Halsey’s 2015 debut album, BADLANDS, has reentered the Top 10 on five Billboard charts this week following its 10th anniversary deluxe reissue on August 29. The set ranks No. 5 on Top Album Sales, No. 6 on Top Alternative Albums, No. 4 on Vinyl Albums, No. 9 on Catalog Albums, and debuts at No. 7 on Top Rock & Alternative Albums. The album earned 17,000 equivalent album units in the U.S., with nearly 12,000 from traditional sales, including approximately 9,000 vinyl copies. On August 28, less than a week after she concluded the For My Last Trick Tour, Halsey announced a BACK TO BADLANDS TOUR. “Tiny venues. GA floors. 10 years later. I’ve been waiting a decade to re-live it all over again with you,” Halsey said of the tour, which kicks off on October 14 in Los Angeles, with stops in Atlanta, Washington DC, and New York City, before concluding on January 17 in Detroit. (Billboard)

A body was discovered inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to singer D4vd at a Hollywood tow yard on Monday afternoon (September 8). The shocking discovery prompted a death investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, after officers initially responded to reports of a foul odor coming from the car, which had been on the property for a number of days. The identity of the deceased remains unknown, and representatives for the 20-year-old singer – known for viral hits like “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide” – have not commented. Last week, D4vd partnered with Epic Games for Fortnite’s first official anthem, “Locked & Loaded (Official Fortnite Anthem),” which made it’s in-game debut alongside the announcement. D4vd recently began his Withered World Tour, and was scheduled to perform in Minneapolis on Tuesday night (Sept. 9), before concluding his North American tour in Los Angeles on September 20. (Variety)

Hilary Duff is finally returning to music after a decade-long hiatus, signing a new deal with Atlantic Records that was announced on Tuesday (September 9). “Wake up… @hilaryduff is officially a part of the AMG family ,” Atlantic revealed on Instagram. “We could not be more excited for this journey & for new music… or something .” Duff also shared her own post, featuring photos of her in the recording studio alongside the similar caption, “new music … or something .” The former Disney star and pop singer, known for hits like “Come Clean” and “Wake Up,” last released an album in 2015 and has focused on acting ever since. Alongside her musical comeback, Duff will be featured in an upcoming docuseries directed by Sam Wrench, chronicling her return to music and personal journey. With two Billboard No. 1 records – 2003’s Metamorphosis and the 2005 compilation Most Wanted – five Top 10 albums, and nearly 8 million total albums sold in the U.S., Duff’s reemergence marks an exciting new chapter in her career, and a welcome comeback for her longtime fans. (Billboard)

Over the weekend, Adam Sandler launched his 'You're My Best Friend Tour' with a '90s-themed performance, welcoming Vanilla Ice on stage to perform "Ice Ice Baby". The performance also featured Kevin James and Michelangelo, paying tribute to Ice's 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze' cameo.

Warren G has become a partial owner of a minor league baseball team in his hometown of Long Beach, California. He plans to name the team the "Regulators" after his 1994 hit song "Regulate." "To be able to say that I'm a part of Long Beach, like a team that's part of the city where I was born and raised, is amazing to me," Warren told TMZ. The idea came from co-founder Gary Reeves, who also works with the Oakland Ballers baseball team. Warren wants to recruit former MLB players for coaching positions, including retired Philadelphia Phillies player Tony Gwynn Jr., who ended his career in 2014. "We got' get some athletes," Warren said, referencing the Long Beach State Dirtbags. The team joins other Long Beach sports ventures by local rappers, including childhood friend Snoop Dogg's youth football league. (Story URL)

In a new 3+ minute TikTok video posted over the weekend, Lizzo harshly criticized the current state of the music industry. The multiple Grammy-winner says that the industry is in “complete shambles right now" due to years of reliance on an “algorithmic model.” That modern trend has fragmented music fans and disrupted traditional pathways for artists to reach the masses, which she blames for effectively killing the cultural phenomenon of the "Song of the Summer" in the process. She explained that platforms like TikTok, despite her millions of followers, make it difficult even for established artists to connect broadly, as content struggles to reach viewers amid an overcrowded digital space. Lizzo suggests that major artists should cultivate dedicated fan communities to foster genuine engagement,  praising Taylor Swift’s highly engaged fanbase as an example. Ultimately, Lizzo urges fans and artists alike to look beyond algorithm-driven trends to discover and support great music that might otherwise be overlooked. (Consequence of Sound)

On Thursday (September 4), Justin Bieber announced on Instagram that he was releasing his surprise follow-up album, Swag II, at the stroke of midnight on Friday. This move continues the quick-drop strategy Bieber used for Swag, which made a shock debut in July following the singer’s four-year hiatus. No additional details about the new project were shared beyond an all-pink album cover and Bieber’s brief caption, “swag II midnight tonight.” The album is expected to feature many of the same collaborators from Swag, including Gunna, Sexyy Red, Druski, Dijon, Lil B, Cash Cobain, Eddie Benjamin, and Marvin Winans, with Bieber likely to co-produce the upcoming project with the likes of Carter Lang, Dylan Wiggins, Daniel Caesar, mk.gee, Daniel Chetrit, and Knox Fortune. Swag, which features the Billboard No. 2 hit “Daisies,” marked a stylistic shift for Bieber, blending indie rock with late ’80s R&B and early ’90s pop influences, reflecting his personal transformation as he embraces family life and faith amid past challenges. (Variety)

On Wednesday (September 3), Radiohead confirmed online rumors by announcing the details of their first live shows since 2018. The Grammy-winning British band have planned a highly-anticipated 20-date European and U.K. tour this fall, with multiple-night stands scheduled at five cities: Madrid (Nov. 4-5, 7-8), Bologna (Nov. 14-15, 17-18), London (Nov. 21-22, 24-25), Copenhagen (Dec. 1-2, 4-5), and Berlin (Dec. 8-9, 11-12). Tickets will be available exclusively to fans registered on radiohead.com, with sales starting September 12. “Last year, we got together to rehearse, just for the hell of it,” drummer Phil Selway shared. “After a seven year pause, it felt really good to play the songs again and reconnect with a musical identity that has become lodged deep inside all five of us. It also made us want to play some shows together, so we hope you can make it to one of the upcoming dates.” While these are Radiohead’s only live shows currently scheduled, Selway left open the possibility of the band announcing more dates in the future by adding, “For now, it will just be these ones but who knows where this will all lead.” (Rolling Stone)

Noah Kahan married his longtime fiancée “in an intimate ceremony in their home state of Vermont on August 23rd,” according to a spokesperson who requested privacy for the couple. The 28-year-old "Stick Season" singer, known for keeping his personal life private, has previously expressed deep gratitude to his fiancée for supporting him through difficult times, including in the liner notes of the 2023 expanded edition of his album, Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever). “To my fiancée, you're the air I breathe, you are everything and whatever is left after that,” he wrote in the dedication. “I could spend the rest of my life thanking you for getting me through this, and I promise I will. I love you to the moon and back." The couple, rarely seen together publicly, made their first appearance at the 2023 TIME100 event after several years of dating, and media outlets have chosen not to disclose his wife's identity out of respect for their privacy. (Billboard)

Lady Gaga is set to make her first MTV VMAs performance in five years at the 2025 awards show on September 7, where she leads all nominees with 12 total nods, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for Mayhem. MTV made the announcement on Instagram over the weekend, writing “There will be magic in the air at the 2025 #VMAs because @LADYGAGA IS PERFORMING!  You won’t want to miss her return,” while adding in the comments, "let mayhem commence!!!" Gaga is currently on the road as part of her wildly successful Mayhem Ball Tour, with upcoming shows in Miami, New York, Chicago, and Toronto. The VMAs, airing live from UBS Arena in New York on CBS, MTV, and streaming on Paramount+, will also feature performances from Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, Ricky Martin, Doja Cat, Tate McRae, and Mariah Carey, who will receive the Video Vanguard Award. (People)

On Thursday (August 28), Halsey announced that she will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut album with the Back to Badlands North American club tour this fall. Only one week after concluding her For My Last Trick arena tour, the singer is opting for more intimate venues on this 13-date run. The tour kicks off with “a very special show” on October 14 at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Forever Cemetery, making stops in major music markets like Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, Toronto, and New York, before concluding on January 17 in Detroit, followed by dates in Europe and Australia in early 2026. The announcement coincides with the release of Badlands: Anthology, a reissue featuring unreleased demos and rare recordings. “I can’t believe it’s been 10 years,” Halsey said in a statement. “Badlands remains the most exciting musical journey of my life. I have so many unbelievable things planned to celebrate the album that changed my life. This is just the beginning.” (Rolling Stone)

Ariana Grande announced that she will be going on tour for the first time in seven years with her 2026 Eternal Sunshine Tour. The 27-date run starts in June and covers nine major North American cities – including multi-night stands in Oakland, Los Angeles, Austin, Sunrise, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Boston, Montreal, and Chicago – before concluding with a five-night run at London’s O2 Arena in August. “See you next year ♡ ” Grande captioned her announcement post. The tour will feature music from her 2024 chart-topping album Eternal Sunshine and her 2020 release Positions, with Grande seemingly ready to redefine her relationship with performing live after a series of emotionally challenging past tours. An artist presale starts on September 9 for the North American dates and on September 16 in the UK, with general on-sales starting the following day, with a variety of VIP packages available. Since her last tour in 2019, Grande has shifted her creative focus to acting, starring in the hit film adaptation of Wicked, with Wicked: For Good set to premiere on November 21, along with filming the upcoming Meet the Parents sequel. (Variety)

Green Day is expressing excitement about their upcoming comedy film, New Years Rev, which is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12. Directed and written by Lee Kirk, the film follows three friends who embark on a road trip to open for Green Day at a New Year’s Eve concert, only to discover the gig is a prank. “It’s packed with all of your favorite Green Day songs, loaded with mischief, and lots of familiar faces,” Green Day wrote on Instagram. “This film is our love letter to all of our favorite road trip movies, ‘90s nostalgia, and chasing it all no matter how ridiculous it gets.” New Years Rev stars Mason Thames, Kylr Coffman, and Ryan Foust, with guest appearances from McKenna Grace, Fred Armisen, and Jenna Fischer. Green Day produced the film, with the band claiming that the TIFF premiere is “just the beginning” of the festivities surrounding the project. (Rolling Stone)

Drake has been named Billboard’s No. 1 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the 21st century, dominating the chart that retrospectively ranks artist performance from 2000 to 2024 based on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. Despite only making his debut on the Billboard charts in 2009, Drake still amassed a record 30 No. 1 hits on the songs chart and 15 No. 1 albums, leading all artists in total No. 1s, Top 10 hits (135), and overall chart entries (355) during this period. His albums have spent 67 total weeks at number one, helped by record-setting streaming numbers, and he has previously topped the annual R&B/Hip-Hop artist rankings eight times, solidifying his widespread impact on hip-hop across the past quarter-century. The rest of the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artists Of The 21st Century Chart is rounded out by (in order): Beyoncé at No. 2 followed by the Weeknd, Chris Brown, Usher, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Eminem, and Alicia Keys coming in at No. 10. (Billboard)

After opening for The Weeknd’s massively successful After Hours Til Dawn Tour, Playboi Carti is set to headline his own 2025 Antagonist Tour across North America this fall. The 28-date jaunt  kicks off in Salt Lake City on October 3 and concludes with a hometown show in Atlanta on December 1, making stops in major music markets like Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Brooklyn, Philladelphia, and Nashville along the way. The tour, featuring Opium artists Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, Homixide Gang, and Apollo Red as openers, marks the 2.0 version of Carti’s originally postponed and ultimately canceled 2023 Antagonist Tour. Ticket presale starts on Tuesday (August 26), with general on-sale beginning on Friday (August 29). 2025 has been a strong comeback year for Carti, who also released his No. 1 album, MUSIC, in March, with all 30 tracks ultimately debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. (Billboard)

Lil Nas X was hospitalized after being found wandering Los Angeles streets in his underwear. The "Old Town Road" artist was taken into custody by LAPD officers yesterday after they received calls about a nearly naked man on the street. He reportedly lunged at police and was handcuffed before being transferred to a hospital. No charges have been filed. In the past, Lil Nas X has spoken openly about his family's history of addiction and his own marijuana use while grieving the deaths of fellow rappers. He recently experienced significant health issues, including losing movement on the right side of his face, which he said has since improved. Lil Nas X is currently preparing to release his second studio album, Dreamboy, expected to feature collaborations with Beyoncé, Jermaine Dupri, and Nile Rodgers. (Us Weekly)

During an appearance on a new episode of Complex’s GOAT Talk on Wednesday (August 20), Ed Sheeran and Barry Keoghan shared their favorite rappers and rap albums of all time. They both praised 50 Cent’s 2003 chart-topping, Grammy-nominated debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, with Keoghan citing its universal appeal and Sheeran recalling a recent trip with his dad where he praised the album’s innovative track “If I Can’t,” as “genius.” Sheeran’s choices were focused on the Aftermath/Shady Records/Interscope catalogue, singling out The Game’s The Documentary, Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP, and Dr. Dre’s 2001 as his favorites. “I can put them on in any scenario,” he added. As for favorite rappers, both stars picked UK artists, with Sheeran choosing Devlin, Skepta, Wretch 32, and JME, while Keoghan added Stormzy and Dave. “I understand British rappers more,” Sheeran explained. “I can relate to Stormzy’s tunes more than I can relate to whoever.” (Billboard)

Goo Goo Dolls bandmates Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac credit their nearly 40-year partnership to their playful way of releasing tension. “John and I will actually slap each other and punch each other and get the aggression out,” Takac says during the band’s Summer Anthem Tour, named after the new EP they released on Friday (Aug. 22). “It’s just silly. It turns into slap fights. We don’t want to hurt each other. We love each other.” The band’s recent resurgence, fueled by renewed interest from the inclusion of “Iris” in the hit 2024 film, Deadpool & Wolverine, and robust attendance figures featuring younger, family-friendly audiences, led them to release a seven-track EP, Summer Anthem, instead of a full album due to touring demands, which they quickly recorded in New York with producer Gregg Wattenberg. Goo Goo Dolls are confident in their new material, even incorporating songs like “Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)” into their live shows, while balancing fresh tracks with their classic hits in order to continue growing as a band. (Billboard)

Global pop powerhouse Ava Max officially enters her most fearless era thus far with today’s release of her highly anticipated third studio album, Don’t Click Play, out now via Atlantic Records.

Singer and onetime Prince muse Apollonia (born Patricia Apollonia Kotero) has filed a lawsuit against Prince’s estate, Paisley Park Enterprises. She is accusing them of trying to "steal" her name by claiming ownership of the "Apollonia" trademark used in connection with clothing and entertainment services. Kotero, famous for her role as Apollonia in the hit 1984 film, Purple Rain, and her four decades-long career under that name, asserts that Prince himself encouraged her use of the name and that the estate’s recent attempts to cancel her trademarks and assert rights are unjustified, citing principles of fairness and long-term use. The 66-year-old musician seeks a court order affirming her ownership of the name and trademarks, while disputing the estate’s claim that she waived her rights under a 1983 contract. Her attorney expects a favorable outcome, while representatives for the estate have yet to respond to the allegations. (Rolling Stone)

On Wednesday (August 20), Doja Cat took to social media to unveil the rose-adorned cover art and an album trailer for her upcoming project, Vie, which is set for release on September 26. The cover features Doja surrounded by red roses, and the trailer showcases the Grammy winner taking a stylish drive through Paris in exotic sports cars, embracing a French mademoiselle vibe. Fans can pre-order signed vinyl and CDs from her website, with Doja promising, “Every week I’m dropping new, exclusive albums on my store so stay tuned for more, including the first vinyl from my ‘Love Languages Collection.'” The album’s lead single, "Jealous Type," is scheduled to drop on August 21. “I do want to be self-aware enough to admit the fact that this is a pop-driven project,” Doja said of her new album in a recent interview with V Magazine. “I know that I can make pop music, and pop is just that it’s popular.” (Billboard)

Dua Lipa recently visited a women’s prison in the U.K. as part of the Booker Prize Foundation’s Books Unlocked program. The three-time Grammy winner joined a book club discussing Douglas Stuart’s Shuggie Bain, a Booker Prize-winning novel she had previously selected for her own book club, Service95. Reflecting on the visit for the new Harper’s Bazaar cover story, Lipa recalled one poignant moment that made a lasting impact on her. “There was also one lady in there that I think about often,” Lipa shared. “And she was about 52 years old or something, and she said, ‘Oh, had I maybe read books sooner in my life, maybe I wouldn’t be here, because reading books has really made me understand people and humans and emotions.’” The newly-engaged 29-year-old singer, who launched her book club in 2023, went on to add that, “Reading opens you up to the world. And it makes the world so much smaller.” (People)

The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour has set the record as “the biggest R&B tour in history,” grossing over $600 million and selling nearly five million tickets, according to Billboard. The Weeknd kicked off his epic tour nearly three years ago in July 2022, and it has subsequently raked in $635.5 million, becoming only the “ninth tour to hit this benchmark, and the only one by an R&B artist or a Black artist.” With those figures, the Weeknd’s tour has now eclipsed Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, which grossed $579.8 million, while also surpassing Bruno Mars’ previous record of 3.6 million tickets sold on his 2017-18’s 24K Magic World Tour. By the time the After Hours Til Dawn Tour comes to a close on September 3 in San Antonio, it will have earned close to $700 million, with around 5.5 million tickets sold. (Billboard)

With Aerosmith’s future uncertain due to Steven Tyler’s larynx injury, guitarist Joe Perry is keeping the band’s legacy alive through a new iteration of the Joe Perry Project, which includes Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford, the Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson, and Stone Temple Pilots bassist Robert DeLeo. The group launched their U.S. tour on Wednesday night (August 13) at the Hard Rock Event Center in Tampa, performing a set filled with Aerosmith classics – including “Last Child,” “Same Old Song and Dance,” and “Draw the Line” – alongside hits from the Black Crowes and Stone Temple Pilots, with veteran drummer Jason Sutter replacing STP’s Eric Kretz at the last minute due to a “family emergency.” While Aerosmith remains inactive, a future tour is unlikely due to Tyler’s vocal issues. “He just doesn’t want to tour, and he can’t tour. It’s tough,” Perry said of the Aerosmith frontman In a recent interview with WBUR. (Rolling Stone)

Photo: Brian-Ziff

At a recent Chris Brown concert, 13-year-old fan Gabby and her mother were surprised with a VIP experience arranged by Brown and TikTok influencer MDMotivator, which included $10,000 in cash and a brand-new car. After buying mystery tickets from MDMotivator, Gabby, a dancer inspired by Brown, met the R&B superstar and received encouragement from him to keep pursuing her passion. “You said you dance? Don’t stop, go harder and harder,” Brown said. “Always be yourself. I love you guys.” The emotional moment, captured on video and shared by Brown, showed Gabby’s excitement and Brown’s praise for MDMotivator’s charitable efforts, with the surprise ending in the gift of a new Ford. The act of generosity has drawn widespread praise from the likes of Tony Yayo, Kelly Rowland, and actor Omari Hardwick. Brown’s Breezy Bowl XX Tour continues with upcoming shows at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey and Rogers Stadium in Toronto. (Billboard)

After retiring from music in 2024 and earning substantial income through OnlyFans, Iggy Azalea has reinvented herself as a crypto entrepreneur. The former pop star has launched a meme coin called Mother, which is inspired by her experience raising her son, Onyx, who was born in 2020 while Azalea was with her ex, Playboi Carti. Following the success of hits like her 2014 collaboration with Charli XCX, "Fancy," Azalea spent years feeling adrift in the music industry. “I think a big part of the last ten years of my life, honestly, have been about getting that control back for me: To be able to navigate my own ship in those ways. It feels really good to be able to do it,” she said in a new interview with ABC’s Nightline. Azalea’s business ventures, including co-founding wireless provider Unreal Mobile, were funded in large part by her OnlyFans earnings, though she refuted the exaggerated claims that she made $48 million on the site in 2024. (Consequence of Sound)

Taylor Swift has announced her 12th studio album "The Life Of A Showgirl," set for an October 13th, 2025 release. Pre-orders for vinyl, CD, and cassette versions are now available. The pop superstar will promote the album by appearing on the New Heights podcast hosted by her boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce on August 13th at 7:00 p.m. ET. They released a short video yesterday in which Swift reveals the album cover and title to Jason as they record the episode. Swift's previous album "The Tortured Poets Department" was released in April 2024. Pre-orders for the new album are now available on TaylorSwift.com. (COS)

Ariana Grande brightened the day of 9-year-old cancer patient and social media influencer, Brie Bird, by sending her a Wicked-themed care package on Thursday (August 7). The surprise gift was filled with various plush toys and other film-related goodies, as well as Grande’s own branded nail polish, makeup, and perfume. Grande also included a personal video message expressing admiration for Brie’s courage and explaining her inspiration to create the package after learning of Brie’s love for Wicked and Glinda. "I've seen your videos and I think you are the most amazing, most inspiring little light beam in this universe. You're just so incredible, so thank you for being you," Grande said. "I'm sending you so much love and many, many, many virtual hugs. I hope this makes you smile, and I'll speak to you soon. Love you." Grateful for the thoughtful gesture, Brie and her family shared their deep appreciation, calling it a “wish come true” and praising Grande for her kindness and support during Brie’s challenging health journey. (People)

Kehlani is expressing gratitude to her fans for the support of her latest single, "Folded," by offering free laundry services to mothers across the country. The singer, who understands the challenges single mothers face, is paying it forward through a partnership with the nonprofit organization Current Initiatives and their Laundry Project. In a post on Instagram, Kehlani wrote, "growing up i knew how hard it was for all the single mamas in my family to get the tasks done on top of it all. clean clothes is a basic necessity. i got yall." The song "Folded" details the peaceful end of a relationship, and it has gained popularity on TikTok. The free laundry services will take place on Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m. to noon local time at participating laundromats in several cities, including Long Beach, Oakland, Charlotte, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and New York City. Kehlani  will not be present at the events. (Complex)

MC Hammer is facing a lawsuit from JPMorgan Chase Bank over an unpaid car loan. The bank claims that Hammer and his company, U Can't Touch This LLC, still owe $76,732.79 on a $114,376.90 loan used to purchase a Land Rover in 2023. Despite the bank's demand for the vehicle's return, Hammer has allegedly refused to surrender the car. This is not the first time Hammer has faced financial difficulties. In 1996, the rapper, known for hits like "U Can't Touch This" and "2 Legit 2 Quit," filed for federal bankruptcy protection, claiming only $1 million in assets to pay over $10 million in debts. The bankruptcy case dragged on for years, with a judge in 2002 refusing to discharge Hammer's debts due to his alleged failure to comply with the settlement. In 2013, the IRS sued Hammer, claiming he owed nearly $800,000 in unpaid taxes from 1996 and 1997, which the feds later won a ruling to collect in 2015. (Billboard)

2025 VMAs NOMINEES:

Chappell Roan, who recently released a new single titled "The Subway," will be taking her time when it comes to creating a second album. In an interview with Vogue, Roan revealed that her "second project doesn't exist yet." Roan released her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, in September 2023, and has since won a Grammy for best new artist and released three singles. However, the artist told Vogue, "There is no album. There is no collection of songs." Roan explained that it took her five years to write her first album, and she expects the next one to take at least as long. "I'm not that type of writer that can pump it out," she said, adding that she doesn't believe she makes "good music whenever I force myself to do anything." The artist also shared that her latest single, "The Subway," "took an annoying amount of time to get just right" because she "wasn't ready to put it out yet." (Variety)

Rapper Soulja Boy, also known as DeAndre Cortez Way, found himself in legal trouble after being arrested as a passenger in a car that was pulled over in Los Angeles early Sunday morning. According to the LAPD, the vehicle was stopped at Melrose and Genesee around 2:35 am, and a firearm was spotted inside, leading to Soulja Boy's arrest for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Soulja Boy, best known for his singles "Crank That," "Turn My Swag On," and "Kiss Me Thru the Phone," has faced more legal issues than musical successes this year -- including being ordered to pay $4 million after a sexual assault case in April. In a 2021 interview with Paper, Soulja Boy expressed his indifference towards his standing in the rap community, stating, "I don't care about my place bro... I know where my place in hip hop is. I know what I did for the culture. I know how lit I am." (Variety)

Justin Timberlake has just revealed that he was diagnosed with Lyme disease during his just-completed Forget Tomorrow World Tour. The ten-time Grammy-winning singer shared his health update in a series of Instagram Stories that coincided with the final show of his tour in Istanbul on Wednesday (July 30), disclosing that nerve pain and severe fatigue affected his recent performances. “I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme Disease–which I don’t say so you feel bad for me – but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes,” he wrote. “Living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.” Timberlake contemplated pausing the tour in order to focus on his health, but ultimately he “decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.” Timberlake launched his tour in April 2023, traveling throughout the world while promoting his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was. (Variety)

Busta Rhymes will be honored by receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a ceremony set to take place on Friday afternoon (August 1) in Los Angeles. The event will feature guest speakers LL Cool J, Chris Rock, and Chuck D, with radio host Big Boy emceeing. Reflecting on his illustrious hip-hop career in an interview segment on CBS Mornings on Monday (July 28), Busta called the recognition “divine timing,” while adding, “Thirty-five years of professional recording is a long earning of my rite to passage. I’m just glad they decided it’s time for me.” Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said Busta’s star “will stand as a testament to his lasting impact on hip-hop music and how important it is to the American culture.” Alongside this recognition, Busta is preparing to release his 12th studio album, Vengeance, this September, and stars in the upcoming The Naked Gun reboot. (Billboard)

Lil Baby and his nonprofit, The Jones Project, hosted their fifth annual Back to School Fest in Atlanta’s West End Production Park on Saturday (July 26). The event provided free school supplies, uniforms, and fun activities like carnival rides, games, and hair services to over 4,000 students and their families. Supported by various local partners and city leaders, the event emphasized the importance of giving back, with Lil Baby expressing how lack of school essentials can negatively affect kids’ lives. “It means a lot to be able to come back and give back, because I know so much comes behind not having shoes and school utensils and stuff for school — because that be a lot of kids’ reason to steer off,” Baby told The Atlanta Voice. Launched in 2021 to uplift his hometown youth, the initiative earned praise from attendees for Lil Baby’s genuine involvement and personal commitment beyond financial support. (Billboard)

Over the weekend, Paramore’s Hayley Williams surprised fans by releasing 17 new songs on her rudimentary website, accessible via a code linked to her Good Dye Young hair dye company. The tracks have a confessional, homemade charm to them, ranging from meditative tracks like “True Believer” and “BloodBros,” to edgy, inventive rockers like “IceInMyOJ” and “Hard.” It remains unclear if this unannounced collection serves as an official follow-up to Williams’ previous solo projects, 2020’s Petals for Armor and its 2021 sequel, Flowers for Vases/ Descansos. The site also includes miscellaneous extras like a 2017 live performance clip, lyric sheets, and a photo featuring a “Hayley Williams is my favorite band” T-shirt. This surprise drop follows last week’s Nashville public radio release of Williams’ new song, “Mirtazapine,” which she performed live for the first time with Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers at the Newport Folk Festival on Friday. (Billboard)

On Monday (July 28), the Stray Cats announced the dates and details of their fall 2025 U.S tour, the band’s first live shows since frontman Brian Setzer’s autoimmune disease diagnosis. “The Stray Cats are back and ready to rock this fall!” the band captioned their tour announcement post. “Catch all three original members - Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker, and Slim Jim Phantom bring their signature rockabilly sound across the U.S. ” The 21-date jaunt kicks-off on October 25 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, followed by stops in cities including Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, with the tour concluding on November 23 in Wheatland, California. Despite Setzer’s February 2025 revelation that the condition affected his ability to play guitar, the 66-year-old musician reported gradual improvement while expressing hopes to tour the globe again soon. Ticket presale starts on Wednesday (July 29), followed by general on-sale beginning Friday (August 1). (Consequence of Sound)

Destiny’s Child reunited for a surprise medley during the final night of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour in Las Vegas on Saturday (July 26). Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland delighted the sold-out crowd at Allegiant Stadium by joining Beyoncé on stage to perform “Lose My Breath,” “Energy,” and their iconic 2001 No. 1 hit, “Bootylicious.” This marked the celebrated trio’s first joint performance since Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella appearance. The brief but electrifying reunion came about 40 songs into the show, with Beyoncé making a short but impactful introduction, “Destiny’s Child, bitch.” Williams and Rowland even nailed the “mute challenge” portion of “Energy,” with Kelly teasing the audience by mouthing “shut up.” The night also featured other special appearances, including Shaboozey recreating his “Sweet Honey Buckin’” duet with Beyoncé, while Jay-Z joined his wife on her Grammy-winning hit “Crazy in Love,” and his 2001 track, “N—-s in Paris,” making the closing show on the Cowboy Carter Tour a memorable celebration of Beyoncé’s collaborative history. (Variety)

Chappell Roan's long-awaited new single, "The Subway," seems poised for release next week. Ads featuring the singer have popped up around New York City, along with a cryptic message, “Going through a break up? Get Bangs!” Roan appears in the promo shots sporting bangs, with a rat and cigarette in her hair, along with a bread clip that reads, “Best Before August 1,” which hints at a potential release date for the new track. Fans are speculating that a studio version of “The Subway” is finally set to drop, after Roan had previously performed the song at a series of major festivals throughout the summer of 2024, including its live debut at Governors Ball in New York. Roan was also seen shooting a music video around New York City earlier this month. (Rolling Stone)

NBC's hit singing competition show, The Voice, is set to see the reunion of former coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Adam Levine for its upcoming 29th season. This comes as the network has also announced the coaches for Season 28, which include Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire. Both seasons are being filmed concurrently, leading to the early announcement of the Season 29 coaches. The 29th season, dubbed "The Voice: Battle of Champions," will feature various format revamps, including a "Triple Turn Competition" and an "In-Season All-Star Competition" during the knockouts. Additionally, the semi-final and finale week will involve a new voting block comprised of super fans and past Voice artists. (Deadline)

A two-part documentary series titled, Taylor, is in the works, which explores Taylor Swift’s historic rise to pop superstardom. The project is directed by Guy King, and is set to premiere on Channel 4 in the U.K. “Taylor Swift is an unprecedentedly powerful 21st-century voice for women and young people,” King shared in a statement. “Under the microscope of social media since the earliest days of MySpace and Tumblr, she came of age during a new feminist wave. With her fame came controversy, which she so skillfully wrestled to the floor. We’re excited to tell her story.” The docuseries will feature “rare archive” content and insights from experts and fans, aiming to capture Swift's evolution into one of the most important, influential, and best-selling artists of the modern age. The series will be produced by Sandpaper Films, with Jessica Brady leading production. An official release date for Taylor has not yet been announced. (Rolling Stone)

Prince's acclaimed 1987 live concert film, Sign O' the Times, will make its IMAX debut in a limited global run beginning on August 29. Prince directed, scored, and starred in the movie, which featured his new backing band, including longtime collaborators Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Sheila E., Dr. Fink, Bobby Z., and his duet partner Sheena Easton. They performed hit singles from the multi-platinum album, including "Sign O' the Times," "U Got the Look," and "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man," which were all Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Alongside the live performances, the movie also includes scripted scenes, which have all been “enhanced with IMAX’s precision surround sound audio, customized theatre geometry, and crystal-clear images, Prince’s virtuoso performance is set to mesmerize fans old and new in the most epic format available.” Sign O' the Times will screen for one week only, with special invite-only events planned in New York, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis in August. (Billboard)

During Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball tour stop in Las Vegas on Saturday night (July 19), the singer slipped and fell while performing “Vanish Into You.” Gaga was heading off stage along a corridor to go into the crowd when she fell, but she quickly got to her feet and recovered, continuing the song as fans cheered their support. Moments before her fall, Gaga helped steady a cameraman who also fell near the same spot that Gaga eventually went down. The incident didn't deter Gaga from delivering an electrifying performance during the final show of a sold-out three-night stand at Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, which kicked off her highly-anticipated Mayhem Ball Tour. The more intimate run of arena shows – instead of the stadiums featured during 2022's Chromatica Ball tour –  is in support of Gaga’s chart-topping album, Mayhem, which was released back in March. The Mayhem Ball is next scheduled to stop in San Francisco, before heading to Los Angeles, Seattle, New York City, Miami, Toronto, and Chicago throughout the summer. (People)

Demi Lovato is currently putting the finishing touches on her ninth studio album, which is expected to be released later this year. “Over the past few years, Demi has found love, joy, and newfound confidence, making the choice to approach life with much more lightness and fun,” says a source close to the project. “She took this sentiment into the studio, which can be felt in every track on this celebratory dance-pop album.” The album is executive-produced by Zhone, known for his work with Kylie Minogue, Troye Sivan, and Kesha. “It’s been so inspiring working with Demi and experiencing her journey of continued leveling up,” Zhone says. “She is such a master in the studio. This album is about letting inhibitions go, and we had so much fun making this music! It really comes across throughout.” Lovato, who recently got married to Jordan Lutes, has been sharing teasers of her new song, “Fast,” on social media, giving fans their first taste of DL9. (Rolling Stone)

On Monday (July 21), Mariah Carey officially announced details of her 16th album, Here for It All, which is set to be released on September 26 via Gamma, the independent music company that she signed a multi-record deal with earlier this summer. The new project will serve as Carey’s long-awaited follow-up to 2018's Caution. The announcement was made via an Instagram video where Carey revealed the title, cover art, and release date for the upcoming album, while also teasing a brief snippet of the title track. Another recent social media clip featured Carey mixing up a sweet treat in the kitchen while singing along to her forthcoming single, "Sugar Sweet." Last month, Carey released the lead single from the project, “Type Dangerous,” along with a music video, with the track recently getting remixed by collaborators Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Redman, Big Sean, DJ Snake, and Luísa Sonza. (Rolling Stone)

During her Manchester concert on Saturday night (July 19), Billie Eilish revealed the exciting news that a 3D collaboration with Oscar-winning filmmaker James Cameron is in the works. The nine-time Grammy winner hinted at a mysterious project that required her to wear the same clothing across all four of her performances at Co-op Live, which Cameron also attended. “So you may have noticed that there are more cameras than usual in here,” Eilish told the crowd. “I’m working on something very, very special with somebody named James Cameron and it’s going to be in 3D. These four shows here in Manchester, you and me are part of a thing that I am making with him. He’s in this audience somewhere, just saying. So don’t mind that, and also I’ll probably be wearing this exact outfit for like four days in a row.” Eilish is in Manchester as part of her ongoing Hit Me Hard And Soft World Tour, which eventually concludes on November 23 in San Francisco. (Variety)