG program into law, con- to new heights,” Herrera, personal manager cert venues have remained largely unopened Entertainment at WK Entertainment, said. “I’m excited and have continued to struggle while and honored to work alongside Walter and awaiting government support. During the BY JESSICA ROIZ am ready to continue making history with hearing, Guzman blamed the delay on the Royce.” “complex statute” the SBA was tasked with rince Royce has inked a world- The deal comes on the heels of the implementing. wide management deal with WK bachata superstar acquiring a Guinness “The program had lots of controls for eli- Entertainment, Billboard can World Record for spending 29 consecutive gibility requirements. There were so many exclusively reveal. weeks (March 28 - Oct. 17, 2020) at No. 1 on types of entities that were eligible with very PHelmed by artist manager and industry the Tropical Airplay chart with his single unique requirements under each,” Guzman lead Walter Kolm, a Billboard International “Carita de Inocente.” The title remained a

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DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS 2021 BLACK EYED PEAS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Over the past 25 years, the Los Angeles trio—will.i.am, The album single from December 2020, “GIRL LIKE ME” apl.de.ap, and Taboo—earned six GRAMMY® Awards and [feat. Shakira] achieved success on Latin and Top 40 achieved sales of 35 million albums and 120 million singles radio, and was the subject of a viral TikTok challenge in across seminal releases such as Elephunk, The E.N.D., and late 2020. The success of TRANSLATION continues to more demonstrate Black Eyed Peas’ ability to reinvent themselves along with the ceaseless changing of the times. One of the era’s biggest acts, they emerged as “the second best-selling artist/group of all-time for Please join Billboard as we celebrate the 25 years of downloaded tracks,” (Nielsen) and landed on Billboard’s Black Eyed Pea success as one of the most compelling “Hot 100 Artists of the Decade.” In 2011, they dazzled the acts in the music scene world with a landmark performance at the Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show. CONTACTS

Joe Maimone Their eighth studio album, TRANSLATION, achieved 201.301.5933 | [email protected] staggering international success after its release in 2020, and features major collaborations with artists such as J Lee Ann Photoglo 615.376.7931 | [email protected] Balvin, Ozuna, Maluma, Shakira, Nicky Jam, and Tyga. The album resulted in a series of chart-topping singles, Cynthia Mellow including the massively successful “RITMO (Bad Boys For 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Life)” [feat. J Balvin] and “MAMACITA” [feat. Ozuna and Marcia Olival J.Rey Soul], both of which achieved #1 status on three 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Billboard Charts each, numerous award nominations, and Ryan O’Donnell gold, platinum, and diamond certifications globally. +447843437176 | [email protected]

ISSUE DATE 6/26 | AD CLOSE 6/16 | MATERIALS DUE 6/17 BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 5 OF of 1932

ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country totalA of lbu54 weeksms; on the chart. Brett Youngturned-entrepreneur ‘CatcColeh’-es Mason, angelFifth the Airplay opportunity to capitalize on TikTok’s Royce stopped working with DAS Com- investor Spencer Markel and veteran Ma- hit-making power. municationsLea at the endder; of 2020. Travis He now donnaDenning and U2 manager MakesGuy Oseary, History“It levels the playing field,” Markel joins WK’s roster of top Latin stars, which pearpop helps influencers of all levels score tells Billboard. “Now, the people who are includes Maluma, Carlos Vives, Wisin, promotional deals directly in the platform, creators that may not have always gotten the Samand CNCOHunt’s, second to name studio a few. full-length, and first in overthen five takes years, a Southside roughly 25%sales cut (up of 21%)those in deals. the tracking fancy week. deals On Country can accept Airplay, a Challenge it hops 18-15 and (11.9 show mil- (MCABillboard Nashville/Universal can confirm Music that Group a new Nashville), album debutsAnyone at No. 1with on Billboard a TikTok’s accountlion audience can register impressions, theup 16%). results and participate in deals that they Topand Country global tour Albums are chartalready dated in Aprilthe works. 18. In its first forweek pearpop, (ending Apriland 9), the it founders say that the may not have gotten previously.” earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cording to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. platform is now home toand more total than Country 10,000 Airplay No. 1Challenge as “Catch” creators(Big Machine can Labelalso set Group) up mul ascends- Southside marks Hunt’s second No. 1 on the creators, including A-listers like Marshm- tiple2-1, increasingreward milestones, 13% to 36.6 withmillion no impressions. minimum chartOn and Pearpop,fourth top 10. It follows freshman LP ello, Snoop Dogg and The Chainsmokers. dollarYoung’s amount, first “so of sixsomeone chart entries, with a“Sleep smaller With - Montevallo, which arrived at the summit in No - The new feature rolling out to all users followingout You,” could reached aim No. for 2 inone December of the smaller 2016. He vember 2014 and reigned for nine weeks. To date, today (May 27) lets any artist on pearpop rewards,”followed withMason the multiweeksays. Artists No. who 1s “In list Case You MontevalloTikTok has earned Users 3.9 million units, Can with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved million in album sales. launch a Challenge, which is then listed on ChallengesYou” (three, can January include 2018), a video“Mercy” intended (two, August as NowMontevallo hasEarn spent 267 weeksCash on the list, tying the platform’s online Challenges hub. Pear- inspiration2018) and “Here for users’ Tonight” posts, (two, but April Mason 2019). and Luke Bryan’s Crash My Party as the sixth-longest- pop creators who sign up for the Challenge, Markel“Catch” agree completes that Challenges his longest work journey best to No. 1, runningRewards titles in the chart’s for 56-year Song history. use the specified song in a TikTok post whenhaving users taken are 46 given weeks as to little reach direction the apex. Itas out - On the all-genre Billboard 200, Southside ar- and submit the published link on pearpop possible,paces the leaving 30-week room climb for of “Herecreativity. Tonight.” rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG afterPromos the No. 3-peaking Montevallo. automatically receive a reward in the form aPearpop new high. recently tested the feature with Hunt first released the EPX2C , which debuted of a flat dollar amount, physical item (like a Challenge for DJ Snake and Selena andBY TATIANApeaked at No. CIRISANO 5 on Top Country Albums in Augustmerchandise) 2014. Following or experience COMBS (like ‘DOES’ a meet- IT AGAIN LukeGomez Combs’s March’ “Does single to Me” “Selfish (River House/Columbia Love.” DJ Montevallo, Between the Pines: Acoustic Mixtape startedand-greet). at its No. The 7 high only in catch?Nashville), Their featuring video Eric ChurchSnake’s, ascends management 11-8 on Country team committed Airplay, up 10% to November ver2015. since users’ videos on TikTok must reach a certain threshold24.7 million of views in audience. The$25,000 song is to Combs’ the Challenge, eighth straight offering career-opening $50 to Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay: “Leavebegan the driving Night On,” what “Take songs Your become Time,” “Housespecified Party” andby the “Make Challenge promoted creator. No. 1 singles. the first 500 creators who got at least 5,000 You Miss Me.”hits, “Break the music Up in industrya Small Town” has been peaked at No.Artists 2. and their teams haveChurch long addspaid his 15thtop Countryviews Airplay on their top posts 10. using the song clip. Hunt co-pennedtrying to all reverse-engineer 12 songs on Southside viral , includinginfluencers “Body Like to a promote Back their songs on Tik- Launched on April 16, the Challenge “sold ERoad,”moments. which That was just released got easier in 2017. thanks The smash to hit ruledTok Country and other Airplay social for mediaTHAT platforms, TOOK QUITE with ‘A FEW’out” MONTHS within Travis two days,Denning with shatters participation the record for threea new weeks “Challenges” and the airplay-, feature streaming- on the social and sales-based the Hot most Country popular Songs influencers the most charging weeks it hasfive takenfrom to penetrate popular the accounts Country like @iamferv,Airplay top 10 as @ “After chart for a then-record 34 frames. It now ranks second only to Bebe Rexha and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - Floridamedia collaborationGeorgia Line’s marketplace“Meant to Be” (50pearpop, weeks atop thefigures latter list (or in 2017-18).more) per post.lion inBut radio Challenges reach. coctyan and @itsasmallterworld. Uses of the where“Downtown’s artists offer Dead,” cash which and is otheralso on rewards the new set, reachedadds a new Nos. gamification 14 and 15 elementThe song to surpasses the mix two trackssound that on TikToktook 50 weeks surged each from to enter 7,000 the just top be 10:- onto HotTikTok Country users Songs who and reach Country a certain Airplay, thresh respectively,- by allowing in June 2018. anyone “Kin to- competeEaston Corbinfor and’s claim“A Girl Likefore You,” the which Challenge reached launched No. 10 in to January 42,000 2018 three be- folks”old of led views Country while Airplay promoting on Feb. a 29,particular becoming Hunt’sthe seventh rewards, No. regardless 1. It hit foreof their peaking following at No. 6 — that February,weeks later. and Aaron Knowing Watson that’s “OuttaDJ Snake’s Style,” team which No.song. 3 on Hot Country Songs. while giving artists whoachieved may not its be No. able 10 tohigh in Decemberonly paid 2017.for 500 of those uses, it seems that 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 Launched in October 2020 by model- (or want to) afford pricey influencer deals the Challenge helped create enough mo- 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 Page 6 of 32

IN BRIEF

mentum to fuel organic posts by other users. the music industry’s most prolific rapper- “If you could imagine that administrative How Gucci executives from the moment of his release. burden of coordinating 500 different cre- “When I went to prison, I knew that I was ators, it would be just really time consum- Mane Rebuilt special. I knew I was unique, and I knew I ing,” Markel adds. “You’re able to scale very had something to offer that a lot of people rapidly.” His Life — And didn’t,” says Gucci today. “When I got out I Of course, TikTok campaigns only suc- said, ‘I’m going to show everybody.’” ceed if users seek out the song and artist Started Building Nearly five years later to the day, Gucci off-platform. For “Selfish Love,” the TikTok Mane removes his weighty, glimmering posts translated to an 86% streaming bump, the ‘Walmart’ of diamond jewelry at the end of his Bill- from roughly 671,000 total on-demand U.S. board photo shoot and gingerly places each streams the week before the Challenge to Record Labels piece into a brown monogrammed Louis 1.25 million the week-of, according to MRC Vuitton bag. Next to him, Todd Moscowitz, Data. “When you post the challenge, it al- BY NEENA ROUHANI his manager, Alamo Records CEO and long- lows you to ignite the fire,” says Mason. time friend, reminisces about the time Gucci Next on Challenges, rap- n a partly cloudy spring morn- creative-directed 12 different music videos per 24kGoldn is offering rewards of ing five years ago, Radric — all from his Marietta, Ga., mansion due to between $10 and $80 for posts using his new Davis — better known as the rap the restrictions of his house arrest — follow- song “Company” featuring Future. superstar Gucci Mane — quietly ing the rapper’s 2016 release. Gucci flashes While some creators in pursuit of a quick Otraded in his navy-blue prison jumpsuit for his 1,000-watt smile — each of his perfectly buck may inevitably accept Challenges for Ralph Lauren sweats and Nike Air Jordan aligned bottom teeth embellished with a songs they don’t actually enjoy, Markel has sneakers. He had chosen the outfit himself, single diamond gemstone — and recalls the faith that the TikTok community will weed and his then-girlfriend, Keyshia Ka’oir, resourceful and necessary feat. out disingenuous posts. brought it to the federal penitentiary in During Gucci’s time behind bars, Mos- “When you don’t connect with the song, rural Indiana where he had been serving a cowitz remembers the two communicating it’s really apparent, and [the post] ends up three-year sentence for firearms possession. through the prison email server, Corrlinks. not performing well,” he explains. “The “I remember that day so well,” says Ka’oir “One day I said, ‘Listen. Let’s just do a five- creator community is very critical of things today. She had flown in from Georgia alone, year plan, and we are going to build a great that come across very mercenary. Authen- rented a car and drove through winding, strategy for you to make a lot of money and ticity is something that we’ve really pushed tree-lined roads on her way to bring Gucci protect your brand and your legacy.’ He said, in our ethos.” back home a few months ahead of his origi- ‘That sounds good. One change: How about Next in the pearpop pipeline: A feature nal release date. “We didn’t tell anyone — his we do the 10-year plan and make all the allowing artists to partner with a “sponsor” attorneys, no one.” money?’ It turned out to be a pretty good influencer on their Challenges, who will re- If the couple’s efforts to fly under the plan.” ceive extra payment for helping spread the radar that day were thorough — Ka’oir While in prison, Gucci decided he would word. Pearpop also plans to branch out to temporarily changed her signature mohawk publish his book, revamp his label, sell the other social media platforms in the future. hairstyle and the two flew commercial — rights to his autobiography to a major film “I think you could imagine a world where Gucci’s physical transformation ensured an company, go on tour and take nothing less pearpop is a part of every major platform,” incognito return. Thanks to his twice-a-day than $100,000 per show. Mason says. workouts — and the fact that he had kicked Since his release, the man known to fans an addiction to lean while in prison — the as Guwop has gone gangster glam. Instead rapper had lost 90 pounds, and washboard of oversized T-shirts and gold grills, Gucci abs had replaced the East Atlanta Santa’s opts for dapper fashion picks, like Chanel once protruding belly. “He was so skinny,” collared zip-ups and coordinated Fendi says Ka’oir, “his pants were falling off of him looks with fashionista wife Ka’oir. And when he came out.” while his nickname once stood for “Get Ur He had undergone a deep mental trans- Weight Up Pussy,” it, too, now represents a formation, too — the “Lemonade” rapper more refined Mane. “#GUWOP -God Unity embodying the idea of turning lemons into Wisdom Opportunity Power,” he tweeted in just that. While in prison he wrote The Au- 2016. tobiography of Gucci Mane, which was pub- His transformation, dubbed the “Gucci lished in 2017, and came up with a five-year Mane Glow-Up” on social media, was far plan that would cement his status as one of from superficial. Post-release, the former Page 7 of 32

