Two recent court decisions struck a blow for book authors suing generative AI platforms on copyright grounds, with judges concluding that training large language models (LLM) on unlicensed books is “transformative” and thus constitutes “fair use.” While that left many to question whether music companies’ own infringement lawsuits are similarly doomed, legal experts say it’s far from clear that this same reasoning will apply to the music industry — and the rulings might even provide a roadmap for the labels and music publishers to strengthen their cases.
The court opinions on book copyrights — by two California federal judges who used different reasoning, but arrived at the same conclusion, to end authors’ claims against Anthropic and Meta — sent shockwaves among stakeholders in the debate over generative AI, since they were the first to rule on the issue of fair use. They also seemed to bode poorly for the labels and music publishers suing Anthropic and the AI platforms Suno and Udio for training their models on unlicensed songs and lyrics. But people shouldn’t assume that this means it’s game over for every copyright case against an AI platform.
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First off, these rulings are not the final word on fair use, as there are more than 40 pending lawsuits where judges will consider the same questions about AI. And district court rulings are not precedent; these cases will be appealed to circuit courts around the country, and the Supreme Court will likely weigh in on the matter at some point.
Even more critically for those in the music industry, it’s key to remember that both the rulings that have come out so far concern books. Experts tell Billboard that the medium matters, and legal analysis may be different when it comes to music.
“It’s one thing to come to a conclusion when you’re talking about books,” says Ken Anderson, an entertainment attorney at the law firm Rimon PC. “There’s a difference when it comes to music and visual arts, which are way, way, way more complicated in analysis than literary works.”
Christopher Ford, an intellectual property litigator at the firm Debevoise and Plimpton, says one major factor that could be different for music is the so-called “market impact.” While both the fair use rulings in June found that there wasn’t evidence of LLMs producing books that could directly compete with human authors, Ford notes that AI bands like The Velvet Sundown are getting serious airtime these days.
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“That’s incredible evidence,” says Ford. “We have songs from a completely AI-generated band now taking up spots on Spotify playlists. There’s only so much time a person can spend listening, and every minute that someone is listening to AI-generated bands, they’re not listening to a human artist’s original work.”
The other key caveat with the June fair use opinions is that those cases challenged only the copyright implications of inputting unlicensed works into AI models for training, not the outputs of these models — for example, a book or piece of music generated by an AI model. Indeed, both rulings were careful to note that the analysis could be very different if a copyright holder were to claim infringement based on outputs.
Debevoise intellectual property lawyer Megan Bannigan tells Billboard that music labels and publishers have a real shot at pleading that AI from companies like Anthropic, Suno and Udio are spitting out infringing music.
“It really remains to be seen how the courts are going to analyze fair use for outputs when what is coming out is clearly a song that is protected by copyright,” Bannigan says.
All this means that the first fair use rulings are hardly a death knell for the labels and music publishers. As Anderson puts it, “If I were an AI company that was applying this for musical purposes, I would certainly not consider a fair use opinion on text uses to give me a green light.”
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In fact, these decisions might actually provide a useful roadmap for the music companies as they look to fine-tune their cases and target the right evidence through the discovery process.
“These are some of the older cases,” says Ford of the June opinions. “So we’re seeing the plaintiffs’ attorneys learn the lessons of prior cases that have come before them as they’re doing more sophisticated pleadings, more sophisticated discovery tactics, more sophisticated expert analyses and more sophisticated arguments.”
And while there have been some licensing talks that could lead to deals between the labels and Suno and Udio, experts think it’s unlikely that the decisions that have come out so far will tip the scales in the direction of a settlement.
“These aren’t the kind of resounding wins for the defendants that I think would lead people to say, ‘Litigation isn’t worth it,’” explains Ford. Bannigan agrees.
“It’s always possible that a case will settle, but I think especially with respect to the platforms, they’re really fighting to prove that what they’re doing is fair use,” says Bannigan. “So I wouldn’t expect big settlements coming out of this.”
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-07-14 19:53:252025-07-14 19:53:25What Book Authors’ AI Copyright Court Losses Mean for the Music Business
It’s been 16 years since Virginia hip-hop duo Clipse — brothers Pusha T and Malice — last came together to release an album (2009’s Til The Casket Drops). By that point, the group had cemented a formidable legacy built on coke-rap bars, slick and effortless braggadocio, and ingenious wordplay that dripped with luxurious references spanning the spectrum of pop culture and drug dealing — all over a distinct palette largely provided by Pharrell and the Neptunes. There were the classic albums — two of them by most counts, in their 2002 debut Lord Willin’ and 2006 follow-up Hell Hath No Fury — and the iconic mixtapes, which some would argue were even better, that bridged the gaps between official albums.
And then there was the breakup, when Pusha and Malice (who converted to Christianity and began going by No Malice) first announced they would be putting out solo projects — then that the group, as it was known, was over. And thus the drought began.
