Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE AUGUST 26, 2021 Page 1 of 40

INSIDE 40 Under 40: Billboard Reveals

• Inside the Business 2021 List of Trailblazing Young of BTS — And the Challenges Ahead Music Executives • Jeff Vaughn Is BY BILLBOARD STAFF Writing the Next Chapter of Capitol Music Group History When his breakout hit, “Love Cycle,” took off in 2020, is to be the preeminent popular music label,” he says, rapper Toosii started getting calls from major labels “and reimagine what the next 80 years of Capitol • Halsey and interested in signing him. One of the last meetings he looks like.” Kaytranada Join went to was with . “When I walked in Moment House’s Tarek Al-Hamdouni $12M Series A: the room and saw Jeff [Vaughn], I was like, ‘This is the Senior vp digital marketing, RCA Records Exclusive label,’ ” recalls Toosii. The two had met years earlier Tasked with helping break artists like , Tate under very different circumstances — Vaughn was vp McRae, Fousheé and Flo Milli, the 37-year-old de- • Marketing Whiz of A&R for another label, while Toosii, unbeknownst scribes his work as twofold: “Find people who aren’t Ileana Diez Wants to Help Artists Grow to Vaughn, was homeless — and the rapper remem- clicking ‘play,’ ” he says, and inspire current fans so Their Empires bered the kindness Vaughn had shown him during a they’re “pressing ‘play’ more often.” For Doja’s Planet vulnerable time. “He’s one of the most humble dudes Her rollout, that meant enticing listeners, new and • Earn Money for you’ll ever meet, showing up to work in Vans and a old, with activations and a sumptuous Your Music Taste: 3LAU Raises $16M flannel shirt,” says Toosii. “As an artist, he treats me performance series — anything to build out “the for Music Rights like I’m precious. Shout-out to the new Capitol.” bridge between artist and fan.” Marketplace Royal As the company approaches its 80th anniversary Before I Turn 40, I Want To: “See the Arctic.” next year, Vaughn, 36, is indeed molding a “new” Jarred Arfa MARKET WATCH Capitol. Recruited by chair- COO, Artist Group International PAGE 37 man/CEO Lucian Grainge as Capitol Records presi- Promoted from GM/executive vp in April, Arfa, dent in 2020, Vaughn was promoted to chairman/CEO 37, guided the company through major deals during & PRODUCERS of Capitol Music Group earlier this year and faces the the pandemic, including adding boy band Why Don’t CHARTS daunting tasks of reinvigorating the roster and more We to its icon-filled roster; teaming up with London- PAGES 38 - 40 significantly investing in R&B and hip-hop. “Our goal (continued)

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IN BRIEF

based K2 Agency through its joint venture the rapper as well as labelmates like Young them internally and building for the .” with private equity firm (and AGI parent Thug and have won multiple market- Responsible for award-winning campaigns company) Yucaipa Companies; and signing ing awards and helped Slime Language 2 — a for acts such as and Greta Van with sponsorship/branding agency Brand- compilation project from Thug’s Young Fleet, Coslov also noticed the gaming com- Mark. Still, he sees the cautious return of Stoner Life Records roster — top the Bill- munity’s response to Glass Animals’ “Heat live music as the most exciting development. board 200. “I am a creative sociologist,” Waves” and worked to make it a single as the My Favorite Piece of Artist Mer- says Bass. “I make it my business to under- track blew up on TikTok. It’s one of many ch: “The night my son was born, stand where my artists’ brand and music fit ways user-generated content has “recali- had a residency show at [Madison Square within [the cultural] landscape.” brated the industry across all departments,” Garden] — I have a signed setlist from him If I Didn’t Work in Music, I he says. welcoming my son to the world.” Would: “Work in the hospitality business. If I Didn’t Work in Music, I Would: “Be Warda Baig I’m the hostess with the mostess.” finding different ways to disappoint my Talent buyer, Live Nation Stacy Blythe parents after dropping out of law school. In In the past few months, Baig, 31, has Senior vp promotion, Big Loud all seriousness, probably writing my second jumped right into getting bands back on the In 2020, the label to country stars novel.” road, booking over 60 at The Pa- like Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen and Chris Ileana Diez vilion at Toyota Music Factory in Dallas and Lane marked its fifth anniversary, and Marketing executive lining up the first shows for a new Hous- Blythe, 37, celebrated accordingly: Her Gordan Dillard ton ballroom slated to open in November. now-10-person promotions team took five Artist manager, SALXCO Outside of music, says Baig, “I spent the past singles to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Air- Doja Cat spent 18 months working on her year reflecting on my multiple identities and play chart in the 2020 calendar year — “the June release, Planet Her, and Dillard, 34, how I can use my platform at Live Nation most of any imprint in Nashville,” she says, was with the artist every step of the way, to start change within the organization,” and nearly half of the label’s 11 total chart- helping the rapper/pop star welcome her including helping the company take part in toppers to date. Her next goal: taking Big space-themed third studio into the #StopAsianHateDay. Loud’s chart share from No. 3 to No. 1. world with events such as a futuristic Gram- What I’ve Missed Most About Office If I Didn’t Work in Music, I mys performance in March and a mesmeriz- Life: “Doing the daily walk and talk to get Would: “Run a meatball food truck. I grew ing drone light show in in June our steps in — and catch up on our favorite up in an Italian family and often find it dif- (created in partnership with Mu- TV shows.” ficult to locate authentic Italian food in the sic). Says Dillard: “The last year has forced Rayna Bass South.” everyone to think outside the box.” Senior vp marketing, 300 Entertainment Alex Coslov What I’ve Missed Most About Office Megan Thee Stallion’s three Grammy VP marketing strategy, Life: “The loud music and the water dis- Award wins in March marked a “full circle” “If Republic is Congress,” says Coslov, 31, penser — random, I know.” moment for Bass, 35, whose campaigns for “then I am the artists’ senator, representing Catrin Drabble

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ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country

ExecutiveAlbu vp corporatems; development Brett and YoungTop Dawg ‘Catc Entertainmenth ’-esto EMPIRE Fifth to AirplayLee Goforth finance, Kobalt release ’s first mixtape.” Music agent, Creative Artists Agency Amid theLea disruptionder; of COVID-19, Travis DenningJules Ferree Makes HistoryA CAA veteran who started in the mail- London-based Drabble, 32, played a key Executive vp brands, SB Projects room 15 years ago, Goforth, 38, spent the role in helping Kobalt achieve profitability Finding partnerships for the management pandemic helping rising stars Tate McRae Samfor the Hunt first’s second time in studio 2021. full-length, It’s one of and many first in overcompany’s five years, artists Southside to advance sales (up their 21%) careers in the tracking and week. Conan On Country Gray turn Airplay, a “pause it hops into 18-15 an (11.9 even mil - (MCAhats she Nashville/Universal wears: When she Music and Group her Nashville),global debutsand at connectNo. 1 on Billboard with fans’s requireslion audience Ferree, impressions, 39, to biggerup 16%). moment for them” by mapping out Topinvestments/deals Country teamchart datedaren’t April strategizing 18. In its first beweek “part (ending translator, April 9), itpart air traffic controller, 2022 tours and brainstorming unconven- earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingnew signings to Nielsen and Music/MRC renewals, they’reData. busy part salesperson, part matchmakerand total Country and partAirplay No.tional 1 as “Catch” opportunities (Big Machine — “books, Label Group)podcasts, ascends withSouthside merger-and-acquisition marks Hunt’s second activity, No. 1 on like the mind reader,” she says. Thanks to proj- brands,2-1, increasing virtual 13%shows” to 36.6 — millionto support impressions. his ros- chartthe May and salefourth of topAWAL 10. It and follows Kobalt freshman Neigh LP- ects including ’s New Year’s ter. HeYoung’s also firstleads of the six agency’schart entries, festival “Sleep group, With- Montevallobouring Rights, which to arrived Sony. “Asat the we summit think inabout No - with T-Mobile and ’s workingout You,” with reached roughly No. 2a indozen December agents 2016. to take He vemberrevenue 2014 going and forward,” reigned for she nine says, weeks. “we To aredate, multiple McDonald’s team-ups, she and her clientsfollowed from with afternoon the multiweek acts No.to headliners. 1s “In Case You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionhaving in to album predict sales. how social media, fitness team have brought in nine figures’ worth of You”My (three,Favorite January Piece 2018), of Artist“Mercy” Merch: (two, August “I appsMontevallo [and more] has spent will 267 change weeks the on the publishing list, tying deals to the company during her tenure. am2018) a lifelong and “Here Willie Tonight” Nelson (two, fan. April I have 2019). over Lukelandscape.” Bryan’s Crash My Party as the sixth-longest- Ten Years Ago, I Was: “Writing 60 of“Catch” his records completes on vinyl his longest and numerous journey to No. 1, runningBefore titles I Turn in the chart’s40, I Want 56-year To: history. “Produce a copy for Justin Bieber when I was handling Williehaving Nelson taken 46 T-shirts, weeks to and reach I’ve the been apex. on It [his out- roséOn from the all-genre my family’s Billboard fledging 200, Southsidevineyard arthat- digital marketing at Def Jam.” tour]paces bus.” the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG afterI am the not No. embarrassed 3-peaking Montevallo to give to. my friends.” Tim Glover aCharlie new high. Hellman HuntNima first Etminan released the EPX2C , which debuted Senior vp A&R, VP/head of marketplace, Spotify andCOO, peaked EMPIRE at No. 5 on Top Country Albums in August“I’m 2014. always Following on the dailyCOMBS search ‘DOES’ for the IT AGAIN LukeLeading Combs’ the“Does team to Me” that (River develops House/Columbia services MontevalloIt has been, Between a busy the few Pines: years Acoustic for the Mixtape dis- startednext at artist its No. to 7 sign,” high in says Nashville),Glover, 37, featuring who has Eric Churchto help, ascends creators 11-8 and on rightsCountry holders Airplay, “grow up 10% to Novembertributor/label/publisher, 2015. and Etminan, 33, had a hand in developing24.7 artists million like in R&B audience. Thetheir song audience is Combs’ and eighth grow straight their career-openingearnings,” 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:has had “Leave a hand the in Night some On,” of the “Take San Your Francis Time,”- “Housestar Party”Summer and Walker “Make andpromoted “Blueberry No. 1Faygo” singles. Hellman, 35, has had a hand in some of Youco-based Miss Me.” company’s “Break Up most in a notableSmall Town” moves, peaked in- at No.rapper 2. Lil Mosey. WorkingChurch across adds a roster his 15th of CountrySpotify’s Airplay most top important 10. features, including cludingHunt co-penned working with all 12 Blackground songs on Southside Records, including over “Body 20 artists, Like a Glover Back also played an instru- Spotify for Artists (now used by over 1 mil- Road,”to bring which Aaliyah’s was released catalog in online; 2017. The partnering smash hit ruledmental Country role Airplay in the for making THAT of J. Cole’s TOOK QUITEThe ‘A FEW’lion MONTHS musicians Travis monthly), Denning shattersthe recently the record im- for threewith weekslabels and such the as airplay-, ’s streaming- OTF and and Ni sales-based- Off-Season Hot Country, which Songs became the themost rapper’s weeks it sixthhas taken proved to penetrate playlist-pitching the Country Airplay tool (which top 10 ashelped “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 - Floridagerian Georgiarapper Olamide’s Line’s “Meant YBNL to Be” Nation; (50 weeks and atop theBillboard 200-topping latter list in 2017-18). albumlion in radioand had reach. the 76,000 artists get added to editorial playlists helping“Downtown’s artists likeDead,” Young which Dolph, is also Key on the Glock new set, reachedlargest streamingNos. 14 and week 15 of Theany songalbum surpasses this two tracksfor the that first took time 50 weeks in 2020) each and to enter other the educa top 10:- onand Hot Yung Country Bleu Songs score and top 20 Country albums Airplay, on the respectively, year. in June 2018. “Kin- Easton Corbin’s “A Girl Liketional You,” and which promotional reached No. tools. 10 in “Fifty-sevenJanuary 2018 be - folks”Billboard 200. led Country Airplay on Feb. 29, becoming Hunt’s Ifseventh I Didn’t No. Work 1. It hit in Music,fore peaking I Would: at No. “Be 6 that February,thousand and artists Aaron make Watson up’s the “Outta top Style,”90% of which No. 3 on Hot Country Songs. achieved its No. 10 high in December 2017. Ten Years Ago, I Was: “Just arriving in doing real estate. Buying property is impor- streams on Spotify — quadruple the amount 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 San Francisco from Germany and bringing tant, ownership is important.” there were in 2017,” says Hellman. “[We’re 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 O N S A L E SEPT. 18, 2021

2021 NEW & R ENOVATED VENUES

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

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

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IN BRIEF

giving] artists agency over their careers.” involved in musical therapy — specifically Excl. U.S. chart. “I’m big on setting goals,” What I’ve Missed Most About Office with patients suffering from Alzheimer’s says the 17-year veteran of the label, “and Life: “High fives.” and dementia.” every day we work to smash them.” Raj Jadeja Lisa Kasha What I’ve Missed Most About Office VP creative A&R, BMG VP digital marketing and social media, Epic Life: “The moving around and face-to-face The 39-year-old has grown the publisher’s Records dialogue.” hip-hop presence by playing a major role After working on ’s Fort- Rakiyah Marshall in the signings of , DJ Khaled and nite concert, “Astronomical,” Kasha, 39, Founder/CEO, Back Blocks Music the late Juice WRLD, with whom he also continues to push Epic’s roster to the fore- After three years at BMG, Marshall, traveled on tour. Today, Jadeja is focused on front of gaming and tech, spearheading Zara 29, launched her own artist development, keeping the momentum going for writer- Larsson’s Roblox dance party (which drew publishing and management company last producer D’Mile, whose collaborations with 1.6 million unique visitors in its premiere November — and quickly saw results. She H.E.R. have already won both Grammy and weekend) and bringing Madison Beer to scored label and publishing deals for rising Academy Awards. Says Jadeja: “We are just TikTok with an “immersive reality” concert star Lily Rose, helped Blake Pen- getting started.” experience. “Moving forward, I don’t see dergrass land cuts with Morgan Wallen and Ten Years Ago, I Was: “Getting fired how digital won’t be at the of every Chris Lane, and signed Ashley Cooke, a viral from my first A&R job. Best thing that could marketing plan,” says Kasha. TikTok success story. “It’s exciting to me to have happened.” My Favorite Piece of Artist Merch: “I watch these songs come to life in as quickly Grace James was a massive *NSYNC fan, and one of my as 24 hours,” she says of how songwrit- Senior vp/head of marketing, Atlantic Re- older co-workers who worked in lighting ers can use the app to take fans inside the cords surprised me with an *NSYNC crew shirt.” creative process. “Marketing is a form of storytelling, using Federico Lauria My Favorite Piece of Artist Merch: “My the tools I have to convince people why an Founder/CEO, Dale Play Records/Lauria autographed Sam Smith vinyl of In the artist is worth their time, money, like and Entertainment Lonely Hour. It has made it through many follow,” says James, 37, whose pop/rock ros- No one has done more to put Argentine apartments and job changes.” ter includes , and the In the hip-hop on the map than Lauria, 39, whose Steve Martocci Heights movie soundtrack. But James — a Dale Play roster achieved major milestones Co-founder/CEO, Splice key member of Atlantic’s racial justice em- in the past year: Nicki Nicole became the “It has been a huge year for us,” says Mar- ployee resource group, Off-Color — says it’s first Argentine artist to perform on The tocci, 39. In 2020, samples from the music about being a good listener, too: “Whether Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Duki creation platform were heard in Billboard it’s social media commentary or streaming launched a major European tour and pro- Hot 100 hits like Doja Cat’s “Say So” and analytics, fans talk back and tell us what ducer Bizarrap became the country’s most- ’s “Dákiti,” while overall sample they like.” streamed artist globally on Spotify in 2020. downloads spiked 50% during the first Before I Turn 40, I Want To: “Host a “It’s very exciting to feel that this is only the month of the pandemic as young produc- TED Talk about how running changed my beginning,” says Lauria, who also opened ers flocked to the service. To help them, life. This November, I’ll be running my ninth new international offices (in the United Splice recently launched new education marathon.” States and Spain) and produces the annual tools, Splice Skills, among other features. Monica Jordan Buenos Aires Trap Festival. Says Martocci: “Continuing to evolve our Director of creative, U.S. Latin, Before I Turn 40, I Want To: “Get my platform for these next-generation creators Publishing whole family together for a big trip.” is really exciting to me.” “I truly enjoy that moment when I come Marisa Lauro-Norris Ten Years Ago, I Was: “[Selling] my first across a songwriter or artist who is just get- Senior vp international marketing, Def Jam company, GroupMe, to Skype — it was born ting started and my gut yells, ‘Star power!’ ” Recordings from my friend talking about how hard it says the Miami-based Jordan, 38. And she With approximately 70% of Justin Bieber was to find each other at concerts.” has been feeling that a lot lately, having music consumption coming from outside Claire McAuley signed breakout rapper-singer Myke Towers the United States, the recently promoted Senior vp global administration, Warner and rising hitmaker Elena Rose (who has Lauro-Norris, 38, had plenty to do in the Chappell Music written for Gomez and Jennifer Lo- last year and a half: The pop star’s March The admin department is Warner Chap- pez). Jordan also helped organize the pub- album, Justice — released only 13 months pell Music’s “engine room,” according to lisher’s first Pan-Latin Zoom camp, bringing after 2020’s Changes — hit No. 1 in 117 coun- the London-based McAuley, 38, who in the together over 80 songwriters from around tries on , while smash single past two years has overseen upgrades to the the world for three days last year. “Peaches” (with Giveon and Daniel Caesar) publisher’s proprietary copyright/royalty If I Didn’t Work in Music, I Would: “Be spent five weeks atop the Billboard Global platform, Tango, and its in-house royalties ON SALE OCTOBER 9 TOP LATIN POWER PLAYERS On October 9th, Billboard will profile the most influential people in , from executives, music publishers and management companies to radio and television stations and live entertainment

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

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

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Joe Maimone | 212.493.4427 | [email protected]

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*Editorial content subject to change. Page 9 of 40