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mixtape god has entered the mainstream, force. In line with his previous successes ing tips, pulling out his own neat stacks. “He collaborating with artists such as Selena with crossover trap signees like Waka Floc- had fresh new hundreds so thick,” says Shi- Gomez, Drake and Bruno Mars. He spent ka Flame and OJ Da Juiceman, Gucci’s re- esty. “I had nothing but raggedy 20s.” The six weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 as the launched label has produced stars like Pooh rest was history. “He’s like a big brother,” featured act on Rae Sremmurd’s 2016 smash Shiesty while building a roster of promis- says the 21-year-old of his label boss. “We “Black Beatles” and was nominated for his ing up-and-comers: Foogiano, Big Scarr, get on FaceTime and talk for four or five first Grammy alongside Lizzo for “Exactly Enchanting and, most recently, BigWalkDog. hours.” How I Feel.” He has released 14 projects in Pooh Shiesty has been the new 1017’s biggest For Gucci, creating genuine bonds like five years, including his first post-prison streaming success by far: The Memphis that among the 1017 team is a crucial part of album, Everybody Looking, which became rapper’s debut mixtape, Shiesty Season, his success — and part of what has distin- his highest-charting, reaching No. 2 on the debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 upon guished him even among the growing class Billboard 200 — a feat he matched a year its February release and has earned 533,000 of rapper CEOs — including Yo Gotti (with later with 2017’s Mr. Davis. equivalent album units in the U.S. through CMG), Wiz Khalifa (Taylor Gang) and Gucci not only transformed his appear- May 20, according to MRC Data. “Back in Young Thug (YSL) — using their experience ance and musical branding to unrecogniz- Blood,” Pooh Shiesty’s menacing smash fea- and ears to discover and invest in their suc- able heights — he simultaneously rebuilt his turing Lil Durk, has 349 million on-demand cessors. “We’ve been like a family. I want to record label, 1017 Global Records, from the streams to date, and has peaked at No. 13 on make my artists a part of everything I do,” ground up. Since 2005, Gucci has been the the Hot 100 chart. says Gucci. “And we’re going to all grow steward of his own imprint, which began as “What first got me were his lyrics,” together.” La Flare Entertainment, in partnership with says Gucci of the label’s new golden child. And despite the halt in touring due to the Big Cat Records, the label that released his “When I started hearing his bars and punch- pandemic, Gucci says that growth is well debut album, Trap House, that year. lines I said, ‘This guy is intelligent. He’s underway, thanks to streaming gains and a After a financial falling out with Atlanta- really crafty. He might be one of the most lack of typical business expenses. “We don’t based Big Cat, serving a six-month county talented guys I ever signed.’” even have a studio. We don’t have these jail sentence and subsequently reverting For Gucci, relaunching a label amid a overheads that a lot of labels have,” he says. to selling drugs, Gucci dropped the name pandemic was an opportunity, not a road- “We’re not doing things the traditional way La Flare and started Street N—a Entertain- block. “The pandemic is how I popped off to make sure we make profit.” 1017 is still ment — a short-lived rebrand that, after an my label,” he says. “While everybody [else] the equivalent of a “niche mom-and-pop” in intervention by Gucci’s mother as well as is going to sit on their money, I’m going Gucci’s words. But he hopes that “it’s going talent manager Debra Antney, then became to come out and sign artists. That was my to turn into a big Walmart.” So Icy Entertainment. whole strategy.” A few months before global Gucci Mane is not a rapper-turned- “‘Street N—a Entertainment’ was too lockdowns began, Gucci took to Twitter and executive, but rather, an executive-turned- hood — that ain’t gone get me too far,” says Instagram, promising $1 million and a deal rapper. Growing up in Atlanta (by way of Gucci. Upon his release from another six- to the “hardest unsigned artist out right Bessemer, Ala.), Gucci didn’t aspire to be month jail stint, its name changed again to now.” an artist. He graduated high school with 1017 Brick Squad Records; following a fall- First to cash in was Greensboro, Ga., a 3.0 GPA, and as a teenager dreamed of ing out with Antney, he shortened it to 1017, native Foogiano, who signed a $2 million discovering the next Kriss Kross. “I wanted an homage to his childhood home address. deal with Gucci and Atlantic: $1 million to be a Jermaine Dupri,” he says. “I never After his latest prison release, Gucci created for production and another as his advance. got into music thinking, ‘I’m going to be 1017 Eskimo, in partnership with Alamo Soon after came Shiesty, Enchanting and Big this rapper and just chase this solo career.’ Records/Universal, but after a few years, Scarr. “How do you just wake up one day It was like, ‘Let’s all put our heads together decided to go all in with Atlantic Records. and turn me from being stuck in the hood to to help [each other].’ It takes a village to do “I’ve been dealing with the staff and execs an unstoppable millionaire?” says Shiesty. “I anything. You need that community.” from Atlantic through my artist deal since wasn’t going to sign to anyone else. I prom- Gucci has been creating connections [2009],” says Gucci of his decision to enter ise I wasn’t.” in the Atlanta rap scene since his teenage the partnership. “We already had a great Shiesty vividly remembers his first meet- years. Just after graduating high school, he chemistry.” (When asked for details of the ing with Gucci Mane at Atlanta’s famed helped bring producer Zaytoven, then a vir- deal, a representative from Atlantic said, Patchwerk Studios, where Gucci recorded tual unknown making beats in his mother’s “We have a fruitful partnership and look much of his early music. Upon arrival, basement, to prominence; he did it again forward to a long future together.”) Gucci admired Shiesty’s “money spread,” with Mike WiLL Made-It, who got his start Much like Gucci himself, 1017 Global the skilled act of fanning out bills across and his signature producer tag from Gucci. Records — the label’s seventh name switch the arms and chest as a signifier of wealth. He mentored Metro Boomin; made a mix- thus far — has become a newly vigorous Shiesty recalls that Gucci asked for spread- tape with Future, four years prior to What Page 8 of 32

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a Time To Be Alive with Drake; and signed age and this stage in my career,” he says, “I n—a ass in the dirt,” he said, causing audibly both Migos and Young Thug in 2012, making get more pleasure out of seeing my artists mixed reactions from those present. collaborative mixtapes with each before kill the charts than me.” While Gucci may have used the Verzuz to their respective big breaks. Gucci recalls On the dimly lit lower level of a Manhat- swing the hatchet rather than bury it, the connecting a young, wide-eyed Nicki Minaj tan bar following his Billboard photo shoot, pair took the high road in the end, perform- with DJ Holiday and the Trapaholics, who Gucci says he has made peace with the lack ing their early smash “So Icy” together. “I hosted her groundbreaking mixtape, Beam of official industry acknowledgment. But as appreciate you for throwing out the olive Me Up Scotty. Gucci even hopped on the he reflects on the laundry list of artists and branch,” said Gucci. “It’s all love.” tape — which was recently rereleased on producers whose careers he has effectively “Looking back at it, it was tense but it was streaming services and scored a top 10 A&R’d, it’s hard not to notice the residual real,” Gucci says now. “It was a good step Billboard 200 debut — taking the lead on hurt in his eyes. “Is the true story of what forward. For us to do that and for nothing “Slumber Party.” really happened with all these artists and bad to happen, that was great.” In the end, “He has great ears,” says Atlantic Records how I helped them going to come to light?” the “So Icy” performance became an his- executive vp Juliette Jones, who has worked he asks pensively. “There are some interest- toric hip-hop moment and an opportunity with Gucci since his 2016 prison release. ing stories, and it was so long ago that they for both to receive their flowers. “He really understands culturally what is get lost. Nobody ever really told the true “If you wait on [the world] to give some working and what people are listening to story. [Artists] want to tell you what made credit, either they’re going to do it when and consuming.” them look good... I don’t get the credit.” you’re dead or when somebody has fallen off As Gucci refined his A&R skills, he also While his Grammy shelf may be want- and they’re not relevant anymore,” says Gu- gained prominence as a rapper, landing a ing, Gucci’s legacy is firmly established cci. “They never give it to the person when deal with Warner Music Group in 2009. As — that much was clear last November, they’re still in the moment.” an ascendant Atlanta star himself, Gucci when his Verzuz showdown with former Sitting in the Florida mansion she spent most of his early career releasing six archnemesis Jeezy broke the record for shares with her husband, Keyshia Ka’oir to 10 raw, eclectic mixtapes a year (which the platform’s most-viewed battle ever. The giggles. She is recalling how, for weeks after has added up to a whopping 74 tapes feuding rappers’ episode (their first time he first left prison, Gucci would gently wake to date). Long before the more-is-more sharing the stage after a nearly two-decade- her at 4 a.m. to whip him up a pre-sunrise streaming ecosystem developed, the release long beef ) attracted over 9 million viewers breakfast. “I’m like, ‘Listen here, you’re on strategy grew his fan base exponentially — a ratings figure that rivals the Grammys your jail schedule. People don’t wake up at — and was soon adopted by many up-and- telecast itself. four o’clock in the real world,’” she says with coming trap artists. The rappers spent the night fluctuat- a laugh. Gucci still starts his day at 4 a.m. — Fifteen years after Gucci’s arrival as a ing from ice cold glances to firing shots — but instead of waking Ka’oir for a carb-free forefather of trap, his influence still perme- squabbling, lobbing disses, keeping fans on meal, he heads to the gym for the first of two ates hip-hop culture. “I don’t think he has the edge of their seats in hope and fear that daily workouts. “I feel like I get a lot more gotten all of his flowers for how influen- tensions would boil over. Jeezy appeared accomplished if I wake up before every- tial he is to urban music, and culture as a measured, calling for unity and speaking on body,” he says. whole,” says Amina Diop, senior vp at Re- generational wealth and ownership, while Ka’oir and Gucci met on the set of his public Records who manages Gucci. Since Gucci was ever the entertainer, hurling dis- music video for 2010’s “911 Emergency,” his rebrand, Gucci has traded in defeated ses and insulting Jeezy’s outfit. “My outfit after the rapper insisted the Jamaican-born mugshots for high-fashion campaigns — he cost 10 bands — look at my opponent, man,” entrepreneur and model should appear as was the face of Gucci’s 2020 Cruise collec- said Gucci, pointing to Jeezy. “I don’t have his love interest. After some convincing, tion, solidifying his relationship with the no $10,000 outfit,” responded Jeezy, “but I she agreed, and at the shoot, she was taken luxury fashion house he was named after. own half of Atlanta.” aback by the man she met. “He was super “People began saying, ‘I’m Guwop down,’ In the night’s most jaw-dropping mo- well-spoken, he was loving, he was well- because they have on a Gucci outfit,” says ment, Gucci boasted about killing Jeezy’s mannered,” she recalls. “He held my hand, Diop. “They weren’t even using the word friend, Pookie Loc, during a 2005 attack on he opened the car door. And I was like, ‘This ‘Gucci’ as it pertains to fashion — they were Gucci at the apartment of a friend. Gucci, is different,’ especially for a gangster like using his name.” who believes Jeezy orchestrated the attack, him.” As Gucci tells it in his autobiogra- Gucci has yet to receive traditional ac- later turned himself in for the killing, claim- phy, his behavior even surprised him. “The colades, like a Grammy Award, and he is not ing self-defense. The charges were soon whole situation was out of character for a Grammy voter. While he says he doesn’t dropped due to insufficient evidence. me,” he writes. “I knew she was special.” care much about receiving a gold-plated After his impassioned performance of The relationship rapidly blossomed, but gramophone for himself, he does hope for “Truth,” the infamous Jeezy diss track about Gucci’s mental and physical well-being had signee Pooh Shiesty to win a few. “At this the attack, Gucci wasn’t done. “Put that long been deteriorating. As chronicled in Page 9 of 32

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his book, the rapper had a not-so-graceful Upon his release from prison, Gucci was According to 1017 artist Enchanting, Gucci tumble from his throne in the early 2010s: required to attend court-mandated therapy. is an especially protective father. “His kids There were multiple jail stints and criminal He was open to the idea, in part out of are in quarantine, which he does not play charges, ranging from minor traffic viola- curiosity as to whether the rumors circulat- games with,” she says, adding with a laugh, tions to battery, aggravated assault and pos- ing about his mental health had any merit. “Nobody sees those kids unless you get a session of weapons, plus a court-mandated “Everybody used to say that I was bipolar; corona[virus] test or a damn vaccine.” stay at a psychiatric hospital. He had be- I wanted to know if it’s true or not,” he As Gucci’s mother-of-all face tattoos — come embroiled in heated lawsuits involving says. In the end, “[the therapist] told me I the infamous ice cream cone on his right formerly trusted friends and partners and was fine,” says Gucci, and “[she] suggested cheek — has slowly faded away, so too has was dropped from Atlantic. In a now-infa- I don’t come anymore.” Still, he says the his trapper lifestyle. Gone are his weekly mous 2013 Twitter tirade, he targeted Nicki experience was positive and sought out a strip club outings; family nights have re- Minaj, Drake, Jeezy and Yo Gotti, among therapist of his own, whom he now periodi- placed evenings of throwing $50,000 in cash many others. Meanwhile, his addiction cally talks to on FaceTime. in the air. And, “He doesn’t travel with a gun to lean worsened, which both Ka’oir and “There’s a stigma that we have to get anymore,” says Ka’oir. “When we first met, Gucci say led to many of his falling-outs. By past, especially in the Black community,” he the gun was on his lap at all times. Now, he’s the time he went to prison on the firearms says. “Everybody needs to take care of their definitely a businessman.” conviction, “he was all over the place,” says mental health and shouldn’t be ashamed if Like Gucci’s own come-up, the rise Ka’oir. “It wasn’t a surprise for any of us. He they’re going through something and reach of 1017 hasn’t been entirely smooth. In was terrible at times.” out to a professional.” March, Foogiano was arrestedafter he vio- When she met Gucci, Ka’oir had already In October 2017, Gucci and Ka’oir tied the lated probation by melting off his court-or- begun building an empire of her own as the knot in a $2 million wedding televised on dered ankle monitor; he’s now set to serve a founder of Ka’oir Cosmetics, and says she BET (it drew over a million viewers), and five-year prison sentence. “Foogiano getting made her first million by 26. She certainly last year they welcomed their newborn son, arrested and locked up, that put a damper didn’t need Gucci — so why stick by the Ice Davis, two days before Christmas. “For on everybody’s spirit,” says Gucci. From self-described “paranoid mess” through maybe the first four weeks, [Gucci] put him the tone of his voice, his sympathy is clear. his three-year prison sentence? “I honestly to sleep every night on his chest by himself,” “He’s going through the same things that I loved him, and realized that he needed says Ka’oir. “He’s a great dad.” went through,” he says. “It has been tough love,” says Ka’oir. “He didn’t grow up with Gucci also has a 14-year-old son, who he seeing him go through that, especially with love. I felt like he was broken and just only became aware of when the child was him having a little boy. Me and him had a needed someone to show him affection, for 10 months old and finally met when he was son right around the same time. He’s in good him to have a purpose. And I wanted to be 1. “Me and the mother were kind of like spirits, but it’s still unfair to him, and we’re his purpose.” strangers,” he says. As a result, Gucci felt going to try and appeal it.” While Foogiano Each day of his sentence, Ka’oir spoke to like a first-time father with Ice. “I never is in prison, 1017 will still roll out his music Gucci multiple times. She sent him organic knew how much attention you got to pay and visuals. groceries on Christmas and Thanksgiv- to a baby,” he says. “It’s not easy. It’s a great When it comes to the decision-making of ing, scheduled her workouts and meals to thing and I love it, but it’s definitely chal- his signees, Gucci says he uses his own life coincide with his and constantly reassured lenging to be a parent.” as a testimony. “I definitely don’t want to him that it was only a matter of time before Much as his own father inspired him, come off as a hypocrite,” he says. “I always they’d be together again. “I remember tell- Gucci hopes to build something for Ice. tell them I want them to have a long-lasting ing him over the phone, ‘Just allow me to His new album, Ice Daddy, set for release career, and I show them what it takes to love you and come home to me,’” she says. on Father’s Day, pays homage to his infant get there.” His own arrests, addictions and “And those were the words and the conver- son and to his father, who was nicknamed damaged relationships came at a high cost: sations and the emails that got him out safe.” Slim Daddy. In addition to gracing the cover He parted ways with signings like Migos While the pair now lead a loving relation- of the album, Ice is listed as an executive and Young Thug, whose careers he could ship, their early days were a different story. producer. “I always want my music to talk not oversee from behind bars. Each arrest or In his book, Gucci admits to mistreating about what was going on in my life,” says personal setback often disempowered Gucci Ka’oir, screaming at her over the phone after Gucci. “And the most important thing in my in his quest for both peace and profit. For two weeks in an isolation cell, and berating life now is my son.” his protégés, he’s determined to get it right. her on social media. “I was in such a bad Fatherhood has caused him to reflect on “With my artists, it’s different,” he says. “I place when I went to prison, and I just give his own parents’ struggles a bit differently. do want to be their role model.” her all the credit,” he says. “She definitely “Having a baby definitely made me less criti- As live events slowly return, Gucci him- is a blessing and I’m grateful for her. I don’t cal of my parents,” he says. “Now I see that self still plans to tour but has significantly take her for granted.” we’re all humans and do the best we can.” slowed his musical output, opting to drop Page 10 of 32