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What followed was a ferocious run of solo projects from Pusha and two from No Malice, as the two MCs charted their own paths. Pusha in particular cemented his place as one of the most feared and respected rappers in hip-hop’s history, never backing down from a challenge against the biggest rappers in the world and always delivering quality work, whether in his guest verses or on his quartet of highly-praised albums, the most recent of which, 2022’s It’s Almost Dry, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
But still, Clipse’s reputation loomed as the purest of the pure, and a thaw in the relationship between the brothers eventually produced their first collaborations in nearly a decade — first on Kanye West’s DONDA in 2019, then on Japanese designer Nigo’s 2022 project I Know Nigo and, later, on It’s Almost Dry, where the eldest brother reclaimed the name Malice. Since then, the brothers have been gearing up for their long-awaited reunion, which finally arrived this last Friday (July 11) in the form of Let God Sort Em Out.
Pusha T and Steven Victor photographed on March 26, 2022 at Hotel on Rivington in New York.
Matt Salacuse
The project is a triumph, set up by a series of high-profile art and fashion collaborations with the likes of KAWS, Jeremy Sperling, Verdy, Carhartt and Adidas, as well as a high-profile split from Pusha’s longtime label Def Jam in favor of a distribution deal with Roc Nation. Pusha’s manager, Steven Victor, was right there with the duo as they orchestrated one of the most cohesive album rollouts in recent hip-hop history, during a time when many favor the surprise drop over the value that comes with building anticipation.
But this is the first Clipse album in 16 years — anticipation has been the name of the game. Here, Victor talks about how Pusha T and Malice helped build that by largely focusing on the one thing that was always undeniable about them: the music. “I know the reaction will be exceptional,” Victor tells Billboard by phone hours before the album comes out. “If we were still in the day and age where magazines were still rating albums, this was a Source five mics. This is a XXL in XXL. I think the fans and the public will receive it extremely well.”
As for what’s next? “More music, very very soon,” he adds. “There’s not going to be another long wait for new music. There’s a tour coming the beginning of August, first in the States and then in Europe. And then it’s back to music.”
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This is the first Clipse album in 16 years. How did you want to reintroduce them?
The thought was not to reintroduce them. After 16 years, the landscape has completely changed from the last time they put music out — the way people put music out [is different], the fan base is older. Luckily for us, Pusha has been so active in the past 15 years since his brother took his hiatus, so it wasn’t so much of a reintroduction, it was more just putting out music: “Let’s put out the best kind of music, the music you guys want to make, the same kind of music you would have put out and stay true to what you guys do. Let’s not make any changes, let’s just focus on making the best product regardless of the time.” Let’s not look at it like, “People are making this kind of music, so we have to do that,” or, “This is the sound that’s working, so let’s try to figure something out like that.”
Clipse has appeared together on a handful of singles the past couple years. Did that help build the buzz?
You mean when Malice appeared on Pusha’s album and Clipse were on the Nigo album? We weren’t even thinking about putting out an album when those singles came out. That wasn’t intentional, it was more so, Nigo really wanted Clipse, and on Pusha’s album, he felt like Malice would sound good on that record. It wasn’t until they made a decision collectively that they wanted to put an album out that we started working on it. And then once the album was done, we started marketing it. But it was never, “Let’s see what’s going on out there.” We weren’t teasing that at all; it was more, “Let’s put this record out.”
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So once they made the album, what was the marketing approach?
Everything you see going on was very, very deliberate. The approach was to work with the people we’ve been working with since the group was first around, and introduce where everyone is in their current careers. We’ve known KAWS for 20 years; he did the cover for Til The Casket Drops, so we’ve been friends and fans and had a relationship with him for a very long time. Carhartt, that’s something that Pusha’s a huge fan of the brand and always wanted to work with them. Same thing with Josh Sperling, we’ve known him since he worked with KAWS. Same thing with Verdy, he’s part of the Nigo family.
So all of these things were very deliberate. We’d have these conversations, and Pusha would be like, “As we introduce the Clipse back, let’s make it organic: let’s not work with anybody that’s outside our wheelhouse. Let’s bring everybody into it: everybody we’re fans of and everybody we’ve been working with the past 20 years, that’s who we want to work with.”
What were some of these things that you felt were impactful?
I think the KAWS cover was very impactful. Everybody that’s a fan of KAWS, a fan of Clipse, a fan of Pusha, they know that these guys have been working together for a long time, and I feel like it was refreshing. Verdy was fire. Denim Tears was fire; we’ve been friends with Tremaine [Emory, founder of Denim Tears] for a long time, and Pusha and Tremaine have always been speaking about doing something. But the most impactful one was probably KAWS. The last album they came out with, he did the cover, so for him to do the comeback album, too, was perfect, I thought.
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Everything has completely changed in the music business in 16 years. How did your approach change in the rollout?