IN BRIEF

app to make it easier for creators to track Thomas’ 1967 song “Can You Dig It,” written Fedi as members of its roster (which spans the success of their songs. Keeping song- by Russ Regan and Jerry Goldstein, she got management, label and publishing divi- writers paid during the pandemic wasn’t a brief from Google last year looking for cool sions). Meanwhile, star client easy, but McAuley — a board member of the funk music and knew she had “the one.” Re- continues to score new accolades as both recently launched Mechanical Licensing gan’s widow even reached out, thanking the “Rockstar” (featuring 21 Savage) and “Sun- Collective — credits her team with “leaving team for helping his work live on. “Her note flower” (with ) received diamond no stone unturned or source untapped.” really moved me,” recalls Minze. “It’s why I certification last year. Before I Turn 40, I Want To: “Go to as pursued this career in the first place.” My Favorite Piece of Artist Mer- many live shows as possible.” Before I Turn 40, I Want To: “Master ch: “The first pair of Post Malone Crocs we Matt Meyer the art of from-scratch tortilla-making.” made.” Agent, music, UTA Katie Mitzell Fagan Veronica Sanjines Representing artists such as Halsey, Head of A&R, Nashville, Prescription Songs VP marketing, Warner Records Machine Gun Kelly, Tinashe and Lil Dicky, A 10-year veteran of the Dr. Luke-founded It takes more than millions of follow- 31-year-old Meyer has been plotting his publishing company, Fagan, 33, opened its ers to launch a music career. That’s where clients’ return to the road and, he says, Nashville office in 2016 and has enjoyed Sanjines, 39, comes in, helping artists like “doing anything and everything to proac- showcasing both the “melting pot” of non- Bella Poarch and Nessa Barrett “evolve from tively push my clients’ and their managers’ country talent in the city — including folk- TikTok influencers to respected artists,” she visions forward” — including brokering the pop stunner and producer Joy Oladokun says, through blockbuster launches (like deals for Halsey’s recent non-fungible token — as well as Prescription’s growing roster of Poarch’s “Build a Bitch” video) and fan-en- series and her concert with livestreaming women behind the boards, such as Lo Lind gagement plans (she has mapped out “a ton platform Moment House. He also organized and carobae. Says Fagan: “I look forward of Easter eggs” teasing Barrett’s upcoming the digital launch event for her 2020 poetry to the day when we will no longer specify EP). “My job is to protect the artist’s vision,” book, I Would Leave Me If I Could. someone as a ‘female’ producer.” says Sanjines, who also works closely with If I Didn’t Work in Music, I What I’ve Missed Most About Office genre-hopping rapper Ashnikko and Brazil- Would: “Likely work in the art space.” Life: “Hugging my writers and staff every ian powerhouse Anitta. Johnny Minardi day!” What I’ve Missed Most About Office VP A&R, Elektra Music Group Bradley Rainey Life: “Getting dressed for work. I treat the Since the Elektra brand relaunched in Head of music for visual media, WME office like my personal runway.” 2018, Minardi, 38, has signed and developed With a roster that includes Trent Reznor Shara Senderoff new talents like Tones and I, Meet Me @ and Atticus Ross (Soul, with Jon Batiste), Partner/president, Raised in Space the Altar and jxdn (signed to ’s Ludwig Göransson (Tenet) and Emile Mos- Working at the forefront of music and DTA Records, a joint venture with Elektra). seri (Minari), Rainey saw clients make up new technology, Senderoff, 36, has led the He also works closely with alt-rock veter- over half the nominees in the best original charge on some of the venture capital firm’s ans All Time Low, who hit an all-time high score fields at the 2021 Academy Awards, buzziest investments — including data plat- when “Monsters” topped Billboard’s Al- Golden Globes and BAFTAs. (Soul won all form Audigent (for which she serves on the ternative Airplay chart for 18 weeks and three.) “[There’s] an appetite for artistry board), celebrity texting app Community crossed over to top 40 radio. “I’ve been like I haven’t seen before,” says Rainey, 36. and virtual concert company Wave — and friends with them for over 15 years,” he says, “Artists are getting involved in film/TV has helped them keep growing during the “so I can’t help but get a little sentimental and mainstream, and composers who work pandemic. To Senderoff, the field has never seeing them finally enjoy this level of suc- in one medium — TV or video games, for been more exciting: “The explosive growth cess.” example — are crossing over into films and in blockchain technology, crypto and [non- My Favorite Piece of Artist Merch: “A vice versa.” fungible tokens] has created an influx of Less Than Jake Halloween 7-inch. [Seeing My Favorite Piece of Artist Merch: “A incredible founders and new startups.” them] play the Metro in on Hallow- Radiohead poster I got at a Haiti benefit What I’ve Missed Most About Office een in 1998 changed my life.” concert in 2010.” Life: “Listening to podcasts and music while Andrea Minze Austin Rosen driving to meetings.” VP music for advertising, Universal Music Founder/CEO, Electric Feel Entertainment Moe Shalizi Publishing Group When 24kGoldn and iann dior’s “Mood” Founder/CEO, The Shalizi Group “I am a crate-digger — I love the thrill topped the Hot 100 for eight weeks in 2020 After playing a key role in longtime client of the hunt,” says Minze, 38, which comes and 2021, it was a special kind of victory, Marshmello’s groundbreaking Fortnite con- in handy when overseeing synch licensing says Rosen, 33: In addition to managing the cert in 2019, Shalizi was well-equipped to of the publisher’s catalog for brands like two artists, Electric Feel also counts co- help the DJ-producer thrive in a year with Orbit, Dell and Volvo. After discovering Ural writers/producers Blake Slatkin and Omer no touring. Last year, Marshmello launched Page 10 of 40

IN BRIEF

the children’s entertainment platform Mel- of thousands.” My Favorite Piece of Artist Merch: “My lodees and delivered a splashy virtual per- David Stromberg vintage Sade T-shirt and my original Lauryn formance at the UEFA Champions League GM, Cactus Jack Hill ‘Ex-Factor’ T-shirt.” Final opening ceremony in May. “We do Travis Scott ruled 2020 with his Fort- Alex Wilhelm whatever we can to provide as much value nite concert and a pair of Hot 100 No. 1s — Co-owner, 48 Hours Entertainment and growth for our clients,” says Shalizi, and longtime manager Stromberg is keeping Methodology: Billboard’s 40 Under 40 31, who also launched new label Pick Six business booming. This year, the rapper un- list was chosen by editors based on factors Records in 2020. veiled a spiked seltzer brand with Anheuser- including but not limited to nominations Ten Years Ago, I Was: “Still in college Busch and a film-project partnership with by peers and colleagues, timely career ac- trying to figure out where I wanted to go in A24; meanwhile, his upcoming Astroworld complishments and overall impact on the life.” Festival sold out in 30 minutes. “Somehow, music industry. Nominations for each Bill- SK Sharma we broke more records and set more prec- board power list open not less than 120 days Chief analytics officer, Ingrooves Music edents in a pandemic than we ever could in advance of publication. (For our editorial Group have in a normal year,” says Stromberg, 33. calendar, please email thom.duffy@billboard. YJ Shin “I like to think we gave kids something to be com.) The nomination link is sent to press President, Big Hit Music excited about.” representatives and/or honorees of companies Just when it seemed like BTS couldn’t If I Didn’t Work in Music, I previously featured on any Billboard list, as get any bigger in 2021, the K-pop group Would: “Produce classic movies. Seems like well as those who send a request to thom. scored back-to-back Hot 100 No. 1s, setting the movie business is somehow even more [email protected]. Nominations close and streaming and chart records in the pro- creatively bankrupt than music.” lists are locked not less than 90 days before cess. Helping plot the group’s continued Lexi Todd publication. Unless otherwise noted, MRC world domination is Shin, 38, who oversees Director of business and legal affairs, Primary Data is the source for tour grosses and sales/ operations for the label — a subsidiary of Wave Music streaming data. HYBE, which was previously known as Big As in-house counsel for the publish- This story originally appeared in the Aug. Hit Entertainment — and also supports the ing/management company, Todd, 30, has 28, 2021, issue of Billboard. roster’s other acts, including Tomorrow X a front-row seat to the booming catalog Together. “The pandemic and the develop- market, working with nearly every depart- ment of technology have allowed us to do ment to grow and secure opportunities for Inside the Business a lot of experiments,” he says, “to find new the company’s library of legendary songs. In ways to expand and add immersiveness to the past year, she ran point on over a dozen of BTS — And the the fan experience.” acquisitions totaling $65 million. “You know Before I Turn 40, I Want To: “Write my you’re a part of something big,” she says, Challenges Ahead own song.” “when people completely outside of the mu- Brandon Silverstein sic industry congratulate you on recent deal BY JEYUP S. KWAAK Founder/CEO, S10 Entertainment closings and want in on the action.” Silverstein, 29, recently expanded with Ten Years Ago, I Was: “Working triple rom far down a hallway in the the launch of S10 Publishing — with writer- shifts in between college semesters: break- new headquarters of HYBE producer HARV co-writing Justin Bieber’s fast restaurant in the mornings, seafood Corp., a crystal-clear falsetto chart-topping “Peaches” — and a label entity restaurant in the evenings, then late-night rings above distant footsteps and (S10 Records) in partnership with Ryan gigs with my band.” Fmurmurs, singing the refrain to the block- Tedder’s Artist Driven Records, whose first Ebonie Ward buster K-pop group BTS’ summer jam signing, JESSIA broke out with the TikTok Partner, Emagen Entertainment Group “Butter” — the longest-reigning No. 1 single hit “I’m Not Pretty.” He has also steered “I wake up at 5 a.m. no matter on the this year. As the management clients to new heights: Anitta zone to read, research and get to work,” says sounds come closer, a dozen-strong posse, scored her first top 40 radio hit with “Girl Ward, 34, who splits her time between At- all wearing face masks, passes by. From Rio,” while ’s “Wild Side” lanta and Los Angeles. In addition to manag- Until the world’s biggest boy band (featuring ) marked a career-best ing rappers Gunna and Turbo, Ward signed reappears minutes later, it is hard to con- debut as a lead artist with a No. 14 bow on Flo Milli as a client last year and watched as nect the dots and realize that the hallway the Hot 100. the breakout MC’s Ho, why is you here ? mix- dozen was BTS, flanked by five members of Ten Years Ago, I Was: “A freshman tape established her as one to watch. “After their management team. Each BTS member at Indiana University, but that year, I put working with men for the last 10 years,” says is so dressed down in a strikingly regular- together my first Bounce on Ward, “I am excited to be part of developing guy wardrobe (oversize T-shirts and pants, local farmland. We ended up drawing tens a female artist leading the next generation.” bare feet in sandals) that they appear more Page 11 of 40

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like college kids en route to their dorm. Troubadour. Three years later, at the 2017 been 28.) But with Jin turning 30 at the end They exchange banter about terrible hang- — the first time the of 2022, BTS faces a lengthy period with overs from the previous night and the effect group says it witnessed the power of U.S. at least one member missing — and should alcohol has on their skin — a common topic fandom — it won top social artist, breaking they all choose to serve at the same time, among young people here. Justin Bieber’s six-year streak. By the fol- as some stock analysts in have When the seven members — Jin and , lowing year, BTS was selling out stadiums predicted, a group hiatus could last about 18 28; J-Hope, 27; RM, 26; V and Jimin, 25; and around the world (including in the United months (the minimum length of service). , the mystery hallway singer, is 23 States) and regularly breaking records: five That’s bad news for HYBE. BTS is the — sit down and begin answering questions, No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 since dominant engine behind the company’s in- however, they look and sound like the vet- 2018, the fastest accumulation by a group come, bringing in about 85% of its 796.3 bil- eran pop stars they are. Seated in foldaway since in 1966-68; five No. 1 hits lion won ($680 million) in total 2020 rev- chairs on a stage — where the white surfaces on the Hot 100 in under a year, the quickest enue. Though HYBE has begun diversifying bear shoe prints and other marks from a run of five since Michael Jackson in 1987-88; its portfolio of talent — signing new K-pop recent livestreamed appearance on The several music videos garnering over 1 billion acts and, starting next year, partnering with Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon — they views each on YouTube. It’s the first K-pop Universal Music Group (UMG) on a U.S.- speak politely, eloquently and with convic- act to be nominated for a Grammy, and based boy band talent show — it remains tion, emanating the humble charisma that earlier this year the band won four BBMAs. unclear whether anything could replace has charmed millions of fans into support- According to IFPI, its album Map of the BTS on the company’s balance sheet. ing them with an almost religious fervor. Soul: 7 was the world’s best-selling last year; On top of these pressures, both the group “We are not exceptional people — our follow-up BE was ranked fourth despite be- and the agency are coming under scrutiny plate is small,” says rapper Suga, the group’s ing released in late November. for BTS’ recent chart successes, which fans bookworm, using the Korean expression for Alongside BTS’ international explosion, of some competing acts say are achieved lack of ability or small-mindedness. “We’re HYBE has likewise transformed. A month through concerted “manipulation” antitheti- these rice-bowl-size guys getting so much after rebranding in March, the company cal to the charts’ purpose of accurately high- poured into it. It’s overflowing.” V chimes in: paid $1.05 billion to buy uber-manager lighting the world’s most popular acts. After “The pressure has been overwhelming.” Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings — and went “Butter” and the co-write “Per- “We’ve been avoiding blowing our own from being a small agency with a valuation mission to Dance” debuted atop the Hot 100, horn since 2017 because we’re afraid of of 10 billion South Korean won (at the time where “Butter” ruled for nine nonconsecu- payback someday,” adds RM, the rapper about $9.3 million) in 2011 to an industry tive weeks, some noted how the group’s fans, who usually acts as the de facto spokesman- juggernaut worth over 1,000 times more known as ARMY, organize themselves on leader. “We constantly think about karma.” (about $9.5 billion). In turn, BTS’ members, social media, using tactics like bulk purchas- That kind of self-deprecation is, says RM, who own shares in HYBE, have become es of physical albums and coordinated digital at least somewhat just part of BTS’ “Korean multimillionaires, each holding equity buying to influence chart performance. DNA.” But it’s also the product of a strato- worth about 20 billion won ($17 million). Both HYBE and BTS reject accusations spheric rise to global stardom and unusual “As we’ve gotten older, our perspective that chart manipulation accounts for the staying power that, the group itself is first to has become wider,” says Jin, the vocalist group’s success. BTS’ members say that admit, has come as a surprise. Following often introduces himself as “worldwide they accept that their fame will peak and, viral success of ’s dance anthem “Gang- handsome” to deafening screams from fans. at some point, evaporate — after all, BTS nam Style” in 2012, multiple K-pop acts “You can’t ignore experience,” adds J-Hope, has already outlasted the industry-standard from the early 2010s gained some traction the group’s lead dancer and most cheerful seven-year life span of a K-pop group. In the overseas, but none came close to penetrating member. “When we were 20, we had the meantime, though, their runaway success mainstream pop the way that song did. That guts. We charged forward without looking. has caused a reckoning in the industry. And a boy band from a cash-strapped agency like Now we’re more prudent.” “I’ve become whether BTS’ mobilization of fandom on a Big Hit Entertainment — recently rebranded calmer,” says Jimin. “There are more things global scale can be sustained — and possibly as HYBE, which went public in October — to consider in my head.” be replicated for other acts — will not only could conquer the global music industry a The seven men all have a lot more decide the future of BTS and HYBE, but also few years later was unthinkable. “We made weighing on their minds these days. Their define their legacy. our debut through such a small company, importance as cultural ambassadors for HYBE was “very smart in understanding and it’s been tough from day one,” says Suga. South Korea has become so great that this that the future of music needs to look at the “My was never huge.” past December, in an unprecedented move, present — that music is what people use to In 2014, BTS was handing out free tickets the country’s government changed a law, identify themselves,” says Mark Mulligan, on the streets of Los Angeles to perform to allowing the group to wait until age 30 to a music-industry analyst at the consultancy a crowd of about 200 at West Hollywood’s enlist in the military. (Previously, it had MIDiA Research. The rise of streaming in Page 12 of 40

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recent years, he adds, has loosened the emo- and Russia — the idea of victory on an inter- are the medals, isn’t it?” says Suga. “It’s not tional bond between artists and consumers. national stage has always carried tremen- something that will change even if we talk “Outside of Korea, in the U.S. and the U.K., dous weight. So the fact that a Korean act about it one way or another. We just want at a time when BTS was still singing mostly performing songs in the to be good to the people who love us. That’s in Korean, there was a whole generation of has moved so many people beyond its own what lasts in the long run.” teenagers who just knew that there was a borders has become an enormous source Especially when those people make up hole in their musical soul. They knew some- of national pride — and placed a degree an ARMY. thing was missing, but they didn’t know of pressure on BTS far beyond that of any Virtually all major pop stars rely on a loyal what it was. And then, suddenly, [BTS] usual cultural export. fandom that will unite to buy and stream comes along, and they say, ‘This makes The South Korean defense ministry’s De- their latest release. But ARMY has taken sense. I can say who I am through being a cember announcement that it would allow that new norm to a whole other level. “This fan of this band.’ ” pop stars to delay their military draft and is a result of a struggle, and I don’t want to What the future of BTS looks like, and continue their careers — with strict quali- overlook that,” says RM of his group’s success what it will be most remembered for, remains fications that, so far, only BTS meets — was — referring not to its own hours of toiling more of an unknown — especially to the historic. The law currently exempts only behind the scenes, but to the amount of work group itself. “When our history is over, it’ll be certain elite athletes, classical musicians and ARMY exerts to ensure its object of adulation clearer. When the dust settles and we come dancers, and while BTS isn’t fully exempt, stays on top of the world and the charts. down from our pedestal, we’ll be able to tell,” the decision is a clear indication of how Shin Cho, head of K-pop and J-pop at says RM. “At the moment, we’re standing in pivotal to the country’s soft power BTS has , says this stems from the eye of the cyclone. I don’t think we or become. In late July, President Moon Jae-in a particular fan culture in K-pop that pulls anyone else can accurately say anything.” appointed BTS the Special Presidential out all the stops to ensure whomever they’re Whether it’s performing live or in one of Envoy for Future Generations and Culture, supporting will get mainstream attention. its technicolor music videos, BTS has always giving the group diplomatic passports. That “Fans will do whatever they can to create projected a kind of debonair effortless- status pushed it to the front of the line for the success story,” says Cho. ness: flawless dancing, smooth live vocals, COVID-19 vaccinations — a real privilege in But just how much they’ll do has recently perfectly calibrated harmonies. But as its a country that has struggled with shortages come into question. Through above-board members tell it, being BTS has not been easy — and in September, the group is set to make means, ARMY has long exploited loop- for a few years now. its third appearance at the United Nations holes in music chart rules (including those To anyone paying attention, this isn’t General Assembly. “We expect BTS to make of Billboard) to propel BTS singles’ perfor- a shock. Back in 2018, after winning the great contributions to raising our country’s mance. Billboard’s rules, for example, allow top prize at the year-end Mnet Asia Music prestige as a leading nation in the post- people to buy a certain number of versions Awards ceremony, most of BTS broke down COVID age,” the president’s office, known as of songs or albums per week, and any sales in tears at the podium, and Jin confessed that Blue House, said in a statement at the time. per version exceeding that cap do not con- they had considered breaking up earlier that HYBE has its own set of expectations tribute to the artist’s weekly sales total or year due to emotional hardship. Recalling for BTS. Since 2019 — when, according to chart placement. For a K-pop group like BTS that moment today, the band insists quitting HYBE’s latest prospectus, BTS accounted that typically releases multiple versions of was never seriously on the table but admits for 97.4% of its revenue — the company has a particular single — including both digital its members have suffered from burnout. been growing revenue streams that don’t and physical — that can add up to multiple “We used to get the monthly calendar with directly involve BTS’ active participation sales per consumer. (“Butter,” for instance, work scheduled on 28.5 days,” says Jin — a (fan merchandise, video games). Per the had six digital versions plus two physical grueling though not unheard of schedule for prospectus, in preparation for BTS’ contract singles.) On Twitter, where BTS has over K-pop groups. During their contract renewal running out in 2024, HYBE has plans to de- 38 million followers, fans acting on behalf of negotiations in the same year as their Mnet but at least six new groups starting around ARMY will call out for assistance in pushing appearance, they received a monthlong 2022. Still, HYBE executives (along with certain singles on days when they can have vacation for the following year, their first real BTS itself ) say there are no fixed plans yet the most effect on chart performance. break since they had joined the company as for how to deal with the band’s forthcoming So while other singles on the Hot 100 trainees. “The road up to here has been ardu- military service. typically rely on streaming for the major- ous. It’s taken a toll on my health, and I think That could add up to a financial punch in ity of their weighted points (followed by we’ve put in every bit of our youth and more,” the gut — and BTS seems well aware of how airplay and then sales), the chart-topping says lead vocalist Jungkook. its continued success helps stave off that performance of BTS’ “Butter” in July, for Here in South Korea — a patriotic nation possibility. “When you watch the Olympics, example, was propelled mostly by sales, the that sees itself as a small state squeezed by you can see how hard every athlete worked bulk of which flowed directly through BTS’ superpowers like the United States, China to get there. But then what the public wants own webstore, say sources familiar with Page 13 of 40

