Ravyn Lenae, GELO and Odeal accepted the R&B, Hip-Hop and African Rookies of the Year award at Billboard‘s 2025 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event Thursday night (Sept. 4) at Unveiled in New York.

Staff writer Kyle Denis and I introduced the three Rookies, touting their Billboard chart stats — Lenae scored her first Billboard Hot 100 top five hit with “Love Me Not” and GELO’s “Tweaker” topped Rhythmic Airplay — and genre-blending capabilities, as Odeal has captured the global spotlight with his emotive, experimental blend of Afro-fusion, alté and R&B.

“As I was preparing for tonight, I kept reflecting on how transformative this past year has been for me. So many of my wildest dreams have become reality, and I’m still pinching myself to be living in a season I’ve worked toward for so long,” said Lenae, who also touched on the working process behind her 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album Bird’s Eye, the parent project of “Love Me Not.”

“I knew I had to strip everything back and reconnect with who I am beyond success or perception,” she added. “That meant going home to the Southside of Chicago, walking through my family home, eating my grandma’s cooking, revisiting the albums that made me want to sing in the first place. Those little things reminded me of my roots, my magic.”

When the spotlight was on Odeal, he reflected it back on everyone else in the room. “I want everyone to celebrate themselves at every time. My manager today told me to never be late to your own party, ’cause I’m literally always late to everything it’s ridiculous,” he said. “With that being said, I just want everyone to celebrate themselves at any given moment because life is short and we’re all doing absolutely amazing and we have to work twice as hard as almost anyone, you know what I’m talking about.”

GELO also shared his gratitude for being a part of Billboard‘s Rookie of the Year tradition at R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players. “It means a lot to be a part of the Billboard Rookie of the Year and all that. Thank everybody for having me, man, it’s been a blessing,” he said.

Lenae, GELO and Odeal will perform at Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B LIVE Friday night (Sept. 5) at Webster Hall on a bill headlined by Billboard cover star Leon Thomas.

This year marks the first time Billboard has separated R&B and hip-hop for this distinction and added African music as another category. Teezo Touchdown won the R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Year award last year, following Ice Spice (2023), Blxst (2022) and the inaugural recipient Baby Keem (2021).

Thomas, Cardi B, Wu-Tang Clan and TDE CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith were also honored at R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players.

Sony Music Publishing elevated Jordi Tello to managing director of Iberia, succeeding longtime Spain MD Juan Ignacio Alonso, who retired in August. Based in Madrid, Tello will oversee creative and business operations across Spain and Portugal, reporting to SMP president of international Guy Henderson. Tello joined SMP in April 2024 as A&R director, working with top artists like Rels B, Morad, Rigoberta Bandini, and Vicco, while SMP Iberia continues to represent iconic talent such as Jose Luis Perales, Estopa, Rozalén and Love of Lesbian. With over 25 years of experience, Tello began his career as a musician before transitioning into the music business in 1999 as an A&R for Warner Music, later spending 15 years at Universal Music Publishing — ultimately as A&R director — before joining Sony Music as an A&R director in 2017 and returning to publishing at SMP in 2024. Henderson praised Tello’s leadership and industry acumen, while Alonso expressed confidence in his successor. “I am delighted… and feel confident that the amazing work achieved by SMP Iberia’s current and former teams will be pursued and fostered under his leadership,” he said.

Canadian music executive Paul Haagenson was appointed president of Bruce Allen Talent, effective Oct. 6. The move comes as company founder Bruce Allen steps into the role of chairman, continuing his involvement with the Vancouver-based management firm. Haagenson previously served as president of Live Nation Canada, where he oversaw some of the country’s biggest tours and events. Before that, he was vice president and GM of the Western Division at House of Blues Concerts Canada. His decades of experience in the live music and talent management industries position him to steer Bruce Allen Talent into its next chapter. Bruce Allen Talent represents a diverse lineup of artists, including Canadian icon Anne Murray, Michael Bublé, Jann Arden, producer Bob Rock, and rock band The Offspring, with Bryan Adams among its past clients. “The company has a tremendous roster of talented artists, and I want to make sure they continue to get the best service we can offer,” Allen said in a statement. “Paul is going to add so much. He has a big reputation, and he understands the business incredibly well.” –Peony Hirwani

Virgin Music Group appointed Cindy Gu as general manager of Southeast Asia, overseeing operations in Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Based in Singapore, Gu is focused on expanding VMG’s presence across Southeast Asia — the six markets are home to over 600 million people — while advancing the company’s mission to support independent artists and labels throughout these dynamic markets. Gu brings over a decade of experience in electronic music, having led Fabled Records — a joint venture between Live Nation and Astralwerks — while championing regional talent and driving global success with standout releases like “Lathi” by Weird Genius and “Way Back Home.” She joins Liza Fuady, regional director, who will continue leading commercial strategy from Jakarta. “An entrepreneur herself, she knows firsthand what it takes to build successful independent music businesses and will be a valuable partner to entrepreneurs in one of the world’s most important high growth regions,” said JT Myers, co-CEO of Virgin Music Group.