To be honest, it didn’t. We’ve always had the opinion that all you have to do is make great product that’s true to you as an artist. The times may change, but that’s been constant. Music, art, automobiles, fashion — anything that can stand the test of time and has been great, no amount of marketing can change or sway things one way or the other if the product itself is not great. You can do all different marketing things, all different collabs, all different merch bundles, but if the product itself is not good and is not true to the person or the artist, it’s never going to work.
So the idea was, “Let’s make the best album, the best body of work, get the best album cover, the best of Pharrell, the best lyrics — everything should be a 10 of 10.” That was the approach. Let’s not compromise, let’s just do everything the best that we can do it, and double down to our fans, super-serve and speak to our audience. And if it’s [as] good [as] we think it is, they’re going to do all the marketing for us.
You’ve done things with streaming companies, social media, clothing companies, press, radio — did you intend to blanket everything to get the word out that this album is coming? How did you select which opportunities you went for?
The same thing. We’ve always had a great relationship with Jon Caramanica [at TheNew York Times] — he wrote the [2006] Mass Appeal cover, No Business Like Snow Business, back in the day. Have a great relationship with Ebro [Darden, at Apple Music]. It’s the same thing — we just went to everyone we knew that was a fan, that appreciated the kind of music and art that the guys make, and were like, “Let’s do something with these people.” We hand-selected everyone we wanted to talk to on the press side, people who we had a genuine relationship with who understand and respect the work that we do, and we presented it to them first. “We’re doing this project, we want you to be a part of it.” That was the approach. From the music, to the art, to the journalism, let’s not stray away from anything that we’ve done in the past, let’s keep it constant and consistent.
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You mentioned the audience is older, the guys are older, everyone is older. Did that factor into things at all?
We definitely want to cater to the existing fan. But the landscape has changed, so everyone is that much smarter. Everyone who is young has access to all the information in the world. So we felt like if we made the best product, it would travel, so we would pick up some fans just through the nature of how things are consumed now — the internet has made the world so small. So anything that’s good, people will talk about it, and it’ll cause other people that are searching for good product to find it. Word of mouth travels faster now than it ever has, just because of the internet.
We’ve talked in the past about how, in helping build Clipse’s career originally, they became masters of the internet through the distribution of their mixtapes. Now, in the streaming era, the internet is fully ubiquitous. How have you approached it this time around?
It’s crazy — you’d think there’s some difference, but no; the more things change, the more they stay the same. It’s the same target, the same fan; they might be new fans, some of the original fans might be older, but it’s the same person that’s looking for that purest form of art. That’s what this is: it’s rap at its highest level.
And part of the marketing and rollout is also to show everyone else, whether it’s other rappers or musicians or aspiring musicians or aspiring executives or anyone that wants to do something with their lives, you can continue doing things at a high level for as long as you want to do it. There’s no age restriction. You can start at 10, and at age 60, you can still be doing your best work. Other than someone like Jay-Z, there are not many rappers that age like wine, where the music gets better over time, and you’re able to compete with the newest, hottest artist 20 years later, still be the topic of conversations, still at the top of your game. It’s a testament to, and it’s super impressive for, the guys.
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Did you come across any challenges in rolling this out?
The only challenges were when we had the hiccup with Def Jam. Because we had this plan since the album was done. We had all of these collaborations — with KAWS, Verdy, Denim Tears, Josh Sperling, Carhartt — all of these things have been done for over a year. So we had this plan, and we presented this plan to Def Jam: “This is the album, this is what we want to do, this is how we want to roll it out, this is what we want to be a single, this is the time frame for how we announce and how we put the album out.” We wanted to have a very tight time frame; we didn’t want to have a six-month window, we wanted it within 10 weeks, max. So we’ve had this plan for a very long time. It got frustrating after some time, because we couldn’t start implementing the plan because of the hiccup with the whole Def Jam thing.
Did that switch to Roc Nation change anything at all?
When we went to Roc, and I spoke to Krystian [Santini, president of ROC Nation Distribution], I gave him the same exact plan: “This is what we want to do, here’s the merch bundles, here’s the singles, here’s the videos.” Everything was already shot; we did everything internally, and we presented it to Def Jam the same way we presented it to Roc Nation. So that was the only challenge. Everything else was pretty smooth because we’ve been very deliberate with how we roll it out.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-07-14 19:41:212025-07-14 19:41:21Inside the Rollout of Clipse’s First New Album in 16 Years: ‘It’s Rap at Its Highest Level’
A new documentary tracking the origins of dance music culture and the dizzying peaks of the EDM era is coming to streamers.
Waiting for the Drop: Rise of the Superstar DJs features interviews with artists including Carl Cox, Kaskade, Hardwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, Paul Oakenfold, Tiësto, Nervo and Fatboy Slim along with industry figures like Amy Thomson, Stephanie LaFera, James Barton and David Grutman. It also features music by Deadmau5, Tiësto, Ferry Corsten, Hardwell, Arty, Sevenn and Silver Panda.
Waiting for the Drop will be distributed on global digital platforms by Indie Rights, starting with Amazon later this summer.