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the matter. That webstore, those sources “Feeling the need to be a bit more discreet in Fave, a new superfan-engagement plat- say, does not recognize prior purchases or on the timeline about what we do and how form that on Aug. 18 onboarded ARMY. Ac- limit how many copies a fan can buy, unlike we do it,” @RafranzDavis wrote during a cording to CEO/founder Jacquelle Amanko- iTunes, which notes when someone already funding run in early August. “It’s annoy- nah Horton, HYBE is especially interested owns a copy. ing but thnx to everyone that just gets it.” in Fave’s marketplace feature, which allows While other artists’ fan cohorts also (MRC Data has a standard process for fans to create and sell unique artist merch. prefer direct-to-consumer purchasing for examining any suspicious chart activity; Bill- “They realize that fans are interested in sustained sales runs and have tried tactics board would not allow sales funded by an each other, want to hang out with each similar to ARMY’s, none have done so as ef- act or its label/management to count toward other, and there’s a way to make money fectively or with as much apparent coordi- chart performance.) from fans [making] things,” says Amankonah nation, those sources say. And this summer, These efforts have buoyed the group’s Horton. “I thought I would be learning from when “Butter” and “Permission to Dance” singles, as they have sailed to the top of them because they’ve nailed this fandom reigned atop the Hot 100 for 10 straight the charts despite BTS’ weaker streaming world in the East. And they were saying, weeks total, fans of artists like Olivia Ro- numbers and radio airplay than some of its ‘No, you extend our business model because drigo and — whose own singles pop contemporaries. “It’s a fair question,” you’re tapping into fan-to-fan.’ ” were shut out from the No. 1 spot during says RM of allegations that ARMY’s work Though still in its nascent stage, HYBE’s that time — began calling ARMY’s work akin amounts to chart manipulation. “But if there involvement with the likes of and to cheating. is a conversation inside Billboard about what Fave could set a new template for fan engage- On the July 24 chart, “Permission to being No. 1 should represent, then it’s up to ment in the industry. A strategic partnership Dance” debuted at No. 1 with 140,100 total them to change the rules and make stream- between HYBE and UMG has already led sales, according to MRC Data, with “But- ing weigh more on the ranking. Slamming us to young artists such as Gracie Abrams and ter” falling six spots to No. 7 and Rodrigo’s or our fans for getting to No. 1 with physical Jeremy Zucker opening Weverse accounts. “good 4 u” holding at No. 2. But then, some- sales and downloads, I don’t know if that’s K-pop artists from rival agencies, like Black- thing highly unusual happened: The next right ... It just feels like we’re easy targets pink, have also signed on. week, “Butter” returned to No. 1 (leapfrog- because we’re a boy band, a K-pop act, and Finding artists who are willing to hold ging Rodrigo and others) and switched places we have this high fan loyalty.” up their end of the fan relationship the way with “Permission,” which slipped to No. 7. When asked if HYBE itself organizes fans BTS does, on the other hand, may be a chal- Rodrigo’s fans claimed that it wasn’t a in any chart manipulation, Shin Young-Jae lenge. The band says it has never attended coincidence. @scrappyseal, noting the re- — president of BTS’ label, Big Hit Music (a an awards-show afterparty in the United versal, tweeted that BTS had “0 GP [general HYBE subsidiary) — answers with a chuck- States. Instead, it has always been back to public] support. A real smash is sustained le. “Wouldn’t it be nice if we actually had the a hotel to jump on V-Live, a livestreaming by the GP support.” Another fan of both Ro- ability to mastermind such a thing?” he says. app now merged with Weverse, to celebrate drigo and Lipa’s, @lipaanostalgia, described “I get that there are market developments with ARMY. “It’s like a ritual for us,” says BTS as having “fraudulent ways” and its [related to BTS] that are head-scratchers RM. BTS has used livestreaming to connect fans as “involved in chart manipulation” and for some people. But I don’t believe the U.S. with fans since even before its 2013 debut, “mass buying.” market is one that can be handily topped at a time when people were buying their ARMY’s crowdfunding efforts are cer- by downloads alone. We think the songs’ first 4G LTE-enabled smartphones, says tainly near legendary at this point. As screen impact was shown in many ways, and we are Lenzo Yoon, co-CEO of HYBE America, the grabs of account balances and bulk pur- proud of that achievement.” company’s U.S. division. Yoon first proposed chase receipts on Twitter reviewed by Bill- Still, HYBE appears to be doing its best to the video engagement idea and managed the board show, BTS fans use PayPal to pool keep the BTS fandom close. In recent years, operation from early on. money from ARMY around the globe and the company has promoted its platform Today, the moments BTS shares with make the purchases that will count toward Weverse, where stars and fans upload text ARMY several times a week — whether U.S. sales. “ARMY WHERE ARE YOU??” and video updates, as well as other exclusive career-defining or mundane — garner mil- @borakore52 asked in an Aug. 5 tweet. “I content, without the need for YouTube or lions of views each. After live performances, have enough for 448 sets of 16 PTD plus 24 Twitter. In its earnings report for the first fans tell Billboard, they receive an email Butter!! Even if you cannot buy until later, half of 2021, HYBE says Weverse “not only asking what they liked and disliked about please get your requests in ASAP!!” consolidates and solidifies fandom, it also them, too. Some ARMY organizers then offer to supports fandom’s longevity by fostering Last year, BTS found itself forced to do reimburse other fans for purchases. The community activity between fans,” adding something that the members hadn’t consid- source of those funds remains unclear, and that HYBE itself generates direct revenue ered could happen in years: playing to an some BTS fans have expressed concern through merch and content purchases. empty house. about revealing more about their methods. HYBE has also become a major investor Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Page 14 of 40

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group offered a livestreamed pay-per-view buzz alive during the pandemic. “There thing. Let’s just put our faith in the members concert series, which ended up drawing was no alternative,” he says. And Jin admits and the fans and start again.’ ” nearly 2 million people from around 190 that singing in English felt, at first, totally Additional reporting by Tatiana Cirisano countries and regions. But the lack of a live unnatural, saying he learned to mimic the and Dan Rys. audience came as a shock. “It was nerve- guide track’s pronunciations by writing This story originally appeared in the Aug. wracking when we were waiting for the them down in Korean characters. “The Eng- 28, 2021, issue of Billboard. curtain to rise, but when we went onstage, lish I learned in class was so different from there were just a lot of video cameras in the the English in the song,” he explains. “I had place the audience was supposed to be,” says to erase everything in my head first.” Jeff Vaughn Is Jimin. “I know I should be grateful for the For now — with live performances sus- chance to perform at all, but it was painful.” pended in Korea and its world tour recently Writing the Suddenly, the most exceptional group in canceled due to pandemic-related logistical was just like every artist with difficulties — BTS says it has settled into a -fa Next Chapter of indefinitely waylaid plans. The members miliar routine: spending almost every single were lonely, taken aback by the sudden day together. But there’s one twist that’s Capitol Music change to their usual rhythm. “It sapped more relaxing than usual — a “9-to-7” sched- our energy and killed our morale,” says ule. “For the first time in maybe 10 years, we Group History RM. “I’ve been getting very pensive lately,” kind of have a clear line between work and admits Suga. “You know, we haven’t been life,” says RM. “That’s probably the only good BY GAIL MITCHELL able to perform in a year and a half, not be- part,” replies Jimin. “It’s still COVID times.” ing able to do the work we do.” “These days, Jungkook says he has been reading critical eff Vaughn my thoughts are more scattered than they feedback online to motivate himself; he still Chairman/CEO, Capitol Music Group usually are,” says J-Hope. “Sometimes, I just practices singing “all the time, even to a pil- When his breakout hit, “Love feel like taking some time off. Other times, I low pulled up to my face when I’m in a hotel Cycle,” took off in 2020, rapper Toosii feel like I need to keep moving.” V, who calls room or at home.” Jstarted getting calls from major labels himself emotional and says he experiences Whatever music comes out of this time, interested in signing him. One of the last mood swings, recalls that the band has been the band members have little to say about it meetings he went to was with Capitol Re- planning a tour for two years now — yet the right now. Only RM articulates what BTS’ cords. “When I walked in the room and saw wait drags on: “Letting these emotions hurt top objectives might be — and industry-al- Jeff [Vaughn], I was like, ‘This is the label,’ me, torment me and scream inside me was tering domination outside its home country ” recalls Toosii. The two had met years upsetting.” (He adds that he wrote the track actually isn’t one. He reiterates a point earlier under very different circumstances “Blue & Grey” last year as an outlet.) he has made for a few years now: that the — Vaughn was vp of A&R for another label, In lieu of its planned world tour in 2020, group needs to maintain “the outlier” posi- while Toosii, unbeknownst to Vaughn, was BTS pivoted to something more unexpected: tion and keep its lyrics predominantly in Ko- homeless — and the rapper remembered singing completely in English. It put out rean. “I don’t think we could ever be part of the kindness Vaughn had shown him during three singles in the language (“Dynamite,” the mainstream in the U.S., and I don’t want a vulnerable time. “He’s one of the most “Butter” and “Permission to Dance”), all that either,” he says. “Our ultimate goal is to humble dudes you’ll ever meet, showing up of which reached No. 1, with “Dynamite” do a massive stadium tour there. That’s it.” to work in Vans and a flannel shirt,” says and “Butter” receiving mainstream air- The seven men’s eyes light up with Toosii. “As an artist, he treats me like I’m play — the band’s first true crossover pop unmistakable hunger, just as they do every precious. Shout-out to the new Capitol.” success, marking the first time songs by time a tour is mentioned. Nothing else, As the company approaches its 80th an- an all-Korean group hit the top 10 of Bill- good or bad, seems to matter. “We’re always niversary next year, Vaughn, 36, is indeed board’s Mainstream Top 40 Airplay chart. ready,” says Jungkook. Jin remembers the molding a “new” Capitol. Recruited by But the members say they didn’t all agree difficult talks back in 2018 around BTS’ con- Universal Music Group chairman/CEO Lu- that English was a good idea. Both BTS and tract renewal and what has happened since. cian Grainge as Capitol Records president in HYBE executives decline to elaborate, and “We were promised by the agency that they 2020, Vaughn was promoted to chairman/ Big Hit Music’s Shin says all discussions would pull out all the stops for supporting CEO of Capitol Music Group earlier this were amicable. “I think it’s a testament to our passion for performing. I think they did year and faces the daunting tasks of rein- the band’s strengths, the way they can come keep that promise,” he says. “We ended up vigorating the roster and more significantly to a friendly resolution and be mindful of telling each other that because we worked investing in R&B and hip-hop. “Our goal is the company’s needs,” he says. so hard up to that point, let’s see how far we to be the preeminent popular music label,” RM wasn’t fond of the idea, though he can go. I don’t know if I should say this, but he says, “and reimagine what the next 80 acknowledges it was a crucial way to keep [we said], ‘Screw the agency, screw every- years of Capitol looks like.” Page 15 of 40

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Growing into the job hasn’t been without with rappers Mooski, whose song “Track what we do is different.” And right now, he’s challenges: Vaughn started at Capitol just Star” went viral earlier in early 2021, ready to write the next chapter in CMG his- two months before the pandemic upended and recent signing Capella Grey, who just tory. “We want to make sure that we reflect the industry. The last 18 months, he says, cracked the Billboard Hot 100 for the first art as it is now, not necessarily what it was,” have been a “real challenge” as he worked time with “Gyalis.” “He understands the cul- he says. “Hip-hop, R&B, country, Latin — to foster his relationships within CMG — ture and isn’t trying to change me,” Capella you name it, we want to be involved in it.” the group also includes , Har- Grey says. “He’s just assisting the vibe to Additional reporting by Darlene Aderoju. vest Records, , Capitol make the vision come to life.” This story originally appeared in the Aug. Christian Music Group and the indepen- It’s the same quality that also drew 28, 2021, issue of Billboard. dent distribution division, Virgin Music electronic musician Surf Mesa to CMG (he’s Label and Artist Services — as well as with signed through Astralwerks) after breaking the company’s overseas partners. “My out on TikTok with “ily (i love you baby)” Halsey and purview is to solve problems and empow- last year. “I’ve met people before coming er,” says Vaughn, who also credits CMG across Capitol that didn’t offer what Capitol Kaytranada president/COO Michelle Jubelirer and her showed me as far as first impressions,” “institutional knowledge of Capitol” with he says. “There are people that Join Moment easing the transition. just see you for one thing. With Capitol, He’s also not the only label head eager they saw me not only for the song that was House’s $12M to invest in more hip-hop. Capitol’s history popping off at the time, but for the artist I with legendary Black artists goes way back: was, the artist I aspired to be that they have Series A: Exclusive The iconic Capitol Records Building in Los helped me grow into.” Angeles, of course, is known as “the house Vaughn has been essentially preparing for BY TATIANA CIRISANO that Nat [King Cole] built.” Yet the compa- this job his whole life. Born in Virginia, he ny’s biggest names right now are largely pop grew up on (from his mother) and ame Impala performing his 2010 and rock artists, and its rap roster shrunk (from his dad). As a teen, debut Innerspeaker from the earlier this year when Motown Records — he became a “credits freak” — studying liner oceanside studio where the album whose partnership with Quality Control has notes, dabbling in DJ’ing and even manag- was made. St. Vincent bring- made stars out of and — be- ing producers while still in high school. Ting fans back to the ‘70s in a psychedelic came a stand-alone UMG label outside the After graduating from Duke University with concert with a full band. Isaiah Rashad per- CMG umbrella. Vaughn isn’t worried about a history degree, he moved to Los Angeles forming his album The House is Burning in, competing for new talent, though. “The and began his music career in the mailroom well, a burning house. Capitol legacy speaks equally to artists of all at UTA. In 2013, he started at the newly Those are just a handful of the virtual backgrounds and genres — everyone knows launched Artist Partner Group, eventually concerts that Moment House has powered The Beatles, Halsey, Katy [Perry], Lewis rising to vp A&R (for both the label and its over the past several months, and the self- [Capaldi], Sam [Smith], so it hasn’t been a sister company, Artist Publishing Group). described “social live media platform” just tough sell,” he says. “But it’s important that During his tenure there, Vaughn signed or secured $12 million in Series A funding to Capitol is in the game. We can’t afford not to worked closely with R&B/hip-hop power- do even more. be because hip-hop culture, for which I have houses such as Youngboy Never Broke Again, The funding announced today (Aug. 26) deep love and respect, is pop culture.” Kehlani, Kevin Gates, NLE Choppa, Rico was led by Forerunner Ventures, with partici- His team’s efforts are already starting to Nasty and . He credits the all- pation from a range of venture capital firms, pay off. He didn’t sign R&B singer Queen hands-on-deck approach with his leadership executives and musicians who have worked Naija, but he played a key A&R role with style today. “What I gained was the experi- with the company. That includes UTA Ven- her missunderstood album, which last ence of working at a smaller company where tures, IDEO, Defy Ventures, Work Life Ven- year summited Billboard’s Top R&B Al- your job title may be one thing but you’re tures, Cameo co-founder Devon Townsend’s bums chart — the label’s first No. 1 there in a also handling other responsibilities involving Dumb Money Capital, Halsey, Kaytrana- decade. “He wanted to specifically work with marketing, digital and more,” he says. “I was da and his manager William Robillard-Cole, me one-on-one because he saw a lot of poten- able to practice in that environment.” media entrepreneur Richard Rosenblatt, tial in me,” Naija says. “I had a whole album Talent scout, A&R rep, support system, Whitney Cummings, Noel Miller, Tom that I trashed. He redirected and set up all vibe assistant — Vaughn is happy to wear Felton, Parcast founder and Spotify execu- new studio sessions, new people to meet and whatever hat is required to support his art- tive Max Cutler, former YouTube execu- producers to work with. He pushed me to do ists. “My strength is my work ethic,” he says. tive Shishir Mehrotra, Clubhouse’s Aarthi better because he knew I could.” “People I’ve been in business with and had Ramamurthy, Adobe’s Scott Belsky and This year, Capitol has also had successes success with recognize that my passion for Discord’s Anjney Midha. Page 16 of 40

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“We’re not just building a livestream plat- Mehta says that on the high end, artists are of compelling digital experiences — and we form for a pandemic era,” Moment House making multi-millions from their Moment are building an engine for that.” co-founder and CEO Arjun Mehta tells Bill- House ticket sales, and to date, the company board. “It’s solving a real need through a has processed 1 million tickets across 168 very elegant user experience, and rethinking countries and an additional 44 territories. Marketing Whiz what the social experience can be.” As the physical touring industry mounts Mehta and his two co-founders, Nigel a comeback, Mehta says Moment House is Ileana Diez Egrari and Shray Bansal, launched Mo- working with acts like Tinashe on virtual ment House in 2019 hoping to translate tour stops to cap off their in-person tours. Wants to Help the lucrative world of live sports media “Even if you do a 200-city world tour, that to music. “Sports has been leveraging this is still a fraction of your audience,” he says. Artists Grow format for decades now,” Mehta says. “Why “There are still so many people you’re not is it that only Conor McGregor and Floyd reaching.” Other artists are using Moment Their Empires Mayweather can leverage this digital live House to commemorate releases. This format to engage their fans all around the weekend, Halsey is partnering with Moment BY NOLAN FEENEY world, but if I’m Shawn Mendes, there’s no House to celebrate the release of her al- simple or elegant way to do so?” bum If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power with his story is part of Billboard’s an- Then, the pandemic happened, thrusting a one-night-only global performance. nual 40 Under 40 list, recognizing the music industry into the world of virtual Mehta says the new funding will be used the music industry’s trailblazing shows. “COVID obviously accelerated the primarily for two things. The first is scaling young executives. normalization of the format, but it also put the team to ensure that Moment House TIleana Diez forward this incorrect narrative that this is can become “the go-to infrastructure” in Marketing executive a replacement,” Mehta says. “It’s not at all a the crowded marketplace for virtual con- After leaving a career in label publicity to replacement.” cert platforms. Moment House has already join the management side, the 30-year-old The company has attempted to prove poached executives from Spotify (Sam former head of marketing for Roc Na- that out with a slate of imaginative concerts Berger, head of music at Moment House), tion — where she worked with artists such (called “Moments”) tailored for at-home WME (Michele Bernstein, marketing strat- as Mariah , , , Kelly audiences with artists like Kygo, Kay- egist) and AEG Presents (Casey McCabe, Rowland and more — is embarking on a new tranada, Brockhampton, Marina, Bryson head of live music and strategy). chapter with a familiar mission: “Empower- Tiller, and Omar Apollo. Mo- The second is improving the social ele- ing women of color and building next-gener- ment House also hosted Clive Davis’ virtual ment of the platform. Fans can currently ation brands that are going to shift cultures.” pre-Grammy gala earlier this year and converse through a chat box during shows, What inspired you to switch fields handled ticketing for Justin Bieber’s New but “it’s hard to have those connections in after starting in publicity? Year’s Eve livestream (which was delayed by a big group chat with 20,00 people,” Mehta There has been a shift from record labels its host, livestreaming platform VenewLive, points out. He’s looking into “sub-grouping” having a lot of say in the construction of due to unexpected last-minute demand — fans and other ways to help fans meet. “The campaigns to management really taking it a technical obstacle few companies in this goal is to deepen the sense of belonging and upon themselves, making all the creative space are immune from). Early investors in- fan-to-fan connection that goes on during and going back to the label with a finished cluded Troy Carter, Scooter Braun, Steve these experiences,” he says. “We’ve noticed product. I felt limited being just a part of Stoute and his company UnitedMasters, that people connect every time. How do we an artist’s career, because the only aspect I Kygo and his manager Myles Shear, Post make sure that they have better ways to con- worked on was music. Malone’s co-manager Austin Rosen, Logic’s nect and how do we persist those connec- What drew you to the marketing side manager Chris Zarou and Jared Leto. tions to be not just during the experience, of management? Artists either work closely with the Mo- but even before and long after?” When I joined in 2019, they ment House team to produce concerts, or Going even further, he aims for Moment were getting ready to launch Mai- use a self-serve option, which lets them House to be a key part of the metaverse — son, Rihanna’s company under the LVMH create a Moment, set their price, add a that notion of a shared, virtual space where umbrella [which has since closed]. Rihanna merchandise bundle, go live and get paid on humans interact as avatars that tech heavy- was a dream come true for me. When I was their own. Artists can also offer meet-and- weights and music executives alike lately traveling [between jobs], people would al- greets and after-parties for a premium. Mo- can’t stop talking about. ways ask, “If you could manage anyone, who ment House gives artists 100% of ticket and “You can’t just have this virtual world with would you manage?” And without thinking, merch sales, and makes its money through nothing to do,” he says. “So as you move into I would always say Rihanna. a 10% service fee tacked on to ticket sales. the metaverse, it’s going to require a wealth One of the first things I did was con- Page 17 of 40

