Kid Cudi to Co-Headline FanDuel’s Annual Super Bowl Party

Kid Cudi is preparing for a Super performance…

FanDuel is partnering with Spotify this year for its annual Super Bowl party, with the 40-year-old part-Mexican American singer, songwriter and actor co-headlining alongside Calvin Harris.

Kid CudiThe 2024 FanDuel Super Bowl Party powered by Spotify — which will be held at LIV inside the Las Vegas Strip’s newest resort, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, on Friday night, February 9 — is the company’s third annual Super Bowl event and will feature a live recording of The Ringer Gambling Show podcast with hosts John “JJ” Jastremski, Raheem Palmer and “Cousin Sal” Iacono.

On January 12, Kid Cudi released his ninth studio album, Insano, which features collaborations with Travis Scott, ASAP Rocky, Lil Yachty, Pharrell Williams, the late XXXTentacion, Lil Wayne and Young Thug.

The project debuted at No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart dated January 27.

The event comes just two days before Super Bowl LVIII at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (February 11), where the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the San Francisco 49ers for the championship.

It was announced in September that Usher would headline the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show. Usher also announced that his ninth album, Coming Home, will arrive on Super Bowl Sunday. This set marks his first new album since 2016’s Hard II Love, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200.

Cardi B to Perform New Megan Thee Stallion-Collaboration “Bongos” at MTV Video Music Awards

 Cardi B is headed to the MTV Video Music Awards

The 30-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-winning rap superstar and Megan Thee Stallion have joined the performer lineup for the upcoming awards show.

Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, BongosCardi B and Megan Thee Stallion will reunite for a debut performance of their just-released single “Bongos” during the ceremony, which will air live from New Jersey’s Prudential Center on Tuesday, September 12th at 8:00 pm ET/PT.

In 2021, the duo were five-time VMA nominees for their hit single “WAP” including Song of the Summer, Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration and Best Hip Hop.

The song made history as the first female rap collaboration to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, then spending four weeks at the top spot as well as being certified platinum 8x in the U.S.

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion join a performer lineup that includes Fall Out Boy, Metro Boomin with Future, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Swae Lee & NAV, Peso Pluma, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Wayne, Anitta, Doja Cat, Kelsea Ballerini, Tomorrow X TogetherDemi Lovato, Karol G, Måneskin and Stray Kids.

Minaj will reprise her dual role at the MTV VMAs as show emcee and performer for the live event. She’s expected to present the world premiere performance of her newest single, “Last Time I Saw You.”

Taylor Swift leads the pack in nominations with eight, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Anti-Hero.

Peso Pluma to Make Debut Performance at MTV Video Music Awards

Peso Pluma is preparing to make a grand debut appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The 24-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has been added to the list of performers for the upcoming MTV VMAs.

Peso PlumaPeso Pluma, who is nominated for Best New Artist, Best Latin and Song of the Summer, is part of a roster of new performer additions that includes Fall Out Boy, Metro Boomin with Future, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and Swae Lee & NAV.

They join previously announced Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Wayne, Anitta, Doja Cat, Kelsea Ballerini, Tomorrow X TogetherDemi Lovato, Karol G, Måneskin and Stray Kids.

Minaj will reprise her dual role at the VMAs as show emcee and performer for the 2023 live event from New Jersey’s Prudential Center on Tuesday, September 12.

Taylor Swift leads the pack in nominations with eight. Other multi-nominated artists include SZA with six noms, Doja Cat, Kim Petras, Miley Cyrus, Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo and Sam Smith with five each, and Blackpink, Diddy and Shakira with four each.

Fans can vote for their favorites across 15 gender-neutral categories, including “Video of the Year,” at vote.mtv.com through Friday, September 1st; voting for “Best New Artist” will remain active into the show on Tuesday, September 12th.

Anitta to Perform at This Year’s MTV Video Music Awards

Anitta will be making a special appearance at this year’s MTV VMAs

The 30-year-old Brazilian superstar has been added to the list of performers for the MTV Video Music Awards.

AnittaAnitta is joined by Lil Wayne, Doja Cat, Kelsea Ballerini and K-pop band Tomorrow X Together as the latest round of performers.

They join previously announced Demi Lovato, Karol G, Måneskin and Stray Kids.

Additional performers to be announced soon.

The awards show will air live from New Jersey’s Prudential Center on Tuesday, September 12 at 8:00 pm on MTV and stream on Paramount+.

Taylor Swift leads the pack in nominations with eight, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Anti-Hero”.

Other multi-nominated artists include SZA with 6 noms, Doja Cat, Kim Petras, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo and Sam Smith with 5 each, and Blackpink, Diddy and Shakira with 4 each.

There also are a record number of first-ever VMAs nominees (35 total) this year, with multiple nominations for first-timers Kim Petras (5), Metro Boomin and Rema (3 each), Ayra Starr, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Peso Pluma, Reneé Rapp and Yung Miami (2 each).

Other artists receiving first-time nods include Aespa, boygenius, Burna Boy, Davido, Eslabon Armado, Fletcher, Fifty Fifty, JVKE, Lauren Spencer Smith, Musa Keys, PinkPantheress, Saucy Santana, Stephen Sanchez and Toosii, among others.

Fans can vote for their favorites across 15 gender-neutral categories, including “Video of the Year,” at vote.mtv.com through Friday, September 1st; voting for “Best New Artist” will remain active into the show on Tuesday, September 12th. Nominations for social categories including “Group of the Year” and “Song of Summer” will be announced at a later date.

Feid to Perform as Part of Post-Thursday Night Football Concert Series “Amazon Music Live”

It’s a touchdown for Feid.

Amazon Music Live will return for season 2 with performances from several artists, including the 31-yea-old Colombian singer and songwriter.

FeidHosted by 2 Chainz, Amazon Music’s weekly livestreamed concert series, which is broadcast after Thursday Night Football will have performances starting September 21 at 9:00 pm PT with artists including Feid, Ed Sheeran, Lil Durk and more.

Amazon Music Live will broadcast live from Los Angeles and air on Prime Video and Amazon Music’s Twitch channel.

Lil Baby, Megan Thee Stallion, Kane Brown, Lil Wayne, Anuel AA, A$AP Rocky, Anitta and 21 Savage performed during season 1 of Amazon Music Live.

“We created Amazon Music Live to bring sports and music fans together on Thursday nights for a brand-new, can’t-miss event celebrating new music after the biggest game of the week,” said Ryan Redington, GM of Amazon Music. “Available to fans around the world on Prime Video and Twitch, AML became a massive new stage for artists to share their culture-defining new music after Thursday Night Football, and this year we’re going even bigger.”

Sheeran will kick off season 2 on September 21, just a week before he releases his seventh studio album Autumn Variations, due September 29. \

Feid will perform September 28, the night before he drops his new album Mor No Le Temas a la Oscuridad.

And Lil Durk will perform on Oct. 5.

More artists across all genres will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Join me each week when I’m turning Thursday night into music’s main stage with Amazon Music Live,” 2 Chainz said. “We’re returning to your screens live after Thursday Night Football with even more new music, more album drops and more wild performances than ever before. Amazon Music Live is the only place to be after the big game. Tune in and turn up.”

Play-N-Skillz Signs Label Deal with Pitbull‘s Mr. 305 Records

Play-N-Skillz are getting (Mr.) Worldwide support…

The Latin/American record production/DJ group, comprised of brothers Juan “Play” Salinas and Oscar “Skillz” Salinas, has signed a label deal with Pitbull‘s Mr. 305 Records.

Play-N-Skillz,The Dallas-born siblings join a roster that includes Omar Courtz, IAMCHINO and Montana Tucker, among others.

“Joining Mr. 305 Records is a perfect match for us,” said Play-N-Skillz in a statement. “We have a strong history with Pitbull and being part of his record label is an amazing chance for growth. We appreciate the trust he has in us and are excited to create incredible music together.”

After DJing house parties in their hometown, Play-N-Skillz landed its big break in the early 2000s after producing Lil’ Flip‘s second album, U Gotta Feel Me.

Since then, Play-N-Skillz has produced for artists such as ChamillionaireDavid GuettaLil WayneBecky GNicky Jam and Daddy Yankee.

In 2019, Play-N-Skillz produced and co-wrote Yankee’s smash hit “Con Calma” ft. Snow, which later got a remix with Katy Perry. The original track peaked at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart for a total of 14 weeks.

“I am thrilled to welcome Play-N-Skillz to the Mr. 305 Records family. Our history of working together has been marked by mutual respect, creativity, and shared musical vision. I have always admired their exceptional production skills and their ability to push boundaries in their craft,” added Robert Fernandez, CEO of Mr. 305 Records. “It’s an honor that they have decided to partner with us and trust us to help bring their brand and artistic vision to the next level. Together, we will continue to make history and ccreate music that will captivate audiences worldwide. The future looks incredibly exciting, and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the journey ahead with Play-N-Skillz.”

Play-N-Skillz is currently working on new music set to drop soon under Mr. 305.

Kid Cudi to Perform at Pharrell’s Something in the Water Festival

There’s something in the water for Kid Cudi

The 39-year-old half-Mexican American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor and fashion designer will take part in Pharrell’s Something in the Water festival.

Kid CudiSponsored by AirBnB and Walmart, the three-day soiree taking place in Virginia Beach, Va., between April 28 and April 30.

Other artists set to participate include Lil Wayne, The Clipse, Summer Walker, Grace Jones, Lil Uzi Vert, Kehlani and more.

Last year, the festival took place in Washington, D.C., after Pharrell voiced his disappointment in his hometown’s handling of his cousin’s death the year before. His letter, written in October 2021, discussed the decision to move the festival due to what he called a “toxic” environment.

“I was disappointed with how the local municipal government handled the loss of my cousin’s life,” he told Billboard ahead of last year’s festival. “It is one thing for the officer to make a mistake, but it is another to follow up the way they did. I did not feel there was enough love, respect and reverence for his life. Him being a fellow Virginian, his life and the loss of his life should have been treated like anybody else’s. When we start seeing situations handled differently, not only with African Americans but with minorities in general handled differently, then coming back is something we can think about doing again.”

Along with a bevy of performances, Pharrell’s team-up with Walmart will look to impact communities in Virginia. “Strengthening local communities is core to Walmart’s DNA,” said Cedric Clark, executive vice president of store operations for Walmart U.S., in a press release. “By investing in our associates and in the communities we serve, we help build a foundation where people can live their full potential every day. We’re excited to team up with Something in the Water, returning to a special place to Walmart, Virginia’s Hampton Roads, to help celebrate and empower this community we’re so proud to be a part of.”

Fans will see a mixed bag of talent, including revered legacy acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Mumford & Sons and SWV, to burgeoning stars including Kid Laroi, Lil Durk and Latto.

Swizz Beatz to Participate in Grammys’ Star-Studded Segment Celebrating Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

Swizz Beatz is helping celebrating hip-hop history…

The 65th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 5, will feature a star-studded segment celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop that will include the 44-year-old half-Puerto Rican recording artist, music producer and entrepreneur.

Swizz BeatzWith a career spanning over two decades, his catalog includes “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem“, “Party Up (Up in Here)” (DMX), “Gotta Man” (Eve), “Jigga My Nigga“, “Girl’s Best Friend” (Jay-Z), “Upgrade U“, “Check on It“, “Ring the Alarm” (Beyoncé), “Good Times” (Styles P), “Bring ‘Em Out“, “Swing Ya Rag” (T.I.), “Hotel“, “I’m a Hustla” (Cassidy), “Touch It” (Busta Rhymes), “Ultralight Beam” (Kanye West), and more.

In addition to Beatz, the segment will include performances by Big Boi, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, De La Soul, DJ Drama, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Missy Elliott, Future, GloRilla, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Mele Mel & Scorpio/Ethiopian King, Ice-T, Lil Baby, Lil Wayne, The Lox, Method Man, Nelly, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Rahiem, Rakim, RUN-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa and Spinderella, Scarface and Too $hort.

LL Cool J will introduce the segment, perform and give a dedication to hip-hop.

Questlove will serve as producer and musical director, The Roots will provide music and Black Thought will narrate.

“For five decades, hip-hop has not only been a defining force in music, but a major influence on our culture,” Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement. “Its contributions to art, fashion, sport, politics, and society cannot be overstated. I’m so proud that we are honoring it in such a spectacular way on the Grammy stage. It is just the beginning of our yearlong celebration of this essential genre of music.”

The Grammys will also honor hip-hop with one of three breakout performances in this year’s In Memoriam segment.

On Wednesday (Feb. 1), the Academy announced that the In Memoriam segment at the 2023 Grammy Awards will include breakout tributes to three diverse artists who died last fall — Loretta Lynn, Christine McVie and Takeoff.

Kacey Musgraves will perform Lynn’s 1970 classic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” in tribute to the country legend, who died on October 4 at age 90; Sheryl Crow, Mick Fleetwood and Bonnie Raitt will team to perform “Songbird” from Fleetwood Mac’s album of the year-winning Rumours to honor McVie, who died on November 30 at age 79; and Maverick City Music will join Quavo for Quavo’s sentimental ballad “Without You” to honor Takeoff, who died on November 1 at just 28.

Also, Cardi B, who four years ago became the first female solo artist to win a Grammy for best rap album, will serve as a presenter on the show.

And the Grammys aren’t done celebrating hip-hop’s anniversary. In partnership with the Recording Academy, CBS will broadcast a special hip-hop music event later in 2023.

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and will be hosted for the third year in a row by Emmy-winning comedian Trevor Noah. The show will be broadcast live on Sunday, February 5, at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT on CBS and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Cardi B Becomes First Female Artist to Win Best Hip-Hop Video Twice at BET Hip Hop Awards

Cardi B has earned a place in BET history…

The 28-year-old half Dominican American rap superstar and Megan Thee Stallion were the top winners at the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards, which were telecast on Tuesday on BET.

Cardi B

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion took home three awards for their chart-topping smash “WAP“: song of the year, best hip-hop video and best collaboration.

Cardi B is the first female artist to win best hip-hop video twice. She won two years ago for “Money.” Among all artists, Drake is the category leader with five awards. T.I., Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar have each won twice.

This is the second year in a row that an all-female pairing has won best collaboration. “Savage” (remix) by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé won last year.

The awards show was pre-recorded on Friday at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta.

Here’s the full list of winners.

Hip hop album of the year
Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler, The Creator

Song of the year
“WAP,” Produced by Ayo & Keyz (Cardi B Feat. Megan Thee Stallion) \

Hip hop artist of the year
Lil Baby

Best hip-hop video
Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”

Best new hip hop artist
Yung Bleu

Best collaboration
Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”

Best duo or group
Lil Baby & Lil Durk

Best live performer
Tyler, the Creator

Lyricist of the year
J. Cole

Best international flow
Little Simz (UK)

Video director of the year
Missy Elliott

Producer of the year
Hit-Boy

Hustler of the year
Saweetie

Sweet 16: best featured verse
Jay-Z, “What It Feels Like” (Nipsey Hussle feat. Jay-Z)

Impact track
Nipsey Hussle feat. Jay-Z, “What It Feels Like”

I Am Hip Hop award
Nelly

Rock the Bells cultural influence award 
Tyler, The Creator

DJ of the year and best hip hop platform will be revealed once the voting window closes on BET.com.

Swizz Beatz to Receive ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award

Swizz Beatz is a voice of the future

The 42-year-old half Puerto Rican recording artist, music producer and entrepreneur will receive the ASCAP Voice of the Culture award alongside Timbaland and D-Nice to kick off the 2021 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on June 22.

Swizz Beatz

Following the presentation, the music creators will take part in a 2021 ASCAP Experience conversation, “Voices of the Culture: How Swizz Beatz, Timbaland & D-Nice United the World Through Music,” at 12:00 pm ET/ 9:00 am PT.

The virtual conversation will explore how Timbaland and Swizz Beatz’s virtual music battle series Verzuz and D-Nice’s Club Quarantine became tools for uplift within the Black music community and touchstones of empowerment during the pandemic.

To join the conversation, participants can RSVP at www.ascapexperience.com/schedule. They can also submit a question for the three creators before June 10.

Verzuz has featured such epic matchups as Gladys Knight vs. Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu vs. Jill Scott, Earth, Wind & Fire vs. The Isley Brothers, and Snoop Dogg vs. DMX.

Club Quarantine attracted a virtual community of millions to Instagram Live for sets of funk, disco, hip-hop and R&B.

In addition to launching these popular events, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and D-Nice are accomplished music creators in their own right.

Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Swizz Beatz has been in the music and business worlds since he was 16. He began DJing and working at his uncle’s company, Ruff Ryders Entertainment, while still in high school. Within a short time, Swizz produced the company’s first hit, by DMX. More success followed as a producer and artist. As a producer, Swizz has worked with a diverse array of artists, including Jay-Z, Madonna, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Metallica.

The 2021 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards is a virtual celebration that takes place on social media from June 22-24. The event recognizes songwriters, composers and publishers behind the most performed R&B/hip-hop, rap and gospel songs of the past year. Friends and fans can join the online festivities as ASCAP shares photos, videos, acceptance speeches and more from some of its top songwriters and publishers, posted with the hashtag #ASCAPAwards to @ASCAPUrban on Instagram and @ASCAP on Twitter and Instagram.

The ASCAP Experience takes place twice a month on Wednesdays through the end of 2021. Songwriters, composers and music business professionals can join the ASCAP Experience community for access to conversations with songwriters and producers from across the musical spectrum, plus panels with top industry executives, song feedback, networking opportunities and more. The virtual sessions are free to attend and take place on a variety of platforms, including YouTube, Instagram and on the ASCAP Experience website.