Made between 2013 and 2023, the doc looks at the rise and fall of dance music in the U.K., the Netherlands and Ibiza in the 1980s and ’90s, then tracks the genre’s explosion in popularity in the early 2010s, an era commonly referred to as the EDM boom.
In this infamous moment, a wave of new dance/electronic sounds and producers took the genre to new heights in the U.S. and beyond, with the genre seeing unprecedented commercial growth, clocking major crossover hits and generating massive revenue, altogether establishing DJs as “the new rockstars.” That is, until the cracks started showing with the collapse of SFX Entertainment, with the doc zeroing in on the impact of greed and social media on the genre and its adjacent culture.
Waiting for the Drop is the directorial debut of journalist and filmmaker Alexei Barrionuevo, who shot the doc at clubs and festivals in Europe and the U.S. at the heigh of the EDM boom. (Barrionuevo is also a former Billboard staff writer.) Cinematography was done by Darko Nikolich and Lucian Alexandrescu edited and did camera work. The film was co-produced by Jalen James Acosta and Agatha Bober.
“EDM was a pivot point in modern youth culture, a time when Millennials, seeking something of their own, seized an opportunity to create a tribe,” Barrionuevo says in a statement. “Crass commercialism infected that celebration as outsiders sought to profit. And the DJs and their enablers, long thirsting for legitimacy and cultural acceptance, leaned in — hard.”
Check out the full trailer for Waiting for the Drop below:
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-07-14 19:33:412025-07-14 19:33:41Carl Cox, Kaskade, Hardwell & More Appear in New Documentary About Dance Music’s EDM Era: Watch the Trailer
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Ready, set, shop! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the perfect time to stock up on essentials and treat yourself to must-have items at a discounted price.
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The retailer’s anniversary sale launched on July 12 with tons of amazing discounts on must-have items. Early access was granted for specific Nordstrom members ahead of the sale. To gain early access, shoppers had to sign up for a Nordstrom card and join The Nordy Club, Nordstrom’s loyalty program, to earn points, enjoy exclusive perks and gain access to store events and restaurant activations.
Early access was granted for specific loyalty statuses. These included Icon Members, who received access on July 8, Ambassador Members who received access on July 9 and finally Influencer Members on July 10. This access allowed members just enough time to browse, buy and add items to their wishlists ahead of the sale’s official launch.
Nordstrom’s anniversary sale offers deep discounts on clothing, shoes, home products, beauty exclusives and other items from hundreds of brands. You’ll want to act fast. This sale ends on Sunday (Aug. 3). Till then, there’s still time to score huge saving on your favorite items including activewear, separates, swimwear, denim and fall essentials, including back-to-school goodies such as sweaters, shoes, handbags, jewelry, cookware and other home goods, beauty products and lots more.
Some of the many brands participating in the sale include Cinq A Sept, Madewell, Frame, Vince, Farm Rio for women, and AG, Faherty, BOSS, Travis Matthew, Theory and more for men. Key footwear brands in the deal include UGG, New Balance, Frye Boots, Sam Edelman and Nike. Beauty included in the anniversary sale are pretty major. You’ve got Armani Beauty, Augustinus Bader, Bobbi Brown, Charlotte Tilbury, Clé de Peau Beauté, La Mer, MAC Cosmetics, Sisley Paris, Westman Atelier and YSL Beauty, among others.
To help you shop the anniversary sale like a pro, we’ve rounded up a list of trending items, including shoes, apparel, activewear, skincare products, jewelry, bedding and other must-haves featured in the big sale.
Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Flex Straw Cap Water Bottle in <strong>Mocha Brown</strong>
This 32-ounce water bottle from Hydro Flask can hold anything from tea to water. It’s double-wall insulation keeps hot beverages hot and cool beverages ice cold. You’ve also got a leakproof cap for our accident-prone readers and a flexible straw that makes getting your daily water intake a breeze. A Hydro Flask, especially this size, can cost you an arm and a leg. You’ll be saving big bucks by shopping the style at Nordstrom.
New Balance’s 530 sneaker is currently 20% off. That makes these name-brand sneakers only $79.99. The gender-inclusive kicks come in a chunky, on-trend style with mesh uppers and light and summery hues. Our favorite is the Angora/ Dusk Shower colorway because of the mint accents. With all of this in mind, these sneakers are a steal.
Westman Atelier products can run you a pretty penny. Now, during Nordstrom’s anniversary sale, you can get three lip products for the price of one at $79.99. That’s a $122.00 value. Pretty insane, right? This three-piece lip set comes with a Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in Petal, a Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm in Chou Chou and a Lip Shape Lip Liner in Petal, all in a universally flattering pinkish hue. What’s not to love?
UGG Tazzette Genuine Shearling Collar Slipper in Mustard Seed <br>
Keeping cozy has never been so affordable. UGG’s Tazzette silhouette is currently available on sale for $69.99. Perfect for lounging around the house, these slippers are fitted with ultra-plush shearling collars that give way to textural suede that’ll keep your piggies extra warm. With fall coming up, you’ll want to add these to your cart ASAP.