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ceptualize and produce [Fenty Maison’s] Nation. What’s the key to a good merch on the phone, that’s something I’ll be willing first out-of-home campaign, which ended business? to do. And it’s happened! I don’t put it past up winning an OBIE Award. That was the Getting to know your audience really any of my artists. moment I realized the power of what I can well. What are their buying habits? What In your career, you’ve worked with do. It’s thinking about each client as an are the items they wanted from us last year? Rihanna, Mariah, , individual brand, with Rihanna being an in- Sometimes people just throw a picture on a Normani — are you the diva whisperer? credible example — the essence of Rihanna t-shirt, but tremendous attention to (Laughs.) Listen, I come from strong has allowed [her to expand into] the makeup detail to make sure people would be proud women, I have strong women ancestors industry, the lingerie industry. Of course, the to wear what we were putting out. — that is not lost on me. I am the best me artist is the vehicle, but the ideas can be so For Mariah, we had a lot of campaigns because of the strong women tribe I come much larger than music. running last year: the 30th anniversary [of from, and [artists] continue to bring the best How do you build a brand for a newer her debut], the memoir [The Meaning of out of me. artist? ], Christmas. It was about fre- This story originally appeared in the Aug. First, getting to know them. Who are quently putting out fresh merch that tapped 28, 2021, issue of Billboard. they? What do they want to represent? How into tentpole moments — it wasn’t just do they want to speak to their audience? general Mariah merch. And we released all With philanthropy, what’s their personal her titles on vinyl, some of which had never Earn Money for passion? Because if you’re not building from been released on vinyl before. They all had authenticity, you’re going to have a really color variants selected by Mariah. We were Your Music Taste: hard time continuing. I think fans are now making sure we had those details that told used to more of that transparency. With the story of the record and of that moment 3LAU Raises $16M someone like [Roc Nation’s] Kaash Paige, in time. for instance, she loves cartoons, so from day It seems like there are a lot more op- for Music Rights one, I was like, “Let’s start building things portunities to get creative with catalog in that direction, let’s start working toward artists now. Marketplace Royal a Cartoon Network show. Who’s to say what Yeah, but you also run into danger as well. we could do?” People who have a catalog will just throw up BY TATIANA CIRISANO During Mariah Carey’s time at Roc Na- their vinyl because vinyl is selling well and tion — she moved to Range Media Part- [call it] a box set. So it’s about having a little LAU’s latest drop is here, and it’s ners for management earlier this year — more attention to detail with the buying au- not a song or an NFT. her already-giant Christmas business got dience — not everyone wants to buy a $200 The DJ, producer and crypto even bigger: “All I Want For Christmas vinyl box set. enthusiast whose $11.7 million pay- Is You” hit No. 1 on the Hot 100, and the Artists need to be sensitive to the fact that 3day from a single NFT collection in February following year, she had an Apple TV+ you’re constantly asking fans to buy things, helped spark the music industry’s interest Christmas special. How do you elevate so merch needs to feel special, collaborative in the art form is now co-founding Royal: A what already feels like an empire? and inclusive of them. I would never want blockchain-based platform for investing in It’s taking a step back and asking, “Where to push products for the sake of pushing a music rights. The platform goes live today haven’t we spoken before? What haven’t we product. And that’s why last year was the (Aug. 26) and is announcing $16 million in done?” We were thinking about partner- year we chose to release all these vinyls [for seed funding, led by Paradigm and Founders ships she’s never done, doing things with Carey], because that’s when it made sense Fund with participation from Atomic. DSPs in ways she’s never done before — we to the story. Fans are smart as hell. They’ll 3LAU, whose real name is Justin Blau, did a mini doc with Amazon. It’s also not see when you’re trying to do something for a helms the company as CEO alongside always focusing on [getting bigger], but on money grab. Royal co-founder JD Ross, who previously what little individual moments could be Some of the artists you’ve worked with co-founded online real estate marketplace special to people, especially for Christmas, are ones you’ve been listening to since OpenDoor. They hope that Royal will let which has such an emotional connection. you were a kid. How does that shape music fans support and then share in the My benchmark of success is: How do I get what you do? success of their favorite artists, driving up local news talking about something? Be- I think if you don’t love your artists, if you the value of music and helping artists better cause if local news stations are talking about don’t love their careers, [there’s a differ- monetize their work. The mere logistical something, it becomes this ripple effect. ence]. Passion is what drives me more than process of transferring music rights can You also oversaw Carey’s 2020 mer- anything else, and I’m so passionate about be complicated as well, and comes with a chandise and grew sales roughly 500% what I do and the clients I work for — to the cascade of questions. (For example: Do buy- over the previous year, according to Roc point that if they want to quiz me on B-sides ers get sync approval? Do their payments Page 18 of 40

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come before or after distribution fees? How given the complex web of publishers, labels, tokens and NFTs could be considered secu- often do buyers get paid, who is adminis- songwriters and other stakeholders involved. rities by the U.S. Securities and Exchange tering them and how?) In the future, Blau That’s why Royal will roll out slowly, Commission, and therefore subject to the says that royalties will be claimable directly beginning with music by independent artists same regulatory scrutiny and filing require- through Royal, which is designed to be as who can prove that they own all the rights ments as stocks and bonds. “We are working user-friendly as possible. The platform will to their work. (Proof will be important, as with expert counsel and former regulators also include an educational component with NFTs carrying music rights have already to make sure Royal complies with all legal video resources and blog posts for anyone incited disputes about ownership. Artists frameworks in the geographic regions it will who wants to know “what’s actually hap- on Royal are also restricted to selling rights be available,” Blau says. pening under the hood.” He adds that Royal for songs that have already been released Even so, he takes the challenges ahead in will likely green-light artists who work with — no yet-to-be-released work is allowed.) stride, and says Royal will be announcing certain distributors, such as Stem, which are Notably, for now, Royal will only sell master information on its first drops in the coming known for simplifying the payment process. recording rights, and won’t touch the noto- weeks. Eventually, Royal will open up to all art- riously convoluted publishing sector. “In the “I think the skeptics are right” to be ists, although those with the most owner- short-term, [royalties are] probably going to doubtful, he says. “I just think we’ll move a ship over their music will obviously have be stream-specific,” Blau says. lot faster than their skepticism.” the most to gain from the platform. For now, The mere logistical process of transfer- “Our goal is to show that it does work, the ring music rights can be complicated as music industry just has to put the time and well, and comes with a cascade of questions. How A Scientist Is effort in to make it work,” Blau says. “You (For example: Do buyers get sync approval? have to start somewhere.” Do their payments come before or after Helping the Music Royal isn’t the only blockchain-based distribution fees? How often do buyers get music rights investment platform on the paid, who is administering them and how?) Biz Unlock The market. Distribution company Ditto Music In the future, Blau says that royalties will be launched Bluebox in March to serve a simi- claimable directly through Royal, which is Power of Data lar purpose, and online royalty marketplace designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Royalty Exchange began allowing rights- The platform will also include an education- BY REBECCA MILZOFF holders to sell their royalty streams as NFTs al component with video resources and blog in June. posts for anyone who wants to know “what’s his story is part of Billboard’s an- “You can generate income for having great actually happening under the hood.” He nual 40 Under 40 list, recognizing taste,” Blau says. “Let’s say you find an artist adds that Royal will likely green-light artists the music industry’s trailblazing like Illenium or The Chainsmokers, two who work with certain distributors, such as young executives. artists that I was lucky to work with early- Stem, which are known for simplifying the TSK Sharma on. If I could’ve invested in them, I would payment process. Chief analytics officer, Ingrooves Music have, but there were no means to. So not Eventually, Royal will open up to all art- Group only will you see fans investing in artists, but ists, although those with the most owner- At 23, Sharma graduated from Caltech I think you’ll see artists investing in artists.” ship over their music will obviously have with a PhD in chemical physics and physical Users will be able to buy limited-edition, the most to gain from the platform. For now, chemistry. Sixteen years later, he’s far from autographed digital assets similar to NFTs “Our goal is to show that it does work, the the lab — but using the same skills leading that represent music rights, and collect music industry just has to put the time and the UMG-owned distributor’s insights and royalty payments accordingly. Whereas effort in to make it work,” Blau says. “You analytics team. Since joining the company in traditional music rights sales are a one- have to start somewhere.” 2016, he’s used artificial intelligence to cre- and-done deal, the creators who sell rights Royal isn’t the only blockchain-based ate its Smart Audience tool, which analyzes on Royal set a resale royalty, giving them music rights investment platform on the streaming behavior to identify listeners who a percentage each time someone re-sells market. Distribution company Ditto Music are more likely to become fans of, and stick those rights in the future. Royal isn’t taking launched Bluebox in March to serve a simi- with, an artist. (Both the tech and the tool a penny for now, but will eventually make lar purpose, and online royalty marketplace are now patented — a landmark achieve- money through a fee on sales and re-sales, Royalty Exchange began allowing rights- ment in the music industry.) Sharma, 39, which Blau says will be less than 10%. holders to sell their royalty streams as NFTs explains his unusual career path. Simple as that? Not exactly. “The difficulty in June. Your career has taken you from lab in executing that is extreme,” Blau notes, for There may be further obstacles to come. research to consulting to intellectual a number of reasons. First off, in most cases, The crypto community has been grappling property venture capital. How does that music rights are not readily transferrable, with fears that digital assets like social inform what you do at Ingrooves? Page 19 of 40

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My research emphasis was in therapeu- the pipe — what the new release cadence to be obsessed with the culture of hypoth- tic drug design, and a lot of the analytical is, how we’re thinking about back catalog — esis testing — of being comfortable with reasoning and rigor that we bring to the and using all that to stimulate conversations being wrong so that you can learn how to be work we do today stems from my early ex- and ideas. It’s a combination of scientific right more often. periences as a scientist. We want to ensure testing, assumption testing, gut testing, but You took a fairly unorthodox path to that we provide every opportunity possible really in an integrated fashion. this role. What advice would you give for [our artists] to be effectively heard, and Seven years ago, you were toying someone looking to get into this area of to me, that draws from aspects of portfolio with the idea of early retirement — and the industry now? optimization — not in a clinical, corporate then you were recruited for this role at I would say it’s really important to ap- finance way, but how you drive engagement. Ingrooves. What convinced you to take preciate the rigor in science and math. We It just so happens that you can drive engage- on the job? know that they’re very complementary ment these days with techniques that come I was drawn to our CEO Bob Roback’s [subjects] to music in general — there’s a lot from quantitative physical sciences. vision. He had just joined Ingrooves in 2015 of neuronal studies that show a high degree Can you walk me through an example after a successful time running Fender, and of correlation, so I think appreciating that of what that work looks like? then in 2016, he articulated his vision to me and really understanding that this culture of We have tons of data points [from digital around the very things we’re doing today — controlled experimentation and hypothesis service providers], but data by itself doesn’t really focusing on the engagement economy testing is incredibly powerful. It’s not just really mean anything. It’s about what you and borrowing from scientific rigor to build about pushing buttons, about coding some- do with it. Well, you could start to build a totally different way of thinking about thing and releasing it. That’s not a scientific these listening clusters to get a sense of differentiation, not just in the product space, approach to really trying to do valuable how people’s [listening behavior changes but in the industry. things. over] time. You can start to understand the Was the idea of building this insights Being highly collaborative is not being decay process of a new release, you can and analytics team always part of the afraid to be wrong. Being okay with ele- understand the growth profile. You can pitch to you? ments of uncertainty that you’re looking to understand how consumption and engage- It was certainly a core part of Bob’s strat- improve upon over time is a very critical ment shift as social signals change, or with egy to succeed in the independent music component of success — and so is ultimately a synch. You can do all this really market space. And that was of interest to me being very comfortable with the fact that cool math and put together something that because that’s exactly where I thought we you work in a diverse, collaborative indus- is predictive based on information learned, were going to be able to really create value, try where multiple opinions are needed. but also based on the principles of causal- not just for us, but for the entire industry Algorithms are not truth all the time. You ity: Did this cause this? Did this move the to really change the way people do things need to sit down with people and connect needle? With the Smart Audience platform, and the conversations they have. Had that with them in real life in order for something we’re looking to optimize marketing spend not been a core component of the plan, I [you create] to be effective, persuasive and in ways that return high-value audiences, certainly would not have had any interest in ultimately adopted. and in ways we can measure — as opposed the industry at the time. It’s unfortunate the way AI is talked about to saying, “I threw a bunch of money at this, I told him, “We’re gonna have to hire dif- by those who don’t really understand sci- this is what I think I got.” ferently, we’re going to have to hire PhDs, ence or mathematics — like, “The robots are What is a typical day like for you and people with a background in science.” And coming for you!” We just don’t look at it that your team? he said, “That sounds great, let’s do it the way in the music industry. [At Ingrooves] Our team is fully integrated into every right way.” Dashboards are sort of static we don’t do any AI content creation — we’re aspect of the business; we don’t work in — they show you information you already music lovers first and foremost. It’s really silos. Depending on the day of the week, have. What we really want to be able to do about using the best parts of AI to think we might be on a call with our engagement is change behavior. Even four or five years about how we can solve problems in the mu- team or our commercial analytics team. ago, [that attitude was] relatively rare in the sic industry that no one else has solved yet. [We might be] working through a really music industry outside of Spotify. What role did music play in your life hard problem, trying to understand how to What was the biggest culture shift as before Ingrooves? make a particular model smarter so that it’s you entered the music industry? I grew up dirt poor in Compton — Eazy-E going to be even more successful and able One of the things I noticed about the was my eighth-grade commencement speak- to correlate some offline event to online industry was that, historically, people were er! Music gave me hope that one day I’d end engagement on a wide range of platforms. judged by their success. There was this ele- up away from that day-to-day negativity. We might get on a couple of meetings to talk ment of “I did this, therefore I have credibil- Growing up in the beautiful diversity that’s about new releases and get a really boots- ity.” But in the scientific process, you accept L.A., you turn on the radio like, “I’m going to on-the ground sense of what’s coming down failure as a natural part of growth. You have listen to [hip-hop station] 92.3., but I’m also Page 20 of 40

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going to slide the scale to listen to KLOS, multiple releases, add external earnings such classic rock — what the heck is that?” And as physical sales, publishing and synch to Inside 48 Hours then you take it further to KROQ: “Oh, The bring down the total recoupment amount and Offspring and Nirvana, they’re pretty cool.” provide collaborators and shareholders with Entertainment, It really was a broad education through the monthly recoupment updates. Clients will be radio and the culture of living there. Music able to raise their recoupable amount (in the the Company has been transformative in my life. event additional expenses are accrued) and This story originally appeared in the Aug. once a Recoup Rule is closed splits will be Brokering Deals 28, 2021, issue of Billboard. paid out to shareholders accordingly. “We’ve been wanting to build this for a for Breakout couple of years,” Lewis tells Billboard, ex- Stem Now Offers plaining the company has spent six months Artists working with managers, accountants, and Recoupment lawyers on how to build the best version of BY TATIANA CIRISANO the product — which has been in private Accounting Before beta since February. “Our goal is to iter- his story is part of Billboard’s an- ate on this every couple weeks and release nual 40 Under 40 list, recognizing Splitting Revenue enhancements to it,” Lewis says, adding that the music industry’s trailblazing Stem’s next priorities are around producer young executives. BY MICAH SINGLETON agreements and dollar-one agreements. TAlex Wilhelm Last year, Stem launched Scale, a financ- Co-owner, 48 Hours Entertainment istribution and payments startup ing product that allows the company to The music business moves fast, but Alex Stem — which helps artists like deploy over $100 million in advances to Wilhelm moves faster. At 22, Wilhelm and Brent Faiyaz its indie artists and record label clients. To founded the music blog Crazed Hits out of collect digital revenues — has date, the company says it has received re- his bedroom in a small town in Germany, Dunveiled a new feature that allows clients quests for over $60 million in advances from showcasing then-unknown artists like to automatically track and recoup expenses acts including Faiyaz, Justine Skye and Billy , and well before splits are paid out on music releases. Lemos, among others. before they signed record deals. The blog Stem’s new Recoup Rules feature works “I hope people copy us, after we launch became a go-to source for labels to sniff out like this: If a manager or label fronted splits a lot of people copied us,” Lewis says. new talent, helping Wilhelm relocate to Los $25,000 for a music video for an artist’s “It helps us push our mission forward.” Angeles and get senior A&R roles at Warner new single, they would be able to setup a Records, Capitol Records, Recoup Rule for that $25,000 to come out of and Artist Partner Group (APG), signing acts the initial earnings for the song. Once that such as Bebe Rexha and Calum Scott. threshold is reached, the additional earn- During that time, Wilhelm noticed that ings would go into a reserve account, which new artists — especially those with a viral would then be split among the appropriate hit — often lacked the resources to un- shareholders for the track once the Recoup derstand recording and publishing deals, Rule is closed. landing them in agreements that underval- “Royalty accounting has been made to feel ued them or simply weren’t the right fit. “In complex and burdensome. It scares most some cases, artists wait too long” to sign a independent managers, artists and labels, deal, he says, missing “a small window of to the point where they punt handling it opportunity” to secure the best terms. so no one gets paid,” said Milana Rabkin Now, Wilhelm, 35, wants to help those Lewis the CEO of Stem in a statement. artists connect the dots. He left his roles at “Our goal was to demystify and streamline Atlantic and APG and joined Steve Moir, the accounting process. This is the latest who manages executives, to launch 48 step in our journey to modernize the music Hours, an “artist support” company — as industry and give music business owners Wilhelm describes it — that discovers the tools, capital and technology to man- emerging talent, matches them with labels, age their operations more efficiently and on publishers and other partners, and then their own terms.” negotiates competitive deals for them. 48 Stem clients will be able to recoup across Hours quietly opened for business in April, Page 21 of 40

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and while Wilhelm won’t reveal clients, he The amount was zero dollars, after tax. His says it has already brokered deals with every R. Kelly Trial: usual weekly check was $1,500. According major label group and has seen its artists to Arnold, Kelly docked his paycheck for crack top 40 radio. Former Employee booking a Disney World tour with a male “The business model plays to our tour guide, and Kelly wanted a female tour strengths: identifying and helping advise Says Singer Fined guide. When the singer and his entourage future superstars, sometimes earlier than it had showed up to Disney World and found makes sense for the major labels and pub- Him $1,500 For out their guide wasn’t a woman, Kelly can- lishing companies to get involved,” he says. celed the whole experience. But when interest is high and bidding wars This Disney World When prosecutors asked Arnold why he are on the horizon, Wilhelm promises that quit, he explained, “My wife wasn’t happy, I 48 Hours can help artists find label homes Mistake wasn’t happy, Rob wasn’t happy.” “within hours.” During cross-examination carried out by Wilhelm insists that the company doesn’t BY NEENA ROUHANI defense attorney Thomas Farinella, Arnold intend to replace the traditional roles of recounted the star-studded guest list who’d managers, lawyers or A&R reps. “We see he prosecution’s twelfth witness arrive to Kelly’s recording studios — Chi- ourselves as augmenting all those positions took the stand on Thursday (Aug. cago Trax and his Olympia Fields home and adding value where we can,” he says. 26) during the racketeering and studio, The Chocolate Factory — including For now, 48 Hours takes a small cut of the sex trafficking trial of disgraced Jay-Z, P. Diddy, , Twista profits from the deals it negotiates, ensuring Tsinger R. Kelly. The witness, Tom Ar- and Shaquille O’Neal. Farinella highlighted that the company’s interests are always di- nold, was Kelly’s tour and studio manager the normality of artists arriving with an en- rectly aligned with the artists’. “The demand from 1998 through 2011 and traveled with tourage, including security guards, as well as is forcing us to expand more quickly than Kelly all around the world. On the stand, he guests being escorted throughout the studio, anticipated,” says Wilhelm, adding that he identified 19 other employees and associ- regardless of whether they were “female hopes to spend the next few months con- ates of Kelly, including former accountant guests” or celebrities. He went on to ask tinuing to build a “global proof of concept.” and manager Derrel McDavid, who has Arnold questions to show that the “female As for the company name, it’s a reference been named frequently throughout various guests” were required to be escorted around to the thrilling pace of the business. Says testimonies and is currently facing charges the studio because their movement “could Wilhelm: “In the music industry, your life related to Kelly’s alleged crimes. be distracting.” can change in 48 hours.” Corroborating Kelly’s assistant Anthony Arnold confirmed that he thought guests This article originally appeared in the Aug. Navarro’s testimony, Arnold detailed fines and people around Kelly were “eager” to sue 28, 2021, issue of Billboard. that Kelly would dock from his paycheck the R&B star, which he understood to be part for “menial” mistakes “quite a few [times].” of the reason for the required confidentiality The mistakes included not getting Kelly’s agreements for all guests in Kelly’s studios. lunch, not answering Kelly’s calls due to being asleep, buying a $5-10 sweatband for a “female guest” without Kelly’s permission, accidentally eating Kelly’s donuts, and not getting Kelly to his shoot on time, among other reasons. The fine that became the final straw for Arnold was in connection to what’s usually considered “the happiest place on earth,” Disney World. Arnold says in October of 2011, after driving Kelly to two Florida afterparties on the opposite sides of town, he was tired and asked another employee to drive home. After falling asleep, Arnold says he was woken up and asked to drive the rest of the way, as another employee had fallen asleep at the wheel. Upon arrival to the hotel, Arnold received a call from his wife, who said his weekly check had arrived. Page 22 of 40

