Foster the People score their third top 10-charting set on Billboard’s Top Album Sales ranking as the act’s latest studio effort, Paradise State of Mind, debuts at No. 8.

The set sold nearly 7,000 copies in the U.S. in the week ending Aug. 22, according to Luminate. The new album was preceded by the top 20-charting Alternative Airplay hit “Lost In Space.”

Also new in the top 10 on Top Album Sales: Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion drives in at No. 1, Falling in Reverse scores its highest charting album and first top 10 with Popular Monster arriving at No. 2, KATSEYE’s debut project SIS (Soft Is Strong) bows at No. 6 and virtual YouTuber Mori Calliope visits the top 10 for the first time with Phantomime debuting 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 units and streaming equivalent album units.

Of the 7,000 copies sold by Paradise State of Mind in its first week, physical album sales comprise 6,000 (about 3,000 each for CD and vinyl) and download album sales comprise 1,000. The set was supported by its availability across six vinyl editions.

Post Malone’s first country album F-1 Trillion starts at No. 1 on Top Album Sales with 80,000 sold in its first week – the second-largest sales week for a country album in 2023. (Only Beyoncé’s own debut country set, Cowboy Carter, roped a bigger week, when it arrived with 168,000 earlier this year.)

F-1 Trillion’s first-week sales were bolstered by its availability across four vinyl editions (a standard black vinyl and three color variants; which combined to sell 25,000 – Post Malone’s best week on vinyl), a cassette and a CD, in addition to explicit and clean digital download albums for the standard 18-song version and the 27-song “Long Bed” version.

Rock band Falling In Reverse debuts at No. 2 with Popular Monster, scoring the rock act its highest-charting effort and first top 10. The album sold nearly 18,000 copies in its first week – the act’s best sales week since 2015’s Just Like You debuted with 24,000 sold. The new set’s first-week sales were aided by its availability across eight vinyl variants, a signed CD, and a deluxe CD boxed set containing a branded T-shirt.

Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is a non-mover at No. 3 with 15,000 sold (up 5%), Stray Kids’ chart-topping ATE falls 2-4 with 14,000 (down 25%) and ENHYPEN’s former leader Romance: Untold dips 4-5 with 10,000 (down 3%).

SIS (Soft Is Strong), the debut project from girl group KATSEYE, arrives at No. 6 with 8,000 sold. The act was formed on the 2023 YouTube series The Debut: Dream Academy. SIS’ first-week sales were bolstered by eight collectible CD variants and two vinyl albums.

Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft falls 5-7 with nearly 8,000 sold (down 18%).

Mori Calliope, a virtual YouTuber with more than 2 million subscribers on that platform, debuts at No. 9 with Phantomime, selling 6,000 copies. It’s the artist’s first top 10 on the tally, and the set was supported by its availability across five collectible CD variants.

Falling from No. 1 to No. 10 is Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department with nearly 6,000 sold (down 79%).

Warner Music Brazil has introduced a series of measures aimed at boosting its impact across a range of local music genres, the company announced today (Aug. 29). These initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to widening the company’s presence in the competitive music market.

Related

“As we elevate our regional approach to be closer to our global leadership, expanding our presence in Brazil, the world’s ninth largest music market, is crucial to the company’s growth,” Alejandro Duque, president of Warner Music Latin America, said in a press release. “We’ve always had a strong presence in the country, but we know we need to do more to support its diverse musical genres.”

In an effort to support that vision, Leila Oliveira, president of Warner Music Brazil, has strengthened her leadership team by appointing Tatiana Cantinho as general manager and Mariana Frensel as director of marketing. Both appointees have commenced their roles and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.

“Warner Music Brazil is reinventing the role of the record company in our rapidly changing industry. We need to be more nimble than ever when it comes to connecting artists with fans and building a wave of support for our talent that can be turned into a sustainable career,” Cantinho said. “Music can travel further and faster than ever before and we want to help artists from different backgrounds take their place centre stage.”   

Cantinho brings over two decades of industry experience to her role. Her career includes regional positions at Sony Music and leadership at the independent label Som Livre (since purchased by Sony), before she founded her own music company, Stamina Musical, in 2022.

Meanwhile, Frensel returns to Warner Music Brazil, where she previously served as international label manager from 2011 to 2015. Her latest role comes after an eight-year tenure at Match Group, where she most recently held the position of director of revenue and growth for new verticals.

“I’m super pleased to be returning to Warner Music at this key moment in its development,” Frensel said. “Leila has a vision for how a modern music company should evolve and the importance of artist narratives is at the heart of it. I want to bring my experience to bear as our new genre-focused teams get to work supporting Brazil’s most vibrant talent.” 

“This is a key moment for Warner Music Brazil,” Oliveira said. “The arrival of Tatiana and Mariana strengthens my leadership team and together we’ll rewrite the rules about how the industry operates here. Our new genre-specific teams mean that we’ll be able to superserve artists better than ever and help all types of Brazilian talent connect with fans here and around the world.”

At the same time, Warner Music Brazil is restructuring its A&R and marketing departments to better focus on key Brazilian genres such as sertanejo, forró, samba, funk and urbano music. Marcos Kilzer will continue to lead the A&R team as its director, collaborating closely with Cantinho.

Additionally, the newly-formed Creative Services team, led by Thiago Abreu who reports directly to Oliveira, will support both marketing and A&R departments while being heavily involved with brand partnerships and live music projects.

These adjustments are among several significant initiatives undertaken by Oliveira since she became the first female label head in Brazil in 2022. Just last month, following the establishment of the new Warner Music Space headquarters in Rio’s Barra da Tijuca, Oliveira facilitated an investment with ADA Brazil in Sua Música group, blending efforts to nurture regional talent.

According to the latest IFPI figures, Brazil ranks as the ninth-largest recorded music market globally, valued at $573.6 million and growing at 13.39% last year, with “87.1% of industry revenues coming from streaming channels,” according to a press release.

Warner Music Brazil is home to artists like IZA, Pedro Sampaio, Ferrugem, MC Hariel, MC Ryan SP, Kayblack, MC IG, MC Don Juan, Azzy, Marvvila, Thiago Freitas, US Agroboy, João Bosco & Vinícius and Clayton & Romario. 

Chappell Roan is just as much of a Sabrina Carpenter fan as everyone else!

On a recent livestream, the “Red Wine Supernova” singer shared her favorite songs off of Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet album, including “Taste” and “Juno.”

”I love her,” Roan said of Carpenter. “I just love her whole — her whole project is just so thought out and so genuine. I just really love it. She does an awesome job.”

Carpenter previously showed love for Roan by covering her hit, “Good Luck, Babe!,” for BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge in June. She also spoke about her friendship with Island Records labelmate with Rolling Stone, saying that Roan’s songs are on a “loopty loop” and that the two are friends off stage. “I’ve been just as obsessed with her as everyone has,” she said. “It’s so weird when you’re hanging out as two young women as opposed to thinking about when she goes onstage and is that person and when I go on stage.”

Both pop singers have had an exciting year. Carpenter earned a pair of chart-toppers on the Billboard Global 200 earlier in the summer, as “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” hit Nos. 1 and 2, respectively. Both songs appear on her freshly released sixth studio album, Short n’ Sweet. Meanwhile, on the Billboard Hot 100, the two tracks occupy Nos. 2 and 3, with Roan’s “Good Luck Babe” rising to No. 21, followed by “Red Wine Supernova” and “Hot to Go!” at Nos. 67 & 68, respectively. Roan’s debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess also earned its highest-charting week on the Billboard 200, climbing into the chart’s top 10 nine months after its original release.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Labor Day weekend marks not only the end of summer and final opportunity to wear white, but a major savings opportunity as everything from furniture, bedding and fashion are heavily discounted for the holiday. Fall fashion is already starting to drop and as you clear some closet space for warm weather essentials, you’ll want take advantage of Labor Day sales for men’s clothing to stock up on trendy ‘fits for a fraction of the cost.

Rather than settle for full price, clothing brands are hosting sales that’ll score you close to 70% off bestselling styles. That includes on work attire, layering pieces and sneakers that’ll have you sporting a fresh look — with the added bonus of a thicker wallet from all the savings your about to get.

You’ll only be able shop the Labor Day sales from now until Monday (Sept. 2), but you don’t want to waste too much time debating what to buy. Already, top-rated pieces are going out of stock and the last thing you want is to see “out of stock” messaging for your most-wanted tops and bottoms.

Not sure where to start? Keep reading to learn more about where to shop the best Labor Day men’s clothing sales.

What Are the Best Labor Day Sales for Men’s Clothing?

To help you find the biggest deals on men’s clothing, ShopBillboard did the digging and put together a list of cheap yet trendy styles you can buy online now.

10 Best Men's Clothing Labor Day Deals 2024 You Can Buy Online

Joseph Abboud Modern Fit Jacquard Polo

$29.99 $44.99 33% off

Buy Now on men’s wearhouse

For an effortlessly preppy look, Men’s Wearhouse is offering this polo T-shirt for $30. It come with a button down closure you can adjust to your liking and has a checkered pattern for added texture.


model wearing black t-shirt and green joggers

Goodfellow & Co. Every Wear Short Sleeve T-Shirt

$6.40 $8 20% off

Buy on target

Target is no stranger when it comes to making cheap T-shirts that’ll last. Goodfellow & Co.’s basic style has a crew neckline and is just $6 for a limited-time, which means you can stock up on one for each day of the week for less than $50.


model wearing black fleece jacket and khakis

Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket

$16.60 $60 72% off

Buy Now On Amazon

Fall weather won’t be able to beat the warmth of Columbia’s fleece jacket. The style doesn’t just come with a 72% off discount, but is rated a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon for men’s fleece jackets and coats. You’ll also find features like an adjustable zip closure and collar for blocking out wind.


model wearing light wash urban outfitters jeans with white top

Levi’s 568 Stay Loose Jean

$34.99 $99 65% off

Buy on urban outfitters

You can score a pair of Levi’s jeans for only $35 through Urban Outfitters and appreciate the classic pair of denim for a steal. This style comes in a light wash that can be complete with a white long sleeve and belt for a clean-cut casual outfit. Since the denim is made from 100% cotton, you can expect comfort with each wear.


model wearing dark green hollister crewneck with brown cargo pants

Boxy Crew Sweatshirt

$19.99 $34.95 43% off

Buy on hollister

Hollister’s crewneck let’s you cozy up in style using a solid base with small details that elevate the look. You can easily layer the sweatshirt over T-shirts and button downs with the help of the crew neckline while the ribbed cuffs will make sure cold winds don’t creep inside.


model wearing brown vegan suede bomber jacket

Banana Republic Factory Vegan Suede Bomber

$64 $160 60% off

Buy on br factory

Add a chic layering piece to your wardrobe — and for less than $100. Banana Republic Factory has dropped this luxurious bomber jacket down to just $64, which will not only dress up your most casual outfits, but comes with a vegan suede material that’s warm and cruelty-free.


model wearing gray dress pants and black dress shoes

Weekday Warrior Dress Pants

$66.75 $119 44% off

Buy on bonobos

Refresh your workwear without burning a hole in your wallet by taking advantage of Bonobos’ Labor Day sale. These crisp dress pants come with pleated legs and a wrinkle-resistant cotton material that’ll provide a bit of stretch without the worry of having to iron your pants before wearing.


black paul smith joggers

Black Cotton Jersey Lounge Pants

$50 $125 60% off

Buy Now on paul smith

Paul Smith is giving you the chance to score luxury on a budget with this 60% off deal on a pair of lounge pants. Your legs won’t be able to resist sinking into the soft jersey material that’ll not only be gentle on the skin, but help you stay warm when the temps drop.


blue striped cardigan on model

Cotton-Merino Wool Blend Cardigan in Stripe

$65.99 $138 52% off

Buy Now on madewll

Using the code LONGWEEKEND you can score this cozy cardigan for only $66. It’ll not only help keep you warm but bring a pop of color to your outfit thanks to the teal shade and contrasting white stripes.


model wearing muted red long sleeve shirt

Loose Long Sleeve Shirt

$14.99 $29.99 50% off

Buy Now on carhartt

Keep things relaxed in Carhartt’s popular long sleeve shirt that’s on sale now for $15. The material is both lightweight and breathable providing a comfortable style you can wear alone or layered under a denim jacket.


For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best Lululemon clothing for men, men’s watch sales and men’s polo shirts.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

As Labor Day approaches (Monday, Sept. 2), it’s a great time to refresh your fall wardrobe. It’s not too early to start to taking advantage of all the incredible deals at Target. Whether you’re looking to stay cozy this fall, upgrade your TV for binge-watching your favorite shows, or find staple fashion pieces to embrace the upcoming season, Target has everything you need from stylish wardrobe essentials to home upgrades like a new coffee maker.

Although summer is coming to an end, you can still snag some incredible deals to transition your wardrobe seamlessly into fall, with must-have pieces that blend style, comfort, and ease. From jumpsuits to long midi dresses with pockets, you’ll find pieces that simplify your daily outfit choices, making getting dressed a breeze.

To make your shopping easier, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 Labor Day Deals to kick off your fall shopping. Shop trendy and comfortable pieces from top brands such as Jockey GenerationWest K, Kona Sol, White Mark, August Sky, Cupshe, Jockey, Allegra K, and Catalonia.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

West K Jana Short Sleeve Knit Jumpsuit With Pockets

$43.20 $58 26% off

Buy Now at target


This West K Jana Short Sleeve Jumpsuit comes in a variety of colors and patterns from Navy Daisy to Golden Yellow. If that’s not enough, it also includes pockets. With its pullover style, you’ll be ready to go in just seconds.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

Kona Sol High Neck Tankini Top

$18 $30 40% off

Buy Now at target


For those looking for a piece you can easily dress up or down, consider adding this Kona Sol High Neck Top. Its haltered neck style is sure to add variety into your wardrobe.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

Jockey Generation Women’s Recycled Seamfree Ribbed Bikini Underwear


These Jockey Generation lightweight ribbed underwear feature a smooth waistband for ultimate comfort, with a seam-free design that ensures a slim fit under any outfit. You can now snag three pairs for just $18. It’s available in three different colors: Black, Pink Haze, and Twilight Sands.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

TLC 50” Class S5-series 4K LED Smart Google TV

$249.99 $299.99 17% off

Buy Now at target


If you’re looking to upgrade your TV, now is the time to add this TLC 50” LED Smart Google TV to your cart. It features 4K UltraHD resolution, an LED backlight, bluetooth personal audio for a “private listening experience,” and so much more.  

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker With Integrated Milk Frother

$79.99 $99.99 20% off

Buy Now at Target


Stay caffeinated with this Ninja Pods Single-Serve Coffee Maker, which delivers rich and flavorful coffee. This compact coffee pod includes a coffee pod adapter, an electric frother, a removable water reservoir, and a removable filter basket.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

White Mark Flared Midi Skirt With Pockets

$29.99 $42.99 30% off

Buy Now at target


This long midi skirt is almost out of stock! If you are looking for an easy way to elevate your outfit this fall, you might want to add this flared mini skirt with pockets. It’s currently only available in the colors Olive and Grey. Hurry, add this one to your cart before it runs out.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

Roku 43” Select Series 4K Smart Roku TV With Remote

$199.99 $229.99 13% off

Buy Now at target


For those looking for an alternative TV option, consider adding this Roku 43” Smart TV. This TV features 4K resolution, offering four times the detail of a full HD. Plus, you’ll be able to customize your home screen with your favorite streaming apps, without having to scroll. Hurry though, there’s only two left.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

August Sky Smoked Ruffle Sleeve Tiered Midi Dress

$24 $36.99 35% off

Buy Now at target


If you are looking to add a versatile piece to your wardrobe, consider this August Sky Smoked Ruffle Sleeve Midi Dress. Its flattering and flowy design works for both day and night. You can get it in five different colors: Light Olive, Light Taupe, Dusty Blue, Pink, and White.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

Cupshe Argyle Drop Sleeve Sweater

$26.59 $37.99 30% off

Buy Now at target


Looking for a cozy sweater? Consider adding this Cupshe Argyle Drop Sleeve Sweater to your cart. You can pair it with your favorite jeans or leggings for an easy, go-to outfit.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

Jockey French Terry Shorts

$16.99 $34 50% off

Buy Now at target


These Jockey French Terry Shorts offer a comfortable, casual fit with breathable fabric that’s great for lounging or running errands. You can get it in four different colors: Earth Rose, Timeless Dusk Stripe, Military Green, and Black (out of stock).

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

Cupshe Star Print Longline Cardigan

$27.29 $38.99 30% off

Buy Now at target


If you’re in search of a trendy piece, consider adding this Cupshe Star Print Longline Cardigan. With its TikTok favorite star print design, you’ll never go out of style.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

Allegra K High Waist Bow Tie Paper Bag Shorts

$32.99 $43.99 25% off

Buy Now at target


Change up your style with these Allegra K High Waist Bow Shorts. With its high-rise and one of a kind bow tie detail, you’ll add a chic touch to any outfit.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

Catalonia Pullover Sweatshirt Crop Top

$10.99 $15.99 31% off

Buy Now at target


For those who don’t already own a pullover crop top, consider adding this Catalonia Pullover Sweatshirt. This is a great way to blend warmth and comfort with a trendy cropped design. Plus, you can layer it or wear it on its own.

Top 14 Target Labor Day Deals: Shop Now

Allegra K Casual Crochet Knit Button Up Sweater

$34.99 $46.69 25% off

Buy Now at target


If you’re are looking to put together a relaxed and stylish outfit, consider adding this Allegra K Casual Crochet Knit Button Up Sweater. It comes in four different colors: White, Apricot, Blue, and Black.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best celebrity-inspired style and fashion picks, the best wristlets for concerts, and these five must-have skorts.

With just a month and a half before the 2024 edition of ADE, organizers have announced a new slew of names for the 2024 program.

Related

Joining the lineup for the annual dance music industry conference in Amsterdam are SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton, who will take part in a conversation with Dutch producer Mau P to talk about the producer’s success and the role SoundCloud has played in supporting him and other artists.

Representatives from Bandcamp are joining the program for a session that will focus on the company’s artist payment model, maximizing revenue in a challenging landscape and why fan engagement and diversified income streams are important for the success of artists.

Also new to the program is a conversation with German producer Ellen Allien and Dimitri Hegemann, the founder of the nightclub and record label Tresor Berlin, who will talk about the UNESCO cultural heritage designation of the Berlin techno scene. Talks from artists including Don Diablo and Laidback Luke, Smallgod, Jaguar, Miss Nine and OVO Sound’s Naomi Sharon and her manager Jasper ‘Djosa’ Cremers will also be featured at the event. Representatives from Warner Music, Hospital Records, Glastonbury, ID&T, Primary Talent, SiriusXM and more have all also been newly added to the program.

Related

This group joins already announced participants including Empire president Tina Davis, Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu, Grimes’ manager Daouda Leonard, Believe’s global head of music Romain Vivien and TuneCore CEO Andreea Gleeson. Previously announced speakers include Timbaland, Martin Garrix, Laurent Garnier, music executive Grace Ladoja and representatives from fabric London, Armada Music, WME and UTA.

Additional programming includes Australia House, an initiative from Sounds Australia, an organization that helps Australian artists develop their careers abroad. For the duration of ADE, Australia House will take over the city’s Box Sociaal cafe to host execs from around the world for morning coffee, lunch and dinner and to present events by Australian artists on Oct. 16-17.

ADE 2024 will take place at locations throughout Amsterdam and again be divided into Lab and Pro programming, with Lab content tailored for people trying to get into or just starting out in the industry and Pro programming designed for established managers, label execs, artists, streamers, marketers, promoters and more.

The conference also offers consumer-facing events, with last year’s musical offerings happening in more than 200 venues around the city.

The world of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is just around the corner!

The show will officially premiere two episodes on Tuesday (Oct. 29) at 8 p.m. ET on Disney Channel. The first eight episodes will be available on Disney+ and Disney Channel On Demand the next day.

Additionally, a press release confirmed that Disney stars Raven-Symoné (Raven’s Home) and Danielle Fishel (Girl Meets World) will direct episodes in season one.

Selena Gomez and David Henrie, who played magical siblings Alex and Justin Russo on the original Wizards, will reprise their roles and serve as executive producers on the reboot. Along with Gomez and Henrie, former Disney Branded Television head Gary Marsh and director Andy Fickman are on board to produce, as are the pilot’s writers, Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas. 

Henrie’s character will lead the majority of the show as Dad to sons Milo, played by Max Matenko, and Roman, portrayed by Alkaio Thiele. More than a decade after the original Wizards wrapped in 2012, Justin Russo is also a married man; his wife, Giada, will be brought to life by Mimi Gianopulos. The series lead, Billie, will be portrayed as Janice LeAnn Brown.

According to the series description, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, follows “an adult Justin Russo, who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities — and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.”

Following the premiere, two new episodes — including a Halloween-themed episode — will air Wednesday (Oct. 30) on Disney Channel. Beginning Nov. 8, episodes move to Fridays at 8 p.m. ET, with two episodes weekly.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Wrangler is partnering with country singer-songwriter, Cody Johnson, to introduce a new collection of cowboy-inspired dress shirts released on Thursday (Aug. 29).

“A real work of heart,” reads a post on Wrangler’s Instagram account which Johnson reposted to his account. “Introducing the Wrangler x Cody Johnson collection. A collection that takes center stage while delivering style, comfort, and fit. Each piece-designed in partnership with Cody-draws on his experience as a cowboy and one of the biggest country music stars of his generation. Long Live Cowboys!”

Shirts in the Wrangler x Cody Johnson Collection retail for $59.99 and are available in plaid, paisley and diamond prints. The single-pocket, button-down shirts designed come in various shades of blue and two burgundy colorways in sizes ranging from S up to 2XT.  

Johnson, a longtime fan of Wrangler, personally chose the fabrics, patterns and details featured in the collection which are designed to be worn anywhere from the farmhouse to the stage and beyond.

“I put a lot of time into this collection. This is a shirt I designed specifically for you,” the Grammy winner shared in a statement on the Wrangler website.

Johnson is the latest country singer to partner with Wrangler joining fellow country stars Lainey Wilson and George Strait. Speaking of Wilson, Johnson teased a possible collaboration with the “Heart Like a Truck” singer during a recent interview.

“I’m going duck hunting with her boyfriend Duck [Devlin “Duck” Hodges]. I guess that’s how he got his name, because he’s really into hunting,” he explained. “I heard Loretta Lynn’s ‘Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man.’ I called Lainey and said we should record that song together, and she agreed.  But we haven’t done it yet.”

As for his solo music, the country crooner is currently embarking on The Leather Tour in support of his 2023 album of the same name. The tour stops in South Dakota on Sept 6, Oklahoma on Sept. 13, Montana on Sept. 14 and Louisiana on Sept. 14. Get tickets here.

Machine Gun Kelly has been a mainstay in the rap game for well over a decade and MGK’s shown versatility to dabble in other genres such as rock and even country with his “Lonely Road” single featuring Jelly Roll.

The Cleveland native joined Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast earlier this week where he discussed a myriad of topics including how he feels white people have given him “the most s–t” when it comes to stigmatizing his place in hip-hop as a white rapper.

“I won’t deny that there is a subconscious stigma around that — being white in hip-hop,” he said around the 37-minute mark. “To me, it’s so funny because the streets f–k with me so tough. It’s honestly from other white people that give me the most s–t.”

MGK continued while seemingly saluting his rap battle foe Eminem: “The crazy thing is there’s only been one who’s done it. There’s only been one who’s done it and crossed that line of acceptance.”

Kells returned in July with his John Denver-sampling Jelly Roll collaboration “Lonely Road,” which sits at No. 74 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100 following a No. 33 debut.

After laboring over perfecting “Lonely Road” to his standard for two years, MGK admitted he was worried he’d face backlash for people thinking he was attempting to follow in Post Malone’s footsteps in the hip-hop to country pipeline. Posty released his F-1 Trillion album earlier in August, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 with 250,000 album units sold.

“In the past two years while I was doing ‘Lonely Road,’ Post did this and so the whole time I’m thinking, like, ‘F—ing people are going to think I’m just following this.’ I had to humbly sit there while, for years, I’ve been curating this song knowing I’m gonna have to fight against something here,” he said.

MGK was nervous to play the demo to what became “Lonely Road” for Jelly Roll, but he ultimately let him hear it for the first time while they were driving around together looking for a party following the Grammy Awards in L.A. earlier this year.

“He’s driving himself. I’m like, ‘You drove yourself to the Grammys.’ He’s like, ‘I’m so white trash I can’t get it out of me,’” Machine Gun Kelly recalled. “I get the AUX cord and that same thing that took over when it told me to black out my tattoos or Tickets to My Downfall is the name — those moments when the universe is telling you something, it told me play the demo of ‘Lonely Road.’ I press play and he was like, ‘What the f–k is this?’ I was like, ‘Man, it’s just calling you.’ He was like, ‘I’m on it.’”

Watch the full interview below.

Making music while in prison is nothing new. Mac Dre, T.I., former Dipset member Hell Rell and a few others have managed to drop bars from behind bars. Vybz Kartel, the dancehall legend who was recently released from prison after serving 13 years of a 35-to-life sentence, revealed in a recent interview that he kept his career going by finding novel ways to record music while locked up.

Related

For an episode of the Juan Ep Is Life podcast, Vybz Kartel hopped on a video call with hosts Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg to talk about the first thing he did when he was released from prison (have sex with his fiancée), how he’s been spending his time (eating healthy, working out, managing his Graves’ Disease and making music), and what he’s planning for the immediate future (a series of performances around the world, including a massive one in Jamaica on Dec. 31). But the most surprising part of the interview came about 25 minutes into the episode when they begin talking about the massive amount of music Kartel released while locked up.

“We’re not trying to snitch on you, we’re just so curious, we’re fans,” said Cipha Sounds after Rosenberg mentioned that a number of his most successful releases came during his time away. Kartel said when he first went to prison he was able to continue his usual clip of releases because of how much music he had recorded beforehand. “In the first year, we had songs unreleased,” said Kartel. “But then the songs ran out and we had to do what we had to do. That’s when I started recording behind bars.” He said he used to record his vocals on an Apple iPhone because the handheld had “an amazing sound quality.”

To try and get the best sound quality possible while recording, Kartel said he would use the mattress from his bed to imitate the padding found in a studio’s recording booth. “I would have the phone, like, 3 feet from my face and I would wrap the mattress around my head and record. It was crazy.” Afterward, he would make a demo using the vocals from the iPhone and a beat playing on an iPad. He would then send both to an engineer who would take all the components and turn it into a full song.

It’s all very impressive. But what’s most amazing about that process is Kartel says it’s the same one used to create what is considered by many to be his biggest song: “Fever.” Released in 2016 as the single for Kartel’s King of Dancehall album, “Fever” became an instant hit and is now his most-streamed song, notching more than 100 million streams on Spotify. Kartel said he would record mostly at night or wait until the guards were on their lunch break to record his vocals, always keeping an eye out for any that were on patrol. “I’d still have to be watching,” he remembers. “So I’d [sing], ‘fever!’ and then I’d have to get up and look. It was crazy. It was line by line!”