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal in Black
This is for our boho readers. Our granola-eating, hiking bunch. Birkenstock’s beloved Arizona slides are currently on sale for $109.99, a steep discount from their original price. This footwear has got adjustable buckle closures that transition into super soft black leather uppers and EVA soles that cushion your feet like a dream. Whether you’re a full-time tree-hugger or just looking for the comfiest sandals around, this sale item is for you.
Nike Tech Windrunner Zip Hoodie in <strong>Birch Heather/ Black</strong>
This Nike piece is for our athletic readers. Retailing for $99.99, this hooded zip-up is lightweight and cozy, perfect for throwing on during a tough run on a particularly chilly day. While there are three colorways to choose from, the Birch Heather/ Black colorway speaks to the moody fall weather we’ll be getting soon.
A four-piece set including two makeup removers, lash primer and mascara.
Lancome’s fan-favorite makeup remover just got a whole lot better. Right now, you can get two full-size bottles of the brand’s best-selling Bi-Facil, along with a mini Lash Idole Volumizing Mascara and a mini Cils Booster XL Vitamin-Infused Mascara Primer for just $60.00. That’s a $116.00 value. That’s borderline highway robbery.
Tommy John Assorted 3-Pack Second Skin 4-Inch Stretch Modal Boxer Briefs
If you’re looking to stock up on the comfiest boxers around, look no further than Tommy John’s Nordstrom deal. You can grab three pairs of their 4-inch Modal boxer briefs for just $39.99. Each boxer is made of stretchy material that’ll have you feeling like you’re wearing nothing at all. Plus, the designs are simple and chic, centered around neutral hues that’ll appeal to just about everyone.
Le Labo’s raved-about Santal 33 Eau de Parfum usually retails for $214.00. Through Nordstrom’s anniversary sale, you can get the famed fragrance for just $180.00. The fragrance is a perfect example of a unisex scent, full of woody, spicy undertones with notes of sandalwood, cedar, and leather. This major price drop doesn’t happen very often, so you’ll want to get in on this deal now.
Steve Madden Lisbeth Pointed Toe Mule in <strong>Mocha Mesh</strong>
Looking for the perfect formal footwear? Steve Madden’s Lisbeth pointed-toe mule is currently on sale at Nordstrom for $79.99. This slip-on style capitalizes on the ever-popular mesh footwear trend taking over the fashion landscape currently, but in an approachable way. The neutral hues of the Mocha Mesh colorway are extremely versatile, perfect for the office or a dinner date. The heel is also user-friendly, standing at 2 1/2 inches, so you won’t have to sacrifice comfort to look good.
Monica Vinader’s ultra-cute Heart Locket Cord Necklace is a drool-worthy example of great jewelry at an affordable price. The sparkling piece features a rustic 18k-gold plated heart-shaped locket attached to a simple black cord. Simple but sparkling, this necklace would make a great gift for that special someone or for yourself. We won’t tell anyone.
Avec Les Filles Embroidered Long Sleeve Babydoll Mini Shirtdress
A minidress with puffy sleeves and a polka-dot print.
Wedding season is in full swing, which means that you’ll need a formal dress that is both simple but impactful so you won’t be outshining the bride. Unless you want to get cancelled for your outfit choice, you’ll want to go with something simple like this little number from Avec Les Filles. The babydoll style is universally flattering and the polka-dots keep the silhouette from being too boring. It’s a win-win without the hassle.
L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil is hallowed for its sweet, warm and nutty scent. Right now, you can snag a full-size bottle of the famed oil and a refill for just $52.00. Beyond smelling delicious, this foaming shower oil leaves the skin feeling as smooth as a baby’s butt after the first use. Satin-like softness for only $52.00? It’s a deal you don’t want to miss.
Bra shopping can be cumbersome. Nordstrom’s anniversary sale has made it easy with sales like these on comfy bras from Natori. Retailing for $44.99, this comfy little bra features no wires for a skin-like finish. The bra includes a flattering plunging neckline and a sweet little lace trim. Sizing options range from 30B all the way up to 38DD.
Johnston & Murphy Dayton Woven Penny Driver Loafers in <strong>Brown Italian Calfskin</strong>
Preppy and sleek, these Johnston & Murphy Dayton loafers evoke major preppy vibes for 35% off their original price. The silhouette is equipped with unique and textural woven uppers that set the style apart from others. Lightweight and extremely versatile, these penny loafers are a no-brainer purchase for those looking for a trusted pair of shoes perfect for every occasion.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-07-14 19:20:202025-07-14 19:20:20Nordstrom’s 2025 Anniversary is On Right Now – Here’s How to Shop the Best of the Best Deals
Skepta took several shots at Joyner Lucas with his “Friendly Fire” diss track on July 11, and theMassachusetts rapper appears ready to step in the booth and offer up his response.
