Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion Celebrate One Year of ‘WAP’ by Contemplating Another Collab

“WAP” was released exactly a year ago, and Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion both seem to be more than willing to get together for another collaboration.

The pair celebrated the anniversary of their hit song on Twitter Saturday evening (Aug. 7).

“Wow I can’t believe wappity WAP turned one today. It don’t even feel like it. What a record! @theestallion we should do it again sometime,” Cardi tweeted.

“Happy WAPIVERSARY,” Megan replied. “Thank you for having me.”

And while there has been no word on whether this will actually happen, she teased (much to the delight of fans), “I think the people deserve another collab.”

“WAP” arrived on Aug. 7, 2020, racking up a massive 93 million streams in just its first week of release and blasting onto the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart at No. 1.

See their tweets and watch the “WAP” music video below.

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Queen’s Brian May Comments on Eric Clapton’s ‘Different Views,’ Calls Anti-Vaxxers ‘Fruitcakes’

Queen’s Brian May shared some thoughts about Eric Clapton, who recently said he will not play any live shows that require attendees to show proof that they’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine.

In July, Clapton made it clear that he won’t grace “any stage where there is a discriminated audience present. Unless there is provision made for all people to attend, I reserve the right to cancel the show.”

“I love Eric Clapton,” May said in an interview with The Independent published on Saturday (Aug. 7). “He’s my hero, but he has very different views from me in many ways. He’s a person who thinks it’s OK to shoot animals for fun, so we have our disagreements, but I would never stop respecting the man.”

“Anti-vax people, I’m sorry, I think they’re fruitcakes,” May added.

Clapton previously said he feared he would “never play again” after receiving both doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Meanwhile, May — who says he’s become a bit of a “health and exercise addict” after suffering a heart attack and having three stents put in, in May 2020 — supports the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine.

“There’s plenty of evidence to show that vaccination helps,” he noted. “On the whole they’ve been very safe. There’s always going to be some side effect in any drug you take, but to go around saying vaccines are a plot to kill you, I’m sorry, that goes in the fruitcake jar for me.”

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5 Uplifting Moments in Latin Music This Week (August 7)

From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.

Latin Music Week panels

This week, Billboard unveiled some of the panels to take place at the 2021 Latin Music Week returning to Miami from September 20-24. ​​ Cuban artist/activist Yotuel Romero, Puerto Rican star Kany García and ChocQuibTown members (and husband and wife) Goyo and Tostao will be part of “My Cause, My Music: A Conversation on Social Justice,” where they will discuss the role of artists in social justice movements and the advantages and pitfalls their involvement presents in their respective careers. ​​​​Puerto Rican sensation Lunay, known for bops like “Soltera,” “La Cama” and the Anitta-assisted “Todo o Nada,” will join longtime producers Chris Jedi and Gaby Music to form part of “Making the Hit, Live,” a masterclass where Latin Music Week attendees can see how they craft a song in real-time. And Corridos tumbados artist Natanael Cano, sibling duo Los Dos Carnales and Mexican singer-songwriter Carin Leon will be part of “Regional No More – Mexican Music Goes Global,” a conversation on the globalization of regional Mexican music. The panel will be moderated by Jimmy Humilde, founder and CEO of indie label Rancho Humilde. For registration and more information, visit www.billboardlatinmusicweek.com.

Camilo and LaLiga Unite for Soccer

LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank are kicking off their 2021-2022 season on Aug. 13 with the help of Camilo. Together, they teamed up for a soccer-infused version of Camilo’s summer hit “KESI” called “KESI La Liga Version Oficial” to celebrate fans returning to stadiums across Spain. “It’s a dream come true for me to be involved in the LaLiga song for the 2021/22 season. This is the first tour of my life and the first concerts have been in Spain, a country that has really made me feel at home,” the Colombian singer-songwriter said in a statement. “Music and football are one; the passion of singing a song and celebrating a goal goes beyond the rational. It makes you connect with the here and now and completely forget everything else. It’s a magical moment.”

Ozuna Bahama Fest

Ozuna has announced the debut of his Ozuna Fest Bahamas in partnership with travel company Pollen. Taking place from December 2-6 at Atlantis Bahamas, the festival will include full resort accommodations, pool parties, exclusive club events, and many more activities. Besides headliner Ozuna, the confirmed lineup is Alex Sensation, Blessd, Caleb Calloway, Dimelo Flow, DJ Adoni, Emilia, Jhay Cortez, Lunay, Major Lazer, Sound System, Mora, Sech, and Tiago PZK. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Sia Recruits Sofia Reyes and Yandel

Sia has dropped a new version of her “1+1” bop, recruiting Mexican pop star Sofia Reyes and Puerto Rican artist Yandel for a Latin remix helmed by Banx & Ranx. Reyes first gave Billboard the exclusive of this major collaboration at the 2021 Premios Juventud carpet. “They just gave me the news and it makes me want to cry every time I think about it,” she said. “I’ll be part of a new song with Sia and Yandel. This is very powerful and I’m very excited.” This isn’t the first time Sia teams up with Latin artists to drop bilingual tracks. Previously, she joined forces with Ozuna and Doja Cat on “Del Mar.”

La Gabi Makes Her Grand Debut

Dominican newcomer La Gabi presents her debut EP, Origen, home to seven tracks that best showcases her versatile musical proposal. Born Gabriela Guaba, La Gabi is an 18-year-old rapper who, thanks to her sick freestyles and crisp voice, landed on J Balvin’s radar and is now one of his signed artists on his Ma G Nation Label. Balvin revealed that he discovered Gabi on social media after she covered his songs. Up next, the emerging artist will hit up many important festivals including Baja Beach Fest, CDMC Flow Fest, and J Balvin’s Neón Fest in Las Vegas and Punta Cana. Listen to her EP below.

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Jessie J Apologizes to Nicki Minaj Over ‘Bang Bang’ Mixup Seven Years After the Song’s Release

Seven years after the Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj collab “Bang Bang” popped on the charts, the trio’s song is making headlines again.

It turns out that Jessie J and Nicki Minaj remember the beginnings of the superstar single a little differently, and Minaj called out Jessie J’s version of the story — which the singer had discussed in a recent interview with Glamour — on Friday (Aug. 6).

As Jessie J recalled, “Nicki was played it in the studio and was like, ‘I’ve got to jump on this.’ We didn’t go to her and ask; she wanted to do it.”

But according to Minaj, who responded to Jessie J’s quotes on Thursday with a correction, “I didn’t hear the song & ask 2get on it.”

“The label asked me2get on it & paid me,” Minaj tweeted. “How would I have heard the song? Chiiille what am I the damn song monitor? Snoopin around for songs chile? This was said by another artist recently as well. Yall gotta stop. LoveU.”

For what it’s worth, Minaj did want to get on Jessie J’s “Do It Like a Dude” after catching it on the radio. “but the worst part about this no1EVER asked me,” she tweeted with laughing face emojis. “I have been obsessed with that song since the min I heard it.”

On Friday, Jessie apologized to Minaj over the confusion about how “Bang Bang” — which peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100 in 2014 and was nominated for a Grammy — came to be with a meme-filled, lengthy post on Instagram, writing, “I respect you publicly being yourself @nickiminaj.”

“So here I am being myself,” she continued. “This is a video of me back in 2015 on stage taking the piss out of myself which is basically an hour of my set. It was made into a meme about 2 weeks ago. Is that what this is really about? And where this weird energy between us began? Or maybe it was when you used me as a stair rail at the AMAs. That was also funny af.”

“If we can’t laugh in the lives we have been blessed with. What’s the point. It really isn’t that deep,” added Jessie.

“From the moment I met you to now I have shown you nothing but love and gratitude for how f—ing blessed I was to have you and @arianagrande who btw wrote Bang Bang with the insanely talented Max Martin which I found out today. Jesus. What a day. Sorry Ari. I never knew. Wild. I felt like I had won a competition did back then and still do now. I’m the first person to admit Bang Bang would NEVER have been what it was without you guys,” she said.

“I’m sorry I got the story wrong all these years,” she noted. “I was told you heard the song and wanted to be on it by someone clearly gassing me up at the label. (Bless them and my naive a–) Thank you for clarifying I was wrong on that and Do it like dude. Told me huh.”

“What a way for us to celebrate the 7 year anniversary of the song. Should we all go for dinner? No… Probably not right.. Too soon? Bang bang part two?… No…. Ok got it. Do it like a dude remix? Ok. I’ll stop,” she wrote.

“Look, the song did it’s damn thing,” said Jessie. “I will never say you asked to be on the song ever again. Although all this drama means memes and man have the memes of me have kept me entertained all day.”

As of press time, Grande, who’s taking over Fortnite and celebrating her husband’s birthday this weekend, has not yet joined 2021’s “Bang Bang” conversation.

See Minaj’s tweets embedded below, and head over to Instagram to check out Jessie J’s post on the topic.

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Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Rickey Medlocke Tests Positive for COVID-19, Band Cancels Shows

Lynyrd Skynyrd has pulled out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame concert after guitarist Rickey Medlocke tested positive for COVID-19.

The country rock band was set to co-headline the concert Monday night (Aug. 9) with Brad Paisley but Medlocke’s positive test forced the group’s withdrawal, according to a band statement.

“Rickey is home resting and responding well to treatment,” the statement said.

Jimmie Allen, who was the opening act, has extended his set list to open the show. He performs a duet with Paisley on the current hit “Freedom Was a Highway.”

The band also suspended shows in Jackson, Mississippi; Atlanta; and Cullman, Alabama, with the Aug. 13 show in Atlanta rescheduled for Oct. 23.

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Miami Dolphins’ Flores said he doesn’t want to trade Howard, offers insight on situation

Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores said he does not want to trade Xavien Howard and progress is being made on resolving his contract situation. Howard has asked for a trade … Click to Continue »
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Miami car dealer rolled back 81,000 miles off odometer, cops say

Miami-Dade police this week arrested a used car dealer who they say rolled back more than 81,000 miles from the odometer of a vehicle he sold a customer last year. … Click to Continue »
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Watch Beyonce Run an Ivy Park Rodeo in Stunning New Campaign Video

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Giddy up, because Beyoncé‘s got a new Ivy Park collection on the way.

Houston’s Queen Bey took channeled her Southern roots in a two-minute teaser on Friday (Aug. 6) for Ivy Park Rodeo, Adidas x Ivy Park’s upcoming collection. The clip features the superstar herself, along with her mom Tina Knowles Lawson, Houston rapper Tobe Nwigwe, singer Snoh Aalegra, real-life cowboy Glynn Turman and more — all rocking rugged yet chic outfits in denim, cow print and more rodeo-inspired fabrics and colors.

Bey told the  that Ivy Park Rodeo was inspired by “how much of the Black, brown and Native cowboy stories are missing in American history.”

“I am proud to represent Houston culture, my roots and all the people who understand fried Snickers and fried turkey legs,” she continued.

The nearly 60 pieces in the collection will go on sale on Aug. 19 here. See the teaser below.

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Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Appeals Underway for Denied Applicants

Since nearly 20% of all Shuttered Venue Operator Grant (SVOG) applications have been denied, this week the Small Business Administration (SBA) invited those more than 3,000 business owners to appeal their denials and restate their cases for receiving up to $10 million in federal support. 

Declined applicants will have two weeks to appeal, during which time funding will be preserved.

As of Friday (Aug. 6), more than 10,700 applicants have been awarded grants amounting to roughly $8.3 billion of the program’s total $16.25 billion in available grants. The remaining roughly $8 billion will be allotted first to successful appeals and then as supplemental grants for venues, promoters, agencies and other live music companies with successful applications.

Since appeal notices began rolling out Monday, 494 invitations have been accepted so far. Those entities will need to review the SVOG Eligibility Matrix to see where they believe errors were made on the behalf of an SBA reviewer. The SBA has not provided specific reasons why each entity was declined, leaving the guesswork up to the companies.  

“There is a balancing act we have to do. The level of specificity slows things down,” The SBA’s senior advisor for COVID-19 programs Deidra Henry-Spires told Billboard at the end of July. “There are conversations we can have after we’ve seen the whole unit of declines once we’ve gotten through [all the applications that came in the first 60 days]. But often in grant programs, you don’t get a personalized reason for your declination.” 

The SVOG is a first-of-its-kind program for the SBA and there are a number of reasons why a venue or live music business could be found ineligible. The eligibility matrix alone is 11 pages, and some definitions, such as that for “live performers,” can be unclear. The lack of specific reasons for declinations led to frustration from many SVOG applicants, but as of today only 494 of the 3,142 invitations to appeal have been accepted.  

Those who have accepted will need to upload a signed statement indicating their grounds for appeal, as well as any supporting documents. There will be no secondary appeals process for applicants whose appeals are declined, which means the next two weeks mark several venues’ final chance to receive much-needed funding. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant was signed into law on Dec. 27 and struggling businesses had to wait another four months before a single application was accepted. 

“The only way we’ll ever get our doors back open is by getting this grant,” co-owner of the Music Room in Atlanta Mike LeSage told Billboard. “If we don’t know what the problem is, are we just going to submit something with the same issues? It’s scary when your entire livelihood and your family’s livelihood are wrapped up in this.” 

Declinations make up a fifth of all grant applications, which will officially close on Aug. 20. The high rate of declines can be attributed to the complexity of a grant written for an assortment of businesses like music venues, promoters, talent agencies, performing arts venues, zoos, museums and movie theaters. Several entities told Billboard they believe confusing tax codes for their local government confused SBA reviewers and others say there was confusion over who was eligible. The SBA “anticipates reversals of prior decisions will be rare,” according to the SVOG website. 

The SBA will assign a new reviewer to go over each appeal “to see if we made a mistake, if something else should have been done or you should have received an award,” the website exaplins. The SBA’s Henry-Spires added, it’s a “second opportunity to plead your case with strong financial documentation that makes a good case for the American taxpayer, because we take our duty to protecting their funds incredibly, incredibly, seriously.” 

On Friday, the SBA also began to send out invitations for “reconsideration” or for those who believe they received less funding than they deserved. Just over 200 applicants were sent reconsiderations emails so far with 11 accepting. The reconsideration window will also last two weeks.  

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Major Labels Hit Charter Communications With Second Copyright Suit

Universal Music, Sony Music and Warner Music have collectively filed a second lawsuit against Charter Communications, alleging that the company — which does business as Spectrum — has continually failed to rein in copyright infringement committed by thousands of its subscribers.

The complaint, filed July 26 in U.S. District Court in Colorado by the big three labels and their respective publishing companies and subsidiaries, follows a previous, ongoing suit lobbed by the labels against Charter in March 2019. That suit covered alleged infringement activity that occurred on Charter’s network between March 24, 2013, and May 17, 2016, while the new complaint covers infringement which took place from July 26, 2018 to present.

“Charter has insisted on doing nothing — despite receiving thousands of notices that detailed the illegal activity of its subscribers, despite its clear legal obligation to address the widespread, illegal downloading of copyrighted works on its Internet services, and despite being sued previously by Plaintiffs for similar conduct,” the complaint maintains.

The new lawsuit says the labels continued to “monitor and detect infringement” occurring on Charter’s network during the current claim period and sent over 150,000 additional notices identifying the illegal download, copying and distribution of their copyrighted music through BitTorrent and other digital file-sharing services. The notices allegedly flagged the unique IP addresses of what the labels claim are “tens of thousands” of “flagrant and serial infringers” operating on Charter’s network.

“In reality, Charter operated its service as an attractive tool and safe haven for infringement,” reads the complaint, which further alleges that the company turned a “blind eye” to said activity in order to “attract and retain new and existing subscribers,” who in turn would purchase more bandwidth to accommodate faster download speeds. “In other words, the greater the bandwidth its subscribers required for pirating content, the more money Charter made,” the complaint adds.

Neither reps for Charter nor the labels responded to request for comment by time of publishing.

The plaintiffs are asking for maximum statutory damages — which, under U.S. law, would amount to $150,000 per infringed work — or, alternatively, actual damages in an amount to be proven at trial. If awarded statutory damages in the maximum amount for each infringed work — which total 1,719 sound recordings and 1,086 compositions, according to two exhibits filed with the complaint — Charter would be on the hook for more than $420 million.

The new lawsuit is just the latest in a series of copyright infringement suits filed against internet service providers by music companies over the past several years. In Dec. 2019, the big three labels won a $1 billion verdict against Cox Communications after the ISP was deemed liable for customers’ infringement of more than 10,000 musical works on its network (the verdict was upheld by a U.S. District Court judge this past January). In Dec. 2015, Cox was ordered to pay $25 million in a separate copyright suit brought by BMG; though that decision was reversed on appeal in early 2018 and ordered for a retrial due to an error in instructions to the jury, Cox settled with BMG for a “substantial” amount before a new trial could commence.

A similar, still-pending infringement lawsuit was filed by 17 record companies against internet service provider RCN Corporation in August 2019. Also ongoing is a suit filed by the RIAA in April 2017 against Texas-based ISP Grande Communications, which is also accused of failing to crack down on copyright pirates.

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