Maren Morris, Kristin Chenoweth, Halsey & More Send Messages to Taylor Swift on Her Birthday

While Taylor Swift gave fans a present on her own birthday, friends and peers sent warm messages her way via social media on Sunday (Dec. 13), when the star turned 31.

Among the many notes was one from Aaron Dessner, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the “Willow” remix she dropped for her birthday.

“This is frickin’ amazing and happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Dessner wrote to his Folklore and Evermore co-creator.

“Happy 31st, @taylorswift13,” Maren Morris sent out in a tweet, along with a glimmer of hope for 2021. “I am assuming you’ll be putting out 13 albums this next year?”

Kristin Chenoweth, meanwhile, took her at-home celebration of Swift very seriously, recording a snippet of herself covering one of her favorite Folklore songs, “Mad Woman,” to share with the world.

Blake Lively posted a personal snapshot in celebration of her pal’s birthday — “There was happiness because of you,” the actress wrote, quoting an Evermore track. “Happy happy birthday. Thank you for #Evermore. Absolutely nothing better than getting presents on other people’s birthdays. love you” — and Ryan Reynolds also put up an Instagram Story in honor of Swift.

Todrick Hall left some kind words on Instagram for his friend on her special day, too: “Happy Lucky Number Backwards Birthday @taylorswift. Thank you for your love, kindness, honesty, loyalty, your cooking, your cat loving, your generosity, your wittiness, your talent and for taking your precious time to listen to me over share about my hot mess express saga of men. You deserve the world, streaming ‘Evermore’ AND ‘Folklore’ today to celebrate you. 2020 worked hard, but you worked harder. LOVE YOUUUUUU MWAH.”

“Wish we could be together to celebrate. Love u so much,” Gigi Hadid wrote in an Instagram Story, where she shared a photo of Swift.

And while it wasn’t exactly a “happy birthday,” Halsey commended Swift on Sunday for gifting her fans with so much new music this year.

“I just love @taylorswift13 for committing to bringing so much magic to a time in which she knows so many of her fans may be suffering,” she wrote on Swift’s birthday. “This is the least profitable era of music we’ve lived to see and she’s working very hard because it makes people happy. That’s really somethin’.”

See some of these highlights, as well as more birthday messages for Swift, below.

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Shawn Mendes Achieves Fourth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With ‘Wonder’

Shawn Mendes scores his fourth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart, as his latest studio effort, Wonder, bows atop the tally. The set earned 89,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. in the week ending Dec. 10, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.

Meanwhile, the top 10 is very festive, as half of the titles in the region are Christmas albums for the first time since 2013.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units. Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album. The new Dec. 19-dated chart (where Wonder bows at to No. 1) will be posted in full on Billboard’s website on Dec. 15. For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram.

Of Wonder’s 89,000 equivalent album units earned in the tracking week ending Dec. 3, album sales comprise 54,000, SEA units comprise 34,000 (equaling 46.92 million on-demand streams of the album’s songs) and TEA units comprise 1,000.

All four of Mendes’ full-length studio albums have now debuted at No. 1. He began his chart career with his introductory project, The Shawn Mendes EP, which debuted and peaked at No. 5 on the Aug. 16, 2014-dated chart. He followed it up with his debut full-length studio set, Handwritten (No. 1 on May 2, 2015), and then his next studio effort, Illuminate (No. 1, Oct. 15, 2016). He then charted two live albums (Live at Madison Square Garden, No. 200 on Jan. 14, 2017, and MTV Unplugged, No. 71 on Nov. 25, 2017) before seeing his self-titled third studio set bow atop the list dated June 9, 2018.

Wonder was led by its title track, which peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 14 on the Pop Songs airplay chart. The album’s second radio single, “Monster,” a co-billed track with Justin Bieber, has so far peaked at No. 8 on the Hot 100 and No. 19 on Pop Songs (through the most recently published charts, dated Dec. 12).

Bad Bunny’s El Ultimo Tour del Mundo falls to No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 57,000 equivalent album units earned (down 50%), following its history-making debut at No. 1 a week ago – when it became the first all-Spanish-language album to top the list.

Ariana Grande’s former No. 1 Positions rises a spot to No. 3 with just over 55,000 equivalent album units (up 4%).

Michael Bublé’s former No. 1 Christmas album climbs 6-4 with 55,000 equivalent album units (up 14%). It leads a total of five holiday albums in the top 10, the first time that’s happened in seven years. Also joining in the merriment: Carrie Underwood’s My Gift (9-5, a new peak, with 53,000 units; up 19%), Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song (12-7 with 42,000 units; up 20%), Pentatonix’s The Best of Pentatonix Christmas (16-8 with just over 39,000; up 22%) and Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas (15-10 with 38,000; up 17%).

The last time five holiday albums were among the top 10 occurred on the Dec. 21, 2013-dated chart. That week, the top 10 housed Kelly Clarkson’s Wrapped in Red (No. 3), The Robertsons’ Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas (No. 5), Pentatonix’s PTXmas (EP) (No. 7), Bublé’s Christmas (No. 8) and Mary J. Blige’s A Mary Christmas (No. 10).

Notably, Underwood’s My Gift previously peaked at its debut rank of No. 8 on the Oct. 10-dated chart, following its release on Sept. 25. With its 9-5 jump on the new Billboard 200, it also becomes the highest charting newly released holiday album since Pentatonix’s A Pentatonix Christmas in late 2016 and early 2017. A Pentatonix Christmas was released on Oct. 21, 2016, debuted at No. 3 on the Nov. 12, 2016-dated chart and peaked at No. 1 for two weeks (Jan. 7-14, 2017).

As for the remaining non-holiday albums in the latest top 10: Pop Smoke’s former No. 1 Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon dips 5-6 with 47,000 equivalent album units (down 2%) and Megan Thee Stallion’s Good News descends 7-9 (39,000; down 17%).

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Matty Healy Praises ‘LOML’ FKA Twigs Amid Shia LaBeouf Allegations

Matty Healy showed some love for FKA Twigs, whom he affectionately referred to as “loml” (love of my life) in his latest post on Instagram, after she came forward with allegations of abuse against former boyfriend Shia LaBeouf this week.

The 1975 frontman captioned an adorable snapshot of her with descriptors like “legend,” “icon” and “loml,” surrounded by emojis, on Sunday (Dec. 13).

FKA Twigs (Tahliah Barnett) filed a lawsuit against the actor on Dec. 11, claiming she suffered “relentless abuse” during their relationship. The singer-songwriter said that while involved with LaBeouf, she was the victim of sexual battery, assault and emotional distress.

Over the weekend, fellow musician Sia also showed support for Barnett, alleging that she too had been “hurt” by LaBeouf.

“I too have been hurt emotionally by Shia, a pathological liar, who conned me into an adulterous relationship claiming to be single,” Sia tweeted. “I believe he’s very sick and have compassion for him AND his victims. Just know, if you love yourself- stay safe, stay away.

“Also I love you @fkatwigs,” she said. “This is very courageous and I’m very proud of you.”

In a statement to the New York Times regarding Barnett’s allegations against him, LaBeouf said, “I’m not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel … I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations. I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I have a history of hurting the people closest to me. I’m ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt. There is nothing else I can really say.”

LaBeouf, who said he is in therapy and is a “sober member of a 12-step program,” added that “many of these allegations are not true,” but that he owed the women “the opportunity to air their statements publicly and accept accountability for those things I have done.”

See Healy’s photo and post commending FKA Twigs on Instagram.

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Ashanti & Keyshia Cole Discuss Their Postponed ‘Verzuz’ Battle & ‘Getting Our Flowers’ on IG Live

The heartbreak anthems of the aughts were originally going to bring Ashanti and Keyshia Cole together Saturday night (Dec. 12) for their Verzuz battle. But the legendary ladies night was shelved after Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19.

She announced it on Instagram just two hours before the Verzuz battle was slated to begin. “Hey y’all, I can’t believe I’m saying this but I tested positive for COVID-19,” the “Happy” singer wrote while in good spirits. “I’m ok and not in any pain. I’m actually down to do the verzuz from my house… we’re trying to figure it all out!!!”

But even after Verzuz co-creators Swizz Beatz and Timbaland officially postponed it, Ashanti took to her own Instagram Live on Saturday to openly discuss her positive COVID status. She later teased Cole to join her IG Live, and the two R&B queens talked about how their upcoming battle would celebrate the new year and deliver us from 2020, which Ashanti described as “the year of the devil.”

“We’re gonna do it for the ladies, how the fellas just did it last week,” Cole said in reference to Gucci Mane and Jeezy’s record-setting Verzuz battle on Nov. 19 that kicked off season two.

And as Ashanti wrote earlier this month to promote their battle, “women empowerment” will remain at the core of the celebration — not just amongst the heartbroken women who’ve found consolation in their 2000s sentimental ballads, but also amongst the women in the music industry.

“I wanna give you a hug, I wanna love on you, I wanna sing your songs in front of you,” Cole reiterated from their phone conversation last night (Dec. 11), when Ashanti first told her about testing positive for COVID-19 but still expressed her desire to participate in the Verzuz. “I want you to enjoy your flowers, I want to enjoy my flowers. And I want to be united as one. There’s too much separation and division in this business as women. Guys are constantly sticking together. For ladies, we should be able to do the same.”

While the “Woman to Woman” singers couldn’t have felt more honored by the cakes and parties their fans planned ahead of Saturday night’s scheduled showdown, Cole wished Ashanti “to be in your best health and your best spirits” during her required quarantine period.

“You might feel great like, ‘Nah, I’mma do this for the fans.’ We all know that the show must go on, that’s just how we do. That’s what we’re accustomed to,” Cole said. “But at the same time, I think it’s best for you to be able to get up and do your bop and do your little shuffle with your little hands on the side…. I can’t wait till we’re actually in the same room when I’m able to hold you and hug you and we both get our flowers.”

The “Always on Time” singer discussed how the timing of her contracting COVID-19 couldn’t have been worse. Earlier during her IG Live, Ashanti shut down rumors that she caught the virus from her travels to Antigua and Barbuda and most recently Kenya and claimed she caught it from hugging a family member.

“Listen, I still feel bad…. But to have the opportunity to do it, to have it be postponed, and the fact that I’m not in ICU right now, I’m super grateful for that,” Ashanti said. “…. Listen, [the Verzuz battle is] going to be better, it’s going to be amazing. I ain’t going nowhere for a whole month!”

Ashanti and Cole’s Verzuz battle is now set for Jan. 9, 2021, according to VerzuzTV’s social media accounts. “First time this has struck us so close to showtime. We apologize to our incredible audience! Get well soon, Ashanti,” the announcement read. “Wear a mask, stay inside, and take COVID-19 seriously. It’s truly affecting our community.”

The Verzuz battles, which began as a quarantine-friendly celebration of R&B and hip-hop music from the ’90s to ’00s, kicked off in March with the same remote format as Ashanti and Cole’s split-screen IG Live session from separate locations. But the format changed in May when dancehall legends Bounty Killer and Beenie Man appeared in the same room and in the same VerzuzTV IG Live video feed.

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CMA Explains COVID-19 Protocol Following Charley Pride’s Death a Month After Attending CMA Awards

After a handful of artists questioned if country legend Charley Pride, who died Saturday (Dec. 12) of  COVID-19, could have been exposed at Nov. 11’s CMA Awards, where he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nashville ceremony, the Country Music Association and representatives for Pride released a joint statement explaining the show and Pride’s testing procedures.

“Everyone affiliated with the CMA Awards followed strict testing protocols outlined by the city health department and unions,” the CMA wrote in a statement posted to its website late Saturday afternoon. “Charley was tested prior to traveling to Nashville. He was tested upon landing in Nashville, and again on show day, with all tests coming back negative. After returning to Texas following the CMA Awards, Charley again tested negative multiple times. All of us in the country music community are heartbroken by Charley’s passing. Out of respect for his family during their grieving period, we will not be commenting on this further.”

Maren Morris, a triple winner at the awards, was one of the first to question how Pride had been infected. She tweeted, “I don’t want to jump to conclusions because no family statement has been made, but if this was a result of the CMAs being indoors, we should all be outraged. Rest in power, Charley … F— this f—ing year.”

“We need answers as to how Charley Pride got covid,” Mickey Guyton wrote, bringing the discussion to her Twitter page.

The CMA Awards were held at Music City Center in Nashville, attended only by performers, nominees and selected guests sitting at socially distanced tables.

In an interview with Billboard after this year’s CMA Awards — an event that had a number of artists, including Florida Georgia Line, Lee Brice, Rascal Flatts and Lady A, not attending because they or a member of their family tested positive for COVID-19 — CMA CEO Sarah Trahern addressed the rigorous testing protocols their team had in place.

“We began testing weeks before the show, in October. It’s not just the artists and their guests we tested — we tested literally everyone: stagehands, production crew, our staff, in addition to talent. We have our final load out happening now at Music City Center, so testing doesn’t just stop because talent is no longer on site. We also consulted with an epidemiologist throughout the process,” Trahern said of preparing for the first awards show during the pandemic to include a live, if socially distanced and limited, audience.

“None of the artists who tested positive had ever entered the venue,” added Trahern. “The protocols we followed were required not only by the CDC but the local health department, as well as the unions and guilds.”

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Charley Pride’s Biggest Billboard Hits: ‘Kiss an Angel Good Mornin” & More

Charley Pride became country music’s first African-American commercial star in the 1960s and went on to earn 29 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in his pioneering career.

He died Dec. 12 in Dallas at age 86 from complications due to COVID-19.

Pride, who received the 2020 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 54th annual CMA Awards Nov. 11, turned in his final live performance on the ABC-TV broadcast, a duet version of his biggest hit, 1971’s “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” with Jimmie Allen.

Pride, who hailed from Sledge, Miss., played professional baseball before committing to a career in country music and signed to RCA Records in September 1965. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1993 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.

Pride leaves a bounty of hits of legendary status. Between 1967 and 1988, he posted 29 No. 1s among 52 top 10s on Hot Country Songs. He also notched 12 No. 1s among 27 top 10s on Top Country Albums.

Here is a recap of Pride’s 40 biggest hits on Hot Country Songs.

Charley Pride’s 40 Biggest Billboard Hits
Rank, Title, Peak Position, Year

1, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” No. 1 (five weeks), 1971
2, “(I’m So) Afraid of Losing You Again,” No. 1 (three weeks), 1969
3, “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” No. 1 (two weeks), 1970
4, “Someone Loves You Honey,” No. 1 (two weeks), 1978
5, “Ev’ry Heart Should Have One,” No. 2, 1984
6, “Wonder Could I Live There Anymore,” No. 1 (two weeks), 1970
7, “Missin’ You,” No. 2, 1980
8, “Never Been So Loved,” No. 1 (two weeks), 1981
9, “Night Games,” No. 1, 1983
10, “Don’t Fight the Feelings of Love,” No. 1, 1973
11, “It’s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer,” No. 1 (three weeks), 1972
12, “I’m Just Me,” No. 1, (four weeks), 1971
13, “Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town,” No. 3, 1974
14, “Mountain of Love,” No. 1, 1982
15, “Why Baby Why,” No. 1, 1983
16, “She’s Too Good to Be True,” No. 1 (three weeks), 1972
17, “You’re So Good When You’re Bad,” No. 1, 1982
18, “Amazing Love,” No. 1, 1973
19, “Hope You’re Feelin’ Me (Like I’m Feelin’ You),” No. 1, 1975
20, “I Don’t Think She’s in Love Anymore,” No. 2, 1982

21, “Where Do I Put Her Memory,” No. 1, 1979
22, “Honky Tonk Blues,” No. 1, 1980
23, “A Shoulder to Cry On,” No. 1, 1973
24, “All I Have to Offer (Is Me),” No. 1, 1989
25, “Burgers and Fries,” No. 2, 1978
26, “I Can’t Believe That You Stopped Loving Me,” No. 1 (two weeks), 1970
27, “A Whole Lotta Things to Sing About,” No. 2, 1976
28, “My Eyes Can Only See as Far as You,” No. 1, 1976
29, “You Win Again,” No. 1, 1980
30, “I’d Rather Love You,” No. 1, 1971
31, “Kaw-Liga,” No. 3, 1969
32, “The Happiness of Having You,” No. 3, 1976
33, “You’re My Jamaica,” No. 1, 1979
34, “When I Stop Leaving (I’ll Be Gone),” No. 3, 1978
35, “We Could,” No. 3, 1974
36, “I’ll Be Leavin’ Alone,” No. 1, 1979
37, “Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger” (billed as by Country Charley Pride), No. 4, 1967
38, “The Day the World Stood Still,” No. 4, 1968
39, “Shouldn’t It Be Easier Than This,” No. 5, 1988
40, “The Easy Part’s Over,” No. 2, 1968

Charley Pride’s Biggest Billboard Hits recap is based on actual performance on the weekly Hot Country Songs chart. Songs are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest value. Due to changes in chart methodology over the years, eras are weighted to account for different chart turnover rates over various periods.

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Frank Amadeo, President of Estefan Enterprises, Dies at 57: ‘You Are Irreplaceable’

Frank Amadeo, the longtime president of Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s Estefan Enterprises, died suddenly of a heart attack Friday night (Dec. 11) in his Miami home. He was 57 years old.

Amadeo, a courteous and unfailingly gracious man, worked for the Estefans for nearly 30 years and was an instrumental ally in growing their company into a multimillion dollar enterprise. Amadeo not only managed Gloria Estefan’s career, but also oversaw Estefan Enterprises’ hotels, restaurants and recording studio. Far more than a business associate, Amadeo was widely regarded as part of the extended Estefan family.

“I am devastated, shocked beyond belief and sad beyond words to share with you the sudden and unexpected passing of Frank Joseph Amadeo […] the most trusted ally we could have ever hoped for and an angel to everyone that had the good fortune of knowing him,” wrote Gloria Estefan on her Instagram account.

“In the great journey that is life, few people appear [that can be counted on] in sad moments and in moments of joy,” wrote Emilio Estefan on Instagram. There are not enough words to express the great love and gratitude that we have for Frank Amadeo. A key man in our lives. You are irreplaceable.”

Although Amadeo wasn’t Latin, he was raised in Miami and fell in love with the music of Miami Sound Machine in the group’s early days in the 1980s.

Amadeo was program director at Miami pop radio station Y-100 when he first heard “Dr. Beat,” a boisterous dance track built on Latin percussion and rhythm patterns and brash Latin horns with English vocals, courtesy of Gloria Estefan. His support on the station was instrumental in pushing the track to the top of the charts. Beyond the single, Amadeo became a fan and advocate of the bilingual, bicultural group, sowing the seeds for what would become a lifetime friendship.

In 1992, the Estefans, already established as stars, brought him to Estefan Enterprises as media relations director. Amadeo proved to be a masterful executive whose even temper and charming demeanor allowed him to interact with both industry leaders and artists, and his knowledge of the mainstream music world made him an excellent ambassador for his artists’ music.

He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming vice president and, by 1998, president. In his years at Estefan Enterprises, he also helped manage Jon Secada, Shakira and, most recently, Emily Estefan.

Hugely respected in both the Latin and mainstream worlds, Amadeo was known both as a power broker, problem solver and bridge builder. He always returned emails, always found a way to help non-profit ventures, always shared information. As someone who came from radio, he intuitively understood the needs of journalists and media and always managed to extend a thank you for an article or a gesture of support.

“Miami is mourning! Miami Symphony lost one of their most loved producers, advisory board member, right hand of Emilio Estefan and loved friend! We are so sorry for the lost of Frank Amadeo!” read a post on the Miami Symphony’s Facebook page.
According to Miami’s Channel 10, Amadeo is survived by his partner, Ernesto.

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Ashanti Tests Positive for COVID-19 Ahead of ‘Verzuz’ Battle With Keyshia Cole

Ashanti revealed she tested positive for COVID-19 just hours before her Verzuz battle against Keyshia Cole.

The pair were set to face off Saturday night (Dec. 12). Ashanti, who says she’s feeling well, first indicated that she was trying to make her side of the event happen from home, but the official Verzuz Instagram account announced a postponement soon after.

“Hey y’all I can’t believe I’m saying this but I tested positive for COVID-19. I’m ok and not in any pain. I’m actually down to do the verzuz from my house… we’re tring to figure it all out!!!” wrote Ashanti in a note on Instagram shortly after 6 p.m. ET.

Around 6:45 p.m. ET, the Verzuz account posted an update: “Unfortunately, we have to postpone tonight’s @Ashanti vs @KeyshiaCole #VERZUZ. Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19 beforehand, and we cannot put anyone at risk in the process. First time this has struck us so close to showtime. We apologize to our incredible audience! Get well soon, Ashanti. Wear a mask, stay inside, and take COVID-19 seriously. It’s truly affecting our community.”

The battle was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on the Verzuz Instagram page and on Apple Music.

It has been rescheduled for Jan. 9, 2021 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

“Yeah, it’s official! The paperwork is IN,” the official Verzuz Instagram had said when announcing the “legendary Ladies Night” with a split image of the R&B singers’ faces earlier in December. “Which Libra you got?!”

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Blue Ivy Becomes One of the Youngest Grammy Nominees in History

Blue Ivy Carter has become one of the youngest Grammy nominees in history. The 8-year-old daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z was added to the nominations for best music video for “Brown Skin Girl” on Friday (Dec. 11). She was not listed when the nominations were announced on Nov. 23, but it’s not uncommon for adjustments to be made in the weeks following the announcements.

Blue Ivy will turn 9 on Jan. 7 — 24 days before the 63rd annual Grammy Awards. The talented youngster won a Soul Train Award for video of the year on Nov. 29 along with Beyoncé, Saint JHN and WizKid for “Brown Skin Girl.”

Leah Peasall of The Peasall Sisters is the youngest-ever Grammy nominee (and winner) as one of the credited artists on the O Brother, Where Art Thou?  soundtrack, which was the 2001 winner for album of the year. Leah was just 8 at the time. Leah and her sisters Hannah, 11, and Sarah, 14, provided the singing voices for “the Wharvey Girls,” the daughters of the character played by George Clooney. They sang “In the Highways” and “Angel Band.”

Deleon Richards is the youngest performer to receive an individual nomination; she was nominated at 8 1/2 years old for a 1985 award for best soul/gospel performance, female for her album Deleon.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé, of course, are Grammy royalty. Jay-Z this year tied Quincy Jones as the most-nominated person in Grammy history, with 80 nods. Beyoncé this year tied Paul McCartney as the runner-up, with 79 nods.

The Recording Academy confirmed Blue Ivy’s nomination by quoting Grammy rules that “in order for a featured artist to be recognized as a nominee, 1) the artist must be credited and recognized as a featured artist; and 2) there must be significant performance and artistic contribution by the featured artist beyond what might be considered merely accompaniment.” In the Academy’s view, she meets those tests.

The other nominees for best music video are Future featuring Drake’s “Life Is Good,” Anderson .Paak’s “Lockdown,” Harry Styles’ “Adore You” and Woodkid’s “Goliath.”

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J. Cole Drops ‘Fire Squad’ Music Video on 6th Anniversary of ‘2014 Forest Hills Drive’

On the sixth anniversary of his third album 2014 Forest Hills Drive, J. Cole delivered a gift to his fans: the music video for “Fire Squad.”

In the BBGUN-directed visual, which was shot in Kingston, Jamaica, a little girl faces off in an intense chess game with an elderly opponent and cautions him of any man who crowns himself a king “because deep down, he clings to the need for power.” But Cole (real name Jermaine Lamarr Cole) doesn’t cling to said power; he owns it fearlessly. “We all kings/ Kings of ourselves first and foremost/ While the people debate who’s the king of this rap game/ Here comes lil’ ol’ Jermaine,” he raps in the outro.

His Dreamville Records announced on Twitter that it’s re-uploading many of the North Carolina MC’s old music videos after they were previously deleted. “And because it’s the anniversary #FHD here’s the world premiere of the never before released video for ‘Fire Squad,’” Dreamville’s official account wrote.

The “Fire Squad” video joins the official music videos for “Simba,” “Lights Please,” “Lost Ones,” “Work Out,” “Who Dat,” “Can’t Get Enough” featuring Trey Songz, “Nobody’s Perfect” featuring Missy Elliott, and “Sideline Story” on Cole’s YouTube account.

His 2014 Forest Hills Drive album went No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in December 2014, spending 313 weeks on the all-genre album tally.

Watch the “Fire Squad” music video below.

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