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Love on Tour was originally announced Square Garden* Is in 2019 and scheduled to begin in April of Oct. 4 — New York, NY @ Madison 2020, but after the coronavirus pandemic Square Garden* Requiring Fans forced artists worldwide to cancel their live Oct. 7 — Orlando, FL @ performances, the tour was rescheduled. Oct. 8 — Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ BB&T to Get COVID As the highly contagious Delta variant of Center coronavirus spreads across the country and Oct. 10 — Tampa, FL @ Vaccine or the leaders of a number of Republican-led Oct. 12 — Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena states push back against mask and vaccine Oct. 14 — Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Negative Test to mandates, Styles joins a a growing list of Arena acts who are requiring fans to provide proof Oct. 16 — New York, NY @ Madison Attend His Shows of vaccination or a negative test. Some acts, Square Garden* such as , are requiring both for Oct. 18 — Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Mort- BY GIL KAUFMAN some shows, while promoter AEG Live gage FieldHouse announced earlier this month that all its Oct. 21 — Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun arry Styles joined the increas- venues and festivals will insist on proof of Arena ing list of acts requiring that vaccination starting in October. Promotions Oct. 23 — Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun fans be either fully vaccinated giant Live Nation will also require vaccina- Arena or provide proof of a negative tion proof or a negative test at all its venues Oct. 25 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden HCOVID-19 test before attending one of his and concerts beginning in October. Oct. 27 — , GA @ Arena upcoming shows. California and New York recently an- Oct. 28 — Atlanta, GA @ In an Story on Wednesday nounced that they would require proof of Oct. 30 — New York, NY @ Madison (Aug. 25), Styles wrote, “We are looking vaccination for all large indoor events, while Square Garden* forward to seeing everyone as we return to the Foo Fighters and returning Broadway Oct. 31 — New York, NY @ Madison the road! Please know our band and crew shows will also require masks and vac- Square Garden* will be taking every possible precaution to cination proof for entry. Nov. 3 — Milwaukee, WI @ protect each other so we can bring the show See the full list of dates Nov. 7 — Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome to everyone who wants to attend and we ask below: Nov. 8 — Portland, OR @ you to do the same.” Sept. 4 — Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Nov. 10 — Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 That means, Styles wrote, that “for the Garden Arena Center health and safety of everyone attending Sept. 7 — Denver, CO @ Nov. 11 — San Jose, CA @ SAP Center** Love On Tour,” all ticket holders will be Sept. 9 — San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Nov. 13 — Glendale, AZ @ Gila River required to show proof of full COVID-19 Center Arena vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 Sept. 11 — Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Nov. 15 — San Diego, CA @ Pechanga test within 48 hours of the show. Fans will Center Arena also be asked to wear masks inside the ven- Sept. 13 — Houston, TX @ Nov. 17 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum ues on the re-scheduled tour; shows in New Sept. 15 — St. Louis, MO @ Enterprise Nov. 19 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum York and San Jose will accept only proof of Center Nov. 20 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum vaccination. Sept. 17 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo * shows will Promoter Live Nation added in a state- Center require proof of full vaccination (final dose at ment that children under 12 can attend the Sept. 18 — Washington, DC @ Capital One least 14 days prior to event). A negative test concerts if they provide proof of a negative Arena will not be accepted for entry, in compliance COVID test within 48 hours of the show. All Sept. 20 — Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars with current local government mandates. For venue staff at each gig will also be follow- Arena the most current information, please visit ing the same protocols. “Requiring testing, Sept. 22 — St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy your specific event page at www.msg.com. or proof of vaccination, is the best way to Center **Per local San Jose guidelines, all attend- protect the health and safety of our crew Sept. 24 — Chicago, IL @ ees must be fully vaccinated. Proof of a nega- and fans, and is quickly becoming the new Sept. 25 — Chicago, IL @ United Center tive test by itself will not be valid for entry. standard for concerts around the U.S.,” the Sept. 29 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone promoter said. “There will be no exceptions Arena to these policies.” Oct. 1 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Styles recently pushed back the kick-off Arena to the U.S. tour, from August to September. Oct. 3 — New York, NY @ Madison Page 23 of 40

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up and keeping it cohesive with real-world person for the group could not be reached Deadmau5 news and ancillary events.” for comment at press time. This is the second collaboration between The band were slated to play the Rock- Develops deadmau5 and Core, as earlier this sum- lahoma (Sept. 5), Blue Ridge Rock Festi- mer Core creators were asked to contribute val (Sept. 10), Rebel Rock (Sept. 24) and Interactive dystopian worlds for the electronic artist’s Aftershock Festival (Oct. 7) — which were “When the Summer Dies” music video. all still on their official site at press time. Experience “We’re so happy to be working with dead- After a well-received return to the stage at mau5 again to bring this truly innovative three weeks ago, LB called off Launching on Core vision of his to life,” said Jordan Maynard, their Limited Last Minute Post Pandemic chief creative officer and co-founder of Popup Party Edition tour “out of an abun- BY TRILBY BERESFORD Manticore Games. “We think the Metaverse dance of caution and concern for the safety will be built by thousands of creators, game of the band, crew and most of all the fans.” lectronic artist deadmau5 an- makers, and artists who can share a unique In a follow-up statement to Billboard, nounced during the opening night interactive experiences with their audience Durst explained, “In short, the system is of Gamescom on Tuesday that and generate income from their work. Ober- still very flawed. Even if the performers, he is developing a virtual music hasli isn’t a sponsored marketing stunt — it’s crews, staff, and promoters do their best to Eand entertainment experience exclusively a persistent home for all things deadmau5 ensure safety on and behind the stage, that for Manticore Games’ video game creation inside of Core.” doesn’t ensure the safety of the audience as platform, Core. This article was originally published a whole. We are all in this together, and we Known as Oberhasli, the experience is by . all — individually and as a whole — have to designed as an interactive space featuring make our best efforts to be as responsible music, games and other interactive content and proactive as possible moving forward to designed by deadmau5, whose real name is Limp Bizkit Cancel combat and stop spreading COVID.” Joel Zimmerman. Fans will be able to meet The Limited 12-date theater run was up virtually and socialize as they consume All Remaining slated to keep them on the road through the immersive offerings, which will be an August 24 date at the Palladium in Los updated over time unlike the typical virtual 2021 Festival Angeles. The group has not released an al- gaming events involving well-known artists bum since their fifth full-length, Gold Cobra, that tend to be one-off experiences. Dates, Promise dropped in June 2011. “Creating a world like Oberhasli has been a vision of mine for years now, but I quickly New Songs Will discovered how daunting it can be to create Publishing Briefs: a multiplayer experience as a solo devel- ‘Leak’ Soon oper,” said deadmau5 in a statement. “The Music of The Sea amazing thing about Core is that anyone BY GIL KAUFMAN can jump in and create content regardless of Partners With experience or resources.” fter calling off their summer The platform was unveiled by Manticore, headlining dates earlier this MTV; Four Artists an independent games company based in month, Limp Bizkit revealed on San Mateo, in 2020, with the aim to make Wednesday (August 25) that they Sign With Sony video game design more radically acces- alsoA pulled out of all their scheduled festival sible by offering a framework to create and gigs as well. The good news, though, is that BY HANNAH DAILEY publish games along with customizable pre- fans will start hearing new music soon. AND KRISTIN ROBINSON made assets. It now includes over 20,000 According to Blabbermouth, in an Ins- games in a variety of genres, and launched tagram Story the band wrote, “To be more usic of The Sea, one the this year in the Epic Games Store. clear, as some promoters are a bit behind on world’s largest black-owned “We’ve seen virtual concerts in the past, keeping you updated. All of our scheduled sync publishing catalogs, has but after making a splash, they fizzle out; performances were canceled weeks ago partnered with MTV Enter- there’s no shelf life to them,” continued (yes, we are all fine, thank you). New songs Mtainment Group to provide content creators deadmau5. “With Oberhasli, I want to create will begin to leak, one after the other in with “one stop, easy clearable, access to a mainstay for the artists’ metaverse, regu- rapid succession very soon. Soon thereafter, thousands of songs from its catalog,” the larly updating it over time, switching things our new album will be released.” A spokes- press release reads. Songs included in Music Page 24 of 40

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of The Sea’s multi-genre catalog include that she has chosen Sony Music Publishing Sony Music Publishing has extended Marilyn Monroe’s “How Wrong Can I Be,” to be part of her already incredible team.” its worldwide deal with Tyler Perry M C Lyte’s “Revolution,” Roxanne Shante’s On August 17, Sony Music Publishing Studios (“TPS”) to administer all commis- “Handle Your Biz,” Big Daddy Kane’s “In- Brazil announced the signing of Gilberto sioned music across over 60 different pro- side Your Mind,” Psychedelic Soul Crew’s Gil to a worldwide publishing administra- ductions from the studio, which is helmed “Find Me Somebody,” and more. tion agreement. The two time Grammy- by Perry and long-time music supervisor “This will be a great way for the multi- winning artist and activist is one of Brazil’s Joel C. High. The over 60 productions in- ethnic artists on our roster to gain tre- most enduring cultural figures, with a music clude more than 1,500 episodes of televi- mendous exposure that will lead to more career spanning six decades and an indel- sion, 26 films, 20 plays, and the renewal streams and downloads from digital service ible political legacy as Brazil’s Minister of ensures that all future works created under providers,” said Eddie Caldwell, Music of Culture from 2003 to 2008. During his time the agreement will be administered by SMP the Sea CEO and founder. “Real music from as Minister of Culture, Gil transformed the as well. The administration of TPS’s musical cool and hip artists, both major and indie, office, expanding the country’s footprint works will be handled by Sony’s Visual + is the next frontier in marketing. We view worldwide as well as forming new initia- Media Rights division (formally known as Music of the Sea as a bridge to connect ad- tives to adapt the country’s practices with the Broadcast & Media Rights division). vertisers, gamers, restaurants, commercial copyright law, technology and diversity. The relationship between Tyler Perry retailers and film and TV companies such as As a musician, Gil has become known as Studios and Sony Music Publishing began MTV Entertainment Group, with a diverse a pioneer of Tropicália, a genre popularized 10 years ago and the recently announcement catalog of the world’s greatest voices.” in the 1960s which amalgamated elements acts as the extension of the already on-going Under the new partnership, MTV’s cre- of bossa nova, basileira, and samba with partnership. ators only have to make one call in order to rock and folk instruments. With his forward “At Sony Music Publishing, we are com- clear a track from Music of The Sea’s catalog thinking approach to music, Aloysio Reis, mitted to supporting the studio’s talented to be used in a project, as the the latter managing director of Sony Music Publishing composers and the music that bring these controls both sides of the copyright master Brazil calls the artist “a creative genius.” unique narratives to life,” said Sony Music side and publishing side. The former’s “We are thrilled to be entrusted with the Publishing chairman and CEO Jon Platt. creators work on projects spanning reality sweet responsibility of managing Gilberto’s Perry added, “I’m grateful for their sup- shows, phone apps, games and social media catalog, an invaluable artistic treasure,” says port and passion for Tyler Perry Studios, and platforms, and are now able to utilize music Reis. I look forward to future successes together.” from Music of The Sea’s entire catalog. Verse 2 Music, a joint venture with Sony UK-based independent music publish- Sony Music Publishing UK has signed Music Publishing, has announced the sign- ing Bucks Music Group has announced the breakout singer-songwriter Mimi Webb to ing of Levon Gray to a worldwide publish- signing of famed songwriter Sacha Skar- an exclusive worldwide publishing deal ing agreement. The JV, which is led by Kane bek to a worldwide administration deal. that covers her full catalog and future Brown and Kent Earls, will control Gray’s Along with the typical trappings of publish- works. “I’m thrilled to join the Sony Music entire back catalog as well as future works ing administration, Bucks Music Group Publishing family,” she said in a statement. created under the new deal. noted it will also provide additional creative “I have been writing songs since such a A fast-growing songwriter out of Nash- services for Skarbek. young age, so having the opportunity to ville, Gray has recently been credited as one The deal includes future works from work with the best team in the business is a of the writers behind Brown’s single “One Skarbek as well as a portion of his back dream come true.” Mississippi” which was released via RCA catalog. Although the pop hitmaker is best The UK-born artist broke out with songs Records Nashville earlier this year and will known for penning “You’re Beautiful” by like “Before I Go” and “I’ll Break My Heart become a major focus for Brown’s team at James Blunt, “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Again,” earning hundreds of millions of country radio in the coming weeks. Cyrus, and “Cold Shoulder” by , these streams and garnering attention on Tik Tok. Gray began his career as a music minister works are not included in the catalog signed These songs and others, like “Good With- with a voracious appetite for all sorts of to Bucks Music Group. out,” and “Dumb Love,” are included in the music, from to salsa. “I just love mak- Additionally, the songwriter has written deal. ing music that can make memories,” he says. with names like , Lana Del Rey, “Mimi is without doubt a very special Soon, his ministry days gave way to a genre- , Sigrid, Jessie Ware, James artist and songwriter and the speed with spanning career as an artist and songwriter, Bay, Tears for Fears and more, and he has which her music has connected with her working on projects like Lil Baby’s Street also tried his hand at scoring and music ever growing audience has truly underlined Gossip as well as his own artist project. supervision. that,” said Tim Major, co-managing director, “We’re excited to help achieve all his Prior to this month’s deal, Skarbeck Sony Music Publishing UK. “She has a huge hopes and dreams,” said Earls. “Welcome to worked with Bucks Music Group over ten future ahead of her and we are very proud the family, Levon!” years prior, making the new agreement Page 25 of 40

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feel like “coming home” for Skarbeck. “I plus future works deal. debut in Langston Hughes’ Tambourines to couldn’t be happier to be back at Bucks,” he “If I could tell my eleven-year-old self Glory. She went on to perform both on and says. Along with the prior deal, Skarbeck’s that at twenty she would be moving to Nash- off-Broadway throughout her career and re- own music publishing company, Amadeus, ville and signing a pub deal, she would be ceived recognitions such as the Helen Hayes has been administered by the team at Bucks praising her heart out right about now, so award for her performance as Sadie Delany Music Group for years. “It’s a real pleasure that’s exactly what I’m going to do to cel- in the play Having Our Say. to have him back at Bucks. We’ve always had ebrate,” Grace said. “If it weren’t for the man Additionally, Grant played the role of a close relationship,” says Sarah Liversedge upstairs, none of this would be happening. attorney Peggy Nolan on the daytime se- Platz, director of A&R at Bucks Music Group. I’m forever grateful for the privilege to wake rial Another World, and had ongoing roles Kobalt Music has inked a global publish- up and do what I have dreamed of doing my in Edge of Night and Guiding Light, as well as ing deal with Cosmo’s Midnight, spanning entire life!” a guest role on All My Children. a full range of creative, synch and admin- Grace will soon join on his “Lil Bit Among Grant’s directing credits, she istration services for the electric pop duo’s of Music Series,” a concert tour support- helmed Two Ha Ha’s and a Homeboy at catalog and future works. “We definitely ing emerging country artists. Her signing Crossroads Theater Company, which took our time with this publishing deal but to Curb | Word, owned and operated by starred Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. in the end Kobalt felt like the right home Mike Curb, means her work will join that of For her contribution to theater, Grant for us,” the band said in a joint statement. artists like on the publishing received a lifetime achievement award from “It just felt like they all understood what we company’s roster. the Dramatists Guild of America in 2012. wanted to achieve with the Cosmo’s Mid- Grant is survived by her cousins Daryl night project and for us as songwriters too.” Walker and Kimberly Eberhardt-Casteline, The administrative deal covers the band’s Micki Grant, along with many nieces and nephews. full catalog, which includes projects like A memorial service for Grant is expected 2018’s What Comes Next, their debut album Broadway to take place in September. that clocked hundreds of millions of streams This article originally appeared in THR. and earned two platinum and three gold Composer and com. records. Comprised of twin brothers Cosmo Liney and Patrick Liney, Cosmo’s Midnight’s Lyricist, Dies at 92 first release following the announcement Jack Harlow, came in the form of a new single titled “Ti- BY TRILBY BERESFORD tanic” on Aug. 20. UMPG Earn “We literally spent close to a year choos- icki Grant, a composer, play- ing the right home for Cosmo’s Midnight,” wright, singer and actress, Top Honors at manager Tom Huggett said. “Cosmo’s died on Aug. 21, The Holly- Midnight are an act which we can see wood Reporter has confirmed. 2021 SESAC Pop flourishing in just about any genre really, MShe was 92. they’ve been working with rappers and R&B Grant was known for becoming the first Music Awards singers, they’ve written and played on house woman to write the book, music and lyrics and records, they’ve put together to a Broadway musical with Don’t Bother BY MIA NAZARENO ambient scores for radio shows, they’ve even Me, I Can’t Cope, which she also starred produced and co-written a Billboard 100 in. She won a Grammy award for the score apper Jack Harlow was named song for one of the biggest pop groups in the and received two Tony nominations for her songwriter of the year at world - BTS. Collaboration is so important work in the show. the 2021 SESAC Pop Music to Cosmo’s Midnight and we feel that Kobalt Throughout her career, Grant was Awards, the performing rights are the team to help take the twins to where involved in 17 theatrical productions, Rorganization announced on Thursday (Aug. they deserve to be.” including Your Arms Too Short to Box With 26). In addition, Harlow’s “,” Curb | Word Music Publishing has God (which brought her another Grammy which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot signed rising country act and former Ameri- nod), Working (which brought her another 100, was awarded song of the year. The song can Idol contestant Harper Grace to a Tony nod) and It’s So Nice to Be Civilized. was published by Sony Music Publishing universal publishing deal. The Texas-born Grant also wrote the music and lyrics for and Harlow Happenings. vocalist stood out in 2018 during her time on J.E. Franklin’s Prodigal Sister and contrib- Universal Music Publishing Group was the singing competition show for perform- uted additional lyrics to Eubie! and Sweet & honored as publisher of the year for the sec- ing her own original songs, which now have Hot: The Songs of Harold Arlen. ond time in a row at the virtual celebration. a home at Curb as part of the full-catalog As an actress, Grant made her Broadway “Although we could not be together to Page 26 of 40

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celebrate, we are honored to be able to flagship chart, following , who recognize the outstanding achievements co-hosted the very first VMAs in 1984, Sean At Ruido Fest of some of our most prolific songwrit- “Diddy” Combs (2005), Cyrus (2015) and ers,” said Sam Kling, SESAC’s svp of Perry (2017). 2021, 5 Out of creative operations. “So much incredible (Jamie Foxx, who hosted the 2001 show, music has come out of this past year, and would subsequently top the Hot 100 as a 30,000 Fans we are immensely proud and grateful for featured artist on Twista’s “Slow Jamz,” our wonderfully talented affiliates.” which also featured , and West’s Received a Other notable winners include “Gold Digger.” Eddie Murphy, who hosted H.E.R’s “Slide,” written by Keenon ‘YG’ the 1985 show, just missed the top spot on COVID-19 Vaccine Jackson and published by 360 Music and Rap the Hot 100; his recording of Rick James’ Money; Dua Lipa’s “Break My Heart,” written “Party All the Time” reached No. 2 in De- BY GRISELDA FLORES by Andrew Farris and published by Universal cember 1985 — three months after the VMA Music Group; and Joji’s “Slow Dancing in show he hosted.) he sixth annual Ruido Fest hosted the Dark,” written by Patrick Wimberly and Doja Cat is the third woman of color to 30,000 ticketed fans over the week- published by One In Song Together, Kobalt host or co-host the VMAs. “Downtown” end (Aug. 20-22) in Chicago, and Group Publishing, and Patrick Wimberly Julie Brown, an early MTV DJ, co-hosted five of those fans received a vaccine Publishing. the show in 1986-87. Singer/actress Keke Tagainst COVID-19, Billboard can confirm. The full list of winners, along with exclu- Palmer hosted last year. To help slow the transmission of the coro- sive video content featuring guest appear- This is the third year in a row that the navirus, local wellness center Envision was ances, is available here. VMAs will have a host. Comedian Sebas- on site to provide vaccinations. The inocula- tian Maniscalco hosted two years ago tion site offered either Pfizer or Moderna and, as noted, Palmer hosted last year. This shots on Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.; those who Doja Cat to Host marks the first time the VMAs have been received their first vaccine at were hosted three years running since 2008-10. to schedule their second doses elsewhere. 2021 MTV Video Comedian Russell Brandhosted the show Additionally, healthcare startup Curative in 2008-09. Comedian Chelsea Handler did completed 782 total COVID-19 tests at their Music Awards the honors in 2010. The VMAs, like many testing site, according to the company. The awards shows, has often gone hostless in festival promoted the vaccine and testing BY PAUL GREIN recent years. (The move is usually presented opportunities on social media days before as a way to save time, but often just looks the event kicked off and after announcing oja Cat is set to make her hosting like the show couldn’t get a good host.) earlier this month that in order to attend debut at the 2021 MTV Video Doja Cat performed a mash-up of “Say Ruido Fest, “a full COVID-19 vaccination or Music Awards. The singer/rap- So” and “Like That” on last year’s VMAs and a negative COVID-19 test will be required,” per was previously announced as took home her first Moon Person for PUSH the website read. Da performer on the show, which is set to air best new artist. Fully vaccinated festivalgoers had to show live from on Sunday, Sept. 12, She is nominated for five awards this a physical, photo or digital copy of their vac- at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. year: artist of the year, video of the year and cine card/record. For unvaccinated fans, a Doja Cat is also set to make VMAs history. best collaboration for “Kiss Me More” and test taken within 72 hours of the start of the The 25-year old performer is nominated for best art direction and best visual effects for event was accepted. The PCR tests offered five VMAs, including video of the year for “Best Friend,” the Saweetie hit on which by Curative produced results in 15 minutes. “Kiss Me More,” her smash collab with SZA. she is featured. And, although encouraged to wear masks, This will mark the first time in VMA his- The other performers on this year’s show most festivalgoers went mask-less once they tory that the host is nominated for video of include Shawn Mendes, Chlöe, Twenty entered the outdoor festival. the year that same year. , the One Pilots, Kacey Musgraves, Olivia Chicago’s indoor mask mandate for all 2015 host, and , the 2017 host, Rodrigo, Lorde, Machine Gun Kel- individuals 2 years and older officially had previously won in that category (for ly, , Foo Fighters and Camila returned Aug. 20 coinciding with Ruido “Wrecking Ball” and “Firework,” respec- Cabello. Fest day 1, as COVID-19 cases are on the rise tively), but weren’t nominated for it in the again, with the average daily number of new years they hosted. cases up to 450 per day. Doja Cat, whose “Say So” reached No. 1 The three-day outdoor event, which on the Billboard Hot 100, is the fifth VMA returned this year after taking 2020 off host who had previously topped Billboard’s due to the pandemic, was held at Chicago’s Page 27 of 40

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Union Park with bands Caifanes, Panteón of the Super Bowl halftime show (which is Rococó and Café Tacvba as headliners. formally known as the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Griz on His Halftime Show Starring The Weeknd). Collins landed his first Emmy nomina- New Cannabis 2021 BET tion two years ago in the same category as a producer of the 2019 Grammy Awards. Line & Days As a Awards Set for BET will work closely with Fulton County to support community vaccination Weed Dealer: ‘It Return to Atlanta: efforts and ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols. Taught Me How Here’s the Date The 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards nomina- tions, determined by a group of music indus- to Keep My Cool’ (Exclusive) try insiders, performers and presenters, will be announced at a later date. BY KATIE BAIN BY PAUL GREIN DaBaby was the top nominee at last year’s show, with 12 nods, followed by Rod- rant Kwiecinski, the festival- he 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards dy Ricch(11), Megan Thee Stallion (eight) headlining electronic producer will return to Atlanta to tape its and Drake (eight). Megan Thee Stallion known as GRiZ, has seen his life 16th annual edition on Friday, Oct. won hip hop artist of the year. Ricch’s Please change dramatically since his 1. The show has emanated from Excuse Me for Being Antisocial took hop hop Gdays as a part-time weed dealer in his na- Tthat city in all but three years since it was album of the year. Master P received the tive Michigan. launched in 2006. The show was held at the 2020 I Am Hip Hop Icon award. The legality of weed has changed dra- Miami Beach Convention Center in 2017-18 Chico Bean, Karlous Miller and DC Young matically since then too, with recreational and was produced remotely last year, at the Fly — hosts of the 85 South Comedy Show cannabis use being legalized in Michigan in height of the COVID-19 pandemic. podcast — hosted last year’s show. Previous 2018 amidst a flurry of legalization for the The show will be held at Cobb Energy hosts include T-Pain, Mike Epps, Snoop medical and recreational use throughout Performing Arts Centre, which was also the Dogg and DJ Khaled. the United States. (Adult recreational use of site of its shows in both 2016 and 2019. The BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., is cannabis products is legal in 19 states. Medi- show will make its broadcast premiere on the nation’s leading provider of entertain- cal cannabis, in some form, whether that’s Tuesday, Oct. 5 — four nights after it is taped ment, music, news and public affairs televi- non-smokable products, products below .3% — at 9 p.m. ET/PT on BET. sion programming for the African American THC, or comprehensive medical marijuana “Hip hop is a global movement that audience. The primary BET channel is in dispensaries, is legal 36.) embraces the diversity of expression and 125 million households and can be seen in A longtime cannabis user, Kwiecinski is reflects what is affecting our community in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, the U.K., today (Aug. 26) once again getting in on the a raw and way,” said Connie sub-Saharan Africa and France. business side of the substance via his new Orlando, EVP specials, music programming The BET Hip Hop Awards is the No. 3 cannabis lines, Astro and Telescope. & music strategy at BET. “We look forward primetime cable awards show for Black A series of three flower strains, the THC- to celebrating this art form and returning to viewers, according to BET, behind the BET focused Astro Hippie is geared toward what Atlanta for an unforgettable night of enter- Awards and the NAACP Image Awards. the press release colorfully notes as “experi- tainment and culture...” (That stat is based on Nielsen live and same- menters and tokers who want to explore Orlando will oversee the show, with day playback.) BET also quotes Talkwalker life in maximum color; who want to listen Jamal Noisette set to co-executive produce Social as saying that the 2020 BET Hip Hop to music that tickles their ears and blows for BET. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Col- Awards ranked among the year’s top 10 most their minds; who want to road trip in a beat lins Entertainment, will serve as executive social cable awards shows. up van and crank mixtapes. It’s a love letter producer, along with two other key execu- For more information about the BET to the weed culture GRiZ grew up in, and a tives from his company, Jeannae Rouzan- Hip Hop Awards, visit .com/hi- deliberate rebuttal to the pristine, faceless, Clay and Dionne Harmon. phopawards. private equity brands that are sprouting up The red-hot Collins is nominated for post-legalization.” three Emmy Awards this year, all in the “I was always selling weed through- same category: outstanding variety special out high school and college,” Kwiecin- (live). He is nominated as a producer of the ski tells Billboard. “It was my way to try and 2021 Oscars, a co-executive producer of the make ends meet. I was still doing restaurant 2021 Grammys, and an executive producer jobs at the time, too, but I really loved selling Page 28 of 40

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weed. Building connections with suppliers broadcast live on Telemundo, kicking off at 7 and customers, learning about how to run a Paquita la p.m. ET with the traditional red carpet spe- business, and s—-, it wasn’t bad that I loved cial, followed by the awards show at 8 p.m. the product I sold. [Laughs]” del Barrio to The event will also be simulcast on Hispanic “But for real, it showed me so much,” entertainment cable channel Universo and he continues. “There were times that I got Receive Lifetime throughout Latin America and the Carib- jacked by other dealers, or shorted or just bean on Telemundo Internacional. messed with. I got introduced to all sorts Achievement The awards will coincide with Billboard of people in all sorts of places ... sometimes Latin Music Week, which returns to Miami really high-key situations. It taught me Award at 2021 from Sept. 20-24 and will host live conversa- how to keep my cool, and to also be a good tions and performances with superstars like people person. It taught me what a good Billboard Latin , , , Rauw relationship in business looks like, what a Alejandro, Natti Natasha and many more. good product looks like. And it’s that kinda Music Awards For more information on Billboard Latin stuff that I was looking for in this project. Music Week and to register now, visit bill- Great people, blow you away product, and BY GRISELDA FLORES boardlatinmusicweek.com. fair prices.” Kwiecinski’s other cannabis line — the exican singer-songwriter Pa- CBD-focused Telescope — includes gum- quita la del Barrio will be Shawn Mendes, mies, a tincture and ice cream. Both Astro honored with the lifetime Hippie and Telescope were developed achievement award at the 2021 Doja Cat & with Michigan cultivator Pure Options and MBillboard Latin Music Awards, Billboard and are now available at 31 retailers through- Telemundo announced Thursday (Aug. 26). More Added to out lower Michigan. With this product The special accolade will honor the launch, Kwiecinski joins the list of musi- chart-topping artist, born Francisca Viveros 2021 MTV VMAs cians with their own cannabis lines, a group Barradas, for an “enduring and exceptional that includes Jay Z, Santana, Lil career, encompassing artistic and personal Performance Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa and more. contributions that have had a major impact “This is something that I’m really proud on Latin music worldwide.” The ranchera Lineup of,” Kwiecinsk adds. “ It’s the weed I smoke, and bolero songstress will be honored dur- for the people I love — and that’s you!” ing the awards ceremony set to take place BY MIA NAZARENO Thursday, Sept. 23, live from Miami where she is also set to perform. hawn Mendes, Doja Known for her female-empowerment Cat, Chlöe and Twenty One Pi- anthems such as “Rata de dos Patas,” “Me lots have been added to the per- Saludas a la Tuya” and “Tres Veces Te En- formance lineup for the 2021 MTV gañé” — which denounce macho culture and SMusic Video Awards, the network an- attitude — Paquita la del Barrio boasts 50 nounced on Tuesday (Aug. 24). years in the industry. Early days in her ca- The four acts will join Olivia Rodrigo, reer included singing at school festivals and Lorde, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Nas X, Foo forming the duo Las Golondrinas, with her Fighters and Camila Cabello in a star- sister Viola in the ‘70s. In 1984, she released studded lineup. This year’s VMAs are set to her first album titled El Barrio de los Faroles. air live on Sept. 12 at the Barclays Center in To date, she’s recorded more than 30 albums Brooklyn. and is currently working on an LP to cel- Chlöe — who is half of Chlöe x Halle ebrate her 50-year anniversary. — will make her solo debut with the TV Past recipients of the Billboard lifetime premiere of “Have Mercy” off of her up- achievement award include Armando coming album. Her set is a follow-up Manzanero, Miguel Bosé, Conjunto Prima- to last year’s VMA pre-show perfor- vera, Santana, Los Temerarios, Emmanuel, mance by Chlöe x Halle, in which the sisters Intocable, José José, Marco Antonio Solís, sang a sparkly rendition of “Ungodly Hour.” Ricardo Arjona and Maná, among others. Following Doja Cat’s space- The Billboard Latin Music Awards will be themed mashup of “Say So” and “Like Page 29 of 40

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That” during the 2020 VMAs, the pop in our genre,” Whiteside said. to country music is gonna live on forever. star will return to this year’s show. The Chris Janson presented the ACM Indus- It’s always gonna be remembered and it singer is nominated for five awards, in- try Awards and Studio Recording Awards. plays on through the years.” cluding artist of the year and video of the This year’s ceremony honored the winners “Songs can literally change the world,” year for her SZA collab “Kiss Me More.” of the 55th ACM Industry Awards, the 55th Peters said during her acceptance speech. After winning best collaboration with and 56th ACM Studio Recording Awards. “The world needs love and empathy more Cabello for “Señorita” in 2019, Mendes, who Lauren Alaina celebrated songwriter Hillary than it ever has. We need to turn on the car is up for best pop, will sing his latest hit Lindsey, known for her work writing hits for radio and hear a song that stops us in our “.” and Little Big Town, and help- tracks because it makes us feel something so With alt-rock on the rise, Twenty One Pi- ing to craft several of Carrie Underwood’s deeply. We need our poets.” lots is scheduled to perform their latest signature hits (going back to Underwood’s and music executive Joe track “Saturday.” They are also nominated breakthrough single “Jesus, Take the Galante were the recipients of the ACM for best alternative. Wheel”). Lindsey was honored as the 55th Cliffie Stone icon award, with Brooks & The 2021 VMAs is executive produced and 56th annual ACM songwriter of the year Dunn’s Ronnie Dunn honoring Galante with by Bruce Gilmer and Jesse Ignjatovic, co- winner. Alaina was then joined by Devin a rendition of “Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You.” founder of Den of Thieves. The event will be Dawson and HARDY to perform HARDY’s Pearce performed Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the broadcast live from the Barclays Center on “One Beer.” Broken Road,” followed by Caylee Hammack Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on MTV. The musical portion of the evening was and RaeLynn, who offered performances of Fans can vote for their favorite artists hosted by two-time ACM Award winner “” and “Life Is a Highway.” Gary on vma.mtv.com until Sept. 3. Pearce, who started the evening with a LeVox was not in attendance, though Joe rendition of her song “Dear Miss Loretta,” in Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus accepted honor of Loretta Lynn. Lynn, known for her the honor. ACM Honors intensely personal, boundary-pushing songs “Twenty years can fly by like that,” such as “The Pill” and “Don’t Come Home a Rooney said. “When you are blessed enough Celebrate Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind),” was to get to do what you love to do, time flies. … honored with the ACM poet’s award. We have been blessed as Rascal Flatts.” Luke Combs, “Her music has not only left an indelible Trio Lady A and songwriter Ross Cop- mark on my own songwriting, but I know it perman were honored with the ACM Gary Loretta Lynn, has for all female country music songwrit- Haber lifting lives award. ACM Lifting Lives ers,” Pearce said of Lynn. “She showed me Executive Director Lyndsay Cruz introduced Toby Keith & More how to be real … and unapologetically direct, both honorees, while Clancey Hopper (an at- and she has truly paved the way for women tendee of the annual ACM Lifting Lives mu- BY JESSICA NICHOLSON like me in country music.” sic camp) presented the honors. Early in the Lynn was not in attendance, but sent in a evening, executive Michael Strickland was he 14th annual ACM Honors, brief video acceptance speech. presented with the Gene Weed milestone which saluted special award Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack also award for his work in lobbying for legislation honorees as well as the ACM feted Lynn with a performance of Lynn’s to aid the live music industry. Industry and Studio Recording 1973 hit duet with Conway Twitty, “Louisi- ACM Jim Reeves international award re- TAward winners from the 55th and 56th ACM ana Woman, Mississippi Man.” cipients Dan+Shay were feted by a medley Awards, served as a homecoming of sorts Other poet’s award recipients included of performances from a quartet of song- for Nashville’s country music industry on Gretchen Peters (“Independence Day,” writers — Nicolle Galyon, Laura Veltz, Jor- Wednesday (Aug. 25) at the Ryman Audito- “On a Bus to St. Cloud”) and the late Curly dan Reynolds and Jessie Jo Dillon — who rium. Among the artists honored were Luke Putman (“Green Green Grass of Home,” had a hand in crafting some of the duo’s top Combs, Loretta Lynn, Toby Keith and more. “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” “He Stopped Loving hits such as “Tequila,” “Speechless” and The Academy of Country Music’s CEO Her Today”). Janson turned in an earnest “10,000 Hours.” Damon Whiteside welcomed the audience rendition of the George Jones classic “He When the time came for Dan+Shay’s Dan to the Ryman, noting that the two most re- Stopped Loving Her Today” in honor of Smyers and Shay Mooney to accept their cent ACM Awards ceremonies were held in Putman, while newcomer Brittney Spencer honor, the duo quickly shifted the spotlight Nashville and included performances from offered a slowed-down, intimate version of back on to the songwriters, with Smyers say- the Ryman stage. “Independence Day” to honor Peters. The ing, “Without the songwriters in this town, “Country music is strong, is resilient and performance also marked Spencer’s debut at we would have none of this — we would have we want tonight to be a celebration of our the Ryman Auditorium. none of the shows, none of the record sales, perseverance, our optimism and excellence Janson said of Putman, “His contribution none of this. So it all starts with a song.” Page 30 of 40

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“I get emotional when I’m watching mo- claimed before launching into “John Cougar, Tulsa – Tulsa, OK ments like this because it’s been a very long John Deere, John 3:16,” in honor of Copper- Casino of the year-arena: MGM Grand time since we’ve been able to look and see man. Copperman has been heavily involved Garden Arena – Las Vegas, NV some of our friends here in the crowd and ac- with ACM Lifting Lives for at least the past Fair/rodeo of the year: Houston Livestock tually see them face to face,” Mooney added. decade, including taking part in the annual Show & Rodeo – Houston, TX The Ken Burns documentary Country ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp. Festival of the year: Tortuga Music Festi- Music was the recipient of the ACM Tex McBryde performed twice during the val – Fort Lauderdale, FL Ritter film award. Sam Williams — son of evening, first singing her breakthrough hit Club of the year: Joe’s Live – Rosemont, Hank Williams Jr. and grandson of Hank “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” in honor of esteemed IL Williams — offered a soulful, gravelly ren- journalist and ACM Senior Vice President Theater of the year: The Beacon Theatre dition of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” Lisa Lee, who died on Aug. 21. – New York, NY on the same stage where his grandfather In closing out the show, McBryde re- Outdoor venue of the year: Red Rocks performed 70 years ago. turned to the stage to honor her friend Luke Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO Backing every performance was the Combs with a rendition of his hit “She Got Arena of the year: Madison Square Gar- Derek Wells-led house band, which in- the Best of Me,” as Combs was awarded as den – New York, NY cluded Elizabeth Chan, Clements, another recipient of the ACM Gene Weed Don Romeo talent buyer of the year: Gil Stephcynie Curry, Kris Donegan, Mike milestone award. Since releasing his debut Cunningham – Neste Live! Hicks, Jordan Lawson, Justin Schipper and single “Hurricane” in 2016, Combs took his Promoter of the year: Brian O’Connell – Therry Thomas. first 10 singles to No. 1 on Billboard’s Coun- Live Nation The Country Music Association’s CEO try Airplay chart. 55TH ACM AWARDS (2019 STUDIO Sarah Trahern honored RAC Clark as this “Thanks to country music fans. [They RECORDING AWARD WINNERS): year’s recipient of the ACM Mae Boren Ax- are] the reason I get to do what I love to do Bass player of the year: Jimmie Lee Sloas ton service award. Clark was celebrated by ... because of people like you listening to our Drummer of the year: Miles McPherson Jackson and Womack returning to the stage music, loving what we do and that is not lost Guitar player of the year: Rob McNelley for a surprise rendition of one of Clark’s on me,” he said. “There is a whole hell of a lot Piano/keyboards player of the year: Gor- favorite songs, “Murder on Music Row.” more country music in this boy right here.” don Mote Trace Adkins honored 21-time ACM Fans who were not able to attend the Specialty instrument(s) player of the year: award winner Toby Keith with the ACM event in-person will be able to watch the Jenee Fleenor Merle Haggard spirit award, relating how ceremony later this year, when Circle TV Steel guitar player of the year: Paul Keith — much like Haggard — has found en- airs the show on Nov. 23 at 8 p.m. ET, with Franklin during success through top-shelf songwrit- an encore on Nov. 24. of the year: Justin Nie- ing and an independent spirit. Adkins also In addition to the above honors, the fol- bank performed Keith’s “Love Me If You Can” in lowing Studio Recording Award winners Producer of the year: busbee (Awarded honor of Keith, who was not in attendance. and Industry Award winners were also Posthumously) In an audio acceptance speech Keith sent honored: in, he called Haggard “one of the greatest 56TH ACM AWARDS (2020 STUDIO songwriters in American music, and one RECORDING AWARD WINNERS): of the greatest country voices ever.” He Bass player of the year: Tony Lucido added, “He took me under his wing when Drummer of the year: Aaron Sterling I was young. We shared many hours and a Guitar player of the year: J.T. Corenflos guitar on his bus. He gave me years of ad- (Awarded Posthumously) vice. We’ve cut each other’s songs, we sang Piano/keyboards player of the year: Dave together, we had so much fun. I was onstage Cohen with him the last time before he passed Specialty instrument player of the year: away and I will cherish those memories for Ilya Toshinskiy the rest of my life, getting to sing with him Steel guitar player of the year (tie): Dan that night, so thank you for this award.” Dugmore & Mike Johnson When and Luke Audio engineer of the year: F. Reid Ship- Combs each took the mic at different points pen during the evening, both chose to highlight Producer of the year: Jay Joyce another immensely talented performer on 55TH ACM AWARDS (2019 INDUSTRY the show’s program. AWARD WINNERS): “Two words: Ashley McBryde!” Urban ex- Casino of the year-theater: The Joint: Page 31 of 40

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lineup — headlined by Daddy Yankee, Karol Things arrives at No. 2 on Top Country Ana Barbara, G, and Nicky Jam — also includes participa- Albums and No. 6 on the Billboard 200 with tion by Anitta, Chris Jedi, Elena Rose, Gaby 33,000 equivalent album units, according to Lupita Infante Music, Lunay, Myke Towers, Natti Natasha, MRC Data. Nicki Nicole, , , and The Artist 100 measures artist activity & More Set For Tini, with more to be announced in the across key metrics of music consumption, coming weeks. blending album and track sales, radio air- BMI’s ‘How I Under the slogan “The Beat of Latin Mu- play, streaming and social media fan interac- sic,” making its mark as the longest running tion to provide a weekly multi-dimensional Wrote That Song’ and biggest Latin music industry gathering ranking of artist popularity. in the world, this year’s event will con- For all chart news, you can follow @bill- Panel at Latin tinue through the end of the week as Bill- board and @billboardcharts on both Twitter board launches its En Vivo concert series in and Instagram. Music Week 2021 partnership with Samsung, Amazon Music, and Bacardí. BY JESSICA ROIZ To register and for more information, ‘Loco’ Takes visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com. MI has announced its “How I , Wrote That Song” panel set for the 2021 Billboard Latin Music BTS Spends Chimbala & Zion Week, returning to Miami in Sep- Btember with a weeklong event that unites Milestone 20th & Lennox to the top Latin hitmakers, influencers, and executives, and features live performances Week at No. 1 No. 1 on Latin and conversations with superstars. This year, the panel presented by BMI on Billboard Airplay Chart (Broadcast Music, Inc.), moderated by Teresa Romo, creative director of latin, BMI, Artist 100 Chart BY PAMELA BUSTIOS takes a Regional Mexican turn, featuring icon Ana Bárbara, Pedro Infante’s grand- BY XANDER ZELLNER ustin Quiles powers to his second No. daughter Lupita, and newcomers Adriana 1 on the Latin Airplay chart as “Loco,” Rios and Ivonne Galaz. The four women, TS returns to No. 1 on the Bill- with Chimbala and Zion & Len- who proudly represent regional Mexican, board Artist 100 chart (dated nox, pushes 8-1 on the Aug. 28-dated will speak about their challenges, reality, Aug. 28) for a milestone 20th Jsurvey. The song, released May 13, part of and current state of the industry. week on top, becoming the Quiles’ album La Última Promesa, is the big- For more than 10 years, the BMI panel has Bfirst group to reach the mark since the list gest song on the radio of the week. served as a platform for the creators of Latin launched in 2014. “Loco” advances with 11.3 million audi- music to talk about the process of com- The South Korean septet returns to No. ence impressions, up 58%, in the week end- posing, producing, and interpreting their 1 thanks to the continued success of its ing Aug. 22, according to MRC Data. It earns successes. Previous panelists have included singles “Butter” and “Permission to Dance.” Dominican rapper Leudy Tejeda, better Tainy, Luny, Justin Quiles, and many others. The former spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the known as Chimbala, his first No. 1 and first Previously announced panels include Billboard Hot 100 beginning in June, while chart entry. He joins a group of four other “Coming Out Latin” with Raymix, Esteman, the latter spent a week at the summit in July. acts who have notched their first No. 1s with Erika Vidrio and Grupo Firme’s Jhonny Caz; The coronation is also aided by a pair their first chart appearance in 2021. Notably, “My Cause, My Music: A Conversation on of albums on the Billboard 200: BTS, The three out of those five No. 1 titles feature Social Justice” with Yotuel Romero, Kany Best and Map of the Soul : 7. Myke Towers. Let’s take a look: García and ChocQuibTown members Goyo Dating to the Artist 100’s inception, only Los Legendarios – “Mi Niña,” with and Tostao; “Regional No More– Mexican three acts have spent more time at No. 1 & Myke Towers, Jan. 16 Music Goes Global” with Natanael Cano, than BTS: (48 weeks), Drake Flow La Movie – “Travesuras,” with Nio Los Dos Carnales and Carin Leon, and (32) and The Weeknd (22). García, Casper Mágico, Ozuna, Wisin, Yan- moderated by Rancho Humilde’s Jimmy Elsewhere on the Artist 100, Dan + Shay del & Myke Towers, March 6 Humilde, amongst many more. jump from No. 35 to No. 7, reaching the top Maria Angeliq – “El Makinon,” with Karol The star-studded 2021 Latin Music Week 10 for the first time as their new LP Good G, June 5 Page 32 of 40

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Juhn – “Bandido,” with Myke Towers, June falls to the runner-up slot for the first time 19 since the chart dated April 17 as it slips 5% Justin Bieber Chimbala – “Loco,” with Justin Quiles and to 17.5 million in audience. Zion & Lennox, Aug. 28 ousting Silk Sonic also gets Remix Pushes Zion & Lennox, meanwhile, who first revenge for the Memphis rapper, after his secured a No. 1 on Latin Airplay in 2012 previous single “Time Today” stalled at No. 2 Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ (“Diosa de Corazones,” with Arcangel, Lobo for two weeks behind “Door” last month. On and RKM & Ken-Y), capture their eighth the current list, “Time” exits the top 10 after to Top 10 on Hot leader, also their first of 2021. 12 weeks in the region and dips to No. 12. Quiles concurrently sets foot atop Latin With “Wockesha,” Moneybagg Yo ce- R&B/Hip-Hop Rhythm Airplay with a 6-1 climb. It follows ments his status as one of the hottest acts on his only other No. 1 “Porfa,” with Feid, J R&B/hip-hop radio in the past year. After Songs Chart Balvin, , Nicky Jam and Sech, a one- none of his first five entries on the R&B/ week ruler in August 2020. Hip-Hop Airplay chart as a lead act reached BY TREVOR ANDERSON Over on the all-metric Hot Latin the top 20, the rapper has scored four Songs chart, “Loco” lifts 19-13 despite a consecutive top 10s: “1 2 3,” featuring Blac hanks to its new remix with Jus- 23% decline in sales and takes the Greatest Youngsta (No. 6), “” (No. 5), “Time tin Bieber, Wizkid’s “Essence,” Gainer/Airplay honor. The track sees a 1% Today” and “Wockesha.” featuring Tems, zooms into the gain in streams, to 1.6 million, earned in the In tandem with its R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay top 10 of Billboard’s Hot R&B/ week ending Aug. 19. coronation, “Wockesha” also climbs 2-1 THip-Hop Songs chart with a 13-5 lift on to rule the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop the chart dated Aug. 28. The updated ver- Airplay chart, which measures the most- sion — now with Bieber also as a featured Moneybagg Yo played songs at the radio format each week. act — continues the single’s rise as the latest There, the single picks up 7% more plays in crossover success for the Afrobeats genre. Scores First the week ending Aug. 22 to succeed Roddy With the gain, Wizkid secures his second Ricch’s “Late at Night,” which slides to top 10. He previously visited the region as R&B/Hip-Hop second place. a featured act, alongside Kyla, on Drake’s Elsewhere, “Wockesha” steps 4-3 on “One Dance,” which was No. 1 for a then- Airplay No. 1 the Rap Airplay chart and rises 29-26 in its record-tying 18 weeks in 2016. Tems earns third week on Rhythmic Airplay. her first top 10 upon her first appearance on With ‘Wockesha’ “Wockesha” and “Time Today” appear on the chart. the rapper’s latest album, A Gangsta’s Pain. Bieber, meanwhile, posts a seventh song BY TREVOR ANDERSON The set, released in April, marked Money- in the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’ top 10 in bagg Yo’s first No. 1 project on both the his career. Here’s a rundown of his stock: oneybagg Yo caps a steady all-genre Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/ “Lolly,” Maejor Ali featuring Juicy J & radio rise in the past year Hip-Hop Albums charts. Justin Bieber, No. 5, Oct. 5, 2013 with his first No. 1 on Bill- “I’m the One,” DJ Khaled featuring Justin board’s R&B/Hip-Hop Bieber, Quavo, & Lil MAirplay chart as “Wockesha” advances from Wayne, No. 1 for eight weeks, May 20, 2017 No. 3 to lead the list dated Aug. 28. The sin- “No Brainer,” DJ Khaled featuring Justin gle becomes the format’s most-heard song in Bieber, Quavo & Chance the Rapper, No. 4, the week ending Aug. 22, according to MRC Aug. 11, 2018 Data, through an 18.6 million audience total, “Yummy,” No. 2, Jan. 18, 2020 an 8% improvement from the prior week. “Intentions,” featuring Quavo, No. 4, Feb. 22, In addition to its meaning for Moneybagg 2020 Yo’s career, “Wockesha” also completes a “Peaches,” featuring Daniel Caesar & Gi- feat that’s proven impossible in the past veon, No. 1 for seven weeks, April 3, 2021 four months: overtaking Silk Sonic’s “Leave “Essence,” Wizkid featuring Justin Bieber & the Door Open.” That release, the debut Tems, No. 5, Aug. 28, 2021 offering of the and Anderson Elsewhere, “Essence” climbs 6-3 on .Paak duo, had reigned for the previous the Hot R&B Songs chart and drives 44-16 18 consecutive weeks, the fourth-longest on the Billboard Hot 100. stretch since the chart began in 1992. “Door” “Essence,” originally released in Febru- Page 33 of 40

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ary, traces its top 10 ascension to 13 million Nashville.Wilson is now working on her first U.S. streams in the week ending Aug. 19, Anne Wilson Tops studio LP. according to MRC Data, a 72% increase “I’ve been blown away by how God has from the week prior. (For chart purposes, Christian Airplay been using ‘My Jesus’ to impact so many all renditions of a song are combined into lives,” Wilson told Billboard after hitting No. one charting title.) The surge pushes the Chart With 1 on Hot Christian Songs. “I’m so honored song 20-3 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming that He chose me to be His vessel for this Songs chart and 44-11 on the correspond- Breakthrough Hit specific time and season. I would’ve never ing all-genre list. In the sales market, “Es- dreamed that God would use this song in sence” races 13-5 on R&B/Hip-Hop Digital ‘My Jesus’ such a mighty way.” Song Sales through 4,600 downloads in the same period. BY JIM ASKER Beyond an expected immediate impact Sueco, Tom in the sales and streaming markets, the nne Wilson’s debut single “My “Essence” remix also gives an added boost Jesus” reaches No. 1 on Bill- MacDonald & to the song’s already positive radio momen- board’s Christian Airplay chart tum. The single advances 6-3 on the R&B/ dated Aug. 28. The track in- Chris Stapleton Hip-Hop Airplay chart with 15.9 million in creasedA by 12% to 9.7 million impressions format audience impressions in the week in the week ending Aug. 22, according to Crown Rock ending Aug. 22, according to MRC Data, up MRC Data. 21% compared with the previous week. The The 19-year-old, from Lexington, Ky., Sales Charts double-digit gain is the largest improve- co-authored “My Jesus” with Jeff Pardo and ment, in terms of percent growth, of any of Matthew West. BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD the chart’s 50 titles, though many R&B/hip- Highlighting the coronation, Wilson is the hop stations have opted to remain playing first female soloist in a lead role to hit No. 1 hree tunes take over atop Bill- the Bieber-less original version. with a first entry on Christian Airplay since board’s rock genre-based digital It’s a different story at the rhythmic and the chart began in June 2003. song sales charts dated Aug. 28, pop sectors, which are more familiar terri- Among all No. 1s by acts with their first one of which is a cover of a clas- tory for Bieber and have latched on more to charted titles on Christian Airplay, “My Tsic anthem. the version including his vocals. “Essence” Jesus” is the first since “Rise Up” (Lazarus)” Sueco’s “Paralyzed” opens at No. 1 jumps on Rhythmic Airplay (22-15) thanks by trio Cain, which began a four-week stay on Rock Digital Song Sales with 8,000 sold to 47% more plays at the format in the last in the penthouse last December. in its first week, ending Aug. 19, according to tracking week and cracks the Pop Air- As for women in all billings, Wilson is the MRC Data. It’s the first the rapper/singer’s play chart for the first time as it debuts in first to rule Christian Airplay on a first try first appearance on the chart, the latest step the anchor spot, No. 40. since Vanessa Campagna led in a featured in his move toward a pop-punk sound. role on Michael W. Smith’s “Waymaker” for Additionally, “Paralyzed” starts at No. 2 three weeks in May 2020. on Alternative Digital Song Sales, where (Also notably, Hillary Scott & the Scott it’s his second entry, after “SOS,” featur- Family’s debut entry “Thy Will” led Chris- ing Travis Barker, debuted at No. 21 a week tian Airplay for three frames in 2016. The earlier. “Paralyzed” also becomes Sueco’s group’s frontwoman is one of the members first Billboard Hot 100-charting title, bow- of threesome Lady A, a country chart staple ing at No. 65 on the all-genre, multi-metric since 2007.) chart. In addition to its sales, it earned 6.5 “My Jesus” concurrently tops the multi- million U.S. streams in its first frame. metric Hot Christian Songs chart for a third The track concurrently enters Rock week, with 2.3 million U.S. streams (up 26%) Streaming Songs at No. 2 and the and 3,500 sold, in addition to its radio reach. multi-metric Hot Rock & Alternative The song is from Wilson’s Aug. 6-released Songs chart at No. 8. first EP, My Jesus (Live in Nashville), which Meanwhile, Tom MacDonald’s “Brain- debuted at No. 17 on the Top Christian washed” begins atop Alternative Digital Albums chart dated Aug. 21 and holds in the Song Sales with 14,000 sold in its first week. top 20 in its second week. The five-song set It’s his second No. 1 on the chart, following was recorded live at the White Dove Barn in “No Good Bastards,” with Nova Rockaf- Page 34 of 40

IN BRIEF

eller and Brandon Hart, in April. Pure album sales were the measurement “Brainwashed” joins “Paralyzed” on the ’s solely utilized by the Billboard 200 al- Hot 100, starting at No. 89 and marking bums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, MacDonald’s third appearance; “Snow- ‘Respect’ 2014, after which that chart switched to a flakes” spent a week at No. 71 in June after methodology that blends album sales with “Fake Woke” reached No. 96 in February. Soundtrack track equivalent album units and streaming “Brainwashed” concurrently debuts at equivalent album units. For all chart news, No. 11 on Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, ad- Debuts in Top 10 follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on ditionally sparked by 2.8 million streams. both Twitter and Instagram. Meanwhile, Chris Stapleton’s cover of on Billboard’s Top The Killers’ latest studio album, Pressure Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” lifts 4-1 Machine, debuts at No. 2 on Top Album on Hard Rock Digital Song Sales with Album Sales Chart Sales with 22,000 copies sold. It’s the 3,000 sold in its first full tracking week seventh top 10 for the band, and all seven of (Aug. 13-19, after it was released Aug. 12). It’s BY KEITH CAULFIELD their studio albums have now reached the his first title on the tally, as his material is top 10. generally within the country genre. ennifer Hudson’s soundtrack to the Dan + Shay’s Good Things starts at No. 3 The song also blasts in at No. 2 on the film Respect debuts at No. 6 on Bill- on Top Album Sales, matching the act’s peak multi-metric Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, board’s Top Album Sales chart (dated on the list, first achieved with their self- having logged 995,000 streams in the track- Aug. 28), marking the fourth top 10 on titled 2018 set. The new studio effort bows ing week. Jthe list for the singer-actress – the entirety of with 12,000 copies sold. Stapleton’s version of the song is part of her charting efforts. Respect is the compan- George Harrison’s All Things Must the massive The Metallica Blacklist box set, ion album to the movie of the same name in Pass falls 2-4 with 8,000 sold (down 71%) due Sept. 10. Over 50 artists contributed to which Hudson portrays Aretha Franklin. and BTS’ compilation BTS, The Best, is the project, which features covers of songs The album bows with 7,000 copies sold in stationary at No. 5 (just over 7,000 sold; from Metallica’s self-titled studio album, the U.S. in the week ending Aug. 20, accord- down 58%). known as The Black Album, for its 30th ing to MRC Data. As earlier noted, the Respect soundtrack anniversary. The 1991 original has sold 17.2 The set contains mostly covers of Frank- debuts at No. 6 (7,000) while Olivia Ro- million to date, making it the top-selling al- lin favorites but also includes one new song drigo’s former No. 1 Sour rises 9-7 with just bum overall since MRC Data began tracking written for the film, “Here I Am (Singing over 6,000 sold (down 7%). sales that year. My Way Home),” written by Jamie Harton, Ben Platt lands his second top 10 on Bill- Hudson, King. The track also climbs board’s Top Album Sales new studio 24-21, a new peak, on the Adult R&B Air- set Reverie debuts at No. 8 with 6,000 sold. play chart dated Aug. 28. It follows his 2019 debut effort, Sing To Me Respect additionally enters at No. 2 Instead, which debuted and peaked at No. 3. on Soundtracks, No. 17 on Top R&B Al- Luke Hemmings’ debut solo album When bums and No. 151 on the Billboard 200. Facing the Things We Turn Away From starts Also on Top Album Sales: Billie Eil- at No. 9 on Top Album Sales with nearly ish’s Happier Than Ever holds at No. 1 for 6,000 copies sold. Rap duo $uicideboy$ a third straight week (23,000 sold; down round out the new top 10 with their new 35%). It becomes the first album with album Long Term Effects of Suffering, which three weeks in a row at No. 1 since Taylor bows at No. 10 with 6,000 sold. Swift’s Folklore spent its first five weeks atop the list (Aug. 8-Sept. 5, 2020-dated charts). Meanwhile, new albums from The Killers, Dan + Shay, Ben Platt, Luke Hem- mings and $uicideboy$ debut in the top 10. Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks the top-selling albums of the week based only on traditional album sales. The chart’s history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first week Billboard began tabulating charts with electronically monitored piece count infor- mation from SoundScan, now MRC Data. Page 35 of 40

IN BRIEF

Fashion Week in September. Josh Schroeder Rihanna See the official teaser below. Hits No. 1 on Hard Announces JO1 Shoots to Rock Producers ‘ No. 1 & BE:FIRST Chart, Thanks to Show Vol. 3’ Will Debuts at No. 2 Lorna Shore Songs Stream Next on Japan Hot 100 BY XANDER ZELLNER Month: ‘You Think BY BILLBOARD JAPAN osh Schroeder hits No. 1 on Billboard’s You Ready?!’ Hard Rock Producers chart (dated O1’s fourth single “Real” blasts in at Aug. 28), leading for the first time BY HERAN MAMO No. 1 on the latest Billboard Japan thanks to his production work on Hot 100, dated Aug. 16 to 22, selling Jthree Lorna Shore tracks that appear on the ihanna will be fresh off the run- 368,948 copies in its first week. The latest Hot Hard Rock Songs ranking. way in September when she pre- J11-member boy band ruled physical sales Leading the band’s trio of titles is “To the mieres the and Twitter mentions, while also coming in Hellfire,” which re-enters Hot Hard Rock Vol. 3 on Amazon Prime Video. at No. 2 for look-ups to top the Japan song Songs at No. 9 (after reaching No. 7 peak), RThe third installment of her Savage x chart this week. followed by “…And I Return to Nothingness” Fenty fashion spectacles will debut ahead of The group also scored the highest first- and “Of the Abyss,” which debut at Nos. 13 RiRi’s new lingerie collection exclusively on week CD sales since their debut, with and 15, respectively. Friday, Sept. 24, on Amazon Prime Video, so “Real” outselling all three previous releases The three tracks mark Schroeder’s first the Navy stationed in more than 240 coun- including its first single “Protostar,” which production credits on Hot Hard Rock Songs. tries and territories can tune in from around launched with 344,299 copies sold — the Meanwhile, Måneskin frontman Damiano the world. The billionaire mogul served as best the band had done until now. David tallies a seventh week at No. 1 on the the executive producer and creative director Bowing at No. 2 this week is the new boy Hard Rock Songwriters chart, thanks to his of Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3. band BE:FIRST’s “Shining One,” logging writing credits on the group’s “I Wanna Be “Oh you think you ready ?!” she wrote on 30,459 first-week downloads to rule the Your Slave” and “Zitti E Buoni.” The former her socials Thursday (Aug. 26) while shar- metric. The seven members of the brand- adds an eighth week atop Hot Hard Rock ing a 30-second video of BadGalRiRi in the new group was chosen through auditions Songs, while the latter places at No. 25, after flesh, strutting in a revealing blue sequined organized by AAA member and solo rap- reaching No. 7. halter dress and rocking her mullet from per/singer-songwriter SKY-HI. “Shining The weekly Hard Rock Songwriters and her Unapologetic era while the camera One” also launched at No. 1 for video with Hard Rock Producers charts (which began shows her some love. 3,429,707 weekly views, while also per- in June 2019) are based on total points The new Savage x Fenty collection from forming well in streaming (No. 2, 8,875,584 accrued by a songwriter and producer, the third show, with all-inclusive sizing that streams) and Twitter (No. 3). respectively, for each attributed song that ranges from 32A to 42H/46DDD for bras Back Number’s “Suiheisen” (“Horizon”) appears on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart; and XS–3X/S–XXXL for underwear and rises 14-4 this week, breaking into the top 10 As with Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple sleepwear, will be available for purchase at for the first time. This song was written last writers or producers split points for each the Amazon Fashion store and at Savage X year after the Inter-High School (Athletic) song equally (and the dividing of points will Fenty the day the show airs. Championships were canceled for the first lead to occasional ties on rankings). The second digital-only edition of Ri’s time due to the pandemic, and was released Check out this week’s full Hard Rock Savage x Fenty show premiered on Ama- only on YouTube at midnight on Aug. 18, Songwriters and Hard Rock Producers zon Prime Video in October 2020, which 2020, the day the opening ceremony was charts, in addition to the other full genre featured Lizzo, Willow Smith, , originally scheduled to take place. rankings, at Billboard.com/biz. and Demi Moore. Big Sean, The track was digitally released a year lat- Normani, Christian Combs, , er on Aug. 13, racking up 16,453 downloads and Paloma Elsesser ap- to come in at No. 2 for metric, 7,840,975 peared during her Savage x Fenty fall/ streams to come in at No. 5, and also fared winter 2019 lingerie show at New York well in radio airplay (No. 6), video (No. 21), Page 36 of 40

IN BRIEF

and karaoke (No. 13). second-highest-charting hit. Experts say the residents of the island When the video was released on YouTube 5H described the success of “Worth It” are in desperate need of medical relief, last year, the song launched in the top 100 to Billboard at the 2015 Billboard Music tents, hygiene kits and PPE. In the wake of for video but fell out of the ranking after a Awards as “honestly unbelievable,” with the quake, artists including Cardi B, Don few weeks, then returned in early October. Ally Brooke adding, “To think of how far Omar, Steven Van Zandt sent their Since then, it’s been charting in the top 100 we’ve come … it’s so incredible. We have thoughts and prayers, with Cardi tweet- for video for 46 weeks until now, while also the best fans in the world. They support ing, “I got a soft spot for Haiti and it’s charting in the top 100 for karaoke since us. [There’s] so much passion and love, so people. They my cousins. I pray for Haiti mid-December (36 weeks). The song was thank you, guys.” they go thru soo much. God please cover already a long-running hit before it dropped Only one other video from the girl group that land and it’s people.” digitally this year, and it’s no surprise that has achieved this milestone: The 2016 clip Omar also addressed the disaster, tweet- the highly-anticipated release has powered for unintentional COVID anthem “Work ing in Spanish, “In times of tragedy we have it to the upper ranks of the Japan Hot 100 From Home,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, cur- been a united people who have managed to at last. rently boasts 2.4 billion YouTube views. move forward, now is the time to unite and The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines Since it was worth 2 billion fans’ time help in this tragedy #Haiti.” physical and digital sales, audio streams, to watch the video, give them even more Haiti is still recovering from a 5.9 earth- radio airplay, Twitter mentions, YouTube views below: quake in 2018 that killed more than a dozen and GYAO! video views, Gracenote look-ups people, and a 7.1 magnitude quake in 2010 and karaoke data. that damaged the impoverished country’s See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, Metallica Donates capital and killed an estimated 300,000 dated Aug. 16 to 22, here. people, according to the . $50,000 to The country is also in the midst of a political crisis following July’s assassination of Presi- They’re ‘Worth Support Haiti dent Jovenel Moïse. See Metallica’s announcement about It’: Earthquake their donation: Scores a Second Relief Efforts

Music Video BY GIL KAUFMAN

With 2 Billion etallica announced on Wednesday (Aug. 25) that its YouTube Views All Within My Hands Founda- tion has donated $50,000 to BY HERAN MAMO Maid earthquake relief in Haiti following a recent devastating temblor. ifth Harmony is worthy of rec- “At least 2,207 have died, over 12k injured ognition after the music video for & 50k homes destroyed by the devastat- their 2015 hit “Worth It,” featur- ing 7.2 quake,” the organization wrote in a ing Kid Ink, surpassed 2 billion tweet announcing the donation. Fviews on YouTube. According to Direct Relief, the Aug. 14 The Cameron Duddy-directed visual, quake has caused significant damage to which premiered at the 2015 Kids’ Choice critical infrastructure on the island, and Awards, displays female empowerment and injured more than 12,000. The situation dismantles the “boys’ club” atmosphere of was exacerbated by a second disaster in the an office while breaking the glass ceiling for form of tropical depression Grace, which women everywhere. subsequently caused flooding in quake- The Balkan-inspired rhythmic crossover affected communities. The organization said radio hit was released as the third and final post-storm flooding and lack of shelter, and single from the group’s debut studio al- access to clean water and sanitation have bum Reflection. “Worth It” peaked at No. 12 drastically increased the risk of the spread on the Billboard Hot 100 and became their of COVID-19, cholera and other diseases. Page 37 of 40

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 21,975,225,000 18,929,923,000 3,045,302,000 1,821,000 495,000 4,104,000 16,092,000 Week* Last 21,325,403,000 18,621,407,000 2,703,996,000 1,891,000 489,000 4,057,000 15,936,000 Week

Change 3.0% 1.7% 12.6% -3.7% 1.2% 1.2% 1.0%

This Week 20,059,573,000 17,418,957,000 2,640,616,000 1,736,000 597,000 4,311,000 14,764,000 Last Year

Change 9.5% 8.7% 15.3% 4.9% -17.0% -4.8% 9.0%

*All data measures U.S. activity as of the week ending August 19, 2021. All units counts are rounded to the nearest thousand.

YEAR TO DATE 2021 2020 Change YEAR TO DATE Total On-Demand 705,574,271,000 643,878,503,000 9.6% Streams TRACK SALES BY AGE 110m Audio On-Demand 613,907,907,000 543,928,594,000 12.9% Streams 100m Digital Track Sales 131,170,000 159,252,000 -17.6% 90m Album Sales 64,624,000 58,429,000 10.6% 108,655,000 80m Albums 525,527,000 467,206,000 12.5% Consumption Units 70m 91,120,000

60m

ALBUM CONSUMPTION UNITS BY FORMAT 50m 2021 2020 Change 40m CD Sales 23,646,000 22,973,000 2.9%

30m

Vinyl Sales 24,459,000 12,037,000 103.2% 50,597,000 20m Digital Sales 16,225,000 23,229,000 -30.2% 40,050,000 Catalog Current 10m Other Sales 294,000 190,000 54.7% 2021 2020 2021 2020 0 Track Equivalent 13,117,000 15,925,000 -17.6%

Audio On-Demand 447,785,000 392,852,000 14.0% Equivalent -20.8% -16.1% 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 38 of 40 DATA FOR WEEK OF 08.28.2021 HOT 100 SONGWRITERSTM HOT 100 PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 10 WKS DAN NIGRO  1 22 WKS DAN NIGRO  #1 TIE 1 21 WKS OLIVIA RODRIGO  2 DR. LUKE  3 DOJA CAT  3 OMER FEDI  4 THE WEEKND  4 KOZ  5 LUKASZ GOTTWALD  5 TAKE A DAYTRIP  TIE 6 ED SHEERAN  6 DAN SMYERS  TIE 6 JOHNNY MCDAID  7 YETI BEATS  8 OMER FEDI  TIE 8 MAX MARTIN  9 DAVE BAYLEY  TIE 8 OSCAR HOLTER  TIE 10  TIE 8 THE WEEKND  TIE 10 MAX MARTIN  11 ROGET CHAHAYED  TIE 10 OSCAR HOLTER  12 BLAKE SLATKIN  13 FRED AGAIN..  13 MICHAEL KNOX  14 ASHLEY GORLEY  14 ALEXANDER 23  TIE 15 DAVID BIRAL  15 FINNEAS  TIE 15 DENZEL BAPTISTE  TIE 16 BRUNO MARS  TIE 15 LIL NAS X  TIE 16 D’MILE  18 JUSTIN BIEBER  18 RICKY REED  19 ZACH CROWELL  19 STUART PRICE  TIE 20 BLAKE SLATKIN  20 KANYE WEST  TIE 20 THE KID LAROI  21  TIE 22 BILLIE EILISH  22 SHANE MCANALLY  TIE 22 FINNEAS  23 DAVE BAYLEY  24 DABABY  24 TYRON HAPI  25 RICKY REED  25 JAY JOYCE 

COUNTRY SONGWRITERSTM COUNTRY PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 18 WKS ASHLEY GORLEY  1 3 WKS DAN SMYERS  2 ZACH CROWELL  2 JAY JOYCE  3 HUNTER PHELPS  3 JORDAN SCHMIDT  4 JONATHAN SINGLETON  4 DANN HUFF  5 COREY CROWDER  5 SHANE MCANALLY  6 JOSH JENKINS  6 MICHAEL KNOX  7 LUKE COMBS  7 COREY CROWDER  TIE 8 BRINLEY ADDINGTON  8 AARON ESHUIS  TIE 8 JERRY FLOWERS  9 OSCAR  10 MARTIN JOHNSON  10 ROSS COPPERMAN 

R&B/HIP-HOP SONGWRITERSTM R&B/HIP-HOP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 2 WKS DOJA CAT  1 3 WKS DR. LUKE  2 LIL BABY  TIE 2 BRUNO MARS  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 3 JACK HARLOW  TIE 2 D’MILE  TIE 4 ANDERSON .PAAK  TIE 4 KANYE WEST  TIE 4 BRUNO MARS  TIE 4 TAKE A DAYTRIP  TIE 4 D’MILE  6 TAY KEITH  7 CARDI B  TIE 7 NATE MERCEREAU  8 GIVEON  TIE 7 RICKY REED  9 TOM MACDONALD  TIE 7 TELE  TIE 10 LUKASZ GOTTWALD  10 D.A. GOT THAT DOPE  TIE 10 THE WEEKND 

R&B SONGWRITERSTM R&B PRODUCERSTM AUG. #1 #1 1 8 WKS DOJA CAT  1 7 WKS DR. LUKE  28 TIE 2 ANDERSON .PAAK  TIE 2 BRUNO MARS  2021 TIE 2 BRUNO MARS  TIE 2 D’MILE  TIE 2 D’MILE  TIE 4 HARV  5 GIVEON  TIE 4 SHNDO  TIE 6 LUKASZ GOTTWALD  6 MANEESH BIDAYE  TIE 6 THE WEEKND  TIE 7 LEGENDURY BEATZ  8 JUSTIN BIEBER  TIE 7 P2J  9 BRODY BROWN  9 SEVN THOMAS 

AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES 10 MANEESH BIDAYE  10 CAPELLA GREY 

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 August 28, 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 39 of 40 DATA FOR WEEK OF 08.28.2021 RAP SONGWRITERSTM RAP PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 2 WKS JACK HARLOW  TIE 1 2 WKS KANYE WEST  #1 2 LIL BABY  TIE 1 2 WKS TAKE A DAYTRIP  3 TOM MACDONALD  3 TAY KEITH  TIE 4 DAVID BIRAL  TIE 4 NATE MERCEREAU  TIE 4 DENZEL BAPTISTE  TIE 4 RICKY REED  TIE 4 LIL NAS X  TIE 4 TELE  TIE 4 NICK LEE  7 OG PARKER  8 TAY KEITH  8 DJ KHALED  TIE 9 CARDI B  TIE 9 GYLTTRYP  TIE 9 LIZZO  TIE 9 MUSTARD  TIE 9 RICKY REED  TIE 9 TELE  TIE 9 THERON THOMAS  TIE 9 TORAE CARR 

DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONGWRITERSTM DANCE/ELECTRONIC PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 60 WKS F A L L E N  1 10 WKS REGARD  #1 TIE 1 60 WKS SAINT JHN  2 F A L L E N  3 TIESTO  3 HVME  TIE 4 ANDY BAUZA  4 TIESTO  TIE 4 FARRUKO  5 SKRILLEX  TIE 4 FRANKLIN JOVANI MARTINEZ  6 TAINY  TIE 4 GHETTO  TIE 7 GHETTO  TIE 4 IAMCHINO  TIE 7 IAMCHINO  TIE 4 JUAN MANUEL GOMEZ  TIE 7 K4G  TIE 4 K4G  TIE 7 SHARO TOWERS  TIE 4 SHARO TOWERS  TIE 7 VICTOR CARDENAS  TIE 4 VICTOR CARDENAS 

LATIN SONGWRITERSTM LATIN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 63 WKS BAD BUNNY  1 94 WKS TAINY  2 TAINY  2 MR. NAISGAI  TIE 3 ERIC DUARS  3 EL ZORRO  TIE 3 RAUW ALEJANDRO  4 SKY ROMPIENDO  5 EDEN MUNOZ  5 MORA  6 MR. NAISGAI  6 EDGAR BARRERA  7 DANIEL BALDERRAMA  TIE 7 ALBERT HYPE  8 COLLA  TIE 7 MANUEL LARA  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 LUIS CONRIQUEZ  9 JESUS CASTANEDA  10 MORA  TIE 10 EVERT GUTIERREZ  TIE 10 ISAEL GUTIERREZ 

ROCK & ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ROCK & ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 5 WKS BILLIE EILISH  1 22 WKS FINNEAS  #1 TIE 1 10 WKS FINNEAS  2 TRAVIS BARKER  AUG. 3 DAVE BAYLEY  3 DAVE BAYLEY  28 4 TRAVIS BARKER  4 LUCIO FABBRI  2021 TIE 5 BOB GAUDIO  5 ADAM FRIEDMAN  TIE 5 PEGGY FARINA  TIE 6 BLAKE SLATKIN  7 TOM MACDONALD  TIE 6 OMER FEDI  8 MACHINE GUN KELLY  8 MATTMAN & ROBIN  9 NICK LONG  9 TOM MACDONALD  TIE 10 ELLE KING  10 JOEL LITTLE  TIE 10 MARTIN JOHNSON  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES Page 40 of 40 DATA FOR WEEK OF 08.28.2021 ALTERNATIVE SONGWRITERSTM ALTERNATIVE PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 10 WKS BILLIE EILISH  1 25 WKS FINNEAS  #1 TIE 1 13 WKS FINNEAS  2 TRAVIS BARKER  3 DAVE BAYLEY  3 DAVE BAYLEY  4 TRAVIS BARKER  4 ADAM FRIEDMAN  5 TOM MACDONALD  TIE 5 BLAKE SLATKIN  TIE 6 MACHINE GUN KELLY  TIE 5 OMER FEDI  TIE 6 NICK LONG  7 MATTMAN & ROBIN  TIE 8 BILLY WALSH  8 TOM MACDONALD  TIE 8 BLAKE SLATKIN  9 SUB URBAN  TIE 8 OMER FEDI  10 DAN NIGRO  TIE 8 THE KID LAROI 

HARD ROCK SONGWRITERSTM HARD ROCK PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 TIE 1 7 WKS DAMIANO DAVID  1 1 WK JOSH SCHROEDER  #1 TIE 1 7 WKS ETHAN TORCHIO  TIE 2 FABRIZIO FERRAGUZZO  #1 TIE 1 7 WKS THOMAS RAGGI  TIE 2 MANESKIN  #1 TIE 1 7 WKS VICTORIA DE ANGELIS  4 GREG KURSTIN  TIE 5 JAMES HETFIELD  5 THE WIZARDZ OF OZ  TIE 5 LARS ULRICH  6 MICHAEL BASKETTE  7 MICHAEL POULSEN  TIE 7 CHRIS STAPLETON  8 WOLFGANG  TIE 7 DAVE COBB  TIE 9 ADAM DEMICCO  9 NICK RASKULINECZ  TIE 9 ANDREW O’CONNOR  10 FOO FIGHTERS  TIE 9 AUSTIN ARCHEY  TIE 9 WILL RAMOS 

CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERSTM CHRISTIAN PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 6 WKS MATTHEW WEST  1 43 WKS JONATHAN SMITH  2 JEFF PARDO  2 JEFF PARDO  TIE 3 LAUREN ASHLEY DAIGLE  3 PAUL MABURY  TIE 3 PAUL MABURY  4  5 CHRIS BROWN  5 SEAN COOK  6 STEVEN FURTICK  6 MARK MILLER  7 BRANDON LAKE  7 MICAH KUIPER  8 MICAH KUIPER  8 JASON INGRAM  SONGWRITERS & PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS 9 ANNE WILSON  9 KYLE LEE  10 JONATHAN SMITH  10 JONATHAN JAY 

GOSPEL SONGWRITERSTM GOSPEL PRODUCERSTM #1 #1 1 7 WKS DANTE BOWE  1 24 WKS KYLE LEE  2 CHRIS BROWN  2 TONY BROWN  AUG. 3 STEVEN FURTICK  3 JONATHAN JAY  28 4 BEN SCHOFIELD  4 BEN SCHOFIELD  2021 5 CHANDLER MOORE  5 CHRIS BROWN  6 DWAN DEBERNIS HILL  TIE 6 JASON INGRAM  TIE 7 CECE WINANS  TIE 6 STEVEN FURTICK  TIE 7 KYLE LEE  8 DONTANIEL JAMEL KIMBROUGH  TIE 7 MITCH WONG  9 ALLEN CARR  10 BRANDON LAKE  10 PHILLIP BRYANT  AIRPLAY/STREAMING & AIRPLAY/STREAMING COMPILED BY DATA SALES