Gibson appointed Anne Rohosy as chief commercial officer, expanding her leadership to oversee global commercial strategy across wholesale, direct-to-consumer and retail channels. Since joining Gibson in 2021, Rohosy has driven organizational transformation, led HR and culture initiatives, and revitalized the iconic guitar maker’s amplifier division. With over 30 years of leadership at global brands like Levi Strauss & Co. and Nike, Anne Rohosy brings extensive expertise in brand building, sales, marketing, strategic growth, and board-level innovation across consumer and tech-driven markets. “Anne’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Gibson’s transformation over the past several years,” said Cesar Gueikian, president and CEO of Gibson.

Big Machine Label Group announced a round of promotions and hirings in the label group’s international division, which continues to lead the label’s international efforts across key markets including the UK and Australia. Alex Hannaby has been elevated to vp of international marketing and operations (in addition to her role as head of U.K.). Iren Coutiel has been promoted to senior international digital & commercial manager, while international marketing & promotions manager Roxanne Gwillam-Kelly expands responsibilities to include overseeing projects in the U.K. and beyond, while international marketing & promotions manager Flo Myerscough-Harris expands her role from overseeing select projects in the U.K. to also include other international territories. International label intern Cary Dal-Lago will assist on all global BMLG projects. –Jessica Nicholson

Symphonic Distribution appointed Victor Roque as senior director of A&R and client development, LATAM, marking a strategic expansion into Puerto Rico alongside a new partnership with High Ground Music (HGM). Roque, a seasoned business development expert and former national director of marketing for Spanish Broadcasting System, brings over a decade of experience in artist marketing and event promotion. Based in P.R. and reporting to Symphonic’s vp of LATAM biz-dev, Greg Vinas, he’ll lead Symphonic’s efforts in artist acquisition and catalog growth across the Caribbean. His hiring will be celebrated at a launch event tonight (Sept. 5) in San Juan, co-hosted by Symphonic and HGM, whose founding team includes former Rimas execs.

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Penske Media Corporation named Eugenia Richman vp of editorial innovation, where she will lead strategic content development, studio initiatives and revenue growth across PMC’s portfolio (Billboard included). Richman, formerly editor-in-chief of Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), brings nearly a decade of leadership experience within PMC and will report to evp of strategy & operations Tom Finn. Simultaneously, Fairchild Media Group, a PMC division, promoted Michael Atmore to EIC of WWD, adding to his role as chief brand officer. Atmore will oversee WWD’s editorial direction across all platforms while continuing to lead Footwear News and FMG’s live events team, reporting directly to Amanda Smith, CEO of FMG, and James Fallon, chief content officer.

Bryce Buckner and Eric Bindman have each been elevated to partner at dance/electronic management company Prodigy Artists. In addition to this partner role, Buckner serves as senior manager and label manager at Prodigy and has been key in driving growth with an roster that includes headliners like SLANDER and NGHTMRE along with a slate of other songwriters and producers. Buckner also leads the teams behind the Gud Vibrations and Heaven Sent labels, in partnership with Insomniac Music Group. Meanwhile Bindman is partner and director of operations, a role that includes looking after a client roster featuring the Grammy-nominated and Gold-certified producer Audien, along with Elephante, NIIKO X SWAE and Emorfik. He brings 15 years of experience to the role, having worked across artist management, touring, publishing, operations, and team leadership. –Katie Bain

Esa-Pekka Salonen will be the LA Phil’s first creative director, beginning in the 2026/27 season. He’ll lead six weeks of concerts annually and spearhead innovative, multidisciplinary programming. This new role complements the ongoing search for a music director and reflects the LA Phil’s commitment to artistic excellence and audience expansion. Salonen, who was music director from 1992–2009, has had a transformative impact on the orchestra, commissioning numerous works and collaborating on landmark productions. The LA Phil also announced a partnership with the Philharmonie de Paris, where Salonen will serve as creativity and innovation chair and principal conductor. Joint initiatives include a conducting fellowship, ballet commissions, and immersive music-tech experiences.

