New singles and albums from Jennifer Lopez, Teezo Touchdown, Suki Waterhouse, James Arthur, and Jessica Baio.
ew Music Friday, January 12th Edition.
Ariana Grande's latest single "Yes, And?" marks a significant return to her solo music career after nearly four years. The track, serving as the lead single from her forthcoming seventh album, is a bold departure into a ballroom-ready house beat, reminiscent of Madonna's iconic "Vogue." Lyrically, Grande delivers a powerful message of self-assurance and personal autonomy, urging listeners to respect her boundaries and refrain from unsolicited comments on her body. The collaboration with Max Martin, a key figure in her previous successful projects, hints at the continued evolution of Grande's musical style.
"Orquídeas," the latest album from Kali Uchis, released on January 12, 2024, is a vibrant showcase of her distinctive blend of R&B, neo-soul, and Latin rhythms. This fourth studio album, following the acclaimed "Red Moon in Venus," features the hit single "Muñekita," a collaboration with El Alfa and JT from City Girls, highlighting Uchis' Colombian roots and her flair for blending diverse musical styles. Another standout track, "Te Mata," comes with an engaging music video, adding visual depth to the album's narrative.
Lil Nas X's latest single "J. Christ," released after a notable two-year gap since his last album, is a provocative blend of religious imagery and contemporary cultural commentary. The track is accompanied by a visually striking music video, directed by Lil Nas X himself, featuring surreal scenes including a celestial basketball match against the devil and a journey on an ark amidst a global flood. This release, steeped in Biblical references and infused with Lil Nas X's signature online trolling style, hints at the start of a new, possibly more introspective album cycle.
"american dream," the third studio album by 21 Savage, represents a significant milestone in the artist's career. The comprehensive project doubles as the soundtrack to his debut film, "American Dream: The 21 Savage Story," chronicling 21 Savage's path to success and his prolonged battle with immigration issues. It provides an introspective look at his life, intertwining personal experiences with artistic expression.
In "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 58," Young Miko collaborates with Argentine producer Bizarrap, marking their first joint project. Released on January 10, the session features Young Miko delivering a contemplative verse against Bizarrap's dynamic electronic production. The Puerto Rican rapper reflects on her rapid rise in the music industry, touching on themes of success and gratitude.
Jennifer Lopez marks her return to music with "Can't Get Enough," the lead single from her forthcoming ninth studio album, "This Is Me… Now." The single sets the stage for the album, which acts as a sequel to her earlier work, "This Is Me… Then," and reflects on her rekindled relationship and marriage to Ben Affleck. Recorded at her Los Angeles home, the album features tracks such as “Mad in Love” and “Greatest Love Story Never Told.” It is scheduled for release on February 16.
"INSANO," Kid Cudi's ninth studio album, released on January 12, 2024, marks his final contractual project with Republic Records. Following his 2022 album "Entergalactic," "INSANO" features collaborations with artists like Travis Scott, ASAP Rocky, Lil Yachty, and Pharrell Williams, and includes production from Plain Pat, Dot da Genius, and Cudi himself.
In his latest release, "Ron En El Piso," Residente introspectively reflects on his career and time with Calle 13. The video, rich in symbolism, shows a cut-out of a young Residente journeying from a record store to being discarded, mirroring his feelings of fading relevance. The lyrics ponder on past triumphs and challenges, and the video concludes with Residente confronting his younger self, suggesting a closure of a significant chapter in his life. The song also hints at a potential reunion with his brother and former bandmate, Eduardo Cabra.
Brazilian DJ Alok and American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha have teamed up for their first collaborative track, "Deep In Your Love." The song, a blend of their unique musical styles, was written by a team including Alok, Rexha, and other notable contributors, and produced by a diverse group of producers. Alok shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the seamless process of working with Rexha both online and in Brazil. Rexha echoed this sentiment, expressing her excitement for the song's release. "Deep In Your Love" promises to be a dynamic and danceable track, showcasing the synergy of Alok's and Rexha's artistic talents.
Teezo Touchdown's debut album, "How Do You Sleep At Night?," the 14-track album, infused with rock and indie influences, features collaborations with artists like Janelle Monáe on "You Thought," Fousheé on "Sweet," and Isaiah Rusk on "Too Easy" and "I Don’t Think U C Me." Each song on the album offers a distinct sound, from the punk guitar melodies of "UUHH" to the stripped-down ballad "Daddy Mama Drama," and the electronic-influenced "The Original Was Better."
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Bishop Briggs has released a new song titled “Triumph” in collaboration with the Japanese automobile company Honda for their brand campaign “Chasing Greatness.” “Triumph” is Briggs' first release since her EP “When Everything Went Dark,” which came out in June 2023. The track, written by Jax Anderson, Nigel Hemmye, and Sarah McLaughlin, and produced by Scott Chesak, is accompanied by a music video directed by Matty Vogel.
Kevin Gates has released a new single titled "Birds Calling," a follow-up to his collaboration with Sexyy Red and BG on "Yonce Freestyle." This track is part of the build-up to his upcoming album "The Ceremony," which was initially set to release on December 1st but was later postponed. "Birds Calling" sees Gates returning to a solo performance, and it appears to be a track aimed at garnering radio play.
Reneé Rapp, known for her role as Regina George in the Broadway musical "Mean Girls," has released a new single titled "World Burn" from the "Mean Girls: The Musical" soundtrack. "World Burn" is one of the musical numbers from the 2018 Broadway show, and Rapp reprises her role in the film adaptation. The soundtrack also includes the hit record "Not My Fault" by Rapp and Megan Thee Stallion.
Jessica Baio (full name Jessica Courtney Baio), is a 24 years old emerging artist, from California has announced the release of her new EP titled "petals." Released on January 12th, the EP has been eagerly anticipated by her fans. Baio expressed her gratitude for the support her music has received and shared her excitement about the three new tracks included in the EP.
The Vaccines have unveiled their sixth studio album, "Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations," marking a new sound direction following the departure of original guitarist Freddie Cowan. The album delves into the disparity between expectations and reality, a theme recurrent in their music. Recorded with producer Andrew Wells, renowned for his work with Halsey and Phoebe Bridgers, the album promises a shift towards a more organic sound.
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NIKI, '24'
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Liam Payne, 31, has been found dead in Buenos Aires, just days after his ex-fiancée Maya Henry issued a cease and desist letter accusing him of obsessive behavior.
iam Payne, former One Direction member, was found dead at 31 in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024. Payne reportedly fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighborhood, and emergency services confirmed his death at the scene. Local media, La Nacion, reported that police had been called to address an "aggressive man possibly under the influence of drugs and alcohol."
City ambulance service spokesman Alberto Crescenti stated that Liam Payne had fallen approximately 40 meters and sustained "severe injuries which were incompatible with life." He explained: "The alarm was raised at 5:04 p.m. local time, reporting a person lying in an internal patio at Casa Sur. By 5:11 p.m., an ambulance arrived, and the man was certified dead." Crescenti added, "Afterwards, we learned he was a famous singer. Unfortunately, the injuries from the fall were fatal, and there was no possibility of resuscitating him."
Payne rose to global fame as part of One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan after competing on The X Factor in 2010. The group became one of the best-selling boy bands of all time before disbanding in 2016, allowing each member to pursue solo careers.
In the days leading up to his death, Payne's ex-fiancée Maya Henry, Texan model, 23, had initiated legal proceedings, accusing him of obsessive contact following their breakup in 2022. Their turbulent relationship had garnered significant media attention, with Henry recently speaking out about Payne’s erratic behavior and accusing him of stalking.
Liam Payne’s career after One Direction included hit singles such as "Strip That Down," but his personal struggles with addiction and relationships often overshadowed his professional life. His sudden death has left fans around the world mourning the loss of a talented singer who significantly impacted the music industry.
More information regarding the incident and its circumstances is expected to emerge as investigations continue.
Watch Payne's heartbreaking acoustic performance of his final single, "Teardrops," below.
Gracie Abrams hits a major milestone with three Gold singles from The Secret of Us, as she gears up to drop the deluxe edition featuring new tracks on October 18.
October 11, 2024, Gracie Abrams earned RIAA Gold certifications for three of her singles: "I Love You, I’m Sorry," "21," and "Feels Like." Each of these tracks, from her album The Secret of Us, surpassed 500,000 units in sales and streams. The certifications reflect Abrams' growing success as a pop artist known for her introspective and emotionally resonant songwriting.
Released in June 2024, The Secret of Us features production from Aaron Dessner and explores themes of heartbreak, personal growth, and relationships. The album also includes the popular track "us," a collaboration with Taylor Swift, which has resonated deeply with fans for its seamless vocal blending and emotional depth.
In addition to these certifications, Abrams is preparing to release a deluxe edition of The Secret of Us on October 18, 2024. The new edition will feature four additional tracks and three live versions of songs from the original album, offering fans even more of her signature storytelling.
These certifications mark a pivotal moment for Gracie Abrams as she continues to gain traction with her blend of introspective pop and compelling storytelling. Her ongoing tour has further amplified her reach, drawing attention to her evolution as an artist. The Gold certifications affirm Abrams’ growing influence in the music industry, highlighting her ability to connect deeply with listeners.
Mustafa’s Dunya blends folk, hip-hop, and Middle Eastern influences, with collaborations from Rosalía and Aaron Dessner.
ustafa's debut album Dunya was released on September 27, 2024, and it presents a deeply personal exploration of faith, trauma, and life in his Toronto community. The album's title, which translates from Arabic to “the world in all its flaws,” reflects its thematic focus on imperfections and Mustafa's journey to reconcile with the grief and loss that have shaped his life. Known for blending folk music with influences from his Sudanese heritage, Mustafa brings traditional instruments like the oud into his compositions, creating a unique and introspective sound.
On Dunya, Mustafa collaborates with artists such as Rosalía, Aaron Dessner (of The National), Clairo, and Nicolas Jaar. Tracks like “Name of God” explore Mustafa’s relationship with his Muslim faith, while "Gaza is Calling" delves into the story of a childhood friend separated from him by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The album also touches on personal loss, particularly in the track "I’ll Go Anywhere," where Mustafa mourns his brother Mohamed, who was tragically killed in 2023.
Mustafa has a background as a poet and songwriter, having written for artists like The Weeknd, Camila Cabello, and Justin Bieber. However, Dunya stands apart from his previous work in the pop world, offering a raw and honest account of his own lived experiences. His ability to merge folk, Middle Eastern, and hip-hop elements into a cohesive narrative has drawn comparisons to artists like Joni Mitchell and Sufjan Stevens, while maintaining a unique voice that speaks to his heritage and identity.
Listen to the album:
Watch Mustafa, 'Name Of God' (Live):
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Alex Warren’s debut album blends raw emotion, viral success, and a sold-out world tour, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
lex Warren’s debut album You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1) is a deeply personal release that highlights his journey of emotional growth and resilience. Released under Atlantic Records, the album gives listeners a peek into Warren’s life with its mix of heartfelt lyrics and folk-pop vibes. Warren himself described the project as something he’d show his younger self, reflecting the challenges that have shaped him along the way.
With 10 tracks, the album features fan favorites like "Burning Down," a viral sensation on TikTok, and "Carry You Home," which has racked up over 151 million streams globally. The latter has also achieved Gold certification in Australia. This song, released around the time of Warren’s wedding to Kouvr Annon, taps into a folk-rock sound and its accompanying music video, focused on a wedding scene, has resonated with fans worldwide.
One of the standout tracks, "Troubled Waters," dives into Warren’s struggles, portraying his emotional battles through the metaphor of a storm. The music video, in which Warren is rescued by his wife, adds a powerful visual layer to the song. This raw emotional expression runs throughout the album, making it a highly relatable experience for his fans.
The album’s release coincides with a completely sold-out world tour, reflecting Warren’s growing fanbase. Shows across Europe and North America, including performances in major cities like Dublin, London, and Berlin, sold out fast.
For Warren, You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1) isn’t just music—it’s an open letter to his younger self and a way to connect with listeners on a personal level. The album’s viral success, coupled with its emotional depth, sets the stage for what’s sure to be a bright future in Warren’s music career.
Listen to the album:
Alex Warren, Burning Down:
After debuting at No. 1 and staying atop the Billboard 200 for three weeks, Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet has gone Platinum.
abrina Carpenter’s career has hit a major milestone with her latest album Short n' Sweet reaching Platinum certification from the RIAA, just a month after its release. For an artist who's been steadily building her reputation, this achievement is a huge validation of her growth and determination. Hitting Platinum means the album has sold over a million units, and it’s the first time one of her full-length projects has reached this level.
Short n' Sweet, released on August 23, 2024, showcases Carpenter’s ability to balance catchy, feel-good pop with moments of introspection. It’s clear her fans have resonated with this evolution—after debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the album stayed there for three weeks, fueled by hit singles like “Please Please Please” and “Espresso,” which also grabbed their own Platinum certifications. First-week sales alone hit a jaw-dropping 362,000 units, which speaks volumes about Carpenter’s rising star power.
But it's not just about the numbers. This Platinum certification is symbolic of Carpenter stepping out of the shadow of her Disney Channel days and into a new realm of pop stardom. Her previous album, Emails I Can’t Send, which went Gold earlier in 2024, was a step toward finding her voice, but Short n' Sweet is the moment where it all comes together.
Carpenter’s ongoing Short n' Sweet tour, her first headlining arena tour, launched on September 23, 2024, and is already making waves. Fans have flocked to see her perform across 29 North American cities, and she’s bringing something special to each show. Alongside a setlist packed with fan-favorites, she’s adding a fun twist by spinning a bottle on stage each night to select a surprise cover song, which so far has included everything from ABBA’s "Mamma Mia" to Sixpence None the Richer’s "Kiss Me." It’s little touches like this that make her concerts a must-see event.
There’s also a bigger mission behind the tour: Carpenter has partnered with PLUS1 to launch the Sabrina Carpenter Fund, supporting causes like mental health, animal welfare, and LGBTQ+ rights. This shows how she’s using her platform not just for entertainment, but to give back in meaningful ways, something her fans have rallied behind.
Overall, 2024 has been a breakout year for Sabrina Carpenter. Short n' Sweet is more than just another pop album—it’s a statement of her talent and staying power. With her tour gaining momentum and fans eager for more, it’s clear Carpenter’s moment is now, and she’s fully owning it.
Tyga's 2018 summer hit "Taste," featuring Offset, has surpassed 10 million units in combined sales and streams, earning both artists their first RIAA Diamond certification.
yga’s 2018 single "Taste," featuring Offset, has officially reached Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as of September 24, 2024. This achievement signifies the track surpassing 10 million units in combined sales and streaming, marking a significant moment in both artists' careers.
Released on May 16, 2018, "Taste" quickly became a major success. It peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating Tyga’s return to the mainstream after several years without chart success. The track’s smooth production, courtesy of D.A. Doman, combined with Offset's dynamic feature, made it a standout hit that summer. Its longevity on streaming platforms and its consistent presence on social media and playlists contributed significantly to reaching the Diamond milestone.
The RIAA Diamond certification is reserved for tracks that have moved 10 million units, which can be either digital sales or streaming equivalents. The song’s enduring popularity across streaming services like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music played a critical role in this achievement. Tyga expressed his gratitude to fans on social media, recognizing the role they played in streaming and supporting the song.
For Offset, "Taste" represents his first Diamond-certified track, adding a new accomplishment to his already successful career. As a member of Migos, Offset has had multiple hits, but this certification highlights his individual achievements as a featured artist on one of Tyga’s biggest songs.
Lady Gaga ushers in her Harlequin era with the announcement of her LG7 album, fully moving on from Chromatica.
you feel like Lady Gaga's name has been all over your feed today, you're not mistaken. The pop icon packed a lot into one day, kicking off the start of a bold new era in her career.
It all began with the release of a teaser visualizer for Harlequin, her highly anticipated companion album to Joker: Folie à Deux. The teaser, produced in collaboration with the Louvre, saw the museum temporarily changing its profile picture to a Harley Quinn-inspired Mona Lisa. If you missed it, you can check it out here.
Later in the day, Lady Gaga, accompanied by her fiancé Michael Polansky, who is also credited as an executive producer on Harlequin, hit the red carpet at the Joker London premiere. Gaga turned heads in her dramatic style, but that wasn't the only spotlight moment. Following the premiere, she hosted an exclusive listening party for Harlequin, giving fans an immersive preview of the 13-track album, which features reimagined soundtracks and original songs for the film. She playfully described it as music “for all your uncomfortable dinner parties and crazy times.”
But perhaps the most exciting news for Little Monsters came when Gaga confirmed her seventh studio album is set to release in February 2025. While details are still under wraps, Gaga promised a single would arrive in the near future, signaling a new direction for her music.
Gaga signaled her transition into the Harley Quinn era by updating her social media profiles, removing all references to her Chromatica Ball tour and her beauty brand, Haus Labs. This marks the official end of her Chromatica phase, as she moves away from the bright, futuristic visuals and sounds. Now, Gaga is fully embracing the darker, chaotic world of Harley Quinn, reflecting the more immersive and theatrical direction expected in her upcoming projects, starting with the release of Harlequin and her seventh studio album in February.
Lady Gaga confirms the release of her seventh studio album, set for February 2025, during the Joker premiere event.
September 25, 2024, Lady Gaga made a bold appearance at the Joker: Folie à Deux premiere in London, where she stars alongside Joaquin Phoenix in the highly anticipated sequel. Gaga hit the red carpet in a striking red dress with oversized balloon shoulders, accompanied by her fiancé Michael Polansky. Her look was topped off with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including the iconic Jean Schlumberger "Bird on a Rock" brooch featuring a 20-carat spessartine, and her makeup featured teal eyeshadow with a crystal teardrop for added drama.
Following the premiere, Gaga hosted a private listening party for her new album, Harlequin, which drops on September 27, 2024. The 13-track album is released under her label Lil Monsters LLC in collaboration with Interscope Records as a special nod to her loyal fanbase, known as "Little Monsters." It features both reimagined Joker soundtracks and original compositions created specifically for the film. The album signals a significant shift in Gaga's artistic direction.
The Harlequin tracklist offers a range of moods and styles, combining classics like "Get Happy (2024)" and "That’s Life" with original tracks like "The Joker" and "Folie à Deux." The album also includes the exclusive track "Happy Mistake," which is only available on this release. With over 40 minutes of music, Harlequin delivers a dark, immersive listening experience that complements the themes of the film.
At the listening party, Gaga, in her usual cheeky style, introduced the album by saying, “This is for all your uncomfortable dinner parties, this is for all your crazy times.” True to her commitment to live in the moment, she urged guests to put away their phones, encouraging them to fully dive into the music and "have a f*ing good time," rather than worry about documenting the event.
Additionally, in an interview with AP Entertainment, Gaga dropped a major announcement: her highly anticipated seventh studio album (LG7) will be released in February 2025. Although details are still under wraps, Gaga has hinted that the album, rumored to feature a collaboration with renowned producer Cirkut (known for his work with The Weeknd and Katy Perry), will be a departure from her past work. Describing it as "completely different," she’s building anticipation for a bold new sound, with the first single expected to drop in October 2024.
With Harlequin set for release and Joker: Folie à Deux hitting theaters on October 4, 2024, Gaga is diving into new creative territory, merging her music and film work in a way that continues to push boundaries. Fans are eagerly awaiting both her new album and her portrayal of Harley Quinn.
Lady Gaga channels Harley Quinn in a bold Louvre-set teaser, drawing a Joker smile on the Mona Lisa to promote her upcoming Harlequin album.
ady Gaga has ignited widespread excitement with her latest promotional video, where she takes on the role of Harley Quinn to promote her upcoming album Harlequin, a companion to Joker: Folie à Deux. In a visually striking scene shot at the Louvre Museum, Gaga, wearing a red wig, is seen wandering through the museum’s empty galleries at night. She passes iconic works of art like Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Wedding at Cana, and Portrait d'homme, before stopping in front of the famed Mona Lisa.
In a dramatic moment, Gaga pulls out bright red lipstick and draws the Joker’s infamous grin on the protective glass covering the Mona Lisa. This scene mirrors Harley Quinn's chaotic spirit and symbolizes her deep connection to the Joker. The Louvre assured that the artwork was unharmed during filming, and additional protective measures were taken. The video also ties into the museum's upcoming exhibition Figures of the Fool, aligning with the rebellious themes explored in Joker: Folie à Deux.
As part of this collaboration, the Louvre took its marketing a step further by updating its social media profile picture to feature the Mona Lisa with the Joker-inspired red lipstick smile.
The album, set to release on September 27, 2024, includes 13 tracks such as "Good Morning," "Get Happy (2024)," and "Smile." The track "The Joker," which is previewed in the Louvre video, enhances the album's role as a companion to the film, merging Gaga's cinematic and musical worlds. Fans can also anticipate Lady Gaga’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on October 1, where she is expected to discuss the album and her role in Joker: Folie à Deux, which debuts in theaters on October 4.
Sabrina Carpenter’s viral hit "Nonsense" joins Spotify’s Billions Club as she kicks off her Short n' Sweet Tour, complete with surprise covers, comedic skits, and a potential farewell to her famous outro.
abrina Carpenter has officially joined one of music’s most elite clubs—Spotify’s Billions Club—with her viral hit "Nonsense." This achievement places her among an exclusive group of artists whose tracks have surpassed one billion streams on the platform. The Billions Club is a highly coveted marker of global success, signaling a song’s massive impact. With Spotify’s vast reach, joining this club signifies an artist’s transition from rising star to a major player in the pop music industry.
"Nonsense," originally released in 2022 on her album Emails I Can’t Send, became a fan favorite due to its cheeky, flirtatious lyrics and Carpenter's playful twist during live performances. The song gained immense traction on TikTok, where fans latched onto its catchy and often-modified outro, which Sabrina would famously change to reflect the city or occasion during her shows. This viral success helped "Nonsense" rack up streams across platforms, ultimately leading to its milestone achievement.
The announcement of "Nonsense" joining the Billions Club coincided with the launch of Sabrina Carpenter’s highly anticipated Short n' Sweet Tour, which kicked off in Columbus, Ohio, on September 23, 2024. The tour, supporting her sixth studio album of the same name, marks her first arena tour. Fans were treated to a setlist packed with hits like "Feather," "Fast Times," and "Because I Liked a Boy," alongside a fun interactive segment where Sabrina spun a bottle on stage to decide which surprise cover she would perform each night. For the opening night, the choice fell on ABBA's iconic "Mamma Mia."
The opening night also marked a significant shift in Carpenter’s live performances. During "Nonsense," instead of her usual improvised outro, she staged a humorous "technical glitch," where the screen behind her “cut out” and she disappeared from the stage, leading many to speculate that she may be retiring the beloved outro tradition.
Fans also enjoyed Carpenter’s comedic flair during a mock commercial break, featuring fake ads for sponsors like "The Sharpest Tool," with the tagline “trusted by Carpenters everywhere,” followed by "Oasis" ceiling fans, humorously advising to "maybe stay inside." These lighthearted skits perfectly complemented the excitement of her musical performances and reminded fans of Sabrina's ability to blend humor with artistry, making her live shows truly unique and engaging.
With her album Short n' Sweet gaining traction and her tour already off to a thrilling start, Sabrina Carpenter’s career continues its upward trajectory. The success of "Nonsense" and her inclusion in Spotify’s Billions Club further solidify her position as one of pop music’s brightest rising stars.
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