Bow-wow-wow, yippie-yo-yippie-yay! There’s a new dog in Snoop Dogg‘s house! The iconic rapper recently revealed that he has a new pooch in the Dogghouse.
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The little tan pup appears to be a French bulldog, and made his debut on the 16-time Grammy nominated rapper’s Instagram account on June 28. “My [new emoji] family member BabyBoy Broadus,” Snoop introduced the pooch in the caption. The post included an adorable shot of Baby Boy looking straight at the camera while showing off a stylish Louis Vuitton leash, as well as a video of the little dude snuggled up on Snoop’s lap and chewing on the rapper’s Death Row jacket.
Days later, on July 3, Snoop revealed that Baby Boy now has his own Instagram account. “Follow my new life. Baby Boy Broadus. As a puppy. 😁 Me n @snoopdogg,” the rapper shared via his own account and the puppy’s.
Baby Boy’s account is already filling up with adorable snapshots and videos. In the first post, the pooch is seen sleeping peacefully while snuggled in a blanket on his first flight, which also appeared to be on a private jet. “first flight. Any1 else nap on the plane??” read the caption. Though napping appears to already be a favorite past time of the little guy, his account also shows him chowing down, slurping some water on a hot day (and reminding followers to stay hydrated in the heat!), snaps of him snuggling with Snoop and the fam, and much more.
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Snoop’s introduction of Baby Boy comes after the rapper shared the news on June 12 that his beloved French bulldog Juelz had died. “Miss my dogg @juelzbroadus,” he wrote at the time. According to TMZ, Snoop received Juelz as a gift from Wiz Khalifa for his birthday in 2012.
See a video of Baby Boy munching on Snoop’s backpack straps 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.pngYveto2025-07-07 16:50:372025-07-07 16:50:37Snoop Dogg Shows Off His Adorable New Puppy Baby Boy — and the Lil’ Guy Has His Own Instagram
Ryan Castro takes us to Curaçao, where he shows us where he used to work and live and talks about why the island is so special to him. He talks about his career trajectory, explains why his new album, ‘SENDÉ,’ is sentimental to his roots, defines what “awoo” means, and more!
Ryan Castro:
Good morning, what’s up? It’s a beautiful day. I’m Ryan Castro and we’re here with Billboard to spend 24 hours together. Let’s go! We’re here ein Curaçao, an island that’s really special to my life. I really enjoy being here. I like to come here to create music, to come for vacation, to visit my family because I have family here,too. I have my mom and my brothers here. We’re on our way to have lunch because we’re a bit hungry. We’re on our way to a restaurant called Perla del Mar. Almost every time I’m in Curaçao I come here. I like to come to this restaurant a lot because it was a restaurant I used to work at. I feel really happy because I feel like the fans missed out not knowing this side of me. They know a lot about me, I’ve let them know a lot about my story in Medellin, in the ghetto, on the buses I used to sing on which is how I blew up. It was on this island that I got stuck on Colombia. So I think it was the right time for me to tell them and let them know about what I was experiencing here because of my cultural influences, why I like dancehall because I’m also creating this album, too. The words that I normally use like “awoo” and all that so they know where all that comes from and where it’s like all those things that Ryan Castro does.
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.pngYveto2025-07-07 16:47:152025-07-07 16:47:15Spend 24 Hours With Ryan Castro in Curaçao | 24 Hours
Lorde scores her second No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart as her new studio album Virgin debuts atop the list dated July 12. The set sold 42,000 copies in the United States in the week ending July 3, according to Luminate, marking her largest sales week since 2017. The new album’s first week sales were bolstered by vinyl purchases, totaling 31,000 — Lorde’s best week on vinyl ever. It also bows at No. 1 on the Vinyl Albums chart, her first leader there.
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Also in the new top 10 of Top Album Sales, the latest albums from KATSEYE, Russ, Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen and ILLIT arrive, while the vinyl releases of Playboi Carti’s MUSIC and Die Lit push both titles back onto the chart. Plus, a 20th anniversary vinyl pressing of the Pride & Prejudice film soundtrack enables the album to bow at No. 9.
Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks the top-selling albums of the week based only on traditional album sales. The chart’s history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first week Billboard began tabulating charts with electronically monitored piece count information from SoundScan, now Luminate. Pure album sales were the sole measurement utilized by the Billboard 200 albums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, 2014, after which that chart switched to a methodology that blends album sales with track equivalent album (TEA) units and streaming equivalent album (SEA) units. The new July 12, 2025-dated Top Album Sales chart will be posted in full on Billboard‘s website on July 8.
Virgin’s first-week sales were aided by its availability across eight vinyl variants (including two signed editions), a standard CD and a digital download. All versions contained the same tracklist.
Virgin also enters at No. 1 on the Indie Store Album Sales, Top Rock & Alternative Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts. Indie Store Album Sales ranks the top-selling albums of the week at independent and small chain stores. Top Rock & Alternative Albums, and Top Alternative Albums, rank, respectively, the week’s most popular rock and alternative albums, and alternative albums, by equivalent album units.
Back on Top Album Sales, KATSEYE’s BEAUTIFUL CHAOS debuts at No. 2 with 30,000 sold — the pop group’s best sales week, highest charting album and second top 10. The album’s first-week sales were bolstered by its availability across nine CD variants and four vinyl variants (one signed), all with the same audio but with packaging variations. All contained collectible paper ephemera, some randomized. It was also issued as a standard digital download album for purchase.
Russ logs his fifth top 10-charted effort as his new studio album W!LD enters at No. 3 with 25,000 sold. The album’s first-week sales were aided by its availability across three vinyl variants, three CD variants and three cassette variants (some signed), as well as a standard digital download. All contained the same tracklist, and all of the physical editions were exclusively sold via Russ’ official webstore. There was also an expanded edition of the download album, sold via the webstore, that includes narration from the artist.
Barbra Streisand’s new star-studded duets album The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two bows at No. 4 with a little over 18,000 sold. The all-collaborations set includes recordings from Streisand with the likes of Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, Ariana Grande and Paul McCartney. The album was available on CD, digital download and in two vinyl variants, all with the same tracklist.
A pair of albums from Playboi Carti reenter the chart, and straight into the top 10, following their vinyl release. His 2025 release MUSIC reenters at No. 5 with 16,500 sold and his 2018 album Die Lit returns at No. 6 with 12,500 sold. Both titles sold a negligible sum in the week previous, and nearly all of their sales in the latest week were from vinyl purchases. MUSIC was pressed on two variants, while Die Lit was available in just one iteration.
Bruce Springsteen’s expansive archival project Tracks II: The Lost Albums debuts at No. 7 on Top Album Sales with nearly 10,500 sold. The boxed set comprises seven never-heard full-length albums spanning 83 songs (74 that have never been released in any form). The material was recorded between 1982 and 2018 and was issued as a digital download, a seven-CD box or in a nine-vinyl box. A 20-track highlights edition of the Tracks II project, titled Lost and Found: Selections From The Lost Albums, debuts at No. 16 on Top Album Sales with 6,000 sold.
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ENHYPEN’s chart-topping DESIRE : UNLEASH falls 3-8 on Top Album Sales with about 9,500 sold (down 22%).
The soundtrack from the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice makes its debut on Top Album Sales thanks to a 20th anniversary vinyl pressing across multiple variants. In the tracking week ending July 3, the album sold just over 8,000 — across all versions of the album, old and new. The film starred Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfayden, and its soundtrack’s music was composed by Dario Marianelli, and performed by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and the English Chamber Orchestra. The album also jumps 5-1 on the Classical Crossover Albums chart, marking its first week atop the list.
Closing out the top 10 of the latest Top Album Sales chart is ILLIT’s new release Bomb, selling 8,000 copies and debuting at No. 10. It’s the third top 10-charted effort for the group. The album’s first-week sales were largely driven by its availability across 14 CD variants, all with the same audio but with packaging variations. All contained collectible paper ephemera (some signed by the act), some randomized. It was also available as a standard digital download album.
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.pngYveto2025-07-07 16:47:132025-07-07 16:47:13Lorde’s ‘Virgin’ Debuts at No. 1 on Top Album Sales Chart
Suno has announced that Paul Sinclair, former general manager and executive vp at Atlantic Records, is joining the AI music company as its first chief music officer. In this newly created role, the New York-based executive, who has been advising Suno for months now, will guide how the company’s tools are developed to support music creators at all skill levels and to “unlock new experiences between artists and fans,” as stated in a company press release.
Sinclair brings over two decades of music industry experience to his new role at Suno. First, he worked at Warner Music Group as director of digital properties, beginning in 2001, according to LinkedIn. With a longtime interest in spearheading innovation and technology in the music business, Sinclair then joined WMG’s Atlantic Records in 2006 as vp, business development and emerging technologies and stayed at the company until 2024.
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While working as Atlantic’s general manager and evp, Sinclair oversaw overall label operations and provided leadership in areas like marketing, digital, artist development, creative, sales/streaming and more. He left Atlantic late last year as part of the company’s major restructuring, which also saw other top Atlantic execs like CEO Julie Greenwald, head of marketing Grace James, senior vp or touring Harlan Frey, evp of press and media strategy Sheila Richman and many more exiting at the same time. Now, Atlantic is helmed by CEO Elliot Grainge and the GM role is held by Tony Talamo, who previously worked with Grainge at his label 10K Projects.
News of Sinclair’s hire follows a busy last few months for Suno. In recent weeks, the company has announced a bevy of new features, designed to give users more control to edit the AI-generated music that Suno produces and hopefully court more seasoned musicians to use the platform. As part of that roll out of new fetures, the AI music company also noted its acquisition of WavTool, a browser-based digital audio workstation (DAW).
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Meanwhile, the major music companies — including Sinclair’s former employer WMG — are still pursuing blockbuster lawsuits against Suno and its competitor Udio, alleging that the companies have infringed on their copyrighted sound recordings on “an almost unimaginable scale” by using them to train models without a license. In early June, however, it was reported that the majors are in licensing talks with Suno and Udio to see if private licensing agreements can be reached. It’s unclear how far along those discussions are.
Sinclair is the latest music industry veteran to be recruited by Suno. Last year, multi-platinum hitmaker Timbaland joined Suno as a strategic advisor in October 2024 to help with “day-to-day product development” and “creative direction.”
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.pngYveto2025-07-07 16:16:082025-07-07 16:16:08Suno Hires Former Atlantic GM Paul Sinclair as First Chief Music Officer
Marilyn Manson was not part of the line-up for Saturday’s (July 5) epic Back to the Beginning final concert by a reunited Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. While a murder’s row of hard rock and heavy metal superstars took the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham, England to fête the Prince of Darkness in what was billed as Osbourne’s last-ever show with original Sabbath mates guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward, Manson beamed in with a video message paying homage.
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But based on some fan reaction to the gesture, it was not well-received by all. “F–k that guy he’s a rapist piece of s–t,” wrote one fan after video of the tribute was posted. In the clip, Manson (born Brian Warner), 56 — who was accused in lawsuits from four women of sexual assault and domestic abuse — said, “It is a great honor to be here via this video,” according to the NME. “And I’d like to say congratulations, and I love you very much, Ozzy.”
After the video played at the show featuring sets from Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Pantera, Anthrax and many more, fans weighed in online about the surprise Manson pop-in. “Eurgh Marilyn Manson making an appearance on the sabbath stream. F–k that guy he’s a rapist piece of s–t,” wrote one, with others adding, “Marilyn Manson on the black sabbath stream f–k off” and “disgraceful that he is on this otherwise outstanding Black Sabbath show.”
According to British media reports, some fans at the show booed during the video or turned their backs on Manson’s video. At press time a spokesperson for Manson had not returned Billboard‘s request for comment.
The feeling of some was summed up by another tweet that read, “ew marilyn manson go away.” Manson has long denied the sexual abuse allegations, which have resulted in his being dropped by his label, manager and booking agent, and, most recently, the Oct. 29 One Assassination Under God tour kick-off gig in Brighton, U.K. getting cancelled at the urging of members of Parliament. In January, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that it wouldn’t file criminal charges against Manson in the cases, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations and insufficient evidence in the alleged incidents that prosecutors said happened between 2009 and 2011.
Stories about sexual assault allegations can be traumatizing for survivors of sexual assault. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can reach out to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). The organization provides free, confidential support to sexual assault victims. Call RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) or visit the anti-sexual violence organization’s website for more 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.pngYveto2025-07-07 16:03:262025-07-07 16:03:26Fans Hit Out At ‘Piece of S–t’ Marilyn Manson After Disgraced Rocker’s Video Tribute During Final Black Sabbath Show
The worlds of K-pop’s biggest boy band and girl group collided over the weekend, with j-hope of BTS showing support for BLACKPINK by pulling up to the second night of the DEADLINE World Tour on Sunday (July 6).
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In a video shared by BillboardKorea on Instagram, j-hope is escorted to his seat at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, South Korea, where ROSÉ, LISA, JENNIE and JISOO played two back-to-back shows to kick off their first full-band trek in two years. Excited fans cheer and snap videos as the boy-band star — looking suave in an open button-down shirt and shades — passes by.
Another clip shows j-hope vibing to music playing over the speakers, making up little dance moves in the stands.
BLACKPINK’s shows in Goyang put an end to a two-year band break, during which the four members focused on solo music (some of which they performed in between full-group numbers over the weekend). It’s possible j-hope attended Night 2 to take notes on his own band’s upcoming reunion, with BTS set to come back together in 2026 now that the members’ respective times in the South Korean military have concluded.
“We’ll be releasing a new BTS album in the spring of next year,” the band announced in a joint statement on July 1. “Starting in July, all seven of us will begin working closely together on new music … We’re also planning a world tour alongside the new album. We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are.”
BTS last dropped an album in 2020, with Be topping the Billboard 200 in December that year. Similarly to BLACKPINK, the seven members of the boy band each experimented with solo music during their time apart, with j-hope dropping EP Hope On The Street, Vol.1 in 2024. Most recently, he released singles “Mona Lisa” and “Killin’ It Girl” featuring GloRilla in March and June, respectively.
“After pursuing our own little ventures, we are now coming back together, and I love that for us,” j-hope told Weverse Magazine of BTS’ upcoming reunion in December. “When we’re all back together as a group, it’s going to have a huge impact, and everybody’s going to be watching. I’m excited to see what it’ll feel like when we perform together again. I want to come back in style and say, ‘This is us. This is BTS.’”
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.pngYveto2025-07-07 16:03:252025-07-07 16:03:25j-hope of BTS Makes Surprise Appearance at Night 2 of BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE World Tour
At long last, the members of BLACKPINK finally took the stage as a unit again in Goyang, South Korea, kicking off their first trek in two years with the opening night of their DEADLINE World Tour on Saturday (July 5).
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Appearing in front of thousands of fans at Goyang Stadium, ROSÉ, LISA, JENNIE and JISOO performed a number of songs from the girl group’s discography, including several of their Billboard Hot 100 hits. It marked one of the first times BLINKs have gotten to see smashes such as “Lovesick Girls,” “Pink Venom” and “How You Like That” performed live since the Born Pink World Tour ended in 2023, after which the members took some time apart to focus on solo projects before finally announcing their reunion in February.
And in addition to performing as a band on opening night, the foursome also dedicated time in the setlist for each member to showcase some of the solo material they worked on during the group’s break. Each taking the stage sans their bandmates at different points in the show, JISOO shared songs from her EP Amortage, while LISA, JENNIE and ROSÉ performed selections from their debut solo albums — Alter Ego, Ruby and rosie, respectively.
But what was perhaps most exciting for fans in the crowd was the debut of a brand new BLACKPINK song titled “Jump,” which the ladies actually performed twice Saturday night. Though it hasn’t yet been officially released, the track — which they teased the night before the show — marks the quartet’s first new song since 2022’s Billboard 200-topping album Born Pink and 2023’s “The Girls” for Blackpink the Game — and according to hints some of the members have dropped in recent months, more new music is coming soon.
BLACKPINK will now spend most of the rest of this year and the first month of 2026 touring through North America, Europe and Asia. As the group travels the globe, check out the songs on the DEADLINE World Tour setlist — as it was laid out on Night 1 — and the respective LPs they come from 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.pngYveto2025-07-07 15:35:552025-07-07 15:35:55BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE World Tour Setlist: Every Song From the First Show
Merck Mercuriadis, founder of the influential catalog investment group Hipgnosis, is preparing to launch a re-vamped version of that company, this time with the aim of co-investing with artists and their managers, according to an article in the Financial Times.
The former manager of star acts like Beyoncé, Guns N’ Roses and Elton John, Mercuriadis built a suite of Hipgnosis companies–two catalog acquisition funds, and an investment manager that worked to generate a return on publishing and other rights it owned to songs by the likes of Shakira, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fleetwood Mac and Diana Ross. Amid tumult at the branch of Hipgnosis that was publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange, private equity giant and Hipgnosis-backer Blackstone bought and consolidated those companies, renaming them Recognition Music, with Mercuriadis ultimately leaving the group in 2024.
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During Hipgnosis’ heyday, Mercuriadis made bold pledges to be artists’ and songwriters’ advocate making them “the most money possible while compromising the least.” The new Hipgnosis that he plans to launch will continue that mission by creating a platform providing services to superstar artists who are their own brands and buying some catalogs, too, the music industry veteran told the FT in an article published July 6.
Investors have committed hundreds of millions of dollars of backing for Mercuriadis’ new venture, and the group is in talks for its first two acquisitions, the FT reports.
In the wide-ranging interview, Mercuriadis rejected the assertion that Hipgnosis fueled a run-up in the price of catalogs by overpaying, he blamed “activist investors for the sudden end of his former company,” and he said he hopes one day to buy back the rights he accumulated under the Hipgnosis name.
“One of my goals is to buy the catalogue back,” Mercuriadis said in the report. “Blackstone are … getting a great return on the catalogue that I put together. So I’m going to have to pay properly for it.”
Recognition Music did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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.pngYveto2025-07-07 15:31:502025-07-07 15:31:50Hipgnosis Founder Talks New Venture, Eyes Buying Back Catalog From Blackstone
Matt Cameron has given Pearl Jam his last kiss. The drummer announced on Monday (July 7) that he’s leaving the band after just more than a quarter century behind the group’s kit.
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“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam. Much love and respect to Jeff [Ament], Ed [Vedder], Mike [McCready] and Stone [Gossard] for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter,” he said in a statement posted to Pearl Jam’s social media accounts. “I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It’s been an incredible journey. More to follow. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
The Eddie Vedder-fronted band also shared its own farewell to Cameron on the same post. “From being one of our first musical heroes in the bands Skinyard and the mighty Soundgarden, to playing on our first demos in 1990, Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer,” the rockers shared in a joint statement. “He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always. He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music. We love you Matt.”
Cameron first joined iconic Seattle grunge band Pearl Jam — which formed in the early ’90s — after drummer Jack Irons left. The first man behind the kit for the Grammy winning group was Dave Krusen, followed by Matt Chamberlain and Dave Abbruzzese. Cameron — who is also known for his work with Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog and others — was with Pearl Jam for the longest out of the four drummers, and also provided backing vocals and written multiple songs for the group.
Pearl Jam has landed 14 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 overall in its career thus far, including “Last Kiss,” which peaked at No. 2. Over on the Billboard 200, Pearl Jam has 13 top 10 albums on the all-genre list throughout its career so far, including No. 1 sets Vs. (five weeks, 1993), Vitalogy (one week, 1994), Backspacer (one week, 2009), No Code (two weeks, 1996) and Lightning Bolt (one week, 2013).
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.pngYveto2025-07-07 15:25:342025-07-07 15:25:34Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Is Leaving the Band ‘After 27 Fantastic Years’
During last year’s Fourth of July, Kendrick Lamar set off more than fireworks when he released his now-ubiquitous video, “Not Like Us.” The seething retort against Drake not only rattled the 6 God and his disciples but unequivocally lunged Lamar into God mode. What followed was an unrelenting onslaught: a cinematic Super Bowl performance, a resounding Grammy sweep, and a 13-week Hot 100 triumph with “Luther.” Lamar’s indomitable reign has only intensified in the months since courtesy of his Grand National Stadium Tour alongside SZA. TDE’s 1-2 punch has landed devastating haymakers with Mike Tyson force while the rest of the rap game scrambles for hits.
This year’s Fourth of July rang a little differently: Lamar’s former lyrical combatant Drake entered the ring with ruthless intentions of his own, releasing “What Did I Miss?” After quietly piecing together a solid comeback campaign consisting of his chart-topping $ome $exy $ongs 4 U album with PARTYNEXTDOOR — as well as that set’s breakout hit, the No. 2-climbing Hot 100 smash “NOKIA” — Drizzy could be masterminding his biggest heist yet: The Summer of Drake.
Hip-hop needs this, in more ways than one. Aside from “Luther” running the tables on the Hot 100, the only hip-hop song to go No. 1 this year was Travis Scott’s “4X4,” which lasted only a week on top and dropped out of the top 40 the next frame. Though Playboi Carti’s Music album dominated the Billboard 200 and served as a career win for him, none of the set’s singles had longevity inside the top 10 of the Hot 100 either. And while we do have a platter of braggadocious bars being served this month in Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out, alongside a possible reunion between Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist for Alfredo 2, Lamar and Drake remain the genre’s main characters. Together, “Luther” and “NOKIA” have kept the genre’s pulse alive through the first half of 2025.
Now, with Drake firmly in album mode and gearing up for a historic three-day set at Wireless Festival beginning this Friday (July 11), the cards appear stacked in his favor. Sonically, “What Did I Miss?” is a solid rap return for Drake, who’s otherwise spent the year entrenched in his R&B bag. Consider it a shootaround for the rapper: a volley of barbs, an entrancing beat-switch, and some biting shots against one of his former NBA homies.
Upon its release, “What Did I Miss?” rocketed to the top of Spotify and Apple Charts. Whether it can secure a high debut on the Billboard charts in typical Drake fashion remains to be seen. Still, the rollout, complete with Drake blasting snippets from an Iceman rig truck all over Toronto — was pretty dope. Couple in his upcoming U.K. Tour with PND and the looming OVO Fest, Drake could be positioning himself for a strong return.
Would it be enough to dethrone Kung Fu Kenny? That’s tough to chew on, considering the god-tier run Lamar has delivered over the last 365 days. Still, we can’t dismiss Drake’s hitmaking prowess and ability to shake the culture. Even after Lamar’s drubbing, Drake snuck back into the conversation with “NOKIA,” which wasn’t just a Billboard hit, but was an instant party starter and social media gem. Meanwhile, a song like “Somebody Loves Me” hasn’t secured the Hot 100 spotlight like its predecessor, it’s a song that continues to light up the social media scoreboard and nightclubs — and has been slowly climbing back up the chart for weeks after its initial debut and fade, re-entering the Hot 100’s top half last week.
Do we want introspective raps from Drake on Iceman? Yes. But we also need a little bit of 2018 Drake when “In My Feelings” and “Nice For What” rang off in every speaker. Just like how Jay-Z ran the summers during his reign, it doesn’t feel right when The Boy isn’t clocking in from June to September. Maybe a little dose of Aubrey is what the game needs just about now.
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.pngYveto2025-07-07 15:03:182025-07-07 15:03:18The Boy Is Back: Why a Summer of Drake Might Be What Hip-Hop Needs