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compilations and mixtapes dedicated to During Boulos’ tenure at Arista, in Febru- each of his signees instead of a slew of solo Radio Promo ary 2020, the label landed back in the top projects. Strategizing with Atlantic on roll- 10 of the Billboard 200 albums chart for the outs and plans for his artists is what most Veteran John first time since its reimagining with Louis excites him now. “Seeing them succeed, Tomlinson’s debut album, Walls. that’s what makes me feel more accom- Boulos Stepping In other successes, the label scooped plished,” he says, his voice swelling with up pop singer Ant Saunders after his glee. “It’s something that I’ve always loved Away From Arista runaway hit “Yellow Hearts” went viral on to do, but now I’m actually getting paid from TikTok in 2019, and is home to Canadian it.” BY TATIANA CIRISANO singer JP Saxe, whose smash “If the World His immobilizing years in prison may be Was Ending” featuring Julia Michaels was over, but Gucci moves just as thoughtfully fter spending the past three years nominated for song of the year at the 63rd as he did on his first day out. His colleagues helping build the relaunched annual Grammy Awards and entered the top and loved ones say he’s beyond punc- Arista Records as executive vp of 10 of Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 Airplay tual, often showing up to events, calls and promotion, John Boulos is leav- and Adult Top 40 Airplay charts. photo shoots early (he arrived at his Bill- ingA the label to spend time with his loved The label is also home to up-and-comers board shoot 45 minutes beforehand), and ones, effective June 4. like UPSAHL, Tai Verdes and Greyson spends his spare time outside of work with The veteran radio promotion executive Chance. his son and wife. He is calmer and more — who has worked at over a dozen compa- A New York native, Boulos began his ca- trusting, free of the grip his vices once held. nies throughout his four-decade career in reer in the mailroom at London Records in “With me doing drugs and the toll it took the music industry — shared the news in the 1970s, while by night, he promoted club on my life, I look at the Pimp Cs, DMXs, an email to label staff on Wednesday (May DJs during the city’s booming dance era. He Black Robs, Princes and I decide what I 26), thanking Arista president/CEO David went on to hold roles at companies includ- want my legacy to look like,” he says. In Massey. ing PolyGram, Virgin, Epic, Warner Bros. 2018, Gucci sold the rights to his autobiog- “After a lot of thought and consideration, and Capitol, in that order. raphy to Paramount Pictures, which he says I have decided that as of June 4th I will be will release a biopic in the near future. In leaving the company to spend some per- the meantime, he and Ka’oir have plans for sonal time with those I love,” he wrote. “In Trey Anastasio to growth of a different kind. “I think Ice needs a long career that has taken me through a somebody to play with,” he says, hinting at lot of fantastic labels, I can say that the past Play Manhattan’s perhaps having another baby or two. 3 years starting and developing Arista has As Gucci shares vivid reflections on the been one of the major highlights.” First Full-Capacity “three most challenging roles” in his life — “I have watched us grow into the future father, husband and music executive, in that of this great business,” he continued. “Our Indoor Show Post- order — he looks self-assured and collected, baby label is growing up and the many a far cry from the broken man who entered successes we have had bring nothing but COVID a federal correctional institution eight years smiles to my face and joy to my heart. I ago. “I’m definitely still a work in progress,” want to thank David Massey for allowing BY DAVE BROOKS he admits in his Alabama drawl. “I’m not me to join all of you on this journey. I now perfect. I’m still evolving. look forward to the next phase in life, both hish frontman Trey Anasta- “I got another opportunity to do it again,” personally and professionally. After working sio will perform the first full-ca- he continues. “This time, I’m not going to at 13 companies in this amazing business, I pacity indoor concert in Manhat- prison. I’m here to experience it from the have always appreciated my ability to move tan next month at the Beacon beginning to the end.” around, make many new friends and try new PTheatre in a performance that will undoubt- challenges on this short journey of life.” edly make history and quickly sell out when The New York-based label was founded tickets go on sale tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET. by Clive Davis in 1974, and was home to The June 22 and 23 dates, presented by such talent as Whitney Houston and Patti Madison Square Garden Entertainment, will Smith before it was shuttered in 2011. Sony be performed to a 100% vaccinated audience Music Entertainment relaunched the label of 2,700 fans, making it the first concert of under Massey’s leadership in 2018, and Bou- its kind in New York following a press con- los officially joined in January 2019, coming ference with Governor Andrew Cuomo on off an 11-year run at Atlantic Records. May 17 with MSG Entertainment executive Page 11 of 32

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chairman and chief executive Jim Dolan. tions of the company’s talent management, therapist introduced me to called “pain During the press conference, Dolan an- music and TV and film businesses. He serves avoidance.” I developed a gilded set of nounced that MSG planned to begin book- as manager to Janelle Monae, Jidenna, strategies designed to avoid catastrophic ing 100% capacity fully vaccinated shows in Angela Rye, Nate Wonder, Chuck Lightning, and disruptive pain, loss and/or disap- hopes of encouraging unvaccinated music Isis Valentino, Roman GianArthur and Josh pointment. These strategies allowed me to fans to get their shot. Anastasio has a long Dean. Prior to Wondaland, he spent 10 years carefully control and manage relationships relationship with MSG — he was the only as a staffer in Congress, where he served and situations to avoid painful outcomes artist to play the Beacon during the pan- as chief of staff to Congresswoman Maxine at the expense of my growth and develop- demic for his streaming eight-week The Waters. Moore is a graduate of Morehouse ment. Fear, abandonment issues and anxiety Beacon Jams series on Twitch and can be College. were deeply embedded in the walls of my seen in the documentary What Calls You Like many others, I have wrestled with a monument, distorting my self-image like a Home on YouTube. variety of what I now can identify as mental funhouse mirror. While the Beacon shows are currently the health challenges, including depression and While I was dodging the inevitable debris first concerts in the city, Anastasio will play anxiety, for at least the last 10 years. But it of life, I was dancing repeatedly headfirst his first shows in the state at the Saratoga was not until October of 2019 that I made into the walls I had built to protect myself. Performing Arts Center on June 18, 19 and the decision to begin weekly therapy. It I may have avoided some forms of heart- 20. Tickets are currently sold out. Phish was at that time that it became obvious to break and disappointment, but I normalized are also scheduled to tour this summer and me that I could not be the future husband a dull but constant pain which resulted in fall, with dates starting in July and running and father nor current friend, brother, son, ongoing and relentless suffering. The nicks through October. grandson, cousin, uncle, leader or busi- and bruises became normal, and I did not Peter Shapiro, who runs the Brooklyn ness partner I wanted to be while silently recognize that they were changing me and Bowl and Capitol Theatre, two well-known carrying the weights of my past and current crippling me until 2019, when the careful jam band venues in New York, applauded traumas alone. choreography of avoidance failed me. The the announcement and said he is planning Previously, I did not have the desire, nor dancing began to take up so much energy to reopen his venues in September. the language, to name my darkness, deep and cause so much injury that I no longer “We are going to go hard in September valleys, loneliness, isolation and fears. As had the strength to hold space for romantic and I just need to make sure our staff is a result, I did not have the tools to under- love, my friends, family and my business all ready to go,” Shapiro said. stand, manage and ultimately heal from at once. And as an overachieving problem those challenges. I had been conditioned as solver, the inability to manage my circum- a part of my (toxic) masculinity grooming stances was maddening. How Does process that these moments of suffering, no Luckily, I am blessed with a community, matter how extended or destructive to self both personal and professional, that is filled Wondaland and others, were mine and mine alone to with people doing the work to process and overcome. The concept of needing tools spe- improve their mental health in a variety Managing Partner cifically to manage or improve my emotional of ways. In particular, in my personal life, and mental health was not only foreign, but Stephanie Young, and in my professional Mikael Moore therapy in particular had been positioned as life, my partners Janelle Monae and Angela a modality of whiteness. Rye and my colleague Gillian Williams, have Stay Mindful? While I had tried therapy before, I now all demonstrated what it means to priori- realize that I sat on those couches trying to tize mental health while in the pursuit of BY JOE LYNCH prove to the therapist and myself that I was personal and professional excellence. Their okay and didn’t need them to solve my prob- personal work and willingness to discuss n recognition of Mental Health Aware- lems. The proof was in my high function that work created a safe space and allowed ness Month, Billboard has partnered and success, I reasoned. But, in those rooms, me and others to disabuse ourselves of the with Ian Davis and Brandon Hol- I was performing a choreographed waltz, notion that one could not both be strong man of The Mindful Creative on a much like the one I performed every day in and seek tools to manage and improve your Iseries of conversations with music artists and public, only often to end my day exhausted mental health at the same time. As their self- executives about the self-care practices they and disconnected. I was a superhero whose work deepened, I gained strength. As their use to keep themselves on track, both during powers lasted in limited short bursts, only to willingness to share grew, our community the pandemic and beyond. crumple into a heap of my personal dark- began to share resources and discuss mental This installment is with Mikael Moore, nesses behind closed doors. health more openly. As they went through managing partner at Wondaland. Moore Behind those closed doors, I had built their respective mental health journeys, I oversees the business and strategic opera- a towering monument to a term that my witnessed each of them become more pow- Page 12 of 32

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erful, more creative, and demonstrate what retreats; executive and staff training focused true boldness and leadership looks like. on supporting mental health; and annual Viral Teen Punks Through the support of my community, I 360 review for team and artists to make sure have developed a relationship with therapy our policies, business structures, compensa- The Linda Lindas that is centered on giving voice to my joys, tion, strategy and service is aligned with a pains, traumas, roadblocks, triggers and supportive mental health ecosystem. Sign to Epitaph triumphs. Therapy has provided me with It is my hope that the various partners in tangible tools to work through moments our industry all recognize that they have a Records: ‘Now of darkness and doubt and an objective ac- role to play in supporting the mental health countability partner for the ongoing work of the communities they partner with and It Feels We Can that I am committed to, including decon- profit from. All too often, they contribute to structing those monuments. Consistent its diminishment. Partners must understand Actually Make a therapy has not been a magic bullet, but that the various stressors embedded in busi- it has been my gateway to a mindfulness ness models and practices contribute to the Difference’ practice that has facilitated tremendous mental health of the industry. Partners must healing, which now also includes yoga, writ- engage in fair business practices, healthcare BY GIL KAUFMAN ing, laughing, dancing, working out, talking resources, strategic planning and investment shit, listening to my grandmothers talk shit, in the communities from which they extract iral Los Angeles teen sensation healthy eating and psychedelics. so much wealth and value. We have an op- The Linda Lindas have offi- I recognize that I and others are privi- portunity to re-center mental health as a key cially signed to iconic punk label leged to have the support, resources and daily community and business metric, and it Epitaph Records, and have also access to mental health tools that so many is something we can do together by provid- bookedV their first late-night TV gig. The do not have. As such, we have the respon- ing the necessary safe spaces and resources independent label — home to 1-2-3-4 stal- sibility to normalize and broaden access to to support the artists, support staff and busi- warts such as Bad Religion, Rancid, The mental health resources as a human right on ness partners within our industry. Offspring, Pennywise and dozens of others a policy and economic level. The future of the Black community and — announced the news on Thursday (May It is my hope that the sort of community the industries that leverage our genius is 27), a week after a video of the band’s rag- and industry safe space that I have expe- dependent on how seriously we take the ing original about confronting high school rienced for the maintenance of my mental current mental health crisis. This crisis, xenophobia and sexism, “Racist, Sexist Boy,” health can be integrated into all of our social where so many suffer in silence, is a byprod- exploded on YouTube. and business practices and live beyond an uct of an intersectional oppression built on According to a release, Epitaph ap- annual month of awareness. Each of us can a foundation of economic, spiritual, physical proached guitarist-singer Lucia, 14, an eighth participate in building a future that allows and emotional violence against our minds grader (“Linda No. 3”); bassist-singer Eloise, space for the celebration of our mental and bodies. It is going to take our full per- 13, a seventh grader (“Linda Linda No. 2); health and therapists/coaches, in the same sonal and professional communities to shift fifth grade drummer-singer Mila, 10 (“Linda way we celebrate our weight transforma- the thinking around how we identify, de- Linda No. 4); and guitarist-singer Bela, 16, a tions, trainers and food regimens. stigmatize, brand, support and treat mental junior (“Linda Linda No. 1”) several months So, at Wondaland, we are following the health. It is why moments like Mental before their daytime set at the Los Angeles lead of companies like my brothers at LVRN, Health Awareness Month are so important Public Library blew up. The socially con- who have made mental health a community, as starting points, not finish lines. scious group’s music quickly earned the social and business imperative. As of this As told to Joe Lynch and Ian Davis. attention and thumbs-ups from a number of writing, Wondaland provides unlimited major supporters, including Paramore’s Hay- PTO, mandatory company closures for a ley Williams, the Roots’ Questlove, Silversun three-day weekend every month and a four- Pickups, Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna, the day weekend every quarter; an additional Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea and Rage Against mental health stipend to offset costs if a the Machine guitarist Tom Morello. team member’s preferred therapist is out of “With their explosive and authentic col- network; a mental health fund for emerging lision of garage-punk, power-pop, and new artists for therapists or other mental health wave, The Linda Lindas are an exciting new maintenance activities; a discretionary des- addition to the Epitaph roster,” the label ignated “treat yo’ self” annual bonus in addi- said. Singer Lucia added, “Epitaph offered tion to pre-negotiated compensation; semi- us full creative control and they’re really annual, company-wide wellness-focused supportive of what we want to do as a band. Page 13 of 32

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We’re really happy about signing with them, complaints from residents. Ultra organizers and we can’t wait to put out more music.” Ultra Music moved the festival to Virginia Key in 2019, The band formed in 2018 and first per- but logistical issues and sound complaints formed together when former Dum Dum Festival Will from new neighbors prompted organizers Girls singer Kristin Kontrol invited them not to seek another year at that location. to play some covers for a Girlschool LA Return to Miami Ultra was set to return to downtown showcase, after which they formed the band Miami in March 2020, but a nationwide and began booking DIY gigs around their With Neighbors’ coronavirus lockdown going into effect just hometown, opening for punk legend Alice days before the festival forced its can- Bag and reunited riot grrrl band Bikini Kill Blessing cellation. The event was postponed for in 2019 at the Hollywood Palladium. another year this past March, set to return The quartet self-released their self-titled BY ASSOCIATED PRESS in 2022. debut EP in December 2020 and had a cameo in Amy Poehler’s early 2021 coming-of-age ne of the world’s top electronic comedy Moxie! Their May 4 40-minute set music festivals is returning to Shape-Shifting and interview at the Cypress Branch of the downtown Miami next year L.A. Public Library included “Racist, Sexist with the blessing of neighbors Rapper Sean Boy,” as well original songs “Claudia Kishi” Owho have complained about the event in the (for the 2020 Netflix short doc about the past. Leon Talks Indie Japanese-American character from The Ba- Organizers of the Ultra Music Festival by-Sitters Club), a track about missing their announced Tuesday an agreement to settle Success Beyond friends during the pandemic (“Missing”), tensions with the Downtown Neighbors the poppy rave-up “Never Say Never,” a song Alliance, the Miami Herald reported. The Play Counts: about the guitarist Bela’s cat (“Monica”), the association representing 13 downtown bouncy “No Clue” and covers of Bikini Kill’s condominium towers will no longer seek to ‘I’d Love to Take iconic anthem “Rebel Girl” and The Muffs’ remove the event from Bayfront Park. “Big Mouth.” Ultra said in a statement it would ad- Those Numbers The two singles and an EP for sale on dress issues like construction schedules, their Bandcamp page were produced and park closures, noise monitoring and traffic Away’ mixed by Grammy-winning producer Carlos management. de la Garza (Paramore, Bad Religion), who Festival organizers and residents found a BY NEENA ROUHANI also happens to be Mila’s dad. balance between protecting local lifestyles “We knew the song would get a good and hosting large-scale music productions, o call Sean Leon a rapper would reaction, but we never imagined this,” Eloise Ultra spokesman Ray Martinez said. He sug- be at least half true. The 30-year- said about the explosive reaction to “Racist, gested the event being canceled the past two old Toronto native is the definition Sexist Boy” that helped blast them into the years might have helped negotiations. of a shapeshifter, seamlessly ma- public consciousness, and rack up more than “Maybe the COVID pause gave both sides Tneuvering from star of the show, to behind- 622,000 views to date on the video. “Even an opportunity to kind of take a breath, if the-scenes songwriter, to creative director, though we started the band for fun, now it you will, and come to the table without the to filmmaker — while consistently pushing feels we can actually make a difference with impending event looming over either side,” boundaries through his multi-faceted ap- what we’re doing.” Martinez said. proach to success. Lucia added, “People have reached out Downtown Neighbors Alliance President From the living room of his two-story loft, to us from all over the world — we get a lot James Torres said in a statement that his Leon’s eyes light up as he expands on his lat- of messages from little girls, but we also get group was pleased with the deal. est project, God’s Algorithm, an immersive messages from grandmothers. We always “We believe that this agreement will al- album experience, with tracks originally hope that the music we put out will inspire low Ultra and its neighbors to coexist and released as files for purchase on his website, other young girls, but we also want it to will highlight Downtown Miami as ‘One rather than on streaming platforms. “I have make anyone feel like they can do anything, Community for All,’ and a great place to live, way more freedom and liberties to create no matter what age they are.” work and play,” Torres said. something that’s not as 2D,” Leon says. The The band are working on new music and Ultra had been hosted in downtown Mi- album’s sonic elements— wide synths, pads, will make their national TV debut on June 3 ami for nearly two decades until 2018. After voice-morphing Auto-Tune and echoing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that year’s event, city commissioners voted reverb — reflect the themes of love and Watch “Racist, Sexist Boy” below. not to renew the festival’s contract following technology that inform the lyrical content. Page 14 of 32

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All the while, Leon remains in modern hip- Today, Leon feels the most connected he’s traditional platforms and systems. Why hop form, with smooth drum patterns and ever been to his creativity and vision, but is that? melodic rhyme schemes. not long ago, the multi-hyphenate was con- [There are] so many reasons to be against To call God’s Algorithm an album would templating leaving his solo artist pursuits the streaming services. The way they com- also be about half-accurate. He created a behind — at least until he met Kanye West in pensate artists, the gatekeeping, the way the website — referred to as the “beta”— where 2019, a link-up that changed the trajectory work is cataloged. I don’t think artists really his new music, among other assets for the of his career. Billboard caught up with Leon have enough say, especially independent release, all live. On the landing page, fans to discuss his new album, rediscovering his ones, on how their work looks, where it must create an account to “see,” “touch” and creativity with Kanye, and the impact of stands [and] who’s next to it. I’d rather have “hear” the album, through visuals, audio streaming metrics on indie artists. 100,000 fans that I can just speak to directly. files, NFTs (a jpeg image of the album art How’s your mind doing these days? I can achieve a user base of over 100,000 which sold for $2,800) and apparel, allowing In the last three months, I could call people that are not passive — they signed up Leon to break free from the confines of tra- myself successful. I don’t think I could utter because they’re enthusiastic. ditional releases. “The intention of the beta those words before. For the first time in my But on the flip side, I understand the was to do two things,” he says. “One was to life, I’m really just driven by my ideas and value of [streaming services]. I love having create something new, and two, to create a my curiosity. I’ve never been so plugged access to every single song that was ever user base of people I can communicate with into my thought process or knowing where made on my phone. That’s something we that I know are passionate about me and my I want to go. But I think in order to achieve take for granted. So it’s not anti-streaming work — or at the very least, curious.” that, I had to turn my back on almost every- services; there’s a good potential that under While Leon often rejects traditional thing and everyone else. But [it’s] a small the right circumstance, the music does end routes to success and accolades, he’s gained price to pay. I have energy because I only up hitting streaming services. quite a bit of both of his own. In addition to focus on the world I’m building. How do you think metric systems used writing on seven of the 10 tracks from Dan- Let’s talk about that world. What was on streaming platforms affect indie art- iel Caesar’s Case Study 01, Leon scored a No. the thought process behind God’s Algo- ists? 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit as a writer on Justin rithm? We don’t need to know how many plays Bieber’s “Peaches,” featuring Caesar and God’s Algorithm doesn’t exist without somebody got. That exists because it’s a way Giveon, and won a Grammy for his writing COVID. I went from being around a commu- for people to make money, by creating a hi- on Kanye West’s album, Jesus Is King, which nity to being at home, working on my music erarchy for music. It’s oppressing artists and took home the award for best contemporary by myself. I started exploring the relation- robbing them of their confidence. It’s why Christian music album. The gilded gramo- ship between music and technology and was they won’t release their work, because they phone is currently en route to Leon. “I’m wondering — is [technology] helping my don’t feel like they’ll get a million plays in trying not to obsess over it,” he says with a loneliness, or is feeding it? Then I started the first week. I’d love to take those numbers chuckle. “I’ve learned that a tracking num- exploring the themes on God’s Algorithm. away and go song for song with a lot of [art- ber is your best friend, but it’s your worst The intention of the [website] was to ists]. In that scenario, my catalogue would [enemy] too.” speak to [fans] directly, because I was get- be extremely impressive, [but] when you Outside of his own artistry, Leon is an ting so exhausted competing on social media look at the numbers, it’s like the numbers of architect of Toronto’s creative infrastruc- platforms. If I’m going to Spotify, Apple any independent artist. ture. In 2019, he created PUPIL, a produc- Music or Tidal, and releasing this music, Working with Kanye was sort of a turn- tion company that focuses on amplifying there are certain things that I have to do in ing point for you. How did that happen? Black voices and stories through five order to meet the criteria and be successful The music industry was really frustrating mediums: sound, form, reel, home and time. by the standards of their metric system. But me at the time. Beginning of 2019, I was like, PUPIL recently collaborated with Red Bull if I’m just creating something that is going “I don’t want to be a pop star,” so I started on a documentary titled House of Leon, to serve as a platform and experience for songwriting. I wrote a song for Daniel scheduled to hit the festival circuit later people to consume my art, I have way more [Caesar] called “Restore the Feeling.” Danny this year, and supported The Right Now freedom and I can create a more immersive invited me to finish the album with him in Project — a remote arts education program experience that’s not as 2D. I love Instagram LA. When I went, I ended up meeting so for inmates at New York City jails — by and make great use of it with what was laid many of my favorite artists: Brandy, Baby- providing instrumentals for inmates to write out for me. But I was thinking — what does face, Pharrell and Chad [Hugo], Jay-Z, it was music over. If that wasn’t enough, Leon also my art look like in a space that I can control crazy. A week later we went to Sunday Ser- worked as a writer on Hulu’s sci-fi hip-hop completely? vice and I met [Kanye]. When I heard [the series Utopia Falls, and served as co-creative You haven’t released the entire God’s choir] for the first time, I literally balled. director on longtime friend Caesar’s Case Algorithm track list on streaming plat- Afterwards, my friend River Tiber said, Study 01 tour. forms, and have sort of rejected these “You should’ve played Kanye ‘The Glade,’” a Page 15 of 32

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song I wrote for myself and just sat on. [The an artist to be compensated and entrench is accompanied by a music video directed next week] I’m like, “Yo, am I really gonna [their] narrative. by Jason Ano that intermixes candid foot- sit in LA and watch Netflix? Or am I going I just love the idea of decentralizing ev- age of the three Indonesian transplants to show [Kanye] this song that I know he’s erything. If used correctly, [NFTs] are ways together along with intimate vignettes of gonna love?” So I snuck back into Sunday that an independent artist can really make life in Californian suburbia, and glimpses of Service. [After the show] he let me play the a comfortable living, and be rewarded with Asian-Americana. Listen to it here. song right there. He loved it. I gave him the the resources necessary to continue doing “Head In The Clouds III is the next in- files for the song and my contact info, and I what they love. stallment of the iconic album series featur- went back to Toronto. Two weeks later, his Aside from Daniel Caesar and ‘Ye, who ing 88rising artists and special guests from engineer hit me saying that Kanye wanted else do you aspire to write with? East to West. The project will bring listeners me to come out to Calabasas to work on Je- SZA. I’m very curious about how her from around the world into the Asian dia- sus is King. mind works. I think she’s terrifying in the sporic experience through a universal lens - As a kid, I was like, “One day I will meet best way possible. Frank Ocean as well. If I lovelorn, self-reflective, and homesick songs Kanye and he’s gonna love my music.” Col- could just be a fly in the wall and just watch about triumphing over self-doubt and being lege Dropout was the first CD I ever bought. him. I think Drake is secretly responsible for caught between two worlds,” a press release I felt indebted to him before I even met him. a lot more than he lets on. I’d love to just see announcing the project explains. And now I got a Grammy in the mail. him work. The track features acoustic guitar and How did those experiences in L.A. with Looking forward, what are your goals? production from Wallis Lane, Jack LoMas- ‘Ye and Danny affect you? To hit 100,000 users in the God’s Al- tro and Jacob Ray. Before that, I don’t think I had a validat- gorithm user base. But I genuinely don’t 2021 marks the very first time the Head ing moment. I’m independent, so I have to believe in the [judging musical success by in the Clouds Festival, which originally celebrate my own victories and I can’t be metrics] anymore. I think my only goal is to debuted in 2018, will be held over a span of certain that I should be celebrating them. create scenarios in which I can continue to two days, growing from 10,000 attendees in Sometimes I wonder, “Is this just my ego?” work and operate at this high level. Freely, 2018 to 22,500 in 2019. Both years took place It was validating when I saw [Jesus Is King] without worry of money and things like at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, with bring my parents a lot of joy. It made me that. star-studded lineups from the Pan-Asian return to my faith and explore it in a deeper community. way and actually get curious again. “We’re excited to bring back the world’s I don’t think I’ve ever fully doubted my 88rising Sets greatest Asian music festival to Los Angeles fate. I have moments of weakness. But I’ll at a new location just outside the historic always bounce back; I truly believe that this Date, Venue Rose Bowl. Both the 88rising and Gold- is a prophecy for me. And on top of that, it’s envoice teams have been hard at work to harder to quit now. I can see my work im- for Head In The provide fans an immaculate experience from pacting and affecting people. I spent maybe the lineup to the production to the food. We the last nine years creating a base. It was Clouds Festival can’t wait to see everyone there,” said 88ris- really post-Kanye and post-tour with Daniel ing founder Sean Miyashiro. Caesar that I realized that I can do anything BY DAVE BROOKS This year, a $1 donation per ticket will and slowly start building vertically. ensure that young people in Los Angeles It looks like you’ve got NFTs on the 8rising and Goldenvoice an- have access to creative exploration through website too. What’s that experience been nounced today that the 2021 Inner-City Arts, widely recognized as one like? Head In the Clouds Festival will of the nation’s most effective arts education People started hitting me up every single take place on Saturday, Nov. 6-7 providers for children in Los Angeles’ Skid day about NFTs which at the time I knew 8at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Row. Purchasers will have the option to nothing about. [When I added NFTs], the California. donate additional funds at checkout. response was really great. We’re on the In conjunction with the festival an- Registration is open now for exclusive precipice of a digital migration and revolu- nouncement is the release of “California,” access to the presale and the lowest Trust tion. And we’re seeing that in currency, the next single from 88rising’s long-await- Us presale ticket for fans. Presale begins with crypto, but I think we also see that in ed Head In The Clouds lll collaborative May 28 at 10am Pacific, with general public social and cultural ways. [NFTs] are a tool album, via 88rising/12Tone Music, LLC. on sale on June 4. for an artist to empower themselves or their “California” features 88rising flagship movement. Like any new innovation, there artists Rich Brian and NIKI and new- will be a group of people that try to exploit it comer Warren Hue as a heartfelt ode to but I think beyond that, it’s another way for the idyllic Golden State. The single release Page 16 of 32

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Voting for the viewer’s choice award begins Best male R&B / pop artist: Megan Thee on June 7. 6lack The nominees for best new artist are Coi Anderson .Paak Stallion & Leray, Flo Milli, Giveon, Jack Harlow, Latto Chris Brown and Pooh Shiesty. (The nominees for view- Giveon DaBaby Lead er’s choice award: best new international act Tank will be released at a later date.) The Weeknd 2021 BET Awards The show, which is in its 21st year, bills Best female hip hop artist: itself “as the ultimate platform to showcase Cardi B Nominations: Full the best, brightest, and most beautiful as- Coi Leray pects of the Black experience – celebrating Doja Cat List Black music’s present and future, and elevat- Megan Thee Stallion ing the culture and being a driving force for Latto BY PAUL GREIN social change.” Saweetie Nominations are selected by BET’s “vot- Best male hip hop artist: egan Thee Stallion and Da- ing academy,” which is comprised of fans DaBaby Baby are the top nominees for and a group of entertainment pros in the Drake the 2021 BET Awards, with fields of television, film, music, social media, J. Cole seven nods each. The show digital marketing, sports journalism, public Jack Harlow Mwill air live on Sunday, June 27 from the Mi- relations, and creative arts. Lil Baby crosoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. “We are back and excited to bring cul- Pop Smoke BET will air the show at 8 p.m. ET/ PT. ture’s biggest night, the 2021 BET Awards, Best new artist: Cardi B and Drake are next in line safely back to Los Angeles to celebrate this Coi Leray with five nominations each. Anderson year’s incredible roster of nominees,” said Flo Milli .Paak, Bruno Mars, Chloe X Halle, Connie Orlando, BET’s EVP specials, music Giveon and Chris Brown follow with four nods programming & music strategy, in a state- Jack Harlow each. ment. Latto Following last year’s virtual show, the Orlando is one of two executive producers Pooh Shiesty BET Awards returns this year with a live of the show, along with Jesse Collins, CEO Best collaboration: audience. Beginning today, vaccinated of Jesse Collins Entertainment. Collins had Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion – individuals can register here for consid- a historic year as a producer, having served “WAP” eration to be part of the live audience. BET as one of the producers of the Super Bowl DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch – “Rockstar” says it will work closely with Los Angeles halftime show, the Grammy Awards and the DJ Khaled featuring Drake – “Popstar” County to support community vaccination Oscars. Jack Harlow featuring DaBaby, Tory Lanez efforts and ensure adherence to COVID-19 For the latest BET Awards news and & Lil Wayne – “Whats Poppin (Remix)” protocols. updates, including details on audience selec- Megan Thee Stallion featuring DaBaby – Cardi B has two of the six nominees for tion and eligibility, visit BET.com/Awards. “Cry Baby” video of the year — “Up” and “WAP” (fea- Here’s the complete list of nominees for Pop Smoke featuring Lil Baby & DaBaby – turing Megan Thee Stallion). the 2021 BET awards: “For the Night” DaBaby is a participant in with four of Album of the year: Best group: the six nominees for best collaboration. He After Hours - The Weeknd 21 Savage & Metro Boomin is nominated for his work alongside Roddy Blame It on Baby - DaBaby Chloe X Halle Ricch (“Rockstar”), Megan Thee Stallion Good News - Megan Thee Stallion Chris Brown & Young Thug (“Cry Baby”), Pop Smoke & Lil Baby (“For Heaux Tales - Jazmine Sullivan City Girls the Night”), and Jack Harlow, Tory Lanez & King’s Disease - Nas Migos Lil Wayne (“Whats Poppin- Remix”). Ungodly Hour - Chloe X Halle Silk Sonic Megan Thee Stallion and Drake each have Best female R&B / pop artist: Dr. Bobby Jones best gospel/inspira- two of the eight nominees for the viewer’s Beyoncé tional award: choice award. Megan is nominated for H.E.R. Bebe Winans - “In Jesus Name” “WAP” and the “Savage (Remix),” featuring Jazmine Sullivan CeCe Winans - “Never Lost” Beyoncé. Drake is nominated for “Laugh Jhené Aiko H.E.R. - “Hold Us Together” Now Cry Later” (featuring Lil Durk) and as Summer Walker Kirk Franklin - “Strong God” a featured artist on DJ Khaled’s “Popstar.” SZA Marvin Sapp - “Thank You for It All” Page 17 of 32

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Tamela Mann – “Touch From You” Best actress: er. The new partnership was announced on BET HER award: Andra Day Wednesday (May 26). Alicia Keys featuring Khalid – “So Done” Angela Bassett Through the venture, Mass Appeal will Brandy featuring Chance the Rapper – Issa Rae sign artists directly, with access to The “Baby Mama” Jurnee Smollett Orchard’s suite of services, including full- Bri Steves – “Anti Queen” Viola Davis service marketing, sync licensing, video Chloe X Halle – “Baby Girl” Zendaya services, transparent data analysis, advertis- Ciara featuring Ester Dean – “Rooted” Best actor: ing, rights management and radio, among SZA – “Good Days” Aldis Hodge other resources. Viewer’s choice award: Chadwick Boseman Nas — who began his career at the Sony- Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion – Damson Idris owned Columbia Records — will also release “WAP” Daniel Kaluuya new music through the partnership. Mass Chris Brown & Young Thug – “Go Crazy” Eddie Murphy Appeal was previously signed into a distri- DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch – “Rockstar” Lakeith Stanfield bution deal with Universal Music Group, DJ Khaled featuring Drake – “Popstar” Youngstars award: which included releasing Nas’ albums NA- Drake featuring Lil Durk – “Laugh Now Cry Alex R. Hibbert SIR (2018), The Lost Tapes 2 (2019) and the Later” Ethan Hutchison Grammy-winning King’s Disease (2020) in Lil Baby – “The Bigger Picture” Lonnie Chavis collaboration with Def Jam Recordings. Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé – Marsai Martin “This is a full circle moment for me,” “Savage (Remix)” Michael Epps Nas said in a statement. “To come back to Silk Sonic – “Leave the Door Open” Storm Reid Sony Music with my own label is a major Video of the year: Sportswoman of the year award: milestone. We see this multi-phase initiative Cardi B – “Up” A’ja Wilson as an opportunity to continue to push the Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion – Candace Parker culture forward, educate and inspire.” “WAP” Claressa Shields He added, “It’s what we do it for, I Chloe X Halle – “Do It” Naomi Osaka couldn’t be more excited.” Chris Brown & Young Thug – “Go Crazy” Serena Williams Brad Navin, CEO of The Orchard said in a Drake featuring Lil Durk – “Laugh Now Cry Skylar Diggins-Smith statement, “As a company and strategic part- Later” Sportsman of the year award: ner, The Orchard will continue to empower Silk Sonic – “Leave the Door Open” Kyrie Irving and reinforce their creative vision and help Video director of the year: Lebron James all artists under the partnership [to] expand Benny Boom Patrick Mahomes their global reach.” Bruno Mars & Florent Déchard Russell Westbrook Cole Bennett Russell Wilson Colin Tilley Stephen Curry Motion Picture Dave Meyers Hype Williams Academy Seeks to Best international act: Nas Returns to Aya Nakamura (France) Slow Rapid Rate Burna Boy (Nigeria) Sony With New Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) of Membership Emicida (Brazil) Mass Appeal, Headie One (Uk) Growth Wizkid (Nigeria) Orchard Deal Young T & Bugsey (Uk) BY PAUL GREIN Youssoupha (France) BY DARLENE ADEROJU Best movie: n a surprise move, the Academy of Coming 2 America ndependent music distributor The Motion Picture Arts and Sciences an- Judas and the Black Messiah Orchard — a subsidiary of Sony Music nounced Wednesday (May 26) that it Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Entertainment — has penned a new is seeking to slow the rate of growth of One Night in Miami deal with Mass Appeal Records, a Iits new members. Soul Ilabel co-founded by Grammy-award win- “To ensure the necessary infrastructure, The United States Vs. Billie Holiday ner Nas in 2014, alongside Peter Bittenbend- staff resources and environment to support Page 18 of 32

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all Academy members, this year’s growth in ted to advancing its Aperture 2025 initia- couple with her,” said MUNA in a statement. membership will be limited to roughly half tive, furthering goals to increase equity and “We said, ‘Sadly, we are all taken but we that of recent years,” the Academy said in a inclusion in the stories told through film, will happily sign to your record label for the statement. “This modification will enable elevate different voices within Academy small fee of 10 million dollars.’ After much steady future growth and allow the Acad- leadership, and provide opportunities to negotiation, she obliged. We look forward to emy to continue serving its membership in a amplify these voices across multiple sectors this lifelong partnership and Phoebe raising more personal manner.” in the industry.” our first born children, as was included in Last year, the Academy invited 819 people There is evidence that the Academy’s the contract. This will be the last time we to join its ranks — 45% of them women, 36% diversity efforts have had an effect. speak publicly as we will be giving her our underrepresented ethnic/racial minorities, Nine of the 20 Oscar nominations for voices in a cursed golden locket (with the and 49% from outside the U.S., according to acting this year went to actors of color — a exception of our bi-monthly contribution Academy number-crunchers. record. to the Podcast Industrial Complex). And It was the fifth consecutive year in which It was a banner year for diversity in other maybe some music.” the Academy invited more than 600 new categories as well. This year marked the first Added Bridgers, “I thought they were a members to join its ranks. It invited 683 new time that two women have been nominated boy band.” members in 2016, 774 in 2017, 928 in 2018 for best director in the same year: Chloé MUNA’s debut album, About U, was (the peak year of the drive to expand its Zhao (Nomadland) and Emerald Fennell released in 2017. It was named one of Bill- membership) and 842 in 2019. By contrast, it (Promising Young Woman). Zhao became board’s 50 Best Albums of the year and invited just 322 new members in 2015. the first woman of color to win (or even be landed the trio a slot on Harry Styles’ first The Academy insists that “representation, nominated) in that category. solo tour. Their sophomore album, Saves inclusion and equity remain a priority.” Significantly, Judas and the Black Mes- the World, was released in 2019 to critical “As we look to the future growth and siah became the first film with an all-Black acclaim. Their festival appearances have goals of the Academy, we need to scale ap- producing team — Shaka King, Charles D. included Lollapalooza, Osheaga, Outside propriately so we can continue to give the King and Ryan Coogler — to be nominated Lands, ACL and Life Is Beautiful. personal service our members have come for best picture. The band’s upcoming festival dates include to expect and appreciate,” said Academy The movie won two Oscars. Daniel Bottle Rock (Sept. 3-5) and Governor’s Ball CEO Dawn Hudson. “We remain focused on Kaluuya, as was widely expected, won best (Sept. 25). cultivating a membership body that reflects actor in a supporting role. And in a major MUNA are the second signing to Saddest our diverse film community and the world upset, H.E.R., Dernst Emile II and Tiara Factory after Claud, whose debut album Su- around us.” Thomas won best original song for “Fight per Monster was released by the imprint in Ahead of this change, the Academy’s for You.” February. board of governors voted on branch-specific TikTok is teaming with SiriusXM and guidelines to be applied in determining its streaming service Pandora to produce this year’s new membership invitees. Oscar The Deals: content that will be cross-promoted across winners and nominees will be considered all three platforms. without limitation by applicable branches. Phoebe Bridgers The lineup is set to include TikTok Radio, The Academy push to expand and a SiriusXM music channel featuring “the diversify its membership followed the Signs MUNA, trending sounds that are redefining pop #OscarsSoWhite scandals in 2015 and 2016, culture from TikTok,” as noted in a release. when, for two years running, all 20 acting TikTok Links With The channel will be hosted by a variety of nominees were white. In 2016, the Acad- TikTok creators. emy set specific inclusion goals (as part of SiriusXM Pandora will also host several exclusive its A2020 initiative) to double the number playlists — released under the umbrella of women and underrepresented ethnic/ BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN “TikTok Tastemakers” — featuring popu- racial communities by 2020. The Academy lar TikTok creators including Bella Po- announced last year that it had surpassed os Angeles-based band MUNA – arch, whose playlist, the first in the series, those twin goals. comprised of Katie Gavin, Naomi launched on Monday (May 24). Each The percentage of Academy members McPherson and Josette Maskin – playlist in the series – also set to feature who are women jumped from 25% in 2015 to have signed with Saddest Factory Christian Shelton and Nick Tangorra – will 33% in 2020. The percentage who are from LRecords, the label imprint started by Phoe- include each creator’s favorite songs along racial and ethnic minorities nearly doubled, be Bridgers in partnership with Secretly with exclusive commentary about their jumping from 10% in 2015 to 19% in 2020. Group’s Dead Oceans. picks. The creators will in turn promote the The Academy reports that it is “commit- “Phoebe asked us to be in a four person playlists on TikTok. Page 19 of 32

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Pandora will additionally host the playl- seven Grammys and won two for his work scene has exploded over the last few years ist “TikTok Hits,” where users can hear on “Old Town Road.” and we believe by working together, we can trending songs on the video-sharing app. Secretly Group’s Dead Oceans is the new help promote Diamond and his artists to TikTok users will also enjoy access to select label partner for Bright Eyes’ back catalog. more fans around the world, and introduce re-airings of Pandora’s “Pandora Live” event The deal encompasses all Bright Eyes re- the Bongo Flava scene to a broader audi- series. cordings spanning from their 1998 debut, A ence,” said Warner Music president, emerg- “TikTok is redefining the way that fans Collection of Songs, to 2011’s The People’s ing markets Alfonso Perez-Soto. “This 360 discover music and artists, while enabling a Key, their final album for longtime label partnership establishes a new way to engage new form of musical engagement and cre- home Saddle Creek Records. Dead Oceans with artists in Africa and our ambition to ative expression,” said TikTok’s global head released the group’s most recent album, bring African talent to the rest of the world.” of music Ole Obermann in a statement. 2020’s Down in the Weeds, Where the World Added Temi Adeniji, managing director “We are excited to work with SiriusXM on Once Was. of Warner Music South Africa and senior TikTok Radio and to bring TikTok creators “Our fandom of Conor’s music began in vp, strategy, Sub-Saharan Africa, “Warner to Pandora to make the trends, music, and the earliest days of Bright Eyes, so the op- Music’s nuanced approach to the African creative influences that are playing such a portunity to work with him, Nate and Mike continent contemplates different blueprints defining role in modern culture even more on reissuing their catalog is very special across the various subregions and in that accessible”. for us,” said Dead Oceans founder Phil vein, this partnership with Diamond Plat- Added Scott Greenstein, president and Waldorf in a statement. “These are classic numz and Wasafi firmly underpins our -en chief content officer at SiriusXM, “The -ef recordings, and we cannot wait to work trance into East Africa. Not only is Diamond fect TikTok has on music, and pop culture closely with Bright Eyes on reissuing and one of the premier artists on the continent, in general, is undeniable. Our platforms reimagining the catalog in the years ahead. but he is undoubtedly lynchpin of the Bongo will provide a unique opportunity for Tik- I honestly cannot believe that the Dead Flava scene in Tanzania.” Tok creators to engage with our listeners Oceans logo will be attached to some of my Ziiki Media works with businesses en- with content experiences that have never favorite albums of all-time.” gaged in content aggregation and distribu- been done before in audio. The exclusive Bright Eyes formed in 1995 as a record- tion in formats including recorded music, SiriusXM channel will bring a new take on ing pseudonym for Conor Oberst’s work music publishing, audiovisual content and radio by tapping into the latest music trends with producer/multi-instrumentalist Mike live events. Warner Music announced its on TikTok, while Pandora listeners will get Mogis, who later became a full-fledged partnership with the company in May 2020. access to playlists curated personally by member of Bright Eyes alongside composer/ “This partnership will further boost our TikTok’s top creators.” arranger/multi-instrumentalist Nathaniel presence in Tanzania and Africa as a whole,” UTA has signed Billy Ray Cyrus for Walcott in 2006. added Arun Nagar, CEO and managing global representation in all areas. Warner Music has signed a 360 part- director of Ziiki Media. “We hope to engage Cyrus recently scored a career milestone nership with East African artist Diamond with a wide range of artists across differ- with the RIAA 14x Platinum-certified “Old Platnumz and his indie record label WCB- ent music genres from all over Africa, and Town Road” remix with Lil Nas X. The Wasafi. the partnership with Wasafi is central to blockbuster song was released 27 years after Under the deal, WCB-Wasafi will be in- that approach. We’re investing sizeable Cyrus’ multi-platinum breakthrough single, corporated into Warner Music South Africa resources into the market because we’ve got “Achy Breaky Heart,” in 1992. That single, and Ziiki Media as WMG’s global network faith in its artists and belief that we’ve only along with cuts including “It Could’ve helps drive exposure of Diamond Platnumz just scratched the surface of what we can Been Me,” “She’s Not Crying Anymore” and and the label’s artists to a global audience. achieve here.” “Wher’m I Gonna Live When I Get Home?” The strategic partnership will see Warner Round Hill Music has acquired mas- sent the accompanying album, Some Gave Music, Diamond Platnumz, Ziiki Media ter recordings from Swedish indie la- All, to a 17-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard and WCB-Wasafi artists collaborate on new bel Telegram Studios. Telegram’s catalog 200. releases, catalogue, brand partnerships, live represents artists including Estelle, Cae- Some Gave All was followed by It Won’t and sync deals. sars, Serj Tankian, Ziggy Marley and Be the Last, another Billboard 200 No. 1 Diamond Platnumz is one of the most The Melody Makers, Soul Coughing and album that featured tracks including “In the successful artists in Africa, with a YouTube Throwing Muses. Heart of a Woman,” “Words By Heart” and channel boasting over 5 million subscribers “It is real rarity to come across such a rich “Somebody New.” He later went on to act in and an Instagram following of more than 12 collection of masters that is independently TV shows, most notably the Disney Channel million. WCB-Wasafi’s roster includes Lava owned,” said Josh Gruss, founder and CEO series Hannah Montana with his daughter Lava, Mbosso, Rayvanny, Zuchu and Queen of Round Hill Music. “Telegram has done Miley. Darleen. an amazing job working with the artists and Cyrus has been nominated for a total of “The East and Central African music recordings in this catalog. We respect the Page 20 of 32

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work that they have done very much. We are Year titles. Founded by RightsFlow founder Pat- lucky to be the next owners and our goal is “I’m forever grateful to the stories I’ve rick Sullivan and Jake Rosenfeld, Bonsai to deliver the same high quality of service to gotten to tell through pop music and will facilitates career networking for users by this group of very important artists.” continue working on pop projects that providing live, 1:1 video chats with industry Added Telegram Studios CEO and co- deeply inspire me,” said Tranter in a state- professionals (called “coaches”) using a “pay founder Niklas Lundell, “During the past ment. “However I’m already spreading my what you wish” model. six years we have slowly and steadily built a wings to tell stories through film, TV and Bonsai coaches are professionals, execu- catalog of great master recordings. To- theater and I need a team that can support tives and entrepreneurs from the tech, me- gether with the artists we have successfully and elevate those visions. From what I have dia and music sectors. They include The Or- increased revenues and built value. Now the already seen, the brilliant folks at Range can chard founder Richard Gottehrer, former timing is perfect for the next chapter, we do just that.” Facebook executive Ellen Silver and Google are very confident that Round Hill Records Tranter has collaborated with a host of Drive founder Jonathan Rochelle. The will continue to grow this amazing catalog A-list music talent, a list that includes Ari- company has also partnered with organiza- to new highs and for us to take on new ven- ana Grande, Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga. tions including Jamie Dimon’s New York tures and possibilities.” They have also co-written two TV theme Jobs CEO Council, Google for Startups’s Kobalt Neighbouring Rights has signed songs with Shea Diamond for the HBO Patriot Boot Camp and Women in Music. a worldwide deal with Damini Ogulu, better series We’re Here and Equal and served as “We are reengineering how people build known as the Nigerian singer, songwriter an executive producer on the soundtrack for professional networks,” said Rosenfeld and rapper Burna Boy. Hulu’s Happiest Season. in a statement. “By providing a space for The neighboring rights deal offers Burna Range Media Partners’ other music personalized advice and introductions, we Boy Kobalt’s full range of royalty collection clients include Wale, Nicole Scherzinger make networking more equitable, modern, as well as maximization services on a global and D Smoke. and deliberate.” scale. Sea Walker Media Corporation has “When it comes to success, a lot comes Signed to Atlantic Records in the U.S. and acquired the assets of gospel music- down to who you know,” added Sullivan. “At Warner Music Group internationally, Burna focused Singing News Magazine and Bonsai, the goal of partnering with oth- Boy won a Grammy earlier this year for Best the Singing News Radio Network from ers is simple - we unlock strong networks Global Music Album for his album Twice their parent company Salem Media Group. for those who don’t already have them, so as Tall. He has collaborated with artists in- Launched in 1969, Singing News is a they can learn and grow, even as the world cluding Sia, Diddy, Sam Smith and Justin well-recognized brand in the gospel music becomes more virtual.” Bieber and was featured on the Coming 2 space. Known as “The Voice of Southern Toronto artist and producer Preme’s America soundtrack this year. He has a tour Gospel Music,” it is recognized as the official label imprint, Reps Up Records, has slated for the fall. national chart for all Southern Gospel Music signed joint label ventures with Columbia Range Media Partners will represent artists. The brand’s radio programs are Records and EMPIRE, under which he producer and songwriter Justin Trant- heard on over 600 stations in the U.S. will sign new talent. He has also signed a er (they/them/their) in their various enter- “This meaningful acquisition of Singing separate joint venture with Sony Music tainment pursuits. News Magazine and Radio Network aligns Publishing to sign producers and songwrit- Tranter’s team will be led by Range music with our strategy to accelerate significant ers. partner Michele Harrison and supported growth and expansion of Gospel Music as Preme (f.k.a. P. Reign) has collabo- by film and TV managing partner Byron a whole,” said Ray Flynn, president of Sea rated with artists including Drake, Post Wetzel. Walker Media Corporation. “Singing News Malone and Meek Mill. He also served Tranter most recently scored a win with is a great addition to Sea Walker Media in an A&R capacity on Drake’s 2018 al- their co-writing credit on Justin Bieber’s Corporation, and we look forward to the bum Scorpion. Diamond-selling single “Sorry.” They also synergies we will create between our other The rapper is currently prepping the have a number of film, TV and theater brands.” release of his sophomore album, the follow- projects in development including Wild, a As part of its expansion into the gospel up to his 2018 debut LP Light of Day, which musical starring Idina Menzel that’s set to music world, Sea Walker also recently will be released by EMPIRE/Reps Up. The be directed by Diane Paulus. acquired the syndicated Gospel Greats radio first single off the new set is “Lost Hope,” According to a release, Tranter’s work program. which releases May 28. has contributed to over 50 million single Bonsai, the 1:1 video chat platform for sales and 40 billion streams on Spotify and business and career advice, has announced a YouTube alone. They are also a Grammy seed funding round led by Activate Venture nominee and have won 14 total BMI Pop Partners. The new round brings the total Awards, including two Songwriter of the raised to $5.3 million. Page 21 of 32

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though Davis declined to participate, more John Davis, than a dozen of the musicians, producers Sech & Rich and engineers who worked on the band’s Real Milli Vanilli debut related the story of how Farian almost Music Renew pulled the wool over the whole world’s eyes Vocalist, Dies at while selling more than 10 million albums. Global Recording, “Farian came back after the song hit the 66 of COVID-19 charts in England and said he had to have Publishing Deal two faces for the project,” vocalist Charles BY GIL KAUFMAN Shaw told Billboard about the scramble to BY GRISELDA FLORES find two frontmen after “Girl” took off in ohn Davis, the veteran R&B vocalist Europe. “I was already paid $12,000 for ech has renewed his recording and who provided the studio vocals for doing [‘Girl’] and he said, ‘Keep your mouth publishing deal with Rich Mu- 1990s pop duo Milli Vanilli, has died shut and you can do the whole album.’ I’m sic, the independent record label at age 66. His daughter, Jasmin, an- thinking, ‘That’s studio work for me.’” tells Billboard. Jnounced the news on May 24 in a Facebook Variety recently reported that MRC SThe Panamanian chart-topping and Latin post; Jasmin Davis confirmed the news in Non-Fiction is working on the Milli Vanilli Grammy-nominated artist, known for his an e-mail to Billboard on Thursday morning documentary Girl You Know It’s True, which anthemic reggaeton songs such as “Otro (May 27). will be directed by Luke Korem (Dealt) Trago” and “Relación,” signed the multi- “Unfortunately my dad passed away this and produced by music critic-author Hanif million dollar deal last week in Miami. evening through the coronavirus. He made Abdurraquib, Bradley Jackson and Fulwell During the signing, Sech was represented a lot of people happy with his laughter and 73’s Richard Thompson; Billboard is part of by Matt Greenberg (Ritholz, Levy, Fields, smile, his happy spirit, love and especially PMRC holdings, a joint venture between LLP) and Rich Music was represented by through his music,” she wrote. “He gave so PMC and MRC. Oswaldo Rossi (Hertz Lichtenstein Young & much to the world! Please give him the last Born in Anderson, South Carolina on Polk, LLP). round of applause. We will miss him dearly.” Aug. 31, 1954, the veteran studio musician, Under the new agreement, Rich Music Davis was one of more than half a dozen bass player and composer who lived in will continue to exclusively release Sech’s vocalists who provided the smooth dance Germany before and after the Milli Vanilli recordings worldwide, and publish his pop sound of the German-French duo scandal, went on to sing alongside Morvan music under the company’s new publishing fronted by dancers Rob Pilatus and Fabrice in the ironically named Face Meets Voice. division, The Pencil Pushers. Morvan. The pair — Pilatus died at 33 in According to his official bio, he also backed “I’m happy because I’m amongst fam- 1998 — were recruited by reclusive German former Animals singer Eric Burdon, Luther ily and here’s where I began my career and producer Frank Farian in 1988 to front an Vandross and Babyface over the years, I developed as an artist,” Sech said. “To upbeat Eurofunk band whose hits “Girl You and performed pop and rock songs with continue this journey hand-in-hand with Know It’s True” and “Baby Don’t Forget My the Symphonic Orchestra Nuremberg and Rich Music is of great satisfaction, at both a Number” hit No. 1 across the globe, thrust- released several solo recordings. personal and professional level.” ing the formerly unknown duo into brief Morvan paid tribute to Davis on Twit- In April, Sech released his third studio al- worldwide stardom in 1989. ter, writing, “R.I.P BROTHER @JohnDa- bum 42, which peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Their fame — which included a best visRMV CAN’T BELIEVE IT, THANKS Top Latin Albums chart (dated April 30). new artist win at the 32nd annual Grammy FOR ALL THE LOVE YOU’VE SPREAD Overall, he’s placed four albums on that tally Awards — was, however, short lived, as it THROUGH OUT THE YEARS, FROM and 20 songs on Hot Latin Songs, including emerged that Rob and Fab were merely THE EDGE OF THE STAGE. YOU AND four top 10 hits. Farian’s latest fanciful creation and not the I HAD A GREAT RUN, IT WAS FUN TO “The last three years have been incred- actual vocalists. In a Grammy first, the duo’s CELEBRATE LIFE WITH THE HELP OF ibly successful for Sech and the label, and best new artist honor was revoked. Follow- MUSIC. PEACE ONE LOVE YOUR VOICE I’m excited for what the near future will ing the band’s swift fall from grace, a second WILL LIVE ON. PLAY IT LOUD EVERY- bring to all of us, including Rich Music and MV album, The Moment of Truth, credited BODY.” our publishing arm, The Pencil Pushers,” to The Real Milli Vanilli, was released in Watch Davis with the Nuremberg Orches- added Joshua Mendez, co-founder and 1991 outside the U.S. with vocals by Davis tra in 2013 below. COO of Rich Music. and a number of the others who actually Rich Music’s artist roster in- sang for the group. cludes Sech, Dalex, Justin Quiles, Billboard wrote an expansive oral his- and Dimelo Flow, among others. The tory of the Milli Vanilli story in 2020, and Miami-based label — founded by father and Page 22 of 32

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son Richard and Joshua Mendez along with the law.” place. “I was always a consenting adult,” she their family member Jim Aquino — was a At press time Ellefson, 56, had not named reportedly said. “Nothing inappropriate ever three-time nominee at the 2020 Billboard the person who leaked the images, which happened before that. It was all consen- Latin Music Awards including top Latin led to his dismissal from the band he co- sual, I’m not a victim and I have not been albums label of the year, top Latin albums founded in 1983 and performed with until groomed in the slightest as I was the one to imprint of the year, and Latin rhythm al- their break-up in 2002 and then for another initiate it. I was just naive enough to record bums label of the year. 11 years until his ouster. In the statement, him and share it with a friend without his Most recently, Rich Music unveiled new the bassist said he’s taking time off with his permission. In the end, it was all consensual corporate appointments that included the family and wished his former band well on and all online.” addition of Giovanna Pérez and David Al- their upcoming tour. Megadeth will kick off their Metal Tour varado to the team. Additionally, the record “While we do not know every detail of of the Year with Lamb of God on Aug. 20 in label announced two internal promotions what occurred, with an already strained Austin, Texas and have not yet announced a including Aquino, former executive direc- relationship, what has already been revealed replacement for Ellefson. tor, promoted to vice president of creative is enough to make working together impos- and Dave Hamberger who was former di- sible moving forward,” the band said in a rector, digital marketing & strategy and was statement on Monday (May 24) announcing 2022 Oscar promoted to vice president of marketing. their split with Ellefson; a spokesperson for Ellefson could not be reached for comment Telecast Has Been at press time. Former Megadeth Rolling Stone reported that a spokes- Pushed Back: person for the Scottsdale Police Dept. Bassist David confirmed that Ellefson met with police Here’s the New on Wednesday (May 26). Ellefson’s actions Ellefson Prepping come just weeks after he posted a statement Date from the woman he said was the recipient of Defamation Suit his sexually explicit messages, in which she BY PAUL GREIN appeared to debunk rumors surrounding the Against Sex Video images. he 94th Oscars ceremony will “I’m the girl people are talking about in move to Sunday, March 27, 2022, Leaker: Report the posts about David Ellefson right now the Academy of Motion Picture and I just want to tell my side of the story Arts and Sciences and ABC an- BY GIL KAUFMAN because people are sharing misinforma- Tnounced on Thursday (May 27). The show tion and the situation is getting out of hand was originally scheduled for Feb. 27, 2022. ust days after being dismissed without the truth being out there,” read Except for this past year’s pandemic- from Megadeth, bassist David the statement from the woman’s purported delayed show, which was held on April 25, Ellefson said he is preparing to file a Instagram account, which went private as the March 27 airdate will be the latest in defamation suit against the unnamed well after the incident. the calendar year that the Oscars have been Jperson who recently leaked sexually explicit Ellefson, 56, a father of two adult children presented since 1995, when they were also photos and video of him. who has been married to wife Julie Foley presented on March 27. “Recently, a very private video was il- since 1993, reportedly released a state- The Oscars were held in March or April legally posted on the internet and false ment addressing the issue on his official for 61 consecutive years, from 1943 through allegations were made against me,” Ellef- Instagram page — which was made private, 2003. They moved up to February in 2004, son reportedly said in a statement to Roll- in which he described the messages as “pri- and aired in February a total of 13 times ing Stone. “The actions in the video were vate, adult interactions that were taken out between 2004 and 2020. between two consenting adults and were of context and manipulated to inflict maxi- The eligibility period for Academy recorded without my knowledge. I am mum damage to my reputation, my career Awards consideration will return to the working with Scottsdale Police Department and my family,” that he said were released standard Dec. 31 deadline: A feature film in their investigation into charges regard- with “ill intention by a third party who was must have a qualifying release date be- ing revenge pornography to be filed against not authorized to have them or share them.” tween March 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2021. As a the person who posted this video. Also, my The woman appeared to confirm that the result, this coming year will have 10-month lawyers are preparing a defamation lawsuit video calls between them did take place, but eligibility period, while this past year had a to be filed against this person. This person that she was the one to initiate them and 14-month eligibility period. will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of that she was never underage when they took Because the pandemic is still impacting Page 23 of 32

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theater attendance, eligibility requirements for the 94th Academy Awards will be consis- Kevin Clark, Olivia Rodrigo tent with the addendums made for the 93rd Awards season. Those can be found here. ‘School of Rock’ Rules Streaming Complete 94th Awards rules and spe- cialty category submission deadlines will be Drummer, Dies in Songs Chart, announced in June. Following this year, the Academy intends to expand the qualifying Bicycle Accident While J. Cole requirements for the 95th Awards. The 94th Oscars will be held at to the at 32 Claims Nine of Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, its usual home since BY TRILBY BERESFORD Top 10 2002. Parts of this year’s show were shot there, but the show’s main location was the evin Clark, who played Freddy BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD historic Union Station in downtown Los Jones in School of Rock, has died. Angeles. The 2022 Oscars will be televised He was 32. . Cole ties Drake for the most concur- live on ABC, which has aired the show every Multiple outlets, including rent songs inside Billboard’s Stream- year since 1976. Kthe Chicago Sun-Times, reported Clark’s ing Songs top 10 in a single week, Key dates for the 2021 Oscar season are as death on Wednesday (May 26), citing the but it’s Olivia Rodrigo who takes the follows: cause of death as a road accident. Clark had Jultimate prize, as “Good 4 U” crowns the General entry categories submission been riding his bicycle in Chicago, when he tally dated May 29. deadline Monday, Nov. 15, 2021 was hit by a vehicle at approximately 1:20 “Good 4 U” bows with 43.2 million U.S. Preliminary voting begins 9 a.m. PT Friday, a.m. He was subsequently pronounced dead streams in the May 14-20 tracking week, Dec. 10, 2021 at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center. according to MRC Data. It’s Rodrigo’s Preliminary voting ends 5 p.m. PT Wednes- Jack Black, who was the lead in 2003’s second No. 1, following “Drivers License” day, Dec. 15, 2021 musical comedy School of Rock — Clark’s and its four-week reign earlier this year. In Oscar shortlists announcement Tuesday, only acting credit before he became a musi- between, “Deja Vu” debuted and peaked at Dec. 21, 2021 cian — posted a tribute to Clark on Insta- No. 4 in April. Eligibility period ends Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 gram. “Devastating news. Kevin is gone. Concurrently, as previously reported, Governors awards Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 Way too soon. Beautiful soul. So many great “Good 4 U” starts at No. 1 on the multi-met- Nominations voting begins 9 a.m. PT Thurs- memories. Heartbroken. Sending love to his ric Billboard Hot 100. day, Jan. 27, 2022 family and the whole School of Rock com- Meanwhile, J. Cole snags the remainder Nominations voting ends 5 p.m. PT Tuesday, munity.” of the top 10 with music from his latest Feb. 1, 2022 In the post, Black included an image of album, The Off-Season, which concurrent- Oscar nominations announcement Tuesday, his character Dewey Finn in the movie, ly debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. By Feb. 8, 2022 alongside Clark as Freddy, the outspoken claiming nine of the top 10 songs, the rapper Oscar nominees luncheon Monday, March drummer. ties Drake for the most simultaneous top 10 7, 2022 Clark is survived by his mother and sister. entries in a given week since the chart began Finals voting begins 9 a.m. PT Thursday, This article was originally published in 2013, Drake’s mark coming on the July March 17, 2022 by The Hollywood Reporter. 14, 2018, list amid the release of Scorpion. Finals voting ends 5 p.m. PT Tuesday, March (The only non-Drake song in the top 10 that 22, 2022 week? XXXTENTACION’s “Sad!,” which 94th Oscars Sunday, March 27, 2022 ranked at No. 2.) Per the Academy, all dates are subject to Of The Off-Season’s top 10 onslaught, “My change. Life,” with 21 Savage and Morray, leads the way at No. 2 with 41.1 million streams, fol- lowed by “Amari” (37.8 million). With 22 top 10s total (nine of those com- ing in the last two weeks), J. Cole is now tied for the second-most top 10s in chart history with Justin Bieber. Drake leads all acts with 52. Page 24 of 32

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has been at the forefront of new artist devel- in the week ending May 20, enough to ‘Tengo Talento, opment for more than a decade with ‘Tengo prompt a No. 13 start on R&B/Hip-Hop Talento, Mucho Talento,’ and we are proud Digital Song Sales. Mucho Talento’ to have offered a special platform for Latinas As noted, “My.Life” gives J. Cole his first to showcase their diverse talents. Having No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, after 17 Wraps First-Ever two winners this season underscores our previous top 10 trips. Before “My.Life,” the audience’s appetite for more women in the rapper’s best showing was the No. 2 result All-Female Season Regional Mexican genre.” for “Middle Child” in 2019. 21 Savage, meanwhile, locks up his second With Historic No. 1 and first as a lead, following a featured J. Cole’s ‘My.Life’ turn on Post Malone’s “Rockstar,” which ran Finale up 14 frames in charge in 2017-18. Newcom- Is His First No. 1 er Morray picks up his first leader. BY BILLBOARD STAFF Behind “My.Life,” J. Cole nabs nine more on Hot R&B/Hip- new entries on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: strella TV’s Tengo Talento, Mucho No. 3, “Amari” Talento wrapped up a successful Hop Songs Chart No. 5, “Pride.Is.the.Devil,” with Lil Baby 24th season on Wednesday (May No. 6, “95.South” 26), revealing the first-ever tie on BY TREVOR ANDERSON No. 9, “Applying.Pressure” Ethe show. It was also the first time in the No. 10, “100.Mil’,” with Bas show’s history that the contestants were all ore than 10 years after his No. 13, “Let.Go.My.Hand,” with Bas & 6lack women. debut, J. Cole at last lands his No. 14, “Punchin’.the.Clock” Houston-based newcomer Ashley Acosta first No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot No. 17, “Hunger.on.Hillside,” with Bas and Viririana Sandoval of Tallahassee were R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart No. 22, “Close” crowned the big winners of the night, split- Mas “My.Life,” a collaboration with 21 Sav- In addition, he posts two more appear- ting the first place $100,000 grand prize. age and rising North Carolina rapper Mor- ances on this week’s chart: “Interlude” The winners were agreed on by the judges, ray, debuts atop the chart dated May 29. slides 5-12 in its second week, while “The. Ana Barbara, Chiquis, Pepe Garza, Carolina The new champ leads 10 new cuts by the rap Climb.Back” does just that and re-enters at Ross, and ultimately announced by host Luis superstar onto the list as his new album, The No. 15. Coronel. Off-Season, arrives on the album charts. All the tracks appear on the rap star’s “Congratulations to all the girls in the “My.life” starts at the summit thanks new album, The Off-Season, which debuts competition,” Coronel expressed on Ins- largely to its 41.1 million U.S. streams in at No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Top tagram. “Truthfully, they all deserve the the week ending May 20, according to R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts thanks to its best and always win in life. Not only did a MRC Data. The sum easily grants a No. 1 282,000 equivalent album units earned in woman win, but two! Now Ashley, along entrance on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming the week ending May 20. On both lists, the with Viririana occupies two places in the Songs chart, where it marks J. Cole’s third entrance secures J. Cole’s sixth No. 1 set. Regional Mexican genre and supporting leader. He previously reigned with 2019’s With the heavy activity surrounding The women was the intention. Congratulations “Middle Child,” and, notably, “My.Life” Off-Season and its singles, J. Cole leaps 12-1 to the winners, I’m sure they are happy with evicts the rapper’s second No. 1, “Interlude,” to crown the Billboard Artist 100 for the what the future holds.” which debuted at No. 1 last week after J. third week in his career. The chart ranks The two-hour season finale included Cole released the track early to serve as artist popularity through four music con- performances by Los Dos Carnales, Carin an Off-Season preview. sumption metrics – album sales, track sales, Leon, La Adictiva, Carolina Ross, Chiquis, With the switch, J. Cole is the first act radio airplay, streaming – and social media and Ana Barbara. to replace himself atop R&B/Hip-Hop fan interaction. Over 3,500 contestants auditioned Streaming Songs since Drake, in 2018. That for Tengo Talento’s first-ever all-female year, his Scorpion album arrival triggered edition, and over 200 participants made the a No. 1 debut for the album cut “Nonstop” show’s on-air qualifying rounds. in July, which subsequently gave way to “We wanted to celebrate female em- “In My Feelings” the following week as its powerment and also showcase the many social media challenge, spurred by Shiggy, artistic talents of Latinas in the U.S.,” said exploded. Ivan Stoilkovich, EVP, Television Content, While streams are the main driver of “My. Estrella Media in a statement. “EstrellaTV Life,” the single also sold 3,000 downloads Page 25 of 32

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2014, after which that chart switched to a As Daddy’s Home rounds out the top five J. Cole, The methodology that blends album sales with on Top Album Sales, for the first time in track equivalent album units and streaming 2021, the top five selling albums of the week Black Keys & equivalent album units. For all chart news, sold at least 20,000 copies each. The last follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on time the top five each sold at least 20,000 Alan Jackson both Twitter and Instagram. was on the Jan. 2-dated chart (reflecting All of The Off-Season’s 37,000 copies sold the sales week ending Dec. 24, 2020). That Lead Busy Top came from digital album sales, as the set was week, every title in the top 10 sold at least not released on any physical formats. It’s J. 20,000, led by the No. 1 debut of Paul Mc- 10 on Billboard’s Cole’s first studio album not to be released Cartney’s McCartney III (104,000). initially on CD. The last time outside of the Christmas Top Album Sales The Black Keys’ new blues covers shopping season (generally defined as project, Delta Kream, bows at No. 2 on Top Thanksgiving through Christmas) where the Chart Album Sales with 30,000 sold. Of that sum, top five titles each sold at least 20,000 was physical album sales comprise 22,000 (with on the Oct. 31, 2020-dated chart, reflecting BY KEITH CAULFIELD 14,000 vinyl LPs and 8,000 CDs) while the sales week ending Oct. 22. digital album sales comprise 8,000. The set Phoebe Bridgers’ remix EP Copycat Killer, or the second time in less than a also debuts at No. 1 on both the Vinyl Al- featuring Rob Moose, debuts at No. 6 on month, a whopping nine of the bums and Tastemaker Albums charts. The the new Top Album Sales chart with 11,000 top 10 albums on Billboard’s Top former ranks the week’s top-selling vinyl al- sold thanks to its wide release on vinyl LP Album Sales are debuts, as Nos. bums, while the latter tallies the top-selling (nearly all of its sales for the week were F1-9 on the chart dated May 29 are all new albums at independent record stores. on vinyl). Copycat was initially released entries. The tally housed nine top 10 debuts Country king Alan Jackson debuts at No. in November 2020 as a digital album and just two weeks ago, on the chart dated May 3 on Top Album Sales with his new studio a Rough Trade-exclusive vinyl EP. The 15 — and that week marked the first time set Where Have You Gone, selling 27,000 four-song set contains alternative orchestral since last October there were nine debuts in copies. Of that sum, physical album sales arrangements (in collaboration with ar- the top 10. comprise 18,000 (all from CDs), while ranger Moose) of songs originally found on Further, for the first time in 2021, the top digital album sales comprise 9,000. Where Bridgers’ Punisher album. five selling albums of the week sold at least Have You Gone is Jackson’s 16th top 10 Nicki Minaj’s mixtape Beam Me Up 20,000 copies each. and highest charting title since 2012’s No. Scotty starts at No. 7 with nearly 11,000 sold J. Cole leads the chart, as his new al- 2-peaking Thirty Miles West. Where Have (all from digital downloads). Beam Me Up bum The Off-Season debuts at No. 1 on Top You Gone is also the top-selling country Scotty was initially released for free in 2009, Album Sales with 37,000 sold in the U.S. in album of the week. but was not commercially issued or dis- the week ending May 20, according to MRC South Korean boy band ENHYPEN lands tributed to streaming services until May 14, Data. It’s the hip-hop star’s sixth No. 1 on its first top 10, as Border: Carnival bows at 2021. The new version of the album houses the list, which comprises all six of his studio No. 4, selling just over 20,000 copies – ef- most of the tracks from the 2009 release efforts. fectively all from CD sales. The album was and adds three new cuts: “Seeing Green,” At Nos. 2-9 on the new chart, there are de- available in four collectible CD editions, with Drake and Lil Wayne, “Fractions” and buting albums from The Black Keys, Alan similar to other K-pop titles, with alterna- “Crocodile Teeth” (remix) with Skillibeng. Jackson, ENHYPEN, St. Vincent, Phoebe tive packaging and randomized internal Evangelion: Finally debuts at No. 8 with Bridgers featuring Rob Moose, Nicki paper elements (liner notes, poster, photo nearly 9,000 sold – almost exclusively from Minaj, Yoko Yakahashi and Megumi Hayas- cards, etc.). vinyl LP sales. The album features songs by hibara and Myles Kennedy. St. Vincent lands her second top 10 on Yoko Takahashi and Megumi Hayashibara Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks Top Album Sales, as her latest studio ef- as heard in the anime series Neon Genesis the top-selling albums of the week based fort, Daddy’s Home, bows at No. 5 with Evangelion and Evangelion: 2.0 You Can only on traditional album sales. The chart’s 20,000 sold. Of that sum, 17,000 com- (Not) Advance. While the album was initially history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first prise physical albums (12,000 vinyl LPs; released digitally and on CD last December, week Billboard began tabulating charts with 4,000 CDs and 1,000 cassettes and 8-track it did not reach vinyl (across multiple color electronically monitored piece count infor- cartridges) while 3,000 comprise down- variants) until May 14. mation from SoundScan, now MRC Data. loads. Daddy’s Home was issued on multiple Myles Kennedy’s second solo studio Pure album sales were the measurement vinyl variants, as well as three cassette tapes album The Ides of March debuts at No. 9 on solely utilized by the Billboard 200 al- and even an 8-track tape (exclusively sold Top Album Sales, selling 7,000 copies. It’s bums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, via the artist’s official webstore). the fourth top 10 for Kennedy, following Page 26 of 32

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three earlier top 10s with Slash and The The new leader’s five-week rise to No. 1 lion U.S. streams in the week ending May Conspirators. ties it with Kings of Leon’s “The Bandit” 20, which translates into a No. 11 start on Closing out the top 10 is Dua Lipa’s Future for the quickest trip to the top of the chart the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart. Nostalgia, which re-enters at No. 10 with in 2021. The song is also the first cover to go As mentioned above, the “Green” No. 8 nearly 7,000 sold (up 261%). Its surge is No. 1 since Robert Plant’s “Angel Dance,” kickoff on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs means owed mostly to vinyl LP sales, as of its sales originally recorded by Los Lobos, in 2010. Minaj adds the 32nd top 10 of her career and sum for the week, vinyl LPs represent 5,000 “Crawling Kingsnake” is a redo of a Delta passes Janet Jackson’s count of 31 to become of that total (up 841%). The album’s expand- blues standard whose original songwriter the woman with the second-most top 10s ed deluxe edition, dubbed The Moonlight is believed to be unknown but has been since the chart began in 1958. Aretha Frank- Edition, was issued on vinyl on May 14. performed by John Lee Hooker, Junior lin, with 52, leads all female acts. Kimbrough, Big Joe Williams and many In addition, Lil Wayne earns his landmark more. 50th top 10 success, while Drake continues The Black Keys’ “Crawling Kingsnake” also rises into to rewrite his own record with an 85th visit the top 30 of Alternative Airplay (32-29), to the top tier. Here’s a look at the current ‘Delta Kream’ while on the all-rock-format, audience- leaderboard among all artists: based Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, it 85, Drake Dominates Rock, climbs 34-29, up 13% to 1.3 million audience 57, James Brown impressions. In addition to its adult alterna- 52, Aretha Franklin Blues Charts & tive and alternative support, the track is 50, Lil Wayne earning play at a handful of mainstream 48, Stevie Wonder More rock stations. Notably, “Green” marks the fourth oc- currence of Drake, Lil Wayne and Minaj BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD combining for a top 10 hit on Hot R&B/Hip- Nicki Minaj Passes Hop Songs. The three previously teamed he Black Keys snag No. 1s on mul- up exclusively on “Truffle Butter” (No. 4, tiple Billboard charts dated May Janet Jackson 2015) and “No Frauds” (No. 8, 2017), while 29 thanks to their new album, Del- also joining forces with featured artist Chris ta Kream. With 32nd Top 10 Brown on “Only” (No. 1 for two weeks, TThe covers set, an ode to the Mississippi 2014). blues that influenced the duo, debuts atop on Hot R&B/Hip- Beyond “Seeing Green,” Minaj posts two the Top Rock Albums, Alternative Al- more hits to the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs bums, Americana/Folk Albums and Blues Hop Songs Chart chart as “Fractions” debuts at No. 29 and Albums charts with 35,000 equivalent “Itty Bitty Piggy” begins at No. 41. All three album units earned in the May 14-20 track- BY TREVOR ANDERSON cuts appear on her Beam Me Up Scotty mix- ing week, according to MRC Data. It sold tape, which was initially released in 2009 30,000 albums, including 14,000 on vinyl, as hanks to three new debuts, Nicki but arrived to streaming services and digital it also starts atop the Vinyl Albums chart. Minaj further extends her record retailers for the first time on May 14. Thanks The LP is the act’s fifth Top Rock Albums as the woman with the most songs to its arrival on those platforms, Scotty de- leader since the chart began in 2006, dat- to reach Billboard’s Hot R&B/ buts at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and Top ing to its first, Brothers, in 2010. The pair THip-Hop Songs chart, with the count now R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts with 81,000 now boasts four No. 1s on both Alternative at 114. Among the new entries, she adds a equivalent album units. Albums and Vinyl Albums, while it tops new top 10 as “Seeing Green,” with Drake Americana/Folk Albums and Blues Albums and Lil Wayne, debuts at No. 8. The song for the first time. becomes her 32nd to reach the top 10, pass- On the all-format Billboard 200, Delta ing Janet Jackson for the second-most in Kream starts at No. 6, marking the tandem’s the chart’s history. fifth top 10. “Green” arrives as the top-selling song The album’s lead single, “Crawling King- of the week, with 33,000 downloads sold snake,” concurrently shoots 3-1 on the Adult in the week ending May 20, according to Alternative Airplay chart. It’s the act’s MRC Data. The figure prompts a No. 1 sixth No. 1 and first since 2019’s nine-week debut on both the all-genre Digital Song ruler “Go.” The duo first dominated with Sales and R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song “Lonely Boy” for seven weeks in 2011-12. Sales chart. It also opens with 21.5 mil- Page 27 of 32

IN BRIEF

Thanks to the new champ, Manuelle Victor Manuelle collects his 29th No. 1, dating back to “Hay Travis Greene Que Poner El Alma” (six weeks, 1996), and & La India’s extends his second-most No. 1 standing just Tops Gospel behind Marc Anthony with 34. Between his ‘Victimas Las trips to the summit, Manuelle has only ruled Airplay With with one other female collaborative effort: Dos’ Hits No. 1 on “Por Ese Hombre,” with Brenda K. Starr and DOE Collab: ‘I Tito Nieves. Tropical Airplay “I have collaborated with various female Could Not Have singers throughout my career,” Victor Chart remembers. “I have never measured the Imagined Its time between collaborations. They occur BY PAMELA BUSTIOS spontaneously and organically; I am not Impact’ measuring the years or the time thinking here’s a new male/female pairing that it is necessary at that moment. I knew BY JIM ASKER atop Billboard’s Tropical Air- that collaborating with La India, however, play chart, and both artists score was very important for our genre.” ravis Greene’s “Good & Loved,” their first No. 1 in almost five La India, meanwhile, secures her 11th featuring DOE, rises 3-1 on Bill- Tyears. leader, three of which have been via male board’s Gospel Airplay chart Victor Manuelle and La India crown collaborations. “It’s a privilege to work with dated May 29. In the tracking the list as “Víctimas Las Dos” rises 3-1 on Víctor Manuelle, our great youth sonero,” Tweek ending May 23, the song increased by the May 29-dated survey. It’s the first duet she adds. “To be part of his team was incred- 17% in plays, according to MRC Data. between a female and male soloist at No. 1 ible. This powerful song was written by Víc- The coronation awards Greene his fifth since March 2020, when Natti Natasha and tor and was recorded with a lot of love. This Gospel Airplay No. 1 and DOE, aka Domi- Romeo Santos’ “La Mejor Versíon de Mi” divine encounter conveys a lot of feeling nique Jones, her first leader in her first visit had its final week atop the list. and passion and the video is like a musical to the chart. “Víctimas Las Dos” lands atop the tally soap-opera.” “Good & Loved” was solo-penned by boosted by a 35% increase in audience im- Both salseros claim their best showing Greene, who pastors Forward City Church pressions, to 4.8 million, earned in the week since 2016: Victor Manuelle previously in Columbia, S.C., with his wife, Jacqueline ending May 23, according to MRC Data. It achieved a No. 1 with “Imaginar,” with Gyamfi Greene. ascends to No. 1 after spending 15 weeks in Yandel (July 2016). La India clocked her “’Good & Loved’ is a song that I began the chart’s top 10 (the song debuted at No. 10th leader just a month later with “Me Voy writing at our church in South Carolina 15 on chart dated Feb. 27 and rose to No. 6 in a Acostumbrar,” with Juan Gabriel, (August and finished writing at an airport in Africa,” its second week). 2016). Greene tells Billboard. “I instantly knew The song is the first collaborative effort by “Víctimas” bursts 40-23 on the all-Latin that this song was special, but I could not the Puerto Ricans. “‘Víctimas’ was inspired genre Latin Airplay chart. Both acts rewrite have imagined its impact. I’m so grateful to by all those manipulative and lying men their personal bests in over years there. Doe Jones for adding her amazing voice to women come across daily and I thought La About the production of the song, Vic- this anthem. The success of this song is the India was the perfect interpreter to give tor Manuelle muses: “It had to be a story product of radio’s support, each listener’s drama to the story. We are aware it’s a com- that welcomed La India’s great strength request and, ultimately, the goodness of mon issue,” Victor Manuelle tells Billboard. and interpretation; a controversial theme God.” As mentioned, the pair are the first male/ females could identify themselves with. It Greene had last led Gospel Airplay with female duo to lead Tropical Airplay in over was impressive to have her face to face in a “Won’t Let Go” for a week last July. Before a year. Natti Natasha and Romeo Santos recording studio and to hear how the idea that, he reigned with “You Waited” (nine last ruled with the 15-week champ “La that was in my mind was greatly exceeded. frames starting in November 2017), “Made a Mejor Versión De Mi” (starting Oct. 26, Due to the pandemic, we have only been Way” (three, beginning in December 2016) 2019-March 21, 2020). able to sing it live together once. I hope we and “Intentional” (one, January 2016). “It’s definitely an honor to reach No. 1 on can perform it on various stages.” Greene moves into a tie with Donald Law- Tropical Airplay,” La India tells Billboard. rence and Marvin Sapp for the fourth-most “Grateful to all radio stations and Bill- Gospel Airplay No. 1s since the list launched board for its continuous support with our in March 2005. Kirk Franklin leads with tropical genre.” eight, followed by Tamela Mann (seven) and Page 28 of 32

IN BRIEF

James Fortune & FIYA (six). As for DOE, her 2020 debut EP Life Room arrived and peaked at No. 24 on Top Gospel Albums in November. “Good & Loved” was originally released on Greene’s most recent album, 2019’s Bro- ken Record, in a version featuring Steffany Gretzinger. The set started at No. 2 on Top Gospel Albums that November, after the song hit a No. 7 high on the airplay-, sales- and streaming-based Hot Gospel Songs chart that October. The single debuted on Gospel Airplay in December 2020, with the version featuring DOE being promoted to radio. Page 29 of 32

A WEEKLY NATIONAL Market Watch MUSIC CONSUMPTION REPORT

Source: WEEKLY UNIT COUNT

Total Audio Video Album Digital Digital Albums Consumption Streams On-Demand On-Demand Sales Album Sales Tracks Units This 22,267,190,000 19,429,408,000 2,837,782,000 1,919,000 497,000 3,835,000 16,485,000 Week* Last 21,995,960,000 19,193,586,000 2,802,373,000 1,853,000 502,000 3,769,000 16,234,000 Week

Change 1.2% 1.2% 1.3% 3.6% -1.0% 1.7% 1.6%

This Week 19,553,481,000 16,655,374,000 2,898,107,000 1,638,000 708,000 5,242,000 14,196,000 Last Year

Change 13.9% 16.7% -2.1% 17.2% -29.9% -26.8% 16.1%

*All data measures U.S. activity as of the week ending May 20, 2021. All units counts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

YEAR TO DATE 2021 2020 Change YEAR TO DATE Total On-Demand 300b 424,556,331,000 383,185,988,000 10.8% TOTAL STREAMING BY AGE Streams Audio On-Demand 368,706,039,000 318,848,367,000 15.6% 270b Streams

Digital Track Sales 77,249,000 99,740,000 -22.5% 240b

Album Sales 38,718,000 35,604,000 8.7% 210b Albums

314,718,000 275,459,000 14.3% 278,977,651,000 Consumption Units 180b

241,186,037,000 150b ALBUM CONSUMPTION UNITS BY FORMAT 120b 2021 2020 Change

CD Sales 14,374,000 14,685,000 -2.1% 90b

Vinyl Sales 14,189,000 7,184,000 97.5% 60b 145,578,679,000 141,999,951,000 Digital Sales 10,003,000 13,609,000 -26.5% Catalog Current 30b Other Sales 152,000 126,000 20.6% 2021 2020 2021 2020 0 Track Equivalent 7,725,000 9,974,000 -22.5%

Audio On-Demand 268,275,000 229,881,000 16.7% Equivalent  2.5%  15.7% Album consumption units ­— also known as albums plus TEA plus SEA — consists of album sales; track-equivalent album (TEA) sales whereby 10 tracks equal one consumption unit; and stream equivalent albums (SEA) whereby 1,250 paid and/or 3,750 ad-supported audio on-demand streams (OAD) equal one consumption unit. Page 30 of 32 DATA FOR WEEK OF 05.29.2021 HOT 100 SONGWRITERSTM HOT 100 PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 2 WKS J. COLE  1 1 WK J. COLE  TIE 2 DAN NIGRO  2 DAN NIGRO  TIE 2 OLIVIA RODRIGO  3 T-MINUS  4 LIL BABY  4 JAY JOYCE  5 BAS  5 TYRON HAPI  TIE 6 MASKED WOLF  6 YC  TIE 6 TYRON HAPI  7 OMER FEDI  8 DAVE BAYLEY  8 BOI-1DA  9 YC  9 ALEXANDER 23  10 GERALD WILSON  10 JAKE ONE  11 MANEESH BIDAYE  TIE 11 MAX MARTIN  12 OMER FEDI  TIE 11 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 13 SUCUKI  TIE 13 KOZ  TIE 13 TIMBALAND  TIE 13 STUART PRICE  15 DABABY  TIE 15 BRUNO MARS  16 LIL DURK  TIE 15 D’MILE  17 NICKI MINAJ  TIE 17 SUCUKI  18 DUA LIPA  TIE 17 TIMBALAND  19 DRAKE  TIE 19 HARV  20 MORRAY  TIE 19 SHNDO  TIE 21 BELLY  21 THE WEEKND  TIE 21 DAHEALA  22 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 21 MAX MARTIN  23 COLEMAN  TIE 21 OSCAR HOLTER  24 DAMN E  TIE 21 THE WEEKND  25 TRAVIS BARKER 

COUNTRY SONGWRITERSTM COUNTRY PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 10 WKS ASHLEY GORLEY  1 7 WKS JAY JOYCE  2 COREY CROWDER  2 JOEY MOI  3 JESSE FRASURE  3 ROSS COPPERMAN  4 ZACH CROWELL  4 ZACH CROWELL  TIE 5 DREW PARKER  5 PAUL DIGIOVANNI  TIE 5 LUKE COMBS  6 DAVID GARCIA  TIE 5 ROB WILLIFORD  7 JORDAN SCHMIDT  8 NICOLLE GALYON  8 COREY CROWDER  9 ERNEST KEITH SMITH  9 DAN SMYERS  10 JOSH OSBORNE  10 MICHAEL KNOX 

R&B/HIP-HOP SONGWRITERSTM R&B/HIP-HOP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 8 WKS J. COLE  1 1 WK J. COLE  2 LIL BABY  2 T-MINUS  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 3 BAS  3 TYRON HAPI  TIE 4 MASKED WOLF  4 BOI-1DA  TIE 4 TYRON HAPI  5 JAKE ONE  6 GERALD WILSON  TIE 6 BRUNO MARS  7 LIL DURK  TIE 6 D’MILE  8 MANEESH BIDAYE  TIE 8 SUCUKI  TIE 9 SUCUKI  TIE 8 TIMBALAND  TIE 9 TIMBALAND  TIE 10 HARV  TIE 10 SHNDO 

MAY R&B SONGWRITERSTM R&B PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 10 WKS GIVEON  TIE 1 7 WKS BRUNO MARS  29 #1 TIE 2 ANDERSON .PAAK  TIE 1 7 WKS D’MILE  2021 TIE 2 BRODY BROWN  TIE 3 HARV  TIE 2 BRUNO MARS  TIE 3 SHNDO  TIE 2 D’MILE  5 WOODPECKER  TIE 6 MOOSKI  6 NATE RHOADS  TIE 6 WOODPECKER  7 SEVN THOMAS  8 SEVN THOMAS  8 BLAQ TUXEDO  9 VARREN WADE  9 MANEESH BIDAYE  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES 10 MANEESH BIDAYE  10 DZL  The top songwriters and producers on the Billboard Hot 100 and selective genre songs chart that utilize the Hot 100 formula (blending streaming, airplay and download sales data) for the charts dated May 29, 2021. Rankings are based on accumulated weekly points for all charted songs — on the specified chart for the week — on which a songwriter or producer is credited. If a song is written or produced by more than one person, points are divided equally among all credited parties. Page 31 of 32 DATA FOR WEEK OF 05.29.2021 RAP SONGWRITERSTM RAP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 8 WKS J. COLE  1 1 WK J. COLE  2 LIL BABY  2 T-MINUS  3 BAS  3 TYRON HAPI  TIE 4 MASKED WOLF  4 BOI-1DA  TIE 4 TYRON HAPI  5 JAKE ONE  6 GERALD WILSON  TIE 6 SUCUKI  TIE 7 SUCUKI  TIE 6 TIMBALAND  TIE 7 TIMBALAND  8 COLEMAN  9 DJ DAHI  9 DAMN E  TIE 10 MARIO DRAGOI  TIE 10 GOVI  TIE 10 TAE BEAST  TIE 10 KID MASTERPIECE 

DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGWRITERSTM DANCE/ELECTRONIC PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 49 WKS F A L L E N  1 15 WKS HVME  #1 TIE 1 49 WKS SAINT JHN  2 DJ REGARD  TIE 3 ANTON RUNDBERG  3 F A L L E N  TIE 3 JAMES BELL  TIE 4 HIGHTOWER  TIE 3 JULIA KARLSSON  TIE 4 TIESTO  TIE 3 TIESTO  TIE 6 BLOODPOP  TIE 7 BROCK KORSAN  TIE 6 BURNS  TIE 7 CARDO ON THE BEAT  8 RITON  TIE 7 DAVEON JACKSON  9 STEVE AOKI  TIE 7 KENDRICK LAMAR  10 THE INVISIBLE MEN  TIE 7 KEVIN GOMRINGER  TIE 7 TIM GOMRINGER  TIE 7 TRAVIS SCOTT 

LATIN SONGWRITERSTM LATIN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 10 WKS EDGAR BARRERA  1 81 WKS TAINY  2 TAINY  2 SKY ROMPIENDO  3 MORA  3 EDGAR BARRERA  4 BAD BUNNY  4 MORA  TIE 5 JHAY CORTEZ  5 SUBELO NEO  TIE 5 NYDIA LANER  6 ALBERT HYPE  7 HAZE  7 SANTANA THE GOLDEN BOY  8 ALBERT HYPE  8 MANUEL LARA  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS TIE 9 CRISTIAN CHILUIZA  9 KEITYN  TIE 9 KALI UCHIS  TIE 10 ANDRES TORRES  TIE 9 MANUEL LARA  TIE 10 DANDEE  TIE 9 SERVANDO MORICHE PRIMERA MUSSETT 

ROCK & ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ROCK & ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 7 WKS DAVE BAYLEY  1 16 WKS FINNEAS  2 FINNEAS  2 TRAVIS BARKER  MAY 3 STEVIE NICKS  TIE 3 BLAKE SLATKIN  29 4 BILLIE EILISH  TIE 3 OMER FEDI  2021 TIE 5 BLAKE SLATKIN  5 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 5 OMER FEDI  6 AARON DESSNER  7 TRAVIS BARKER  7 JOEL LITTLE  8 TYLER JOSEPH  8 RYAN METZGER  9 MACHINE GUN KELLY  9 CAMERON NESBITT  TIE 10 BILLY WALSH  10 KBEAZY  TIE 10 MILEY CYRUS 

AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES TIE 10 THE KID LAROI  Page 32 of 32 DATA FOR WEEK OF 05.29.2021 ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 9 WKS DAVE BAYLEY  1 19 WKS FINNEAS  2 FINNEAS  2 TRAVIS BARKER  3 BILLIE EILISH  TIE 3 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 4 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 3 OMER FEDI  TIE 4 OMER FEDI  5 DAVE BAYLEY  6 TRAVIS BARKER  6 AARON DESSNER  TIE 7 BILLY WALSH  7 JOEL LITTLE  TIE 7 MILEY CYRUS  8 RYAN METZGER  TIE 7 THE KID LAROI  9 KBEAZY  10 MACHINE GUN KELLY  10 JOE REINHART 

HARD ROCK SONGWRITERSTM HARD ROCK PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 2 WKS BERNIE MARSDEN  1 2 WKS KEITH OLSEN  #1 TIE 1 2 WKS DAVID COVERDALE  2 GREG KURSTIN  3 SHAUN MORGAN  TIE 3 FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH  TIE 4 IVAN MOODY  TIE 3 KEVIN CHURKO  TIE 4 JASON HOOK  5 SHAUN MORGAN  TIE 4 KEVIN CHURKO  6 DREW FULK  TIE 4 ZOLTAN BATHORY  7 WIZARD OF OZ  TIE 8 JORDAN FISH  8 ROYAL BLOOD  TIE 8 OLIVER SYKES  9 JOE BARRESI  10 KITT WAKELEY  10 FOO FIGHTERS 

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERSTM CHRISTIAN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 2 WKS MICAH KUIPER  1 30 WKS JONATHAN SMITH  TIE 2 LAUREN ASHLEY DAIGLE  2 PAUL MABURY  TIE 2 PAUL MABURY  3 MICAH KUIPER  4 PHIL WICKHAM  4 JASON INGRAM  5 STEVEN FURTICK  5 JEFF PARDO  6 BRIAN JOHNSON  6 TEDD T  7 JEFF PARDO  7 WE THE KINGDOM  8 CHRIS BROWN  8 JEFF SOJKA  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 TOBYMAC  TIE 9 JONATHAN JAY  10 ZACH WILLIAMS  TIE 9 TONY BROWN 

GOSPEL SONGWRITERSTM GOSPEL PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 8 WKS STEVEN FURTICK  TIE 1 3 WKS JONATHAN JAY  #1 2 CHRIS BROWN  TIE 1 3 WKS TONY BROWN  MAY 3 DANTE BOWE  3 STEVEN FURTICK  29 4 BRANDON LAKE  TIE 4 CHRIS BROWN  2021 5 CHANDLER MOORE  TIE 4 JASON INGRAM  6 NAOMI RAINE  6 KYLE LEE  7 TRAVIS GREENE  7 BEN SCHOFIELD  8 BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON  8 KENNETH LEONARD, JR.  9 JEKALYN CARR  9 DANA SOREY  10 DWAN DEBERNIS HILL  10 ALLEN CARR  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES