nas rapper tour 2023

Nas and Wu-Tang Clan Are Taking That ‘N.Y. State of Mind’ Around the World

By Jon Blistein

Jon Blistein

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Nas and the Wu-Tang Clan will resume their co-headlining N.Y. State of Mind tour this year, with new dates announced worldwide.

The trek — which launched last year — will pick up in May with a run of shows in New Zealand and Australia, followed by a European tour in June. A new North American leg will kick off on Sept. 20 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville and wrap on Oct. 22 at the Yaamava Theatre in Highland, California. 

Tickets for the North American shows will go on sale March 3 at 9 a.m. local time (except for the final show in Highland, which will go on sale March 6 at 10 a.m. local time). A presale for American Express cardholders for select shows will kick off on Feb. 28, while additional pre-sales will be held throughout the week.

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N.Y. State of Mind 2023 North American Tour Dates

September 20 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena September 22 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live September 23 – Jacksonville, FL @ Daily’s Place September 24 – Tampa, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino^ September 26 – Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena September 27 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center September 29 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall October 1 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena October 2 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell October 4 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center October 7 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center October 8 – Chicago, IL @ United Center October 10 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre October 13 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place October 14 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome October 16 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena October 17 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center October 18 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena October 21 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena October 22 – Highland, CA @ Yaamava Theatre

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The Saga Continues Worldwide: Wu-Tang Clan And Nas Announce 2023 Dates For Global N.Y. State Of Mind Tour

Tickets Available Starting Tuesday, February 28th

General onsale begins friday, march 3rd at 9am local on  livenation.com.

Today, Hip Hop icons  Wu-Tang Clan  and  Nas  have announced the 2023 co-headline run of their  N.Y. State of Mind Tour , which will be hitting multiple continents this year. Produced by Live Nation, the 32-date global tour kicks off on Tuesday, May 9th in Auckland, New Zealand at Spark Arena, with additional stops across New Zealand, Australia, North America and Europe before wrapping up on Sunday, October 22nd at Yaamava Theatre in Highland, CA.

The 2023 tour comes on the heels of the sold out 2022 N.Y. State of Mind Tour run that hit 25+ cities last year, including an iconic show at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The tour was also recently nominated for Pollstar’s 2022 Hip Hop Tour of The Year – watch the 2022 N.Y. State of Mind Tour recap  HERE .

NORTH AMERICA TICKETS:  Tickets will be available beginning with American Express® Early Access on Tuesday, February 28th in select North American markets. Additional presales will be available throughout the week before the general onsale starting Friday, March 3rd at 9am local time on  livenation.com .

• AMEX PRESALE:  American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets in select North American markets before the general public beginning Tuesday, February 28th at 10am local time through Thursday, March 2nd at 10pm local time.

EUROPE TICKETS:  Tickets will be available beginning with an artist presale on Tuesday, February 28th at 9am local time. Additional presales will be available throughout the week before the general onsale starts Friday, March 3rd at 9am local time on  livenation.co.uk .

NEW ZEALAND TICKETS:  Tickets will be available beginning with a Vodafone presale on Wednesday, March 1st at 10am local time on vodafone.co.nz/music . Additional presales will be available throughout the week before the general onsale starts Monday, March 6th at 12pm local time on  livenation.co.nz .

AUSTRALIA TICKETS:  Tickets will be available via presales beginning Friday, March 3rd at 11am local time. The general onsale begins Monday, March 6th at 12pm local time on  livenation.com.au .

VIP NATION:  Fans in North America can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the VIP Lounge, a limited edition numbered tour poster, specially designed VIP gift items, and more. For more information, visit  vipnation.com .

2023 N.Y. STATE OF MIND TOUR DATES: 

AUSTRALIA + NEW ZEALAND

Tue May 9  – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena

Fri May 12 – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Sat May 13 – Sydney, AU – Qudos Bank Arena

Sun May 14 – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena

Fri June 2 – Stockholm, SE – Avicii Arena

Sat June 3 – Copenhagen, DK – Royal Arena

Mon June 5 – Berlin, DE – Parkbuhne Wuhlheide

Tues June 6 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome

Wed June 7 – Paris, FR – Accor Arena

Fri June 9 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena

Mon June 12 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

Tue June 13 – London, UK – The O2

NORTH AMERICA

Wed Sep 20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

Fri Sep 22 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live

Sat Sep 23 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place

Sun Sep 24 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino^

Tue Sep 26 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

Wed Sep 27 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

Fri Sep 29 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Sun Oct 01 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

Mon Oct 02 – Laval, QC – Place Bell

Wed Oct 04 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

Sat Oct 07 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center

Sun Oct 08 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Tue Oct 10 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre

Fri Oct 13 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place

Sat Oct 14 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome

Mon Oct 16 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

Tue Oct 17 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

Wed Oct 18 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Sat Oct 21 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena

Sun Oct 22 – Highland, CA – Yaamava Theatre*

^ Daytime Pool Party Performance

*On-sale: Monday, March 6th at 10am local 

About Wu-Tang Clan

Founded in New York City’s Staten Island in the early 1990s, the Wu-Tang Clan is comprised of members RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, and the deceased Ol’ Dirty Bastard (ODB). Their name is a reference to a 1983 martial arts film. 

Led by the production of RZA, samples from martial arts films have thematically appeared throughout the group’s music, as have samples of classic funk and soul tracks from artists like Rick James, James Brown, and Syl Johnson. As a group, Wu-Tang Clan have three platinum albums among their eight LPs, and the group’s complete anthology (including solo albums) has more than 85 full-length releases. More than just rappers, Wu-Tang Clan are entrepreneurs and successful cultural influencers, with an empire that features everything from clothing lines and video games to books and acting credits.

Wu-Tang Clan on Tour Considered by many to be the greatest hip-hop group of all time, Wu-Tang Clan have been touring as a unit since their debut record — Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) — came out in 1993. The now triple-platinum release vaulted the New York City group with songs like “C.R.E.A.M.” (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) and “Protect Ya Neck” that are about as recognizable as anything in the rap canon. 

Their live sets are a family affair, with every member of the crew representing their lyrical contributions to the Wu’s eight studio albums, as well as notable cuts from the Wu-Tang solo discography. With the omnipresent Wu-Tang “W” flanking all angles of the stage, there’s a familiarity to Wu-Tang Clan’s music that gives their shows unique mass appeal. 

Whether they’re delivering the 36 Chambers record front to back on the album’s 25th Anniversary Tour, or tracks from GZA’s seminal Liquid Swords and Raekwon’s mafioso-minded Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, or honoring the legacy of their departed brother, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, every Wu-Tang Clan show is a celebration of prolific careers as individuals and especially as the most storied group in hip-hop history. 

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About Nas Nas (Nasir Jones) first reached an international audience when his track “Halftime” was tapped by producer MC Serch as the opening cut on 1992’s  Zebrahead  movie soundtrack.  Signed to Columbia Records, the first full-length album by poet and rhyme-master Nas arrived in 1994,  Illmatic .  The RIAA platinum hip-hop landmark featured “It Ain’t Hard To Tell,” “The World Is Yours,” and “One.”  1996 brought the breakthrough double-platinum  It Was Written  (#1 R&B for 7 weeks, #1 pop for 4 weeks), with his first major crossover singles “Street Dreams” and “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That).” Success continued with the double-platinum  I Am  in 1999 (again #1 pop and #1 R&B), with the chart singles “Nas Is Like,” “Hate Me Now” (featuring Puff Daddy), and “You Won’t See Me Tonight” (featuring Aaliyah).

Subsequent albums by Nas included: the RIAA platinum  Nastradamus  (1999, #2 R&B, #7 pop, with “Nastradamus” and “You Owe Me,” featuring Ginuwine); the platinum  Stillmatic  (2001, #1 R&B, #5 pop, with “Got Ur Self A…,” “ “One Mic,” and “Rule”); the platinum  God’s Son  (2002, #1 R&B, with huge R&B/pop crossover hits “Made You Look” and “I Can”); and the platinum double-CD  Street’s Disciple  (2004, #2 R&B, #5 pop, with “Bridging the Gap” and “Just a Moment”). And his 2012 album,  Life Is Good  earned him 4 Grammy nominations including Rap Album of the Year and is certified RIAA gold.

Over the years, Nas has also been the featured guest on a number of crossover hits by other artists, among them: Allure (“Head Over Heels,” 1997); Missy Elliott (the #1 “Hot Boyz,” 1999); fellow Queensbridge rapper Mobb Deep (“It’s Mine,” 1999); Jagged Edge (“I Got It 2,” 2002); J-Lo (“I’m Gonna Be Alright,” 2002); Kanye West (“Classic (Better Than I’ve Ever Been),” 2006); DJ Khaled (“Nas Album Done,” 2016); Swizz Beats (“Echo,” 2018); Jhene Aiko (“10K Hours,” 2020) and others.

In August 2020, Nas released  King’s Disease .  King’s Disease  marked Nas’ first new album in 2 years. The album was entirely produced by Hit-Boy, and Gabriel “G Code” Zardes serves as the albums co-executive producer. The album won “Best Rap Album” at the 2021 GRAMMYs, marking Nas’ first ever GRAMMY win.

In August of 2021, Nas released  King’s Disease II , a sequel to the GRAMMY Award winning album.  King’s Disease II  was executive produced by Nas and Hit-Boy and features collaborations with Eminem, EPMD, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, YG, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Hit-Boy & more. The album earned a nomination for “Best Rap Album” at the upcoming 64th GRAMMY Awards. Most recently, Nas released a surprise album titled Magic featuring A$AP Rocky and DJ Premier.

In addition to his successful career in music, Nas has pursued a career in motion pictures that began with his co-starring role (alongside DMX) in 1998’s cult classic crime drama  Belly , a film by director Hype Williams (with whom Nas has done several music videos). Most recently, he was the executive producer of the 2016 Netflix series  The Get Down .

Nas is also the co-founder of Mass Appeal Records.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit   www.livenationentertainment.com .

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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Wu-Tang Clan and Nas Announce 2023 Tour

By Allison Hussey

Wu-Tang Clan and Nas are embarking on a co-headlining tour, reviving their NY State of Mind billing for another year. See all of their dates and watch a video about the tour below.

Wu-Tang Clan and Nas most recently toured together in the late summer and early fall of 2022, another outing under the NY State of Mind banner. Nas’ latest album is November’s King’s Disease III , while Wu-Tang last issued A Better Tomorrow in 2014, followed by the controversial single-edition Once Upon a Time in Shaolin a year later. Members of Wu-Tang Clan more recently joined Logic on “ Wu Tang Forever ” and Scottish rock group Texas for the song “ Hi .”

Learn more about Nas and Wu-Tang Clan in the Pitchfork feature “ The 150 Best Albums of the 1990s .”

All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Wu-Tang Clan and Nas:

05-09 Auckland, New Zealand - Spark Arena 05-12 Brisbane, Australia - Brisbane Entertainment Centre 05-13 Sydney, Australia - Qudos Bank Arena 05-14 Melbourne, Australia - Rod Laver Arena 06- 02 Stockholm, Swedens - Avicii Arena 06-03 Copenhagen, Denmark - Royal Arena 06-05 Berlin, Germany - Parkbuhne Wuhlheide 06-06 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Ziggo Dome 06-07 Paris, France - Accor Arena 06-09 Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena 06-12 Glasgow, Scotland - OVO Hydro 06-13 London, England - The O2 09-20 Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena 09-22 Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live 09-23 Jacksonville, FL - Daily’s Place 09-24 Tampa, FL - Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 09-26 Washington, D.C. - Capital One Arena 09-27 Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center 09-29 Atlantic City, NJ - Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall 10-01 Toronto, Ontario - Scotiabank Arena 10-02 Laval, Quebec - Place Bell 10-04 Columbus, OH - Schottenstein Center 10-07 Minneapolis, MN - Target Center 10-08 Chicago, IL - United Center 10-10 Winnipeg, Manitoba - Canada Life Centre 10-13 Edmonton, Alberta - Rogers Place 10-14 Calgary, Alberta - Scotiabank Saddledome 10-16 Vancouver, British Columbia - Rogers Arena 10-17 Portland, OR - Moda Center 10-18 Seattle, WA - Climate Pledge Arena 10-21 Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena 10-22 Highland, CA - Yaamava Theatre

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NAS TOUR DATES

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Nas celebrates 30 years of rap supremacy at madison square garden.

The 34-song set marked the legend's first headlining performance at the iconic venue.

By Preezy Brown

Preezy Brown

Hip-Hop Reporter

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On Friday night (Feb. 24), the buzz surrounding New York City’s Madison Square Garden was palpable, as fans trekked to the famed arena to witness history. But the highlights throughout the evening were not courtesy of the Knicks; one of the greatest orators to ever hold a mic was holding court. While The Garden’s NBA home team was off extending its winning streak, Nas was busy making plays of his own—putting forth a performance for the ages during his first headlining show at the venue.

NYC Councilman Believes Nas Should Receive Diddy's Key To The City If Revoked

Shortly after 9 p.m., Nas hit the stage to raucous applause, launching into his performance with his King’s Disease title track as a montage of the album artwork, and other images were emblazoned across the screen. Cycling through half of the tracks from the LP, the vibes skyrocketed when Nas tossed in verses from recent collaborative efforts such as the bonus cut “Spicy.” While a sighting of Fivio Foreign and A$AP Ferg would’ve shaken the room, their absence was far from a sore spot, as the 49-year-old put on a masterclass in the power of stage presence, with no need for relief or reprieve.

While the one-night-only event was centered around Nas’ King’s Disease trilogy, he strayed off script at various points, peppering in fare from his 2021 surprise album Magic . “This story began down the block at Bryant Park” he prefaces his performance of “Death Row East,” an account of the notorious meeting between Death Row Records and his crew at the height of their beef. The celebratory vibes continued as confetti fell from the rafters amid “I’m On Fire” making its way through the speakers.

Nas was then joined by producer Hit-Boy , who he verbally credited for crafting all the tracks on the King’s Disease and Magic . “I gotta say let me catch my breath,” he toId the crowd, adding, “I gotta bring out my brother. He’s a maniac, he’s a scientist.” The show’s first half was filled with moments that will be crystalized in attendees’ minds. However, the latter portion of the show accounted for the biggest fireworks. There was a tribute to legendary radio DJ Mr. Magic and his Rap Attack show, which ended with a photo of Nas and the late Hip-Hop icon. Diving deep into a nostalgic trip, the hitmaker created the perfect set-up for Mary J. Blige to grace the stage, capping off Esco’s transition from the KD3 cut “Reminisce” into her own 1992 smash, “You Remind Me.”

From there, the formerly-chipped-toothed rhymer took it back to his beginnings atop rap’s elite with a handful of hits from Illmatic and key cuts from his subsequent albums through Stillmatic . “N.Y. State of Mind,” “Represent,” and “Ain’t Hard To Tell” all got the building amped up, but two surprise appearances really got the people going. First, AZ joined Nas for “Life’s a B***h,” delivering his smooth verse in a black Pelle Pelle leather jacket. Then Slick Rick appeared to perform “Hey Young World,” prompting the crowd to sway and sing along while watching the bejeweled legend in awe.

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Sending a shout out to late De La Soul member David “Trugoy’ Jolicoeur over the group’s 1989 classic “Buddy,” Nas reemerged with fervor, running through “Hate Me Now” and “Made You Look” before acknowledging his day-one disciples. “If it wasn’t for you, there’d be no me,” he told the crowd. “We put the art first. All that Hollywood sh*t is out of here. Go with the heart first. That’s what I did.”

Nas’ technical display during the second verse of Illmatic ‘s “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in da Park)” was one of the most impressive feats of the evening. Rapping acapella with the breath control and vocal nuance of men half his tenure, the veteran shined. He even accounted for a crescendo, a testament to his ear and excellence. Giving concert-goers a taste of his God’s Son anthem “Get Down,” and wrapping up with his breakout 1996 hit “If Ruled the World (Imagine That),” he thanked those who came out to celebrate his 30-plus years in the game.

Taking a bow and throwing a peace sign before exiting the stage, the Queensbridge poet put on a career-defining performance that all the blunt-heads, fly ladies, and Hip-Hop heads will still talk about for another 30 years.

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Nas to perform ‘illmatic’ with live orchestra for 30th anniversary in las vegas.

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NAPA, CALIFORNIA - JULY 29: Nas performs on the Black Radio stage during the Blue Note Jazz Festival ... [+] at Silverado Resort and Spa on July 29, 2023 in Napa, California. (Photo by Richard Bord/Getty Images)

As 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of Nas' groundbreaking debut album Illmatic, the iconic Queens rapper is preparing to celebrate in a grand way this summer.

Praised by some ‘90s hip-hop enthusiasts as the greatest hip-hop album of all time, Nas is set to perform his iconic debut album, Illmatic , live with the Las Vegas Philharmonic commemorating the album’s 30-year anniversary. The concert will be held at the Encore Theater in Las Vegas, with shows scheduled for three nights on August 29, 31, and September 1.

Illmatic cements Nas' status as an iconoclast in 1994, a time when West Coast gangster rap was on the forefront of the hip-hop scene. Yet, the East coast boom bap sound remained influential, with albums like The Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready to Die and Method Man’s Tical helping to restore East Coast rap to its pinnacle, alongside Nas' poetic contributions.

Portrait of American rapper Nas (born Nasir Jones) seated on a sofa, New York, New York, circa 1997. ... [+] (Photo by Nitro/Getty Images)

Illmatic is notable for its innovative use of an all-star producer team, including DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and L.E.S. While most hip-hop albums from the golden era were primarily produced by a single producer and an MC, with the DJ as the original producer, Illmatic brought together multiple producers, creating a fluid and harmonious record.

Nas, only 20 years old, impressed with his unwavering flow and extraordinary storytelling, exploring themes such as urban decay, hustling, survival, crime, and personal identity. He presented these experiences as more than mere tales, creating a time capsule that preserved a vital period in New York City's history.

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“Halftime” sees Nas confronting the perils of street life with "Straight up, shit is real / And any day could be your last in the jungle." In “N.Y. State of Mind,” the Grammy-award winning emcee articulates his dreams of success with bars, "Be havin' dreams that I'm a gangsta, drinkin' Moëts, holdin' TEC's / Makin' sure the cash came correct, then I stepped.” While in “Represent,” he unforgettably makes it clear that the righteous poet is never off his square, "Yo, they call me Nas, I'm not your legal type of fella / Moët drinking, marijuana smoking street dweller / Who's always on the corner, rolling up bless."

Nas (aka Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones), Vorst Nationaal, Brussels, Belgium, 14th October 1996. (Photo by ... [+] Gie Knaeps/Getty Images)

Upon release, Illmatic entered the Billboard 200 at number 12 and peaked at number two on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.It received a five-mic rating from The Source and sold approximately 63,000 copies in its first week. Two years after its release, it was certified Gold by the RIAA and achieved Platinum status in 2001. The album was included in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2000 and has since sold over 2 million copies in the United States.

The stint with The Las Vegas Philharmonic isn't the first time Illmatic has been orchestrated. In 2018, Nas delivered a symphonic performance of the album alongside the National Symphony Orchestra in New York City, which was aired on PBS Invesco Dynamic Media ETF .

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Nas Concert Setlists & Tour Dates

• Nas ( US rapper )
• NAS ( Stereomatics )

NY State of Mind Tour

Upcoming shows.

• Date and Venue Doors Scheduled
• Jul 09 2024 Festival d'été de Québec 2024 Quebec City, QC, Canada Add time  –  Scheduled: 9:15 PM Add time Add times 9:15 PM
• Aug 08 2024 Lokerse Feesten 2024 Lokeren, Belgium Add time Add time Add times
• Aug 10 2024 Lakelive Festival 2024 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland Doors 4:30 PM  –  Scheduled: 11:10 PM 4:30 PM 11:10 PM
• Aug 12 2024 Locus Festival 2024 Locorotondo, Italy Add time Add time Add times
• Aug 17 2024 All Points East 2024 London, England  –  Find tickets Add time Tickets Add time Add times

Nas at The Bourbon Room Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA, USA

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Nas at Delilah, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Nas at belly up, aspen, co, usa, nas at the marquis, park city, ut, usa, nas at kia forum, inglewood, ca, usa.

• If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)
• Made You Look

Nas at Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV, USA

• Oochie Wally

Nas at Yaamava' Resort & Casino, Highland, CA, USA

Nas at mgm grand garden arena, las vegas, nv, usa, nas at climate pledge arena, seattle, wa, usa.

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Thursday 28 December 2023

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11 Times Rappers Had Objects Thrown At Them Onstage... And How They Reacted

O ver the years, fans throwing objects at rappers during live performances has grown increasingly common. From phones, bottles and sneakers, artists are dodging more than just critical reviews or negative attention online.

Take Drake’s “It’s All A Blur Tour,” during which the spectrum of thrown objects included everything from cell phones to oversized bras. While most of the incidents were humorous and often well-received, other artists tend to have sour experiences that lead to brief pauses — or, on rare occasions, ending their concerts abruptly. 

Even acts outside of Hip Hop aren’t safe. In 2023, Ari Lennox, an opening act for Rod Wave’s “Nostalgia Tour,” went on a minutes-long tirade after an attendee threw a water bottle at her. Her encounter gave her the strength to speak out about how women are constantly disrespected while on the road with their male counterparts. Lennox looked back on the incident when supporting Flo Milli, another victim of objects flung at them onstage.

Below, Rap-Up takes a detailed look at rappers who’ve had things thrown at them while performing. 

Drake’s “It’s All A Blur Tour” with 21 Savage included many highlights, including the Canadian rapper bringing out big names like LeBron James, Meek Mill, Big Sean and Lil Baby. However, fans throwing their bras on stage was undoubtedly one of the more playful concert traditions throughout the trek.

The trend started with the opening stop in Chicago, Illinois and continued throughout the first leg. Drake even asked fans to keep things family-friendly the night his son attended a show. In one instance, a concertgoer named Veronica Correia ended up landing a deal with Playboy after she threw her 36G cup bra during one of the tour’s sold-out gigs at the Barclays Center.

At the end of his arena run, the rapper posted a photo of himself on Instagram surrounded by the hundreds of bras he received from fans throughout the tour. “Mans got more bras than Victoria’s Secret,” joked one fan.

At 2023’s Rolling Loud in Germany, Latto encountered an unforeseen disruption when a festival attendee threw an object on stage during her “Put It On Da Floor” performance. Without missing a beat, the Atlanta-based rapper fired back with a stern warning : “You want your a** beat? Throw it again.” Captured in a viral video, Big Latto transformed a possible concert blunder into an act of authoritative crowd handling.

Although the award-winning artist was well-received by fans abroad — like in the memorable interaction at Open’er Festival in Poland where she signed a fan’s butt  — an incident occurred at Rolling Loud Miami weeks later where someone reportedly threw their phone at her.

3. Sexyy Red

Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash has exciting lineups year after year. However, the audience for 2023’s festival wasn’t rocking with rising star Sexyy Red, as some attendees began throwing objects at her. Annoyed, the Saint Louis rapper bluntly warned her audience: “Y’all better not hit me with s**t.” Shortly after — as “SkeeYee” played — the situation worsened, leading her to stop the show completely.

The incident occurred only months after her breakthrough track “Pound Town” went viral.  Nonetheless, by the year’s end, Sexyy Red embarked on her first-ever headlining trek, the “Hood Hottest Princess Tour.”

4. Lil Nas X 

At Lollapalooza Stockholm in July 2023, Lil Nas X turned an otherwise bizarre fan interaction into a headline-worthy moment . Midway through his energetic rendition of “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” a sex toy sailed onto the stage. Cool as ever, the Georgia-born rapper picked up the item, flashed a grin and joked to the roaring crowd, “Who threw their p**sy onstage?”

The episode quickly gained traction online, leading him to humorously update his Twitter handle to “p**sy” the following day. Seeing the good in any situation couldn’t be any more typical of the “Old Town Road” star.

5. Nicki Minaj 

At Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2 World Tour” Detroit concert, a rogue bracelet didn’t stand a chance against her quick reflexes. During her performance of “Starships” at Little Caesars Arena, the object came flying toward the stage. The Trinidadian rap star swiftly batted it away, then scooped it up and flung it back into the crowd with all the force of a closing number.

Reflecting on the night, Minaj turned to Twitter, not to dwell on the disruption, but to celebrate the crowd’s spirit: “#GagCityDetroit, what was your fave part of the show last night? Your energy was so beautiful.” There were also other highlights throughout the show, including a surprise appearance from Big Sean.

In early 2024, J. Cole co-headlined Drake’s “It’s All a Blur Tour — Big As The What?” Considering that their combined discographies make up over a few dozen hits, crazy incidents were to be expected. During their stop in Nashville, Tennessee, a concertgoer’s demo CD flew onto the stage and shattered its case. In response, J. Cole addressed the situation with a bit of humor: “N**ga threw his demo up here. It’s 2024, n**ga. USB is okay.”

The rapper then nonchalantly kicked the broken case aside and continued with his set, leading into “A Tale Of 2 Citiez” from 2014 Forest Hills Drive . Interestingly, the occurrence mirrored a moment from his early career when he tried to hand JAY-Z a demo CD hoping to contribute to 2007’s American Gangster . It adds a layer of irony to the North Carolina native’s reaction.

In promotion of his solo sophomore album SET IT OFF , Offset hit the road for the “ Set It Off Tour .” Mid-performance of “ZEZE” in Detroit, a fan’s bra landed precisely on his microphone — and his face. Humorously, the artist’s reaction was immediate: With a quick flick of disgust, the bra hit the stage floor and he was back to business. Considering his relationship with Cardi B, it was probably a good move on Offset’s end.

Arguably one of the biggest incidents of 2023 involving a concert attendee and artist, Cardi B’s performance in Las Vegas led to her being a suspect in a battery case. Luckily for the Bronx native, the charges were dropped .

The altercation happened at Drai’s Beachclub when Cardi B hurled a microphone at the offender who threw a drink at her. Funnily enough, the device was auctioned off on eBay for a whopping $99,900. The owner of the company that supplies audio equipment to local clubs confirmed that despite the “Bodak Yellow” rapper’s toss, it remained functional.

9. Kid Cudi 

In another incident at Rolling Loud Miami, Kid Cudi was forced to exit the festival after his warnings about the audience’s behavior were ignored. The disturbance occurred during his performance as a last-minute replacement for Kanye West. Early into the set, a water bottle struck the “Day ‘N’ Nite (nightmare)” rapper in the face.

Visibly upset, he stated, “Yo, I will walk off this stage if y’all throw one more f**king thing up here.” Despite the clear warning, another object was thrown almost immediately after. Staying true to his word, the hitmaker left the stage and cut his set short .

10. Flo Milli

During the opening night of Gunna’s “The Bittersweet Tour” in Columbus, Ohio, Flo Milli abruptly left the stage after objects were thrown at her. The altercation occurred while she performed “Beef FloMix.”

The Alabama rapper voiced her frustration in fan-shot footage from the concert: “B**ch, when I f**kin’ catch you h**, I swear to f**kin’ God.” Gunna quickly showed support for his “Edible” collaborator on social media. He emphasized, “No disrespect in any form will be tolerated on tour. Family ties,” while mentioning Flo Milli. She responded appreciatively, posting, “My [motherf**kin’ brother].”

The “Never Lose Me” rapper later clarified the situation in a series of posts, suggesting the fans weren’t acting maliciously: “They weren’t throwing s**t outta spite! They wanted me to sign their stuff.” She humorously added, “But I’m from Mobile, [Alabama], so I take everything as a threat.”

11. GloRilla

“You b**ches better not get me started,” GloRilla rapped on her smash hit, “Yeah Glo!” Those words rang true during a 2023 Denver show. The event’s energy took a tense turn when an audience member hurled a jacket that hit the Memphis rapper on the head. 

GloRilla identified the culprit with “you with these red braids.” She later warned, “Look, lil girl, don’t throw s**t else at me. Don’t throw [nothing] else at me. That hit me in my face.” However, the disruption didn’t dampen the overall spirit of the evening, as evidenced by GloRilla’s subsequent Instagram post celebrating the crowd’s energy: “Y’all was lit [as f**k].”

More names added to stacked Kaytranada All Points East 2024 line-up

Tems, Durand Bernarr, Nia Smith and more are set to play the festival date

Tems , 4Batz and more have been announced as new additions for Kaytranada at this year’s All Points East .

• READ MORE:  Aminé and Kaytranada – ‘Kaytraminé’ review: a contender for the summer’s hottest album

Other acts to join the Canadian producer and artist on his headlining date include Durand Bernarr, Blanco , Maeta, Nia Smith, Bloody Civilian and Maleigh Zan.

T hey join the previously announced   Victoria Monét ,  Thundercat ,  Amaarae ,  Channel Tres , Lancey Foux , Jyoty,  TSHA , KILIMANJARO, Lou Phelps, Felo Le Tee, Taylah Elaine, Arthi, Kitty Ca$h, and Tkay Maidza.

The festival date is set to take place on Friday, August 16 at London’s Victoria Park. You can visit here to purchase tickets.

The Friday festival date will be followed by Loyle Carner ,  Nas  and  Ezra Collective  on  Saturday (August 17) ,  LCD Soundsystem ,  Jai Paul  and  Pixies  on the following Friday (August 23),  Justice  and  PinkPantheress  on  Field Day 2024  (August 24) and  The Postal Service and Death Cab For Cutie  on Sunday (August 25).

Kaytranada’s last record, ‘ Kaytraminé ‘, came out last year alongside collaborator  Aminé . In a four-star review  NME  declared it a “contender for the summer’s hottest album”.

Recommended

It added: “Bridging inventive production, confident lyricism, and delightful sonics, it shows off the genius and depth of their cohesive partnership; long may it continue.”

It ranked in  31st place on  NME ‘s top albums of 2023 list .

Last year’s edition of the All Points East saw  The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Walkmen and many more take to the stage .  The Strokes’ set was described as “a brilliant balancing act” in a four-star  NME  review , despite battling sound issues.

Stormzy  also staged a career-highlight headline performance as part of his  ‘This Is What We Mean’ day . In a four-star review,  NME  wrote that the  “rapper’s rainy return” offered a  “change of pace” . It added: “A performance in two acts risks alienating more casual fans but ultimately pays off for Stormzy’s only UK show of the year.”

In other Kaytranada news, the producer recently announced a new album ‘Timeless’ with some star-studded collaborations including  Childish Gambino ,  PinkPantheress ,  Anderson .Paak and more.

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Top 10 Highest Grossing Rap Tours of 2023

Check out our recap of Billboard Boxscore's top 10 rap tours of the year, featuring Wu-Tang Clan & Nas, Lil Baby and more.

By Eric Frankenberg

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Last week, Billboard revealed its year-end Boxscore charts , ranking the top tours, venues, and promoters of 2023. That coverage included analysis of the new wave of genre diverse artists crashing stadium stages, and in turn, our charts. Here, we are breaking down the year’s biggest tours, genre by genre . Today, we continue with rap.

Hip-hop had a confusing year, celebrating all of the groundbreaking art and success that has come in its first 50 years, while also dealing with a drought of crossover hits. But major releases from Drake , Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott helped momentum in the second half of 2023, while a new class of headliners waits in the wings.

Rap has never scaled on stage in quite the same way that pop, rock and country have. Its share of the top 100 tour grosses slips from 3.4% in 2022 to 2.7% this year, having peaked at 5.2% in 2019. And even as Latin and K-pop acts increase their touring footprint with international stadium shows, hip-hop artists have yet to cross that threshold. The genre’s biggest names have mounted stadium tours alongside pop peers ( Jay-Z with Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake ; Eminem with Rihanna ) but outside of one-off dates, there has yet to be a major stadium tour by a rapper on their own.

That’s not to say that rap hasn’t generated stars big enough to compete with pop stars such as Taylor Swift and Harry Styles . R&B/hip-hop was confirmed as the most popular genre in America in 2017 and has continued that reign into the new decade. Rap artists led Billboard ’s year-end Top Artist ranking for four consecutive years (2018-21) and there are six in this year’s top 20 – more than any other genre. With Doja Cat , Lil Uzi Vert , Rod Wave and Travis Scott already touring into the 2024 reporting period, the genre’s prospects are looking up.

Keep reading to check out the top 10 highest grossing tours of 2023 by hip-hop artists, with such acts qualifying due to recent performance on Billboard ’s Top Rap Albums and/or Hot Rap Songs charts. Rankings are determined according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore. All reported shows worldwide between Nov. 1, 2022 – Sept. 30, 2023, are eligible.

$10.3M / 107K tickets / 11 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: N/A

Rod Wave toured early in the 2023 tracking period, supporting 2022’s Beautiful Mind . He’s back on the road now, after the release of this year’s Nostalgia .

$11.8M / 124K tickets / 11 shows

Snoop Dogg hit three continents, playing solo shows in North America, Australia and Europe. Two shows at the Tacoma Dome in Washington grossed $2.9 million from 16,600 tickets.

Kendrick Lamar

$12.8M / 128K tickets /10 shows

After posting the highest grossing rap tour of 2022, international dates extend the chart presence of The Big Steppers Tour. In all, reported grosses for the tour hit $85.4 million with 672,000 tickets sold.

$15.7M / 133K tickets / 13 shows

Speaking of repeat offenders, Lil Baby was No. 8 on last year’s hybrid R&B/hip-hop tour ranking due to his co-headline run with Chris Brown, and moves up to No. 7 on this year’s rap breakout on his own.

$18.1M / 286K tickets / 31 shows

NF toured the U.S. and Canada with more than 30 shows in support of Hope , which was released on April 7 and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard ’s Top Rap Albums chart.

Wu-Tang Clan & Nas

$18.8M / 196K tickets / 21 shows

Across Australia, Europe and the U.S., Wu-Tang Clan and Nas teamed up for a co-headline tour fitting for the genre’s 50th anniversary. Giants of ‘90s rap, both acts are helping establish a new tier of classic hip-hop headliners.

$uicideboy$

$20.2M / 214K tickets / 23 shows

The New Orleans duo scored big in 2023 and continues to win. Since the Sept. 30 cutoff, $uicideboy$ has added almost $25 million to its career earnings. Two shows at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif., delivered the duo’s biggest gross yet, with $2.9 million in the bank.

Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa

$25.9M / 529K tickets / 35 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 94

Snoop Dogg is the only artist to appear twice on any of the 2023 year-end genre rankings. Already No. 9 as a soloist, he’s No. 3 with co-headline pal Wiz Khalifa. This year’s High School Reunion Tour marked the pair’s third tour together, after playing in 2011-12 and 2016.

$35M / 445K tickets / 32 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 72

It’s no wonder that 50 Cent’s The Final Lap Tour has been such a success. It’s a celebration of the 20th anniversary for Get Rich or Die Tryin’ , the album the propelled 50 to the top of Billboard ’s 2003 year-end charts for Top Artists, the Billboard 200 albums chart, and the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart.

$140.9M / 528K tickets / 32 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 12

Drake already was named Billboard ’s Top Rap Artist of the year, with Top Rap Albums and Hot Rap Songs honors to boot, so it makes sense that he also has the year’s highest grossing rap tour. Reported shows earned almost $150 million (including two from outside the reporting period) that extend his lead as the highest grossing rap artist in Boxscore history, with $472.5 million.

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On Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, The Pre-Show Playlist Is Full Of Easter Eggs

Fans can jam to a slew of hits before the singer takes the stage.

Before Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour show, fans know it’s time for the pre-party, and the singer has provided the perfect soundtrack. Swift expertly curated a selection of 40 songs that play before she goes onstage at Eras Tour , and many of her selections included Easter eggs, from hints at future collaborations to nods to her opening acts .

The playlist features a variety of artists and genres all designed to pump you up for the concert. From Grammy-winning hitmakers like Lady Gaga and Janet Jackson, to up-and-coming artists like Raye and Griff, fans can expect to hear many hits as Swift gets ready to enter the stage (in a literal janitor’s cart ).

Read on for Swift’s full Eras Tour pre-show playlist, including the songs she added for 2024 stops and the three hits that always play before she takes the stage.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Pre-Show Playlist

Lana del rey - “diet mountain dew”.

Fans who arrive at the Eras Tour early will be greeted by the voice of Swift’s “Snow on the Beach” collaborator Lana Del Rey. Swift chose one of her earliest singles, 2012’s “Diet Mountain Dew,” for the playlist, proving she’s a longtime fan of Del Rey.

Selena Gomez - “Look At Her Now”

Swift gives a shoutout to her BFF Selena Gomez by including “Look At Her Now,” which she danced to when Gomez performed the track at the 2019 American Music Awards.

HAIM - “My Song 5”

Swift has been friends with Alana, Danielle, and Este Haim for so long that she’s often called the fourth Haim sister, and she proves her loyalty by including one of their earliest singles, “My Song 5,” on the playlist.

Griff - “Shade of Yellow”

Swift has shown support to Griff in the past by sending flowers and including her on Apple Music playlists, so it only makes sense that she also puts “Shade of Yellow” on her pre-show playlist.

niceboy ed - “life you lead”

This song started a slew of Swiftie conspiracy theories after Swift used it in a 2022 TikTok video, and fans discovered that niceboy ed’s identity is completely unknown. The mysterious artist has only released two more singles since then, and their inclusion on the Eras Tour playlist only raises more questions about who they are.

Suki Waterhouse - “Moves”

While it’s not one of her most public friendships, Swift has been friends with Suki Waterhouse for quite some time, even singing her praises to SSENSE in August. “She is the wildest person I know who I would also trust to keep any secret,” she said of Waterhouse.

boygenius - “True Blue”

Phoebe Bridgers, one of the boygenius members, collaborated with Swift on “Nothing New” and opened for her on the May 2023 dates of the Eras Tour, so it’s only natural that her band with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus make an appearance on the pre-show playlist.

Florence + the Machine - “King”

Swift’s inclusion of Florence + the Machine’s “King” was seen as a nod to her constant collaborator Jack Antonoff, who produced the song, but it also turned out to be a Swiftian Easter egg for her track with Florence, “Florida!!!” on The Tortured Poets Department .

HAIM - “3 AM”

Swift also included HAIM’s 2020 track “3 AM,” from their Grammy Album of the Year-nominated Women in Music Pt III .

Lil Nas X - “THAT’S WHAT I WANT”

In an adorable full-circle moment, Lil Nas X attended one of Swift’s Chicago shows in June and danced to his own hit while waiting for her to take the stage.

MUNA - “Number One Fan”

MUNA was among the many Eras Tour openers in the U.S., so it’s natural that their anthem, “Number One Fan,” gets a shoutout on the playlist.

Lenny Kravitz - “American Woman”

Swift used Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman” as her entrance song on the Red Tour, playing it right before she took the stage. Its inclusion on the Eras Tour playlist is a nice throwback nod.

Ethel Cain - “American Teenager”

Swift cleverly contrasts “American Woman” with Ethel Cain’s “American Teenager,” giving two different perspectives on girlhood.

Taylor Swift - “False God”

It’s not known why Swift chose Lover deep-cut “False God” to be the lone representative of her catalog on her pre-show playlist, but it is one of the album’s best songs, so I’m not mad about it.

Hamilton Leithauser - “A 1000 Times”

Singer-songwriter Hamilton Leithauser is friendly with Lucy Dacus, who’s mentioned on Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department , which proves there should be a Six Degrees of Taylor Swift function à la Kevin Bacon .

Kenny Chesney - “Big Star”

Swift was supposed to open for Kenny Chesney on one of his tours but had to drop out because Bud Light was a sponsor, and she was underage at the time. However, the country singer gave her a bonus that jumpstarted her career, so her inclusion of “Big Star” nods to his act of kindness.

Steve Lacy - “Bad Habit”

Swift was clearly feeling Steve Lacy’s performance of “Bad Habit” at the 2022 Grammys, which carried over to the Eras Tour.

Bakar - “Hell N Back”

Bakar released “Hell N Back” in 2019, but it only started going viral in the past year, when it also seemingly caught Swift’s attention.

Saweetie - “Best Friend (feat. Doja Cat)”

Given that Swift has many best friends, some of which are featured on the Eras Tour, it’s no surprise that she added Saweetie’s ode to friendship to her playlist.

Doja Cat - “Boss Bitch”

Doja Cat may also have something to do with Swift putting “Best Friend” on her playlist, as she also included the rapper’s viral track “Boss Bitch.”

King Princess - “For My Friends”

Swift has been a fan of King Princess since she rose to fame, even mentioning the singer during her Billboard Woman of the Decade speech in 2019.

Florence + the Machine - “Free”

If “King” wasn’t enough of an Easter egg, Swift's addition of a second Florence song, “Free,” to her pre-show playlist should have been a surefire sign of what was to come.

BLACKPINK - “Pink Venom”

Swift was spotted dancing when BLACKPINK performed “Pink Venom” at the 2022 Video Music Awards. Clearly, she’s a Blink.

Janet Jackson - “All For You”

Swift and Del Rey nodded to Janet Jackson’s 2000 hit “All For You” on “Snow on the Beach,” making it a fitting song to play before the Eras Tour.

Paramore - “Misery Business”

Not only is Swift longtime friends with Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams, but she also collaborated with her on Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) . Plus, the band opened for the first two shows of the Eras Tour and rejoined Swift in Europe, where she specifically requested that they add “Misery Business” to their setlist. Basically, all roads led to this song going on the playlist.

boygenius - “$20”

Swift was inspired to add another boygenius song, perhaps after Baker and Dacus joined Bridgers during her first Eras Tour set.

Fall Out Boy - “My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark”

Swift added Fall Out Boy’s long-winded 2013 hit a few shows into the tour, likely as an Easter egg for their collaboration “Electric Touch” on Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).

Raye & 070 Shake - “Escapism.”

Raye is a known fan of Swift , praising her for re-recording her first six albums.

Faith Hill - “This Kiss”

Faith Hill and her husband, Tim McGraw, have been friends and mentors of Swift since the start of her career (with the latter being the namesake of her debut single), so it’s no surprise that one of Hill’s biggest hits gets a nod during the Eras Tour.

Sabrina Carpenter - “Nonsense”

Swift's inclusion of Sabrina Carpenter’s viral hit “Nonsense” turned out to be an Easter egg hinting at her being the opening act for Eras Tour dates in Latin America, Australia, and Singapore.

Ice Spice - “In Ha Mood”

If you hear Ice Spice’s voice blaring through the speakers, it’s time to head to your seat. Swift including the rapper’s breakout single “In Ha Mood” ended up being an Easter egg for the duo’s “Karma” remix.

Lady Gaga - “Applause”

Swift is a noted Little Monster, having praised Lady Gaga’s single “Applause” back in 2013. As the penultimate song to play before the Eras Tour, it plays as if Swift is demanding applause and hyping up the crowd for her arrival.

Lesley Gore - “You Don’t Own Me”

As the two-minute-and-13-second countdown begins, Lesley Gore’s 1963 classic “You Don’t Own Me” plays over the speakers and usually causes an empowering sing-along in the crowd. It’s an apt choice for Swift’s pre-entrance song amid her re-recording process, sending a clear message that her music is hers and hers alone.

New Songs Added To 2024 Eras Tour Playlist

Holly Humberstone - “Down Swinging”

Australian artist Holly Humberstone seems to be a newer discovery for Swift, given how the two singers have yet to speak about each other.

Maisie Peters - “History of Man”

Maisie Peters’ new single was produced by Swift’s good friend and collaborator Ed Sheeran, making its inclusion a subtle nod to both artists.

Camila Cabello - “I LUV IT (feat. Playboi Carti)”

Camila Cabello previously opened for Swift on 2018’s Reputation Stadium Tour, and given how Swift added her new single “I LUV IT” to her playlist, they have seemingly stayed close since then.

Doja Cat - “Agora Hills”

Swift adding a third Doja Cat song, the 2023 single “Agora Hills,” to the playlist shows how big of a stan she is.

Gracie Abrams - “Risk”

At first, Swift's addition of Abrams’ new single “Risk” to the playlist seemed like a nod to her frequent Eras Tour opener, who will rejoin the tour in October. However, it ended up also being another Easter egg about their collaboration “Us” on Abrams’ upcoming album, Secret of Us .

Rudimental - “Waiting All Night (feat. Ella Eyre)”

There’s no known connection between Swift and Rudimental, which just means that she must be a fan of the song .

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• Nicki Minaj Pays Tribute To Princess Diana During UK Show Via 'Martha' Alter Ego

Nicki Minaj brought out her infamous ‘Martha’ persona during a recent tour stop in the UK as she paid homage to the late Princess Diana.

Martha, the MC’s British alter ego, was introduced to her fans on her debut album Pink Friday in 2010. While performing in the city of Birmingham on Monday (May 26), the character made an appearance and held a moment of silence for her “dear friend.”

“Wales — it always reminds me of a dear friend of mine. Well, she’s not here anymore, but the Princess of Wales,” the 41-year-old said. “Let’s have a moment of silence for her.”

You can view the clip below:

@jameliaa_x shes so unserious😭😭 #nickiminaj #pinkfriday2tour #pinkfriday2 ♬ original sound – 𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐀✨

In 2023, Nicki Minaj collaborated with Ice Spice on a song named after the late Princess of Wales, which made history for both artists .

According to Billboard , less than two weeks after its release last April, “Princess Diana” was downloaded 77,000 times, which is the best sales week for any rap title since the New York spitter dropped “Super Freaky Girl ” back in 2022. The single also allowed Ice to nab her first No. 1 Hot Rap Song after appearing on the charts four previous times.

related news

May 25, 2024

Additionally, the blockbuster is only the eighth joint in chart history featuring at least two solo women — the list dates back to 1989 and includes:

• “It’s a Shame,” Monie Love featuring True Image, two weeks at No. 1, beginning April 13, 1991
• “4, 5, 6,” Sole featuring JT Money & Kandi, one, Nov. 20, 1999
• “Hot Boyz,” Missy Elliott featuring Nas , Eve & Q-Tip, 18, Nov. 27, 1999
• “Fancy,” Iggy Azalea featuring Charli xCX, 18, May 3, 2014
• “Black Widow,” Iggy Azalea featuring Rita Ora, five, Oct. 18, 2014
• “WAP,” Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion , eight, Aug. 22, 2020
• “Rumors,” Lizzo featuring Cardi B, one, Aug. 28, 2021
• “Princess Diana,” Ice Spice & Nicki Minaj, one (to date), April 29, 2023

Chart Data subsequently reported that Minaj had become the rapper with the most No.1 hits on the Digital Song Sales chart. Overtaking Drake ‘s 13 No.1s, Nicki earned her 14th thanks to “Princess Diana.” As a result, she extended her record as the female rapper with the most Top 10 hits  on the Hot 100 chart.

The duo also released an EP of “Princess Diana” remixes , which includes four alternative versions of Ice Spice’s popular track, including one called “Extendo Clip.”

Although they maintain the energetic beat of the original, each remix has its own flavor, texture and influence.

In this article

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Photos: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella, Dana Jacobs/Getty Images, Justin Shin/Getty Images, Gene Wang/Getty Images

10 Neo J-Pop Artists Breaking The Mold In 2024: Fujii Kaze, Kenshi Yonezu & Others

Japan’s domestic pop market has incredible depth and growing Western interest. From Vocaloid acts to anime-centric productions and a plethora of genre-bending releases, the country's musicians and solo artists are breaking ground and making noise.

At this year’s Coachella , Japan’s music industry made a statement: out with the old, in with the new. Where previous years hosted legacy acts like Utada Hikaru and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, up-and-coming hitmakers YOASOBI and cult favorites Atarashii Gakkou! played to sizable crowds in 2024. They represent just the tip of the iceberg for Japanese musicians touring stateside: J-R&B star Fujii Kaze will tour the country this month, and numerous acts have seen exposure abroad thanks to anime soundtrack work and streaming playlists such as Spotify’s Gatcha Pop .

Anime, by far the country’s biggest cultural export, is a major factor in Japan’s music industry, with songs composed for animated films, TV, and streaming projects — and to a lesser extent video games — making up a growing number of the country’s most dominant pop hits. "Anison," or anime songs, have become extremely prestigious commissions for the country’s pop musicians, especially for younger artists who have seen anime gain traction both in Japan and internationally. 

That younger generation is now taking control of the charts, and making inroads into international markets by leaning into what makes their music and culture unique. For musicians like Kenshi Yonezu, vocal synthesizer software Vocaloid allowed them to develop their own musical voice on their own terms. The most famous Vocaloid artist, Hatsune Miku, also played Coachella this year as a video-projected anime avatar. There’s also remarkable freedom to play with genre in J-pop. Acts freely swap between sounds —from alternative rock to funky city pop, or R&B to electro-pop — in the span of a few songs. 

These factors have made Japan’s domestic pop market one of the most interesting to watch in the world. It’s gotten to the point where top English-language artists aren’t seeing the success they used to in the country, largely because the Japanese public has shifted its attention toward Korean and domestic artists. For Westerners, Japan can seem like another world, and this is especially true for its music scene. 

To bridge the gap, GRAMMY.com has created a primer to 10 of Japan’s most interesting new acts. Who knows, you might just see them stateside soon. 

Japan isn’t exactly a happy country. Social pressure is high , the economy has been stagnant for years even before its current monetary crisis and its brutal work culture is not exactly the envy of the world. Young people often feel as though they have nothing to look forward to but misery, so when someone comes along and says it’s okay to tell the adults in your life to f— off, it resonates.

This is essentially how 22-year-old singer Ado (born 2002) became the voice of Gen Z. Late in 2020 amid the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic, she burst onto the J-pop scene with "Useewa," a rock-centric track composed by Vocaloid producer Syudou whose title translates, roughly, to "Shut the f— up." Detailing the angst of having to grin and bear the conformity of adulthood and the satisfaction of rejecting it, the song clearly struck a chord with young people in Japan. The song’s brash lyrics also sparked a moral panic from parents and the media over its anti-conformist message.

Ado’s charismatic, fiery vocal delivery, coupled with a nasty anime visual , really sells the whole package, making it a rage-filled counterpart to YOASOBI’s similarly disaffected "Yoru ni Kakeru." 

"Usseewa" topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100, the Oricon Digital Singles and Streaming charts, and the Spotify Viral 50 Japan. The video reached 100 million views on YouTube within 150 days of release. Ado has since earned more hits, furthering her wild persona with the even louder and wilder "Show." She also earned a starring role as a singer in One Piece Film: Red , the most recent theatrical installment of the biggest manga franchise in the world. 

Atarashii Gakko! 

There’s a saying in Japan about the risks of refusing to conform to society’s expectations: "The nail that sticks out gets hammered down." When it comes to finding success on the international music market, however, the opposite seems to be true. The world loves Japan when it’s at its zaniest and most distinctive, and artists that lean into this are often able to build a following abroad.

Case in point: A rapping girl group wearing vintage-inspired sailor-suit school uniforms called Atarashii Gakko! (translation: New School). The group just played Coachella and, prior, performed on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." To be sure, a lot of the foursome’s appeal is in the visual department. The group’s wild, Beastie Boys -esque video for "Tokyo Calling" pairs their sukeban girl gang-style outfits with a plethora of retro visual references: kaiju films like Godzilla , Super Sentai , even Bollywood-style dance. Musically, they’re just as mixed up, having taken on ‘80s city pop in " Otonablue " as well as adding to Japan’s legacy of unique hip-hop on " NAI NAI NAI ." 

The group’s ethos since forming in 2015 has been to shine a new path for Japan’s youth by embracing individuality and nonconformity, and it’s paid dividends so far. Their new album, AG! Calling , is set for release June 7.

Creepy Nuts

There’s a lot of bizarre, potentially conflicting elements in Creepy Nuts’ hit song "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born." There’s the sound-effect-bubble title, the anarchic rapping of vocalist R-Shitei, and producer DJ Matsunaga’s use of a Jersey Club beat (a trend with forward-thinking East Asian pop acts). There’s also the fact that it was composed for an anime about… wizards with muscles ? 

In any case, the theme song for the TV anime "Mashle: Magic and Muscles" has pulled some chart magic of its own, topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for eight weeks straight earlier this year, largely thanks to the viral "BBBB dance" challenge. The duo have also taken the song worldwide, reaching No. 8 on Billboard U.S.’s Global 200 and performing the song on Global Spin . If you want to find the biggest J-Pop hit of this exact moment, look no further. 

Raised in small-town Okayama prefecture in the western reaches of Japan, Fujii Kaze is being positioned as the next big artist to emerge from the country. He toured Asia in 2023 and will come to America this May; he also launched the Japanese version of Tiny Desk Concerts earlier this year. He’s also been working with international talent, such as Kendrick Lamar and 21 Savage producer DJ Dahi on the piano-driven hip-hop track " Workin’ Hard ."

The video for "Matsuri," in which Fujii (the artist lists his surname first) traipses around a Japanese garden and parties with foreigners at a traditional mansion, feels almost like a tourist advertisement for the country, projecting an image of refined, effortless Japanese cool. Recent song " Hana ," produced by Charli XCX and Utada Hikaru collaborator A. G. Cook, feels even more like a play for the international market with a ‘70s California soft rock backing track and a visual that puts Fujii on a journey through the desert.

Herein lies the secret to Fujii Kaze’s appeal: he’s hot and cool at the same time. His success is predicated not just on good looks and buttery croon, but on a smooth, easygoing persona that feels native and international at the same time. "Matsuri," with its chill yet glamorous R&B production and can’t-be-bothered lyrics ("there’s no reason to suffer / no need to be disappointed / I really couldn’t care less") exemplifies his laid-back mentality. He’s also, notably, shunned the anime market, preferring to put his songs in basketball promos and telecoms commercials – anime is cool enough for Megan Thee Stallion but not for Fujii, it seems. 

Hitsujibungaku

Just as grunge reignited America’s love of rock music in the ‘90s, Japan also embraced guitar-oriented, pop-rock in the same decade thanks to bands like B’z, Number Girl, Southern All-Stars, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, and Visual Kei groups like L’Arc-en-Ciel and X Japan. As the U.S. began to embrace hip-hop and dance-pop in the 2000s, rock and metal persisted in the Japanese mainstream. New bands continue to perform at "live house" venues in hip areas like Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa neighborhood, while groups playing niche styles like math rock, shoegaze, and metalcore have found support. CHAI, tricot, Alexandros, Otoboke Beaver, and Official Hige Dandism are just a few bands that have emerged from this milieu in recent years to success at home and abroad.

Tokyo-based trio Hitsujibungaku offers a good starting point of where Japan’s rock scene is going. The majority-female group found success on the anime song circuit last year, delivering the end credits track for mega-popular TV anime "Jujutsu Kaisen." "More than words" which became the lead single for their recent album 12 hugs like butterflies , immediately stuck out for its shuffling, nostalgic melody, and evocative, fuzzy layering of guitar tone influenced by shoegaze. 

Kenshi Yonezu

More than most mega-successful J-pop artists, Kenshi Yonezu owes his success to the Vocaloid and internet music communities in which he forged his artistry. Raised in rural Tokushima, he began his career as a teenager in the late 2000s, uploading music to the video site Nico Nico Douga under the name Hachi, and soon found his most successful tracks were the ones that used Vocaloids like Hatsune Miku. Like many artists in the digital age, Yonezu’s early work was entirely DIY, as thanks to Vocaloid he was able to produce, write, and even design artwork for his music all on his own.

Eventually, Yonezu signed to a major label and began to split time between his Vocaloid tracks as Hachi and music made under his own name. His album Bootleg won Album Of THe Year at the Japan Record Awards in 2018, and he became known for tender, uptempo ballads like " Uchiage Hanabi " and " Lemon " (the latter of which still reigns as the most-viewed video by a Japanese musician on YouTube with over 800 million views). 

Two high profile anime commissions have driven Yonezu’s star beyond Japan. In 2022, he produced the opening theme for the highly-anticipated adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s acclaimed manga Chainsaw Man . "Kick Back" departed from Yonezu’s biggest hits by leaning into the show’s action premise with drum and bass beats and an aggressive guitar melody. Buoyed by the anime’s success, "Kick Back" topped the Oricon and Billboard Japan singles charts and even charted in the U.K., Canada, and the U.S., where it became the first Japanese-language song to be certified gold by the RIAA. 

Then in 2023, he produced and sang " Spinning Globe ," the end credits theme for Hayao Miyazaki’s first film in a decade, The Boy and the Heron . It was the first time the anime auteur, who usually uses older pop music or score from usual composer Joe Hisaishi, had chosen a contemporary pop artist to write for him. 

King Gnu aren’t afraid to mix it up. They gained acclaim in Japan by pursuing a pop rock sound that’s one part city pop, one part hip-hop. Tracks like " Hakujutsu " and " Kasa " pair sick riffs and boogie basslines with turntable scratching and delicate, yet powerful vocals from Daiki Tsuneta and Satoru Iguchi.

Last year they scored a major hit with "Specialz," which was used as an opening theme for popular anime "Jujutsu Kaisen." Setting the mood for the show’s bleak second season with metallic techno drums and brawny guitar riffs, the menacing song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and currently has over 166 million Spotify streams. Tsuneta also leads the collective millennium parade, who lean toward electronic music and scored a hit with "U," from the Mamoru Hosoda musical anime BELLE . 

Conceptual projects are much more common in the Japanese pop landscape than one might expect. Case in point: MAISONdes. While not a band or a collective, MAISONdes is an imaginary apartment building where lonely hearts find solace in song. The virtual building is accessible through a website , and each song produced for the project is assigned a room number and created by a randomly-paired team of producers and vocalists that changes with each track. Participants have included chart star Aimer and VTubers such as KAF and Hoshimachi Suisei. 

Too complicated? Too weird? At least the music is good, focused on high-energy electro pop reminiscent of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, idol pop, and the Vocaloid, anisong, and netlabel acts of recent decades. As such, the most high-profile MAISONdes tracks have been those produced for anime and promotional campaigns. They’ve done all the opening and ending themes for the recent TV anime reboot of classic comedy manga "Urusei Yatsura," and their most recent track, "Popcorn" was a collab with Sanrio celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, one of the original kawaii culture icons. The hyperactive song gained a million views on YouTube within three days of being posted. 

City pop — the ‘70s and ‘80s musical movement that blended American funk and AOR with disco and synthpop — looms large in the J-pop landscape. Although its revival has somewhat peaked following the pandemic, that hasn’t stopped guys like Vaundy from channeling the sound into their own music.

His breakout hit " Tokyo Flash " paired the grooves of the city pop era with a more down-to-earth arrangement with simpler production. Further attempts to modernize the sound have also found success: " Todome no Ichigeki ," written for the popular anime "Spy x Family," featured a grand, orchestral instrumental and a guest verse from rapper Cory Wong . With romantic lyrics reminiscent of City Pop king Tatsuro Yamashita, it’s a true return to the retro style. 

Of course, like most J-pop musicians, Vaundy isn’t a stylistic purist. He’s also applied his confident vocal style to several brisk rock tracks, resulting in chart success. His heavy metal jam for the Chainsaw Man TV anime soundtrack, " CHAINSAW BLOOD ," peaked at 13 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, while the poppier " Kaijuu no Hana Uta " went to No. 2 after he performed the song on the "2022 Kohaku Uta Gassen" New Year’s Eve show. 

Inarguably the focal point of contemporary J-pop, no other act has defined the current era in Japan more than YOASOBI. The duo of Ayase and Ikura burst onto the scene in 2019 with the song "Yoru ni Kakeru," based on a short story posted on the site Monogatary. Pairing an upbeat instrumental with bleak, literary lyrics about death and suicide, it’s the most unlikely of pop hits. Released in late 2019, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to grip Japan a few months before the rest of the world. "Yoru ni Kakeru" became a massive, award-winning smash. B illboard Japan named it the first song in its chart history to pass 1 billion streams , and Oricon named it the most-streamed song of the Reiwa era just last month. 

Read more: From Tokyo To Coachella: YOASOBI's Journey To Validate J-Pop And Vocaloid As Art Forms

Since then the band have become major hitmakers and fixtures of the anison production line, writing theme tracks for hit anime like "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury" and "Frieren: Journey’s End." They scored another era-defining hit with " Idol ," their opening song for the controversial 2023 showbiz satire "Oshi no Ko." Responding to the anime’s twisted tale of a mysterious J-pop idol with dark secrets, the duo paired a bombastic instrumental with lyrics that perfectly capture the cardinal rule of stardom: tell all and reveal nothing. 

The song became such a cultural phenomenon in Japan that YOASOBI performed it at last year’s "Kohaku Uta Gassen" New Year’s TV special flanked by dozens of J-Pop and K-Pop idols, including members of NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM , and Nogizaka46. 

A Guide To Cantopop: From Beyond And Sam Hui To Anita Mui

Photo: Netflix

"Bridgerton" Composer Kris Bowers & Vitamin String Quartet Continue To Make Classical Music Pop For Season 3

The Netflix show returns for its third season on May 16. Composer Kris Bowers, alongside the Vitamin String Quartet and other artists, masterfully reimagines modern pop with a classical twist, including a Taylor Swift hit.

No one is arguing that “Bridgerton” is realistic or even particularly historically accurate — in fact, leaning into anachronisms is the point. Entering its third season, which premieres on May 16, the pulpy Netflix show based on a series of romance novels by Julia Quinn — often classified as “bodice rippers” — mixes modern life ideas with Regency-era social rules.

From Lady Whistledown's tantalizing gossip columns to the complex romances of the Bridgerton siblings, the series grips viewers with its blend of historical drama and contemporary flair. One key note in that chord is classical music. Instead of using current tracks like some historical-contemporary-hybrids (most famously “A Knight’s Tale" in 2001), “Bridgerton” has mastered the art of the classical cover. 

Paired with original compositions by Kris Bowers , an Oscar winner and GRAMMY nominee — including one for Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media for "Bridgerton" — the tone of the show is that of a heightened, classic world. Bowers, along with music supervisor Justin Kamps collaborates with the Vitamin String Quartet and other artists to create a full circle sonic landscape. They make the classical music in “Bridgerton” pop by re-recording, rearranging, and reimagining contemporary pop songs as classic pieces. 

Over three seasons, as well as with the spin off, “Queen Charlotte,” the team has included a mix of the newest songs as well as nostalgic favorites. This season features GAYLE ’s “abcdefu,” which was released in 2022 as well as a cover of Pitbull , Ne-Yo , and Afrojack ’s “Give Me Everything,” which was released in 2011, which can appease the full gamut of millennial and Gen Z viewers.  

Regency traditions 

The Regency period in which the show is based, spanned from 1811 to 1820, and was known as an era of elegance and refinement in British history.  In the first chunk of the 1800s, pop music included pieces by Beethoven, Liszt, Haydn, and Mendlesson (famous for the “Wedding March”). Waltzes were all the rage, and this “new” music was considered much more emotional and passionate than previous offerings. The romance of being swept away in a dance increased the thrill, and string quartets were highly popular. 

As seen throughout the series (and much like today), society placed a significant emphasis on social gatherings and music played a central role in these events. Balls, soirées, and intimate musical evenings were common, the perfect backdrop for orchestrating romance. 

In “Bridgerton," the show's modern portrayal of the Regency period occasionally features or references music from the time period, such as Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” which was written a century before the events in the show but was and is still a popular piece of classical music. The show frequently uses arrangements of classical songs in a slightly modern way, but most often, it underscores scenes with either classically arranged covers of pop songs or original music by Bowers. 

Contemporary music covers

Choosing between a cover or original music is a nuanced decision for the music team. The music team considers “whether or not, there's something that can, lyrically, even though we don't hear lyrics, speak to a moment really well,” said Bowers. Absent a cover by an outside band, Bowers arranges pop hits to suit the tone of the scene. He said, “when you're saying something with a song, you're making commentary on what's happening.” 

When they do outsource tracks, more often than not, these covers come from Los Angeles-based Vitamin String Quartet. VSQ is the new Mendlesson in that they have been the predominant wedding-march artist for nearly a decade, known for producing string renditions of highly eclectic mix of artists including Cardi B , Lana Del Rey , Björk , and Sigur Rós . 

They contributed four covers in season one, including Billie Elish 's “bad guy” and Ariana Grande 's “Thank U, Next,” about which Leo Flynn, VSQ Brand Manager at CMH Label Group said, “Talk about a great track changing the temperature of a room.” In season two, VSQ’s cover of Robyn 's “Dancing on My Own” played under a dance scene. 

When we spoke to James Curtiss, Director of A&R at CMH, the song placements for season three were still a mystery. Curtiss shared, “When we finished that Taylor [Swift] record, we sent it right over to the people at ‘Bridgerton.’” 

[ Spoiler alert: ] Since then, we have learned Swift's “Snow on the Beach” will be featured in season three. This isn't the first time Swift's music has been featured in the show: Duomo’s cover of “Wildest Dreams” played under the honeymoon scenes in season one. 

Composer Bowers added his favorite cover of the season is in episode eight, the finale, but what title that is will be a surprise. The surprise of an “unexpected cover” as Bowers calls it is that when you “hear a song that you know, and have this strong indelible connection with it that is represented in this style that you typically don't feel like is for you. People get excited by having this music that they really love be elevated to this other level.” He said the familiarity makes “you feel connected to this time period, these characters, and these people in a different way.” 

Flynn said, “There’s something about the past that’s inherently romantic,” and the use of VSQ songs “unites something from the past with what’s going on now.” Because classical music “feels very idealized and formal,” he said, “there’s all this history and mystique built into it.” 

Flynn also mentioned that “Bridgerton” fuses past and present on a “major storytelling scale” between the historically-inspired stories themselves, the “visual feast” of the show, and the music. Curtiss added that the “romantic nature of the string quartet” juxtaposed with pop songs helps viewers tie the feeling of going to a bar or club to the experience of hearing “the popular bangers of the day,” as he called Beethoven et al., at a ball in the Regency era. 

Original compositions

When the music needs to set a specific tone without taking the audience out of the action to try and name that tune, “Bridgerton” often uses original compositions by Bowers. Bowers said, “Looking at pop music for those things like rhythm and tempo and all that stuff also helps in moments where we want to have the score feel a little bit more modern and not as traditional.” He continued, “I’ll put something in the violas and the celli that have this kind of guitar and bass feeling to them even though we’re looking at it orchestrationally from a classical perspective.” He explained that “borrowing the rhythms or the way that parts interlock from pop music” makes it feel like a modern classical sound. 

Each character and couple has their own theme. Bowers explained that it was enjoyable to create themes that could fit both heartbreaking and celebratory moments. “The melodies are still the same even if the harmonic tone is changed,” he said.

Instrumental Pop In Visual Media

The “Bridgerton” style of using instrumentalized versions of pop songs is not unique. Famously, “Promising Young Woman” used a haunting version of Britney Spears ’ “Toxic,” adapted by Anthony Willis, and “Westworld’s” Ramin Djawadi used adaptations of Radiohead among others. “Wednesday” featured a stirring string version of the Rolling Stones ’ “Paint it Black.” The popularity of Vitamin String Quartet and other classical cover bands has not waned and, if anything, is becoming more of a mainstream staple.

As season three approaches, the unveiling of the time-spanning, romantic soundtrack is highly anticipated. Four episodes air May 16 and the second half of the season airs June 13, with original compositions by Kris Bowers and additional music by various artists, including Vitamin String Quartet, who will be taking over Pandora’s Classical Goes Pop in anticipation of their fall, “Bridgerton”-music-filled tour. 

Overall, to find the tone of the whole series, Bowers said, “Season three actually has a lot more lightness to it. (Showrunners) Shonda (Rhimes) and Jess (Brownell) really want to have a lot of fun this season so there's a little bit more of a playful, youthful quality to the music.” Whatever tunes make it into the season, they are sure to be a feast for the ears. 

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Photo: Courtesy Camila Cabello & Lil Nas X

New Music Friday: Listen to Songs From Megan Thee Stallion, Camila Cabello & Lil Nas X, BTS' RM & More

May 10 is quite the stacked day of new music across all genres — from Post Malone & Morgan Wallen's country collab, to Stray Kids' team-up with Charlie Puth, to The Chainsmokers and Kings of Leon. Check out some fresh releases to enjoy this weekend here.

As the summer quickly approaches, artists from every genre continue to unveil new music for warmer weather. Friday May 10 is particularly packed with anticipated and surprise releases from both emerging talents and established names.

The new albums alone prove just that: pop songsmith Alec Benjamin 's 12 Notes , folk-rock band Judah & the Lion 's The Process , regional Mexican stars Grupo Frontera's Jugando a Que No Pasa Nada , and GRAMMY-winning R&B singer Andra Day 's Cassandra , to name a few.

Meanwhile, a big, cool glass of major rap releases is here to help wash down the piping hot Kendrick and Drake beef served up over the last week. Full album releases debuted from Gunna , Chief Keef , and Ghostface Killah — the latter featuring guest spots from Nas , Kanye West , Raekwon , Method Man and more. Hottie Megan Thee Stallion 's powerful new single, "BOA", sets the stage for her Hot Girl Summer tour which officially starts on May 14. New songs from Ice Spice , Kodak Black , NLE Choppa , Coi Leray , G-Eazy , Yung Gravy , Ski Mask the Slump God set the playlist for a weekend full of slappers.

There's tons of collaborations, too, including the much-teased pairing of Post Malone and Morgan Wallen with "I Had Some Help," a track that showcases Malone's furtherance into country in a catchy, reflective anthem. But country music lovers also have more to enjoy this weekend: Orville Peck 's duets project, Stampede Vol.1 , features the likes of Willie Nelson and Elton John ," while Scotty McCreery's Rise & Fall and Avery Anna's single "Blonde" fill the fuel tank for a rodeo-ready summer. 

BTS 's RM delivers another solo track "Come Back to Me" and Stray Kids dropped a new collaboration with Charlie Puth , coming fresh off the K-pop group's appearance at the Met Gala earlier this week. And the electronic and rock scenes are not left behind, with A.G. Cook exploring a new twist on Britpop and Sebastian Bach's release of Child Within The Man .

Dive into today's releases from Megan Thee Stallion, The Chainsmokers , RM, Stray Kids with Charlie Puth , Camila Cabello with Lil Nas X , Post Malone and Morgan Wallen below. 

Megan Thee Stallion, "BOA"

Megan Thee Stallion's new single "BOA" continues to play up the themes of empowerment and self-realization that define her current musical phase and comes just days ahead of her Hot Girl Summer Tour starting on May 14. The song's cover art features Megan with a striking snake, a recurring symbol of rebirth that has been significant in her recent work, appearing in tracks like the Billboard Hot 100 hit "Hiss" and the 2023 song "Cobra." 

"BOA" is a continuation of Megan's snake-themed narrative, but serves as a saccharine homage to her favorite late-'90s and early 2000s anime and video game classics. The music video features references to Scott Pilgrim, One Piece, Dance Dance Revolution, and iconic 3D fighting games like Mortal Kombat, complete with visuals and Gantz-inspired outfits.

Speaking to Women's Health about her upcoming summer album, Megan discussed the personal growth and renewal she has experienced, inspiring this new era of music. "I was inspired to create this album about rebirth because I feel I am becoming a new person physically and mentally," she shared.

Camila Cabello & Lil Nas X, "HE KNOWS"

Camila Cabello teams up with Lil Nas X for the tantalizing new song "He Knows," delivering a radio-friendly track that's as catchy as it is lustful. The new music mirrors the infectious energy of their recent appearance at FKA Twigs' Met Gala afterparty, where they both were seen dancing the night away behind the DJ booth. 

"He Knows" serves as a precursor to Cabello's highly anticipated fourth solo album, C,XOXO , — set to drop on June 28 — and teases a glimpse of Cabello's evolving artistic direction. The single follows on the heels of her recent hit "I LUV IT" featuring Playboi Carti, part of the  reimagining of her sound and artistic brand.

RM, "Come Back To Me"

BTS member RM has released a new single, "Come Back To Me," accompanied by a music video. The relaxed track gives fans a taste of his upcoming second solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person , set to release on May 24. 

In the song, RM explores themes of right and wrong, capturing the complex emotions of wanting to explore new avenues while wishing to stay comfortable in the present. "Come Back To Me" features contributions from OHHYUK of the South Korean band HYUKOH, and Kuo of the Taiwanese band Sunset Rollercoaster. Additional credits include JNKYRD and San Yawn from Balming Tiger. RM first performed "Come Back To Me" during a surprise appearance at BTS bandmate Suga 's concert in Seoul last summer, noting it as a favorite from his forthcoming album. 

The music video for "Come Back To Me" was written, directed, and produced by Lee Sung Jin, known for his work on the Netflix show "Beef." The video features actress Kim Minha from the Apple TV+ series "Pachinko" and faces themes of identity and self-reflection, showing RM confronting different versions of himself. Its cast includes notable Korean and American actors such as Joseph Lee, Lee Sukhyeong, and Kim A Hyun.

Post Malone & Morgan Wallen, "I Had Some Help"

Post Malone and Morgan Wallen blend their distinct musical styles in the much-anticipated release of their collaborative single "I Had Some Help." Merging Malone's versatile pop sensibilities while leaning into his country roots with Wallen's, well, help, the duet is a unique crossover that has had fans clamoring to hear more since the two first teased the song earlier this year. 

Finally premiering during Wallen's headlining performance at Stagecoach Festival on April 28, the uptempo song explores themes of mutual support and shared experiences, encapsulated by the lyric, "It ain't like I can make this kind of mess all by myself."

The collaboration has sparked significant buzz and showcases the duo's chemistry and shared knack for storytelling. This single highlights their individual talents as well as their ability to bridge genre divides, already promising to be a hit on the charts and a favorite among fans.

The Chainsmokers, No Hard Feelings

Maestros of mainstream emotion, The Chainsmokers continue to master the art of turning personal reflections into global anthems with their latest EP, No Hard Feelings . The six-song project see Alex Pall and Drew Taggart exploring the emotional highs and lows of modern relationships, weaving their signature dance beats with pop sensibilities as they have since 2015's "Roses." 

The duo's latest release serves as a soundtrack to both sun-kissed days and introspective nights. The collection includes the single "Friday," a collaboration with Haitian-American singer Fridayy, described by the duo as a direct descendant of "Roses." Other tracks, such as "Addicted," also underscore the Chainsmokers' knack for capturing the zeitgeist of contemporary love and loss.

Kings of Leon, Can We Please Have Fun

Kings of Leon return with their signature blend of rock and introspection on their ninth studio album, Can We Please Have Fun . The LP finds the band infusing their established sound with fresh, unbridled energy, reminiscent of their early days yet matured by years of experience. The album features standout tracks like "Mustang" and "Nothing To Do," which mix playful lyrics with serious musical chops, showcasing Kings of Leon's unique ability to combine rock's raw power with catchy, thoughtful songwriting.

The band is set to bring Can We Please Have Fun to life on their 2024 world tour, starting in Leeds, United Kingdom on June 20 and wrapping in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Oct. 5. Fans can expect a high-energy series of performances that blend new tracks with beloved classics, all delivered with the Kings of Leon's legendary fervor.

Stray Kids & Charlie Puth, "Lose My Breath"

Stray Kids have teamed up with Charlie Puth for their latest release, "Lose My Breath," a track that blends K-pop dynamism with Western pop flair, written by Stray Kids' own producer team 3racha (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han) along with Puth. The TK song details a whirlwind of emotions, describing symptoms of breathlessness and heart-palpitating moments encapsulated in the lyrics: "I lose my breath when you're walking in/ 'Cause when our eyes lock, it's like my heart stops." 

"Lose My Breath" is described as a "warm-up" for Stray Kids' forthcoming album, set for release this summer. The track further highlights the global appeal of Stray Kids ahead of their highly anticipated headlining set at Lollapalooza in August. It also continues Puth's engagement with K-pop, following his previous work with other K-pop acts including his collab with BTS' Jungkook , "Left and Right," and "Like That," a song he co-wrote for K-pop girl group BABYMONSTER . 

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Photo: Kato Shumpei

From Tokyo To Coachella: YOASOBI's Journey To Validate J-Pop And Vocaloid As Art Forms

YOASOBI, blending J-pop and Vocaloid with narrative-driven songs, is capturing a global audience through their performances at major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, marking a significant moment for Japanese music on the international stage.

For decades, Japanese music has been one of the hardest to access as a foreigner. Even with the popularization of cultural exports like anime and the emergence of streaming platforms, it is still considered a niche, and fans often have to dig deep in order to find albums , translations, or any kind of content at all.

"There weren’t many opportunities for Japanese music to go out into the world until now," says YOASOBI ’s producer and songwriter, Ayase, over a Sunday morning Zoom from Tokyo. "If we were to break into the mainstream, I think there’s a lot more work to do. Being a part of Coachella is one of them."

The duo, composed of Ayase, 30, and vocalist Ikura, 23, is gearing up for their first performance at the mighty Californian festival next weekend, plus two sold out headline shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco. In August, they are set to play at Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL. 

"Performing at festivals like Coachella was one of our goals when we put our live team together, so I believe that it will be a place for us to grow further,” says Ikura, who lived in Chicago as a kid and considers these opportunities a "full circle" moment.

Read more: 10 Must-See Artists At Coachella 2024: Skepta, The Last Dinner Party, Mdou Moctar, Cimafunk & More

Formed in 2019, YOASOBI found overnight success with their debut single "Yoru ni Kakeru," a bright-sounding but harrowing tale that topped Billboard ’s Japan Hot 100 chart for six non-consecutive weeks. They continued to rise further, recording five EPs (three in Japanese, two in English), the opening theme to Netflix’s anime series " Beastars, " 2021’s "Kaibutsu," and their magnum opus so far: "Idol."

Released in 2023, "Idol" became a massive hit, placing No.1 at Billboard's Japan Hot 100 chart for 22 weeks and counting — an all-time record break. It was also the nineteenth best-selling song of 2023 worldwide, according to the IFPI . With these accolades, it’s easy to understand why the duo is fully booked, but what makes their music so enticing to global audiences? 

Listening to YOASOBI is like entering a rabbit hole. First, you get hypnotized by the glistening synths, bursting like fireworks, and the rock riffs taking melodies to full-speed. Then, you discover their adage is "novel into music," and all songs are based on fictional stories written by various authors. There’s also the animated music videos, each with a different style, giving their sounds another layer for interpretation. And finally, there are Ayase’s and Ikura’s (under the name Lilas Ikuta) own solo careers — treasure troves ready to be unearthed.

"I don't know, to be honest," says Ayase when asked about their growing popularity. "I guess the fact that a lot of Japanese [exports] have been prevalent around the world had to do with it. But also, maybe it's because people are experiencing this combination of music with storytelling that is interesting to them." Ikura agrees, adding that YOASOBI allows fans to "enjoy this bigger world that we are part of in a more three-dimensional way."

The experience is similar to how they create their music: mining, collecting, mixing, and transforming different threads into a new fabric. From fictional stories, Ayase transmutes his feelings into beats on his laptop with Logic Pro, then inputs melodies and lyrics through Vocaloid softwares like Hatsune Miku. Ikura listens to the Vocaloid demos, and then adds her own feelings and flair into the interpretations. For English-language tracks, they work with translator Konnie Aoki, who is "very mindful of phonetic sounds," and Ikura listens to the Japanese versions up until it’s time to record, so that she can have "the right emotions set."

It’s such a natural process for them that Ayase is surprised to know that there are still people who don’t consider Vocaloid as "real" music. “Those people probably don’t know what music is,” he says with a laugh. “Do they think that instrumental music, where there's no human singing, isn’t real music? There’s really great Vocaloid music out there, and it’s basically [voices] created through synthesizing softwares. It's very different from AI, which is auto-generated music. Vocaloid is humans creating music using these softwares. That's the only difference from a human singing a song.”

To Ikura, who maintains her burgeoning solo career in tandem with YOASOBI’s busy schedule, Vocaloid allowed her to broaden her talents. "It is my first time singing songs that somebody else wrote, so it was an opportunity to challenge myself with things that I wouldn't necessarily write, or sing in a tone or voice that I wouldn't come up with myself." She says that these experiences influence her solo works all the time, in a "synergy" that allows her to "have more colors to work with in my palette."

"I started producing music through Vocaloids,” adds Ayase. “And it truly broadened my ideas and imagination when it comes to creating music. It allows creators to come up with melodies that a human singer may not come up with. It's a fascinating culture. The possibility I feel is infinite, and it really makes the impossible possible, in a way.”

Read more: It Goes To 11: How One Piece Of Technology Makes YOASOBI's Musical Vision Come To Life

Endless possibilities are also a big allure in AI technologies, but Ayase doesn’t see this as a threat. With the right boundaries, it’s just a tool — like Vocaloid, Logic Pro, and the internet — that can be used positively. "However, as a creator myself, I really hope that creative works come out of the imagination and ideas of the human mind. In that sense, [AI] may not be 100% a positive thing for us," he shares.

But that’s something for the future. Now, YOASOBI is focusing on their very real, very tangible events ahead. "Finally, we have this opportunity where people around the world are discovering our music. So, performing at festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, or doing our solo shows, I think it's important that we communicate with the audiences and maximize this opportunity as much as possible," says Ikura.

And it’s not just YOASOBI getting all the attention: according to data and research company Luminate , J-pop in general is on the rise. "I’m very proud, as a Japanese person, for that situation. For us, it’s really about taking it one step at a time," says Ayase. “Our ultimate wish is to have our music or reach as many people around the world as possible, and so we will continue to work hard every day."

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Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

GRAMMY Rewind: Megan Thee Stallion Went From "Savage" To Speechless After Winning Best New Artist In 2021

Relive the moment Megan Thee Stallion won the coveted Best New Artist honor at the 2021 GRAMMYs, where she took home three golden gramophones thanks in part to her chart-topping smash "Savage."

In 2020, Megan Thee Stallion solidified herself as one of rap's most promising new stars, thanks to her hit single "Savage." Not only was it her first No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100, but the " sassy, moody, nasty " single also helped Megan win three GRAMMYs in 2021.

In this episode of GRAMMY Rewind , revisit the sentimental moment the Houston "Hottie" accepted one of those golden gramophones, for Best New Artist.

"I don't want to cry," Megan Thee Stallion said after a speechless moment at the microphone. Before starting her praises, she gave a round of applause to her fellow nominees in the category, who she called "amazing."

Along with thanking God, she also acknowledged her manager, T. Farris, for "always being with me, being by my side"; her record label, 300 Entertainment, for "always believing in me, sticking by through my craziness"; and her mother, who "always believed I could do it."

Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage" remix with Beyoncé also helped her win Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance that night — marking the first wins in the category by a female lead rapper.

Press play on the video above to watch Megan Thee Stallion's complete acceptance speech for Best New Artist at the 2021 GRAMMY Awards, and remember to check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of GRAMMY Rewind.

Black Sounds Beautiful: How Megan Thee Stallion Turned Viral Fame Into A GRAMMY-Winning Rap Career

• 1 10 Neo J-Pop Artists Breaking The Mold In 2024: Fujii Kaze, Kenshi Yonezu & Others
• 2 "Bridgerton" Composer Kris Bowers & Vitamin String Quartet Continue To Make Classical Music Pop For Season 3
• 3 New Music Friday: Listen to Songs From Megan Thee Stallion, Camila Cabello & Lil Nas X, BTS' RM & More
• 4 From Tokyo To Coachella: YOASOBI's Journey To Validate J-Pop And Vocaloid As Art Forms
• 5 GRAMMY Rewind: Megan Thee Stallion Went From "Savage" To Speechless After Winning Best New Artist In 2021

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