Lucas posted a clip to social media on Sunday (July 13) acknowledging Skepta’s jabs, but also teasing his plans to reply. “Alright, say less, my boy,” he stated matter-of-factly after listening to the U.K. rapper’s track.
Joyner sparked the feud after seeing Skepta crown the U.K. rappers over what the American spitters had to offer. “The moment I’ve been waiting for… say the word, Joyner Lucas vs @Skepta #UKvsUS,” he wrote.
Skepta fired back via Instagram Stories: “Hey Jonah, I wasn’t even gonna reply back but I’m a rapper’s rapper. I’m gonna respect the fact that you stood up and said something. The first man, you get me? But this is just another example of the ignorance. Jonah, if you was from the UK, fam? Quiet, bro, understand?”
The U.K. rhymer referred to Lucas as a “joke” and dissed his rapping style as well as his inability to produce hits throughout the bristling “Friendly Fire.” “Where I’m from, I’m a GOAT/ Where you’re from, you’re a joke/ SK turn you to a ghost, yo/ Talkin’ like you’re lyrical miracle, oh please/ Where I come from, that’s a default speed,” Skepta spews on the track.
Drake chimed in on the U.K.-U.S. rapper debate, and he’s siding with London. “London rappers are the best lyricists in the world,” Drizzy said during his Wireless Festival set. “No disrespect to America, but nobody in the world can outrap London rappers.”
Lucas laughed at Drake’s comments, and now the countdown appears to be on to when his response to Skepta will arrive.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-07-14 18:54:192025-07-14 18:54:19Joyner Lucas Responds to Skepta’s ‘Friendly Fire’ Diss Track: ‘Say Less, My Boy’
After Megan Thee Stallion sent the internet into a frenzy as eagle-eyed fans uncovered a vacation IG photo featuring Klay Thompson in the background, the Dallas Mavericks star leaned into the rumors and soft-launched his relationship with the Houston rapper over the weekend.
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Thompson took to Instagram with a photo dump of a recent trip to the Bahamas, and one picture appears to show Megan Thee Stallion’s backside as Klay shares a kiss with the Houston Hottie. A second photo appears to feature Megan’s hand — which features what appears to be the same manicure as in her own IG post — holding his as they walked the beach together.
Fans and the four-time NBA champion’s peers flooded the comment section of the post, which has more than one million likes.
“Klay should change his name to @easymoneysniper with that accuracy,” former NBA player Nate Robinson joked.
Megan continued to fuel relationship rumors with Klay as she posted anddeleted a TikTok video on Monday (July 14) unwrapping a plush Labubu toy from what appears to be Thompson’s lap.
Billboard has reached out to Megan Thee Stallion’s rep for comment.
The athlete is currently enjoying his offseason before coming back for his second campaign with the Dallas Mavericks after spending more than a decade with the Golden State Warriors. The 35-year-old shooting guard, who is fifth all-time in three-pointers made in NBA history, has never been married and has no kids.
Into the early part of 2025, Megan Thee Stallion appeared to be still dating NBA player Torrey Craig, but it’s unclear when the relationship broke off.
On the music side, Thee Stallion unleashed her “Whenever” single in April, but has laid low since.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-07-14 18:22:512025-07-14 18:22:51This NBA Star Seemingly Confirmed Rumors He’s Dating Megan Thee Stallion
Boy George has never been one to play by the rules. The queer icon born George Alan O’Dowd who blazed trails in the early 1980s as the androgynous, heavily made-up lead singer of Culture Club is still bucking against the system.
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In an interview with The Times on Friday (July 11), George, 64, pushed back against the “identity politics” of the modern queer community. “I don’t think it’s helped anyone. We’re not a thing,” he told the publication. “It’s like, ‘This is what black people are, this is what Jewish people are, this is what trans people are.’ No! Everybody is diverse because nobody is like anybody else, so you’re starting from the wrong perspective.”
At a time when increased acceptance and visibility — amidst the current U.S. administration’s efforts to roll back transgender rights — have put the LGBTQ+ community in the spotlight, the “Karma Chameleon” singer said he thinks reality and what we experience online are very different things. “Trans people are the new people to hate, but I always say: How many trans people have you met today?” he said. “There’s the world on the internet, which is hideous and full of anger. Then there’s the real world, which is entirely different so in reality people have nothing to be nervous about.”
In his trademark biting wit, he added, “If I’m really lucky my own sexuality takes up about three hours a month. We’ve all got cats to feed, families to visit, jobs to do. I said in an interview when I was 17, ‘Being gay is like eating a bag of crisps. It’s so not important.’ I still think that now. What do you care about someone’s sexuality unless you’re going to have sex with them?”
While George was hit with accusations of transphobia in 2020 when he tweeted “Leave your pronouns at the door,” he’s recently defended trans rights in a social media dust-up with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. The billionaire author has denied being transphobic despite sharing a number of anti-transgender views online, including actively participating in campaigns to bar trans women from sports and from using public restrooms that align with their gender. Last month, he responded to Rowling’s question, “which rights have been taken away from trans people?” and her follow-up comment about her feelings that her speech is being curtailed by writing, “The right to be left alone by a rich bored bully!“
The subject of trans lives came up in a discussion about George’s drive to revive his Tony-nominated 2002 musical Taboo, which chronicled the hedonistic 1980s nightclub of the same name founded by Leigh Bowery, the Melbourne-born performance artist/club promoter whose outrageous performances inspired a young George.
“What I want to explore in the show is the odd relationship between Leigh and his wife, Nicola Bowery,” he said. “Long before non-binary, here’s a gay guy who married a straight woman and there was real tenderness and love between them. Yes, part of the reason he married Nicola was to piss everyone off, but I do think he really loved her.”
According to the writer’s reckoning, for George, outliers like himself and Bowery were birthed from a period when the idea was to present your true self, without trying to “represent a wider community who identify as queer, non-binary” or any other label. ““Oh totally. Someone said the other day, ‘Leigh Bowery was the blueprint for gay identity. He would have hated that. Hated it!,’” said George.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-07-14 18:02:402025-07-14 18:02:40Boy George Doesn’t Think Modern LGBTQ+ Identity Politics Have ‘Helped Anyone’
The New York Comedy Festival — the largest and longest running annual event of its kind in the United States — has announced its initial slate of headliners for 2025, its 21st anniversary, and, as usual, the lineup includes some of the biggest names in comedy and improv, along with stars of the burgeoning podcast world.
The masters of mirth headlining the festival — which runs from Friday, Nov. 7, to Sunday, Nov. 16 — includes Margaret Cho, Louis C.K., Morgan Jay, Hannah Berner, Michael Blackson, Pete Homes, Chris Fleming, Strangers With Candy featuring Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello and Stephen Colbert, Jay Ismo, Ryan Long, Nurse John, Yohay Sponder, Trevor Wallace, Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez of The Basement Yard podcast and Alex Edelman performing his new show What Are You Going to Do.
Founded by Caroline Hirsch in 2004, the festival will play host to more than 200 comedians performing in more than 100 shows over 10 days across all five boroughs of the city, and will take place at such iconic Manhattan venues as Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre and Town Hall.
“We’re thrilled to unveil this year’s incredible lineup — a dynamic mix of global headliners and rising voices that reflect where comedy is right now and where it’s headed,” said Hirsch in a statement. “In a constantly shifting landscape, we stay committed to spotlighting new voices, championing fresh perspectives, breaking form and shaping a festival that sets the standard both creatively and commercially.”
Among those new voices are Santagato and Alvarez of The Basement Yard. In a statement, the former said, “I have no idea how many planets had to align for this opportunity to be given to two kids from Queens, but we are so excited and will give New York the best possible show we can.”
In addition to this initial slate of headliners, the festival will announce additional shows in the coming months and additional details for what have become staples of the proceedings. They include Stand Up for Heroes, the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s fundraiser for military veterans and their families, which draws A-list comedians and musicians, including such regulars as Jon Stewart, Jim Gaffigan, Jerry Seinfeld and Bruce Springsteen, who has proven himself a master of bawdy jokes. Other annual programming includes the New York’s Funniest Stand Ups Presented By Threads competition and Comics to Watch.
Hard Rock Hotel New York will return as the official host hotel for the NYCF for the fourth year, and Bread Financial is the official sponsor. The Bread Cashback™ American Express® Credit Card will serve as the Official Card of the event, and cardmembers can purchase pre-sale tickets to NYCF shows beginning Wednesday, July 16, at 11 a.m. ET until Friday, July 18, at 10 p.m. ET. They can also purchase preferred tickets until Monday, Aug. 11.
Tickets for all shows are available to the general public starting Monday, July 21, at 11 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased through the NYCF website.
Here’s an initial list of scheduled performances. Dates and times are subject to change so check with the festival’s website for the most up-to-date information.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-07-14 18:02:402025-07-14 18:02:40Here Are the Headliners for the 2025 New York Comedy Festival
George Kittle won’t be forgetting this year’s Tight End University any time soon, especially because of the spontaneous duet he shared with Taylor Swift at a bar in Nashville during the event.
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While speaking toNBC Sports Bay Area & California‘s Matt Maiocco recently, the San Francisco 49ers star reflected on hanging out with the pop star at the NFL tight end summit — which he cohosts with Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen every year — in June. “We have a fun Monday night welcome party at our hotel in Nashville for Tight End University,” he explained. “Taylor and Travis came, and they were like, ‘Hey, wanna go to Broadway?’”
After heading down to a bar on the famous Nashville strip with Kelce, Swift and Claire Kittle — who is married to George — the California athlete said that something magical happened. “I was in the process of handing Claire and Taylor drinks for the night, and I was like, ‘I just gotta tell her that ‘Love Story’ is one of my favorite songs, definitely my favorite Taylor Swift song,” he recalled.
“And as I was telling her, it came on the speakers, and I was like, ‘I’m not going to miss this opportunity,’” Kittle continued. “You don’t get to sing ‘Love Story’ with Taylor Swift very often. It was just an absolute riot and something I’ll probably remember forever.”
Shortly after the event, Kittle shared a video on Instagram of himself and Swift jumping up and down while belting out “Love Story” together. Kelce also makes a cameo in the clip.
Tight End University took place over the course of three days in Music City, with many of the NFL’s tight ends coming together from all over the country for group training and community-building activities at Vanderbilt University. In addition to attending the welcome party with Kelce, Swift showed up at the Tight Ends and Friends concert at the Brooklyn Bowl — where she surprised the crowd with an unscheduled performance of Billboard Hot 100-topper “Shake It Off.”
While later reflecting on the event on his New Heights podcast, Kelce revealed that his famous girlfriend’s performance was entirely last-minute — as in, she didn’t even practice before taking the stage with headliner Kane Brown and his band. “Tay just kind of went up to [Brown] and the band and went, ‘Hey, if you guys are down, I’ll go up there, play a song and see if we can pop the roof off this place,’” Kelce reflected earlier in July.
He added at the time, “[She] just went out there without practicing, and it was pitch-perfect.”
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-07-14 17:59:182025-07-14 17:59:18George Kittle Recalls Getting to Sing His ‘Favorite Taylor Swift Song’ With the Pop Star at a Bar
HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” from the soundtrack to the hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, conquers the competition on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts to become the biggest song in the world. It rises 2-1 on the former ranking and 5-1 on the latter.
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KPop Demon Hunters premiered June 20 in a limited theatrical release in the U.S., and on Netflix, alongside its soundtrack. For the week ending July 6, it ranked at No. 2 on Netflix’s Top 10 Movies in United States chart.
Meanwhile, as HUNTR/X earns its first No. 1 on the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S., it becomes the first fictional act to reign — “Golden” is by KPop Demon Hunters’ protagonist trio whose music is voiced by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami.
HUNTR/X outpaces its rival KPop Demon Hunters boy band Saja Boys, though the latter act claims two tracks in the top 10 of the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S.: “Your Idol” (up 10-3 and 15-5 on the respective charts) and “Soda Pop” (up 13-6 and 17-7, respectively). The Saja Boys songs feature the vocals of Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo and samUIL Lee.
Elsewhere, Drake’s “What Did I Miss?” debuts at No. 9 on the Global 200.
The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, which began in September 2020 — and three weeks earlier marked their 250th week — rank songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories around the world, as compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 is inclusive of worldwide data and the Global Excl. U.S. chart comprises data from territories excluding the United States.
Chart ranks are based on a weighted formula incorporating official-only streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as download sales, the latter of which reflect purchases from full-service digital music retailers from around the world, with sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites excluded from the charts’ calculations.
HUNTR/X’s “Golden” crowns the Global 200 with 67.7 million streams (up 40% week-over-week) and 6,000 sold (up 27%) worldwide July 4-10.
Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” drops to No. 2 on the Global 200 after 10 weeks on top beginning in May.
Saja Boys’ “Your Idol” soars 10-3 on the Global 200 led by 45.7 million streams worldwide (up 22%) and “Soda Pop” buzzes 13-6 with 41.3 million (up 24%). Each song sold 3,000 globally.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” slips 3-4 on the Global 200, after 18 weeks at No. 1 starting last September, and ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” ascends 6-5, following 12 weeks at No. 1 beginning in November.
Plus, Drake’s “What Did I Miss?” enters the Global 200 at No. 9 with 35.5 million streams and 7,000 sold worldwide from its July 5 release through July 10. He ups his total to a record-extending 37 top 10s since the chart began. (Taylor Swift ranks second with 33 top 10s, followed by Bad Bunny with 25.)
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“Golden” rules Global Excl. U.S. with 49.1 million streams (up 40%) and 2,000 sold (up 38%) outside the U.S.
“Ordinary” falls to No. 2 on Global Excl. U.S. after eight weeks in the lead starting in May; “Die With a Smile” holds at No. 3 after 17 weeks at the summit starting last September; and “APT.” extends its lease at No. 4 after reigning for a record 19 weeks beginning in November.
“Your Idol” blasts 15-5 on Global Excl. U.S. powered by 30.3 million streams outside the U.S. (up 21%) and “Soda Pop” bounds 17-7 with 29.8 million (up 23%). They sold 1,000 and 2,000 beyond the U.S., respectively.
The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts (dated July 19, 2025) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow, July 15. For both charts, the top 100 titles are available to all readers on Billboard.com, while the complete 200-title rankings are visible on Billboard Pro, Billboard’s subscription-based service. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.
Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-07-14 17:48:442025-07-14 17:48:44HUNTR/X’s ‘Golden,’ From ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ Hits No. 1 on Billboard Global Charts