Jack Babnew officially launched Automatic Classic, a boutique consulting and project development firm in Los Angeles that supports artist clients through services like artist development, A&R consulting, creative strategy, tour logistics and brand partnerships. With over a decade of experience at firms like TMWRK and Gold Theory Artists, Babnew has worked with acts such as MØ, Dorian Electra and Animal Collective, and led global campaigns and collaborations with brands like a24 and Gucci Beauty. Babnew said Automatic Classic’s mission is to empower artists, labels and producers to move creatively and confidently, stating, “If you have the vision, we have the drive.”

NASHVILLE NOTES: Ryan Aviation Group hired head of sales Lexi Dunfey. She arrives after 12 years with Private Jet Services, where she was most recently senior sales director… PLA Media hired public relations specialist Matt Bjorke. He was the longtime editor in chief of the now-defunct Roughstock.com… Marb Marketing head of PR Caitlin Blackford ended a five-year run with the company on Aug. 29, with her next role on the horizon. In her absence, Ave East Marketing publicity manager Natalie Blakley will take on Blackford’s clients.

Kyn Fellows joined UMG/Def Jam Recordings as the newest publicity director, based in the label’s Los Angeles office. Fellows arrives following nearly two years at Biz 3 Publicity, where she played a key role in shaping artist narratives and executing press campaigns for City Girls, Victoria Monét, Babyface and RAYE, among others. Her experience spans media strategy, talent relations and red carpet coordination. Prior to Biz 3, Fellows spent six years at Kennedy Rowe PR, working with major artists like Cam’Ron, Drake, Britney Spears and Chris Brown. Her career also includes time at Jive/RCA Records, Capitol Records, MTV Networks and The Chamber Group in New York.

Last Week’s Turntable: Spotify Picks Head of Nashville Editorial, Plus Merlin Hires Legal Affairs Wiz

UPDATE (Sept. 5): Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler & Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD and Nuno Bettencourt will join forces to honor the late Ozzy Osbourne with a medley of his greatest hits on the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, which are set for Sunday Sept. 7. Osbourne, a two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, died on July 22 at age 76.

PREVIOUSLY (Sept. 2): Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Tate McRae, Alex Warren and Sabrina Carpenter, all of whom have topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2025, are among the artists set to perform on the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday (Sept. 7).

Also, the women behind HUNTR/X, whose “Golden” is the current No. 1 single on the Hot 100, will present on the show. The fictional trio from KPop Demon Hunters is voiced by EJAE, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna.

Carey will receive this year’s Video Vanguard Award and will perform a career-spanning medley of hits. Hosted by LL COOL J, the show is set to air live coast-to-coast from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8:00 p.m., ET/5:00 p.m., PT on CBS, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. This year’s VMAs will be the first to air on CBS.

MTV has also revealed details about the one-hour pre-show.  Hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney with special performers KATSEYE — who will perform their latest singles “Gnarly” and “Gabriela” — the pre-show airs live Sunday, Sept. 7 at 7:00 p.m., ET/4:00 p.m., PT on MTV and BET, BET Her, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land and VH1.

Also, the VMAs Extended Play Stage moves in-show for the first time, spotlighting a trio of first-time VMA nominees: Bailey Zimmerman feat. The Kid LAROI, Lola Young and Megan Moroney. Young will perform her smash-hit “Messy,” while Moroney will perform her track “6 Months Later.”

Busta Rhymes will receive the MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin will be honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award.

This will mark Gaga’s first VMAs performance since 2020, when she took home multiple trophies, including artist of the year and song of the year for her “Rain on Me” collaboration with Ariana Grande.

Gaga is leading the pack at this year’s awards with 12 nominations, followed closely by her “Die With a Smile” collaborator Bruno Mars with 11. Other top contenders include Kendrick Lamar (10), Sabrina Carpenter (nine), ROSÉ (eight), Ariana Grande and The Weeknd (seven each), Billie Eilish and Tate McRae (six each), Charli xcx (five), and Alex Warren, Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus and Morgan Wallen (four each).

MTV is tweaking the Grammys’ long-time slogan “Music’s Biggest Night” by calling themselves “Music’s Most Iconic Night.” (In TV ads leading up to the show, they had tried “Music’s Most Surprising Night.”)

The 2025 MTV VMAs are executive produced by Bruce Gillmer, Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic, and Barb Bialkowski. Gunpowder & Sky CEO Van Toffler is producer. Alicia Portugal is co-executive producer. Jackie Barba is executive in charge of production. Wendy Plaut is executive in charge of celebrity talent. Lisa Lauricella is executive in charge of music talent.

This marks Toffler’s return to the show following a decade-long absence.

Here are the performers and presenters that have been announced for the 2025 VMAs. Additional names will be added as they are announced.

Performers

Alex Warren

Bailey Zimmerman feat. the Kid LAROI (Extended Play Stage)

Busta Rhymes (VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award)

Conan Gray

Doja Cat

J Balvin featuring DJ Snake

Jelly Roll

KATSEYE (Pre-Show)

Lady Gaga

Lola Young (Extended Play Stage)

Mariah Carey (MTV Video Vanguard Award)

Megan Moroney (Extended Play Stage)

Post Malone

Tate McRae

Ricky Martin (Latin Icon Award)

Nuno Bettencourt (Ozzy Osbourne tribute)

Sabrina Carpenter

sombr

Steven Tyler & Joe Perry (Ozzy Osbourne tribute)

YUNGBLUD (Ozzy Osbourne tribute)

Presenters

Ashlee Simpson Ross

Brittany Snow

Ciara

Drew Barrymore

KPop Demon Hunter’s EJAE, REI AMI + Audrey Nuna (HUNTR/X)

Ice Spice

Jessica Simpson

Latto

Livvy Dunne

Malin Ackerman

Meg Stalter

Nikki Glaser

Paris Hilton

Atlanta police said that Mastodon co-founder Brent Hinds, 51, was at fault in the motorcycle crash that took his life on the night of Aug. 20. According to Atlanta New First, the details are in contrast to the initial findings in the investigation that put the fault on the 22-year-old driver of the BMW SUV that Hinds crashed into for allegedly failing to yield at an intersection.

The updated police report on the incident involving the former Mastodon guitarist said that, “After conducting time distance calculations of the Motorcycle and assessing the changes in velocity of the BMW it was deemed that Hinds was traveling between 63 and 68 mph. Video of the intersection was used for the calculations. The video clearly depicts the crash. Hinds was at fault for the crash.”

Hinds’ speed at the time of the deadly accident was reportedly twice the speed limit at the crash site, with two eyewitnesses telling the police that the guitarist was “driving fast.” The report also included what appeared to be seemingly conflicting statements from the SUV driver and one of the witnesses, which make it unclear if the driver had the green light when she made a left turn.

Police said the driver was “positive” that the light was green, though the witness countered that the light was red “when he looked at the light when everything happened.”

According to the police report, Hinds was “breathing and moving” after the accident, which left him with “visible injuries” to his arms, head and torso; the SUV driver was taken to the same hospital as Hinds with injuries to her arms and head.

Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 and left the group in March after they said they’d mutually decided to part ways. The guitarist later changed his tune, though, saying he was “kicked out” of the group in a scorched earth post just before his death in which he savaged his former bandmates for what he said was their off-key singing and alleged arrogance. “F–k these guys,” Hinds wrote. “Only I know who they really are. They are the biggest fans of them self’s [sic]. I’ve never seen anyone in my life look in the mirror more than [bassist/singer] Troy Sanders. He thinks he’s God’s gift to anything. I’ve never met three people that were so full of themselves. It’s disgusting.”

As we’ve learned from watching the New Heights podcast, Travis Kelce‘s got jokes. Which is why it was no surprise when the Kansas City Chiefs’ three-time Super Bowl champ had a pithy quip when asked by reporters on Thursday (Sept. 4) to describe the biggest change in his life since recently getting engaged to longtime love Taylor Swift.

“I got one more ring for it, two if we’re counting the first Super Bowl, ” Kelce said at a news conference in São Paulo, Brazil in advance of the Chiefs’ season kick-off game against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to the Associated Press. “I would say ever since I’ve been dating Taylor, life has been fun.” And though he did not bite on a question about whether Swift was going to be in the house at Corinthians Arena for Friday night’s (Sept. 5) game, Kelce said, “I love it when the lights are bright” in response to the query about being one of the most famous football players on earth.

During the presser, Kelce’s QB, Patrick Mahomes, politely corrected a reporter when they asked Kelce if “there’s a difficulty to focus on everything on the field” since he started “dating Taylor Swift.” Mahomes interrupted before Kelce could answer to remind the reporter that the couple are “engaged.”

Kelce was more than happy to admit that, “Ever since I’ve been dating Taylor, life has been fun. It’s been exciting. Obviously, there’s a lot more eyes [on me] and I accept that, but I’m living life and living on a high, I guess.”

“It’s a dream, dude,” Mahomes said.

And while his youthful energy is palpable, Kelce, at 35, may be nearing the end of his football career, maybe. When a reporter wondered if this season might be Kelce’s “last dance,” the tight end gleefully said, “It’s the last one on the contract right now, but I’ll tell you what, I’m feeling young and I’m feeling ready to rock, baby!”

The Chiefs-Chargers game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET and stream